1To Alexander Hamilton from Richard Harison, [September 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
The Subject which you have mentioned was in a great Measure new to me. However I cannot hesitate as to the Validity of a Bond given to the United States, the People of which I think form one great Body politic for all the important Purposes of Government. The Constitution speaks of “Controversies to which the United States Shall be a Party” as forming a Branch of the Judicial Power; and I can...
In Consequence of the Application of the ninth Instant made to us by the Secretary of the Treasury, we have considered the several Questions proposed upon the Act for registering & clearing of Vessels &ca. passed the 22d Day of last September, and are of Opinion 1. That Vessels of less than twenty Tons licenced as the Act directs, are exempt from Tonnage, because the Act having declared that...
3To Alexander Hamilton from Richard Harison, 12 March 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
In Consequence of your Letter of the 10th. Instant, I have considered the Power of Attorney Enclosed to me, and am of Opinion that it is not sufficient for the Transfer of the Certificate which it refers to. It cannot be imagined that the Securities of the United States are negotiable in a Manner less guarded than the promisory Notes or Bills of Exchange of Individuals, and it has been...
4To Alexander Hamilton from Richard Harison, 12 July 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Your Letter of the 3d. Instant was left at my House during my Absence upon the Circuit, or it would have recieved an earlier Answer. I have since my Return considered the Case therein mentioned, with the several Acts referred to; and the Result in my Mind is notwithstanding the peculiar Wording of the repealing Clause that the Conduct of the Collectors is to be considered as warranted by Law....
5To Alexander Hamilton from Richard Harison, [9 October 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
The Question proposed to me by the Secretary of the Treasury respecting Loss sustained by Robbery from public Officers during the late War, has been maturely considered, and I am of Opinion that the Officers are not chargeable on that Account unless Negligence can be imputed to them. 9 Octr. 1790 ADf , New-York Historical Society, New York City. Harison was United States attorney for the...
6To Alexander Hamilton from Richard Harison, 4 February 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
It is a Misfortune in our Legislation that particular Regulations of other Countries have been adopted without considering their Dependence upon the System to which they belong. Hence our Laws in many instances become unprovisional & Questions important in their Consequences & difficult to be resolved must necessarily arise. The fifth Section of the Registring Act is nearly copied from the...
7To Alexander Hamilton from Richard Harison, 17 March 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I have been honored by your Letter of the 15th., and beg Leave to assure you that the Business it alludes to, & every other Subject in which the Public is interested will at all Times command the Attention of Sir Your most obedt Servt. LC , New-York Historical Society, New York City.
8To Alexander Hamilton from Richard Harison, 8 April 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Immediately upon the Receipt of your Letter of the 1st. Instant, I sent for Mr. McComb, and proposed his executing the Contract transmitted to me, and that a proper Surety should be substituted in the Place of Mr. Cruger. Upon the latter Subject I am informed that no Difficulties will arise, but with Respect to the Contract itself Mr. McComb alledges that a Mistake has taken Place. The first...
9To Alexander Hamilton from Richard Harison, 14 April 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
The Affair of Christopher Bancker having been previous to the Promulgation of the Law of the United States respecting Crimes, was not cognizable by any of the national Tribunals. It was therefore laid before a State Grand Jury which was sitting when Mr. Hardy was in this Place, and both Mr. Hammond and that Gentleman were examined upon the Occasion. To my great Surprise no Indictment was...
10To Alexander Hamilton from Richard Harison, 29 April 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I had the Honor of receiving your Letter of the 26th. and shall pay due Attention to the Contents. The Questions proposed, are in themselves of great Importance & not free from Difficulties. They must therefore require mature and deliberate Consideration. Inclosed you will find the Contract entered into with John McComb Junr. & a Bond to secure the Performance of it. Mr. Cruger not having left...