11From Alexander Hamilton to George Clinton, 1 December 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, December 1, 1783. Writes as the legal representative of “Mrs. Chamier, widow and Administratrix of Daniel Chamier deceased.” Asks that George Birks, who owed money to Daniel Chamier, be “apprehended” and compelled to appear in court. ADS , Chicago Historical Society. This memorial was sent to the governor because of the absence of proper officers of government in New York City which...
12From Alexander Hamilton to Abel James, 4 December 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, December 4, 1783. Reports on the progress of James’s case involving lands in the Otsego Patent. Copy, in the handwriting of Abel James, anonymous donor. For the text of this letter and an explanation of its contents, see the discussion of the Otsego Patent of George Croghan in Goebel, Law Practice Julius Goebel, Jr., and Joseph H. Smith, eds., The Law Practice of Alexander Hamilton:...
13Alexander Hamilton, John Laurance, Morgan Lewis, and Richard Varick to Thomas Mifflin, [10 December 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
Being concerned as Council for a number of persons, who, since the annunciation of the provisional treaty have been indicted under the confiscation laws of this state for the part they are supposed to have taken in the late war, we are induced at the desire of our clients and in their behalf, to apply to Congress through your Excellency for an exemplification of the definitive treaty. We take...
14From Alexander Hamilton to John Chaloner, 11 December 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, December 11, 1783. On December 18, 1783 , Chaloner wrote to Hamilton: “I have consulted the president of the Bank respectg the information you required in your Letter of the 11th. Instant.” Letter not found. ]
15From Alexander Hamilton to John Chaloner, [11 December 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
As it now draws towards the time for declaring a dividend of the bank, and I am authorized by Mr. Carter to receive his share I shall wish to be informed in what manner the bank will choose to have an acknowlegement of the receipt of the money from me, when time of payment comes—whether an order from me in favour of yourself—or a bill drawn payable to myself, or a receipt from me will be...
16From Alexander Hamilton to John B. Church, 12 December 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, December 12, 1783. On February 7, 1784 , Church wrote to Hamilton: “I received a few Days since my Dear Sir your Favor of the 12th Decemr.” Letter not found. ]
17From Alexander Hamilton to Samuel Loudon, [27 December 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
I Observe in Mr. Holt’s paper of this day, a nomination for the ensuing election, in which my name is included. I thank the authors of it for the honour they intended me; but being determined to decline public office, I think it proper to declare my determination, to avoid in any degree distracting the votes of my fellow citizens. The New-York Packet. And the American Advertiser , December 29,...
18From Alexander Hamilton to Francisco de Miranda, [January–July 1784] (Hamilton Papers)
Col Hamiltons Compliments to Col Miranda; is much obliged to him for the paper. AD , Academia Nacional de la Historia, Caracas, Venezuela. Miranda, Spanish-American adventurer and soldier, served with the French during the American Revolution. After the war, when his attempts to achieve the independence of Spanish America were discovered, he fled first to the United States and then to England....
19A Letter from Phocion to the Considerate Citizens of New York, [1–27 January 1784] (Hamilton Papers)
While not only every personal artifice is employed by a few heated and inconsiderate spirits, to practise upon the passions of the people, but the public papers are made the channel of the most inflammatory and pernicious doctrines, tending to the subversion of all private security and genuine liberty; it would be culpable in those who understand and value the true interests of the community...
20From Alexander Hamilton to John Chaloner, 8 January 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, January 8, 1784. On January 21, 1784, Chaloner wrote to Hamilton : “I have before me yours of the 8th. & 15th Instt.” Letter of January 8 not found. ]
21From Alexander Hamilton to John Chaloner, 15 January 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, January 15, 1784. On January 21, 1784, Chaloner wrote to Hamilton : “I have before me yours of the 8th. & 15th Instt.” Letter of January 15 not found. ]
22Petition to the New York Legislature, [4 February 1784] (Hamilton Papers)
To The Honorable The Representatives of the State of New York In Senate and Assembly The Memorial and Petition of Alexander Hamilton humbly sheweth That Your Memorialist early in the year 1776 entered into the service of this State having been previously a resident therein, in the command of a company of Artillery raised for its particular defence, and continued in the command of that company...
