3201Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 2 February 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
In a former letter you were constituted the Agent for the Cutter destined for the Station off Maryland. I have now to inform you that the authority of directing its movements is henceforward committed to you, subject to the instructions which shall be transmitted from this Department. I shall communicate this arrangement to the Captain of the Cutter on the Maryland Station. I am Sir Your...
3202Cabinet Opinion on Prizes and Privateers, 3 August 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
That the Minister of the French Republic be informed that the President considers the UStates as bound pursuant to positive assurances, given in conformity to the laws of neutrality, to effectuate the restoration of, or to make compensation for, prizes which shall have been made of any of the parties at war with France subsequent to the fifth day of June last by privateers fitted out of their...
3203Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 27 January 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
The adoption of the Constitution of the United States by the state of North Carolina, having raised a question concerning the operation of the 39th. Section of the Collection bill and the 3d. Section of the Act for suspending part of that Act and for other purposes; it is incumbent upon me to give my opinion upon the subject; which is, that they were virtually repealed by that adoption . Among...
3204Rules on Neutrality, 3 August 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
1. The original arming and equipping of vessels in the ports of the United States by any of the belligerent parties, for military service offensive or defensive, is deemed unlawful. 2. Equipments of merchant vessels by either of the belligerent parties in the ports of the United States, purely for the accommodation of them as such, is deemed lawful. 3. Equipments in the ports of the United...
3205No Jacobin No. VIII, [26 August 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
For the American Daily Advertiser. It was intimated, in the commencement of these papers, that Mr. Genet had threatened to appeal from the President of the United States to the people. The fact, tho’ understood from its source in this city, has of late acquired more formal authenticity. A declaration of this nature demonstrates a total ignorance of the genius and character of the citizens of...
3206Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 22 July 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
When an appeal was made to me, by certain Officers of the Customs, respecting the fees to which they were entitled under the Coasting Act, I took the only method then in my power, to aid my own judgment to a right decision. The Attorney General not being at the seat of Government, I applied to two of the most able Counsel in the city of New-York, (one of whom is the Attorney of the United...
3207Report on Estimates for the Year 1794, 21 December 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury respectfully reports to the House of Representatives the Estimates herewith sent marked A, B & C. The first relating to the civil list (or the expenditure for the Support of Government during the Year 1794) including the incidental and Contingent expenses of the several Departments and Officers, Amounting to, Dollars 397,201. 6 The second relating to certain...
3208Enclosure: Statement G: [Statement Showing the Probable Surplus of the Revenue], 16 January 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
A Statement Shewing the Probable Surplus of the Revenue of the United States for the Year 1792 Dollars Cents Net product of Duties on Imports and Tonnage from the 1st of January to the 31st of December 1792, as estimated This sum is estimated by adding to the ascertained product of the year 1791 an ascertained excess of the product of the first two quarters of the year 1792, beyond the product...
3209Explanation, [11 November 1795] (Hamilton Papers)
A very virulent attack has recently been made upon the President of the U States, the present Secretary of the Treasury, and myself as his predecessor in office, on the ground of extra payments to The President on account of his salary. The charges against all the three are no less heinous than those of intentional violation of the constitution, of the laws, and of their oaths of office. I...
3210Second Conversation of August 8–12 with George Beckwith, [8–12 August 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
[Beckwith] “Having heard that Governor St. Clair had asserted since his arrival in this place, that the Indians in the Western Territory are induced to continue their hostilities by traders under the protection of Detroit purchasing their prisoners for a sum of money, who compel such prisoners into indentures of a limited servitude for the purposes of repayment and on disadvantageous terms, I...
3211Certificate on Robert Lenox, [11 January 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
I certify, that I have an impression on my memory as strong as a circumstance so remote, and of such a nature admits, of my having towards the close of our late war with Great Britain, understood from some of the officers charged on the part of the United States, with the affair of prisoners and from officers of our army, who had been prisoners with the British, that Robert Lenox, now of this...
3212Enclosure: Opinion on the Constitutionality of an Act to Establish a Bank, 23 February 1791 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury having perused with attention the papers containing the opinions of the Secretary of State and the Attorney General concerning the constitutionality of the Bill for establishing a National Bank, proceeds, according to the order of the President, to submit the reasons which have induced him to entertain a different opinion. It will naturally have been anticipated,...
3213Treasury Department Circular to the Naval Agents, 19 August 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
There has been furnished to you as Agent for the Frigate to be built at Boston the sum of five Thousand Dollars. The laws respecting the Treasury and War Departments, direct that all supplies for the latter shall be procured under the direction of the former. This part of the business of the Treasury Department has been confided by me to the Commissioner of the Revenue, who is Tench Coxe...
