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...
2From Alexander Hamilton to Richard Harison, [26 September 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
Taking it for granted that you will be appointed Atty General of the district I request your opinion as to the Bond required to be taken by the Collectors respecting the certificate of Registry of Vessels. Can it be taken directly to “The United States of America” or must it be in the name of the Collector? Will any bond to the United States of America be valid? The Question arises on the act...
3From Alexander Hamilton to Richard Harison, [9 November 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
I will thank you jointly with Mr. Jones for an opinion on the inclosed Questions. As they are of a nature to excite critical attention, I shall be glad of care in the consideration of the subject. Though I would mean to reserve my own opinion, I should not be sorry for an opportunity of pointing out some particulars in a personal interview before your opinion is made up. Tomorrow Morning...
4Enclosure: To Samuel Jones and Richard Harison, [9 November 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury requests the opinion of Council on the following points, arising on the Act for Registering & Clearing Vessels regulating the Coasting Trade & for other purposes— 1st By the 22d Section it is provided that every Vessel of Less than Twenty Tons shall procure a license from the Collector of the District to which she belongs purporting that such Vessel is exempt...
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...
6From Alexander Hamilton to Richard Harison, 10 March 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed is a power of Attorney from one of two persons interested in the Certificate referred to in it which is in their joint name. They are not general partners. You will observe the nature of the description and the manner of the execution. Is it a good power? The question often arises in the Treasury Department how far a power executed by one partner , or person interested in stock...
7To 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...
8From Alexander Hamilton to Richard Harison, [3 July 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
The Collection law rates the ruble of Russia at 100 Cents. The 3d. Section of the act to explain the act “for registering and clearing vessels” &c declares that so much of the Collection law as rates the ruble of Russia at 100 Cents be and that the same is thereby repealed and made null and void . Discounts have been allowed by some of the Collectors on bonds taken prior to the passing of the...
9To 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....
10To 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...