23From Alexander Hamilton to John Chaloner, 5 February 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, February 5, 1784. On February 12, 1784, Chaloner wrote to Hamilton : “Your two favours of the fifth & Eighth Instant are both reced.” Letter of February 5 not found. ]
24From Alexander Hamilton to John B. Church, 7 February 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, February 7, 1784. On May 2, 1784, Church wrote to Hamilton : “I have within a few Days Received your Favors of the 7th and 18th Feby. and 6th March.” Letter of February 7 not found. ]
25From Alexander Hamilton to John Chaloner, 8 February 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, February 8, 1784. On February 12, 1784, Chaloner wrote to Hamilton : “Your two favours of the fifth & Eighth Instant are both reced.” Letter of February 8 not found. ]
26From Alexander Hamilton to John Chaloner, 12 February 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, February 12, 1784. On February 17, 1784, Chaloner wrote to Hamilton : “Yours of the 12th. Instant I have just reced.” Letter not found. ]
27From Alexander Hamilton to Egbert Benson, 18 February 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York ] February 18, 1784 . “I am engaged in several causes depending on the Trespass law on the side of the defendants. Three of my Clients who are British Merchants are anxious to have your assistance.… The actions are brought in the Mayor’s Court; so that I suppose the argument will come on in about five weeks. Will it be convenient for you to be here?” ALS , Lloyd W. Smith Collection,...
28From Alexander Hamilton to John B. Church, 18 February 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, February 18, 1784. On May 2, 1784, Church wrote to Hamilton : “I have within a few Days Received your Favors of the 7th and 18th Feby. and 6th March.” Letter of February 18 not found. ]
29From Alexander Hamilton to Gouverneur Morris, 21 February 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
I duly received my dear Sir your letter of the 27th: of January and I would have sooner told you how much pleasure it gave me, if I had had time; but legislative folly has afforded so plentiful a harvest to us lawyers that we have scarcely a moment to spare from the substantial business of reaping. Today being sunday I have resolved to give an hour to friendship and to you. Good people would...
30Constitution of the Bank of New York, [23 February–15 March 1784] (Hamilton Papers)
Constitution Article 1st. That the Bank shall be called by the Name and Title of the Bank of New York. –2– That the Capital Stock consist of Five Hundred Thousand Dollars in Gold or Silver, divided into One Thousand Shares of Five Hundred Dollars each Share and that a Majority of all the Directors may at their discretion open new Subscriptions for encreasing the Capital Stock, when they shall...
31Outline of a Charter for the Bank of New York, [23 February–15 March 1784] (Hamilton Papers)
Plan for the Incorporation of a Bank 1st: The Stile of the Bank to be “The Bank of New-York.” 2. The Capital Stock not to Exceed 1,000,000 Dollars; each Share consisting of 500 Dollars. 3. The Subscribers to Elect on the 2d. Monday of May, in each year thirteen Directors to Conduct the Affairs of the Bank, who shall be authorised to Chuse a President; the Mode of Election to be determined by a...
32From Alexander Hamilton to Robert Bayard, 6 March 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, March 6, 1784. “Mrs. Naomi Dunbar widow of Daniel Dunbar has retained me as Council in a suit which she expects will shortly be brought in behalf of the state for a house and lot in this city sold by you to her husband.… Mrs. Dunbar therefore wishes … that you would procure and send over to her a proper conveyance for the house and lot.” ALS , Mr. Justin G. Turner, Los Angeles,...
33From Alexander Hamilton to John B. Church, 6 March 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, March 6, 1784. On May 2, 1784, Church wrote to Hamilton : “I have within a few Days Received your Favors of the 7th and 18th Feby. and 6th March.” Letter of March 6 not found. ]
34From Alexander Hamilton to John B. Church, 10 March 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
In my last to you I informed you that a project for a land bank had been set on foot by Mr. Sayre as the ostensible Parent; but that I had reason to suspect the Chancellor was the true father. The fact has turned out as I supposed; and the Chancellor with a number of others have since petitioned the Legislature for an exclusive charter for the proposed bank. I thought it necessary not only...
35From Alexander Hamilton to Gouverneur Morris, [21 March 1784] (Hamilton Papers)
Permit me to introduce to Your acquaintance and attention Mr Seaton Cashier of the Bank of New York. He is just setting out for Philadelphia to procure materials, and information in the forms of business. I recommend him to you, because I am persuaded you will with pleasure facilitate his object. Personally I dare say you will be pleased with him. He will tell you of our embarrassments and...