3214First Draft of the Report on the Establishment of a Mint, [28 January 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury having maturely considered the subject referred to him by the order of the House of Representatives of the day of last relatively to the establishment of a Mint begs leave respectfully to submit the result of his reflections. A plan for an establishment of this nature must not only contemplate the principles of a coinage of the United States; but must extend its...
3215Cabinet Meeting. Opinion Respecting a Communication from the Spanish Commissioners, 20 June 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
At a meeting this day of the heads of departments at the President’s on summons from him, a letter from Messrs. Viar & Jaudenes dated June 18. & addressed to the Secretary of state, was read: whereupon it is the opinion that a full detail of the proceedings of the US. with respect to the Southern Indians, & the Spaniards be prepared, and a justification as to the particular matters charged in...
3216Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 27 August 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
It would be of use in regard to the Return of exports, which is transmitted quarterly to this Office by the Collectors, if the exported articles were uniformly arranged in alphabetic order. With a view to this, I enclose you a form of such an alphabetical arrangement, and request that for the future you will have the articles of exports inserted in the said Return, agreeably to that form;...
3217Conversation with George Hammond, [22 November 1792] (Hamilton Papers)
On the second morning after the receipt of Governor Simcoe’s letter, I waited on Mr Hamilton and requested him to inform me whether this government had then learnt the result of the Indian Council held at the Miamis rapids. Upon his answering in the negative, I stated to him loosely and generally that I had received information from Governor Simcoe that the Indians had evinced a willingness to...
3218Report on the Petition of Joseph Henry, [27 February 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury to whom was referred by the House of Representatives the Petition of Joseph Henry respectfully submits the following Report— The above mentioned Petition seeks compensation by way of rent for the use of a Lot of Ground in the County of Frederick in the State of Virginia which in February 1781, was let by Mathias Bush to certain Agents of that State for the...
3219The Defence No. XVII, [22 September 1795] (Hamilton Papers)
The VIII article provides merely that the Commissioners to be appointed in the three preceding articles shall be paid in such manner as shall be agreed between the parties at the time of the exchange of the “Ratification of the Treaty, and that all other expenses attending the Commissions shall be defrayed jointly by the two parties the same being previously ascertained and allowed by a...
3220Conversation with George Hammond, [15–16 December 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
Towards the end of last week, I had a very long and confidential conversation with Mr Hamilton, the Secretary of the Treasury, in the course of which the opinion, I had entertained, of that Gentleman’s just and liberal way of thinking was fully confirmed. The late unfortunate expedition under General St Clair naturally engrossed a great portion of our conversation, whence I was induced to...
3221Report on the Petition of Thomas Coit, [31 January 1795] (Hamilton Papers)
[To the Speaker of the House of Representatives] The Secretary of the Treasury, respectfully makes the following report upon the petition of Thomas Coit, referred to him by the House of Representatives. The petitioner seeks a discharge from the responsibility from a sum of 157 dollars, which were in his hands as a collector of the revenue, and which are alledged to have been wholly lost, in...
3222Philo Camillus No. I, [27 July 1795] (Hamilton Papers)
Camillus has stated truly, that Denmark Sweden and the U States acted upon the same principle in their resistance to the attacks of Great Britain upon their neutrality. But it would have been useful to have entered into a little more detail. Denmark and Sweden equipped each a fleet and negotiated under the influence of this demonstration of their eventual intent. The UStates had not the means...
3223Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 26 May 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed you will find for your information, generally, and Government, in certain particulars, certain explanations & instructions concerning the two Acts, severally entitled “An Act repealing after the last day of June next, the duties heretofore laid upon distilled spirits imported from abroad, and laying others in their stead; and also upon spirits distilled within the United States and...
3224Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 23 April 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
You will find enclosed the copy of a proclamation lately issued by the President of the United States, respecting the war at present existing between certain Powers of Europe therein named. The preservation of the peace of the country is so very important to its interests, and that must depend so materially upon the conformity of the conduct of our citizens to the spirit which is manifested by...
3225T. L. No. II, [28 July 1792] (Hamilton Papers)
For the Gazette of the United States. Mr. Fenno, In your Gazette of last Wednesday, after observing that the Editor of the National Gazette receives a salary from government, I enquired “whether this salary is paid him for translations; or for publications , the design of which is to vilify those to whom the voice of the people has committed the administration of our public affairs.” In his...
3226Receipt from William Pearce, 17 September 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Received of Alexander Hamilton, Fifty Dollars, towards procuring Machines for a Cotton Manufactory. DS , in handwriting of H, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. For a “list of Mr Willm Pearce’s Machines,” see “Receipt from William Pearce,” August 20, 1791, note 2 .