36From Alexander Hamilton to John Chaloner, 22 March 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, March 22, 1784. On March 25, 1784, Chaloner wrote to Hamilton : “Yours of the 22d Instant I have just now reced.” Letter not found. ]
37From Alexander Hamilton to ———, 31 March 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, March 31, 1784. “I have considered the Patent to Mr. Woolley and am in doubt whether it is valid or not so far as it gives an exclusive right of ferriage; as this may be construed into a monopoly.” ALS , Bank of New York, New York City.
38Second Letter from Phocion, [April 1784] (Hamilton Papers)
The little hasty production, under the signature of Phocion , has met with a more favourable reception from the public, than was expected. The force of plain truth has carried it along against the stream of prejudice; and the principles, it holds out, have gained ground, in spite of the opposition of those, who were either too angry, or too much interested to be convinced. Men of this...
39From Alexander Hamilton to Gouverneur Morris, [7 April 1784] (Hamilton Papers)
Pardon me My Dr. Sir for not sooner having obeyed your orders with respect to the inclosed. I part with it reluctantly; for that is so rare an article, that when we get so much of it in so small a compass we can not easily consent to be dispossessed of it. I am very happy to hear of the union of your two banks; for you will believe me when I tell you, that on more deliberate consideration, I...
40From Alexander Hamilton to James Madison, [18 April 1784] (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, April 18, 1784. “I take the liberty to introduce him to you, as to one who will be disposed, so far as your situation will permit and the circumstances of the State may render practicable, to patronise any just or equitable claims which he may have upon the State. What those claims are he will himself explain to you, I have assured him that he will find in you a friend to justice...
41To James Madison from Alexander Hamilton, 18 April 1784 (Madison Papers)
I take the liberty to introduce him to you, as to one who will be disposed, as far as your situation will permit and the circumstances of the State may render practicable, to patronise any just or equitable claims which he may have upon the State. What those claims are he will himself explain to you, I have assured him that he will find in you a friend to justice and an able advocate for...
42From Alexander Hamilton to John B. Church, 16 May 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, May 16, 1784. On the envelope of a letter that Church wrote to Hamilton on February 7, 1784 , Hamilton wrote: “From & to Mr. Carter May 16, 1784.” Letter not found. ]
43From Alexander Hamilton to Hugh Knox, 17 May 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, May 17, 1784. On July 28, 1784, Knox wrote to Hamilton : “After a long long Chasm in Our Epistolary Intercourse, I received your favour of the 17th. of May last.” Letter not found. ]
44From Alexander Hamilton to John Chaloner, [17–]18 May 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
By this post will come to you a letter from General Schuyler, in which you will perceive he has desired me to draw upon you for a sum of money. The object is to pay for a lot purchased for Mr Carter. The amount of the sum wanted is £2800 this Currency. A bill upon Philadelphia cannot be sold here ⟨without⟩ considerable discount. I am therefore to request you will forward it by trusty persons...
45From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Pearsall, 20 May [1784] (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York ] May 20 [ 1784 ]. Apologizes for “a too sudden opinion … relating to confiscated property.” Sends new opinion. ALS , Columbia University Libraries. Pearsall was a partner in the firm of merchants in New York City known as Thomas Pearsall and Son. For the text of H’s opinion and a discussion of Pearsall’s case, see Goebel, Law Practice Julius Goebel, Jr., and Joseph H. Smith, eds.,...
46From Alexander Hamilton to Egbert Benson, 8 June 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, June 8, 1784. The catalogue description of a letter to Benson from Hamilton reads: “Mainly on legal business, concluding: ‘No thing new here except that the Whigs by way of eminence (as they distinguish themselves) are degenerating fast into a very peaceable set of people.’” Letter not found. ] ALS , sold at Anderson Galleries, May 9, 1912, Lot 65.
47From Alexander Hamilton to Marquis de Chastellux, [14 June 1784] (Hamilton Papers)
Colonel Clarkeson, who will have the honor of delivering you this, being already known to you, I give him this letter more for the sake of renewing to you the assurances of my attachment and esteem, than from a supposition that he will stand in need of any new title to your attention. I will therefore only say of him that his excellent qualities cannot be known without interesting those to...