3227Cabinet Meeting. Opinion on a Presidential Message to Congress on the Recall of Edmond Charles Genet, [19 January 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
For the correction of Colo. H. & Genl K. Having already laid before you a letter of the 16th. of August 1793, from the secretary of State to our minister at Paris, stating the conduct, and urging the recal of the minister plenipotentiary of the republic of France; I now communicate to you, that his conduct has been unequivocally disapproved; and that the strongest assurances have been given,...
3228Report on the Petition of Conyngham, Nesbitt and Company, and James Crawford, [2 March 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury, in obedience to the Order of the House of Representatives of the nineteenth Ultimo, relative to the petition of Conynghame, Nesbitt & Co., and James Crawford, of the City of Philadelphia, Merchants; Respectfully reports That he has examined into the facts, stated in the said petition, and has had the same under consideration. That it is admitted by the Collector...
3229Remarks on the Treaty of Amity Commerce and Navigation lately made between the United States and Great Britain, [9–11 … (Hamilton Papers)
Article I Article II This being simply a declaration of peace and friendship is liable to no observation. This article, by fixing a precise period for the evacuation of the posts namely the first of June 1796 secures that important event as far as a stipulation can do it. It is objected that the period is too remote, and that reasoning from the past there can be no reliance upon a fulfilment...
3230Account with John Nixon, 23 July 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
To John Nixon Dr For Rent of 2 Stores (occupied by Mr Pierce) from Sepr. 8th 1791 to this Day, is 10 Months & 15 Days @ 70/ ⅌ Month £ 36..15..0 For Rent of 2 other Stores (also occupied by him) from Octr 22 1791 to this day, 9 Months @ 70 / ⅌ Month 31..10..0 £ 68.. 5 0 D , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress [@LOC] . Nixon, a Philadelphia merchant, was president of the Bank of North...
3231Enclosure B: [Estimate for Deficiencies for the Support of the Civil List Establishment], 20 December 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
An Additional Estimate, for Making Good Deficiencies for the Support of the Civil List Establishment, for Aiding the Fund Appropriated for the Payment of Certain Officers of the Courts, Jurors and Witnesses, for the Support of Light-Houses, and for Other Purposes. To Make Good Deficiencies for the Support of the Civil List for the Year 1793. Extra Clerk hire, in the Office of the Secretary of...
3232Pacificus No. II, [3 July 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
The second & principal objection to the Proclamation namely that it is inconsistent with the Treaties between the United States and France will now be examined. It has been already shewn, that it is not inconsistent with the performance of any of the stipulations in those Treaties, which would not make us an associate or party in the war and particularly, that it is compatible with the...
3233Tully No. II, [26 August 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
For the American Daily Advertiser. To the People of the United States. Letter II. It has been observed that the means most likely to be employed to turn the insurrection in the western country to the detriment of the government, would be artfully calculated among other things “to divert your attention from the true question to be decided.” Let us see then what is this question. It is plainly...
3234Conversation with George Beckwith, [March-April 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, March-April, 1791. “… the Vice-president, Secretaries of the Treasury & War & myself met on the 11th.… I mentioned to the gentlemen the idea of suggesting thro’ Colo. Beckwith, our knowlege of the conduct of the British officers in furnishing the Indians with arms & ammunition, & our dissatisfaction. Colo. Hamilton said that Beckwith had been with him on the subject, and had...
3235Conversation with Jean Baptiste de Ternant, [7 October 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, October 7 , 1791 ] “… M. Hamilton m’ayant parlé fort longuement de l’importance que les Etats unis attachoient à l’extension de leur commerce avec nos colonies, je lui ai observé que la France avoit déjà beaucoup accordé à cet égard, qu’elle étoit la premiere puissance qui au prejudice de ses négocians, et par un pur motif de bienveillance de la part du Roi, eut ouvert ses...
3236Report on Several Petitions Seeking Indemnification for Various Sums of Paper Money Received During the Late War, [17 … (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury, to whom were referred the several petitions specified in the list herewith transmitted, respectfully submits the following Report thereupon. These petitions seek indemnifications upon various sums of paper money received from the public, during the late war, by the respective petitioners on account of claims arising upon transactions of that period. There is no...
3237The Defence No. VI, [8 August 1795] (Hamilton Papers)
There is one more objection to the Treaty for what it does not do, which requires to be noticed. This is an omission to provide against the empressment of our seamen. It is certain that our Trade has suffered embarrassments in this respect, and that there have been abuses which have operated very oppressively upon our seamen; and all will join in the wish that they could have been guarded...
3238Report on Sums for Which a Further Appropriation Is Requisite, [2 June 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury respectfully reports to the House of Representatives. An Estimate of certain Sums amounting together to Seven hundred and fifteen thousand, Six hundred and ten dollars and 87 Cents, for which a further Appropriation is requisite. The Appropriations already made leave no reliance on any funds for that purpose except those which may arise from such additional...