48From Alexander Hamilton to James Bowne, 17 June 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, June 17, 1784. Requests that Bowne “Let me know if you please Whether Philip Palmer and Joseph Palmer are both alive or not, and whether Mr. Leonard Lawrence is Executor or Administrator to his father.” Letter not found. ] ALS , sold at American Art Association Galleries, November 24, 1924, Lot 329. Bowne was a member of the firm of Bowne and Company of New York City, stationers...
49From Alexander Hamilton to James Bowne, 17 June 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York ] June 17, 1784 . “Let me know if you please Whether Philip Palmer and Joseph Palmer are both alive or not, and whether Mr. Leonard Lawrence is Executor or Administrator to his father, if the former whether there are any other Executors named in his will and now alive.…” ALS , Mr. Samuel A. Mehlman, New York City. In PAH Harold C. Syrett, ed., The Papers of Alexander Hamilton (New...
50From Alexander Hamilton to John B. Church, 18 June 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, June 18, 1784. On July 24, 1784, Church wrote to Hamilton : “Two Days since Coll Clarkson arrived and brought me your Favor of the 18th June.” Letter not found. ]
51From Alexander Hamilton to Hugh Seton, 18 June 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
I have been duely honored with your letter of the 30th of March; and am much flattered by the confidence you have reposed in me. I should with pleasure have undertaken to execute your wishes had I been in a situation that left me at liberty to do it; but it has happened that Mr. Wilkes sometime since applied to me on the same subject; and though I was not absolutely retained by him, yet as I...
52From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Burr, 17 July 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York ] July 17, 1784 . “… the Defendant in the above cause intends to bring into Court at the ensuing term Twenty five pounds and Eight shillings, being the amount of what he acknowleges to be due to the Plaintiff.…” ALS , Sleepy Hollow Restorations, Inc., Tarrytown, New York. H addressed this letter to “Aaron Burr Esqr. Attorney for the Plaintiff.” On the document there is no indication...
53From Alexander Hamilton to Richard Varick, 23 July 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York ] July 23, 1784 . “Mr. Laurance & myself who have been retained by Mr. R. Smith being about to leave Town, I have recommended Mr. Smith to you in our absence.” ALS , Humanities Research Center, The University of Texas. Varick was recorder for New York City. John Laurance, a New York lawyer.
54From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [28–31 July 1784] (Hamilton Papers)
I arrived here My beloved Betsey the fifth day after we set out, the three first days with every favourable circumstance but the two last through very bad weather. I am however as well as I can be absent from you and my darling boy —nor was I ever more impatient to be at home. I can have little pleasure elsewhere. I hope and persuade myself My Betsey is not less desirous for my return....
55From Alexander Hamilton to Ezekiel Forman, 4 August 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, August 4, 1784. On October 18, 1784, Forman wrote to Hamilton : “I am favored with your Letter of the 20th past and … one written the 4th. August.” Letter of August 4 not found. ]
56From Alexander Hamilton to Samuel Blachley Webb, [7 August 1784] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton requests the pleasure of General Webbes Company at dinner on Monday at four oClock. AL , Yale University Library. Webb was a native of Connecticut who before his retirement from the Army in 1783 had been made a brigadier general. Webb settled in New York City after the war. This letter is undated but the endorsement reads: “7th. August 1784.”
57From Alexander Hamilton to John Chaloner, [14 August 1784] (Hamilton Papers)
I received in due time your letter of 14 of July. The bills sent by you which have been paid and will be paid are on James & Alex Stewart £ 600 ditto 300 on Delafield 149. 4 James Buchanan & Co 400 on Cap G. Geddes 23. 9.2 William Bowne 30 1502.13.2 The Drafts on Lowe and Woodward I return by Mr. Mc.Cartys desire who will have explained to you. The ballance due on the lot will...
58From Alexander Hamilton to Samuel Blachley Webb, [30 August 1784] (Hamilton Papers)
Col Hamilton will do himself the pleasure to dine with General Web tomorrow AL , Yale University Library.
59From Alexander Hamilton to Samuel Blachley Webb, [September 1784] (Hamilton Papers)
Colo Hamilton presents his compliments to Genl Webb requests the favor of his company to dinner on saturday next at four OClock. Letter in unidentified handwriting, Yale University Library.
60From Alexander Hamilton to Ezekiel Forman, 20 September 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, September 20, 1784. On October 18, 1784, Forman wrote to Hamilton : “I am favored with your Letter of the 20th past.” Letter not found. ]