3239Conversation with George Hammond, [15–16 April 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, April 15–16, 1794 ] “… the answer … to Mr. Pinckney’s Memorial … was laid before the two houses of Congress … but it has not as yet been ordered to be printed . I have had however the satisfaction of learning from Mr. Hamilton that it has been well received by this government.” D , PRO: F.O. Transcripts or photostats from the Public Record Office of Great Britain deposited in...
3240Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 6 August 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
It is the opinion of the Attorney General, that by force of the 8th section of the “Act for raising a further sum of money for the protection of the Frontiers, and for other purposes therein mentioned,” the regulation, requiring the immediate payment of the duties on imported articles, when the amount should not exceed fifty dollars, is repealed in all cases, except those relating to Salt,...
3241Report on Estimates of the Expenditures for the Civil List of the United States for the Year 1793, [14 November 1792] (Hamilton Papers)
[To the Speaker of the House of Representatives] The Secretary of the Treasury respectfully reports to the House of Representatives the Estimates herewith, marked A, B and C. The first relating to the Civil List, or the expenditures for the support of Government, during the year 1793, (including the incidental and contingent expenses of the several departments and offices amounting to Dollars,...
3242Report on Principles and Course of Proceeding with Regard to the Disposition of the Moneys Borrowed Abroad by Virtue of … (Hamilton Papers)
[To the Select Committee Appointed to Examine the Treasury Department] Principles and course of proceeding, with regard to the disposition of the monies borrowed abroad, by virtue of the Acts of the 4 and 12 of August 1790, as to the point of authority. It was conceived by the Secretary of the Treasury, to be a clear principle resulting from the constitution of the Treasury Department, and...
3243Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 17 February 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
I find that the process marked out in my letter of the 30th. of November for calculating the allowance of 10 ⅌ Cent for prompt payment has by some of the Officers been misapprehended in one particular which is with regard to the first proviso of the 19th. Section of the Collection bill confining the discount to the excess of the Amount of the duties above 50 Dollars. As the same...
3244Enclosure: [Account of Loans Made Pursuant to the Acts of 4 and 12 August 1790], 22 June 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
Dr. Accot. of Loans made pursuant to the Acts of the 4. & 12. of August 1790. Total amount of Loans 19,550,000 guilders, equal, at 36 ⁴⁄₁₁ ninetieths ⅌ Guilder, to 7.898.989.88. Deduct amount of original charges respecting Contracts 872,000 Guilders at 36 ⁴⁄₁₁ 352.323.24. Nett product 7,546.666.64 Contra Cr. Amount heretofore stated to have been transferred to the United States...
3245Final Version of the Report on the Establishment of a Mint, [28 January 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
[To the Speaker of the House of Representatives] The Secretary of the Treasury having attentively considered the subject referred to him by the Order of the House of Representatives of the fifteenth day of April last, relatively to the establishment of a Mint most respectfully submits the result of his enquiries and reflections. A plan for an establishment of this nature involves a great...
3246Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 8 July 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I have already written to you in regard to the disbursements of the Revenue Cutter on your station, except the pay of the officers and men, and have now to request that you will duly attend to that business also, so as to have in your hands the entire agency. A form will be transmitted to you, in which you will make your quarterly returns at the same periods (though distinctly) as in the...
3247Treasury Department Circular, 13 September 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
By an Order of the Senate of the United States, dated 7th of May past, of which a copy is enclosed, it is required of the Secretary of the Treasury to lay before them at their next session a statement of the salaries, fees & emoluments, for one year ending the first of Octo next to be stated quarterly of every person holding any civil office or employment under the United States (except the...
3248Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 20 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
On Reflection, I have concluded to substitute the Form herewith transmitted for the Monthly returns required in mine of the 2d. Oct. instant, as less troublesome than the one there proposed; but I still mean that the Quarterly Returns should be conformable to the Model already furnished. I shall expect as soon as may be a Return of all the past according to that Model up to the last of...
3249Proposals to Contract for the Construction of the Manufacturing Plant of the Society for Establishing Useful … (Hamilton Papers)
Proposals to contract for the following purposes will be received at New York by N Lowe at New Ark by Elisha Boudinot at New Brunswick by John Bayard and at Philadelphia by Vizt. 1 To cut a Canal from the River Passaick beginning at a point near a Station where stands a Stake marked No. 1 & continuing thence to the brink of a Precipice at or near a rock marked No. 3. This canal must be...
3250Report Relative to the Loans Negotiated Under the Acts of the Fourth and Twelfth of August, 1790, [13–14 February 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
The next most important articles of enquiry, involved in the resolutions of the House of Representatives of the 23d of January last, and in the observations, which have been [made] respecting the conduct of this department, relates to the loans which have been negociated under the Acts of the fourth and twelfth of August, one thousand seven hundred and ninety. The papers, which have been...