1From Alexander Hamilton to the Agents of the State of New York for Managing the Controversy with the Commonwealth of … (Hamilton Papers)
The Agents of the State of New York } for managing the controversy with the Commonwealth of Massachusettes 1785 For my services in examining the controversy collecting testimony and drawing brief for the hearing. The time spent in this business I cannot precisely determine but to the best of my recollection and Judgment it must have exceeded in the whole five weeks say however 35 days at £3.4...
2Enclosure: To Sempill and Company, [20 May 1786] (Hamilton Papers)
Know all Men by these presents, that I Alexander Hamilton of the City of New York, Counsellor at Law, have made, ordained, authorized, constituted and appointed, and by these presents do make, ordain, authorize, constitute and appoint John Sempill and William Amorey of the Island of St. Croix Merchants jointly and severally my true and lawfull Attornies, for me and in my Name, and to my Use to...
3Conveyance to George Anthon, 25 April 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, April 25, 1789. Conveys to Anthon in return for eight hundred pounds “All that certain messuage or dwelling house and lot of Ground situate lying and being in the dock Ward of the City of New York on the Easterly side of a Certain Street there called and known by the name of Broad Street.…” DS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress [@LOC] ; certified copy, recorded under the date of...
4From Alexander Hamilton to John Auldjo, [26 July 1787] (Hamilton Papers)
I have delivered the paper you committed to me as it stood altered to Major Peirce from whose conduct I am to conclude the affair between you is at an end. He informs me that he is shortly to set out on a jaunt up the North River. As you intimate a wish to have my sentiments in writing on the transaction I shall with pleasure declare that the steps you have taken in consequence of Mr. Pearces...
5From Alexander Hamilton to Theodorus Bailey, 20 November 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, November 20, 1785. On January 17, 1786, Bailey wrote to Hamilton : “An indisposition which has confined me the chief of the time since the receit of your favor of the 20th of november, has prevented me from giving it an earlier attention.” Letter not found. ] Bailey, a major in the New York Militia, was practicing law in Poughkeepsie, New York.
6From Alexander Hamilton to Henry Banks, 12 December 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, December 12, 1788. On January 1, 1789, Banks wrote to Hamilton : “I recd. your letter of the 12 Ulto.” Letter not found. ] Banks, a Virginian, speculated extensively in western lands.
7From 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,...
8From Alexander Hamilton to Bell and Woodmass, 4 August 1786 (Hamilton Papers)
[ August 4, 1786. On August 4, 1786, Hamilton wrote to John B. Church : “I have written to Messrs. Bell and Woodmass by this opportunity.” Letter not found. ]
9From Alexander Hamilton to Egbert Benson, 10 December 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, December 10, 1784. “When you were in town you mentioned to me some cause which you expected to come on at the circuit and to which you wished me to attend. As the parties have escaped my recollection …, I have concluded to write to you on the subject; that you may inform me who are the parties & what the controversy.” ALS , The Huntington Library, San Marino, California. Part of this...
10From 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.
11From Alexander Hamilton to Egbert Benson, [1785–1787] (Hamilton Papers)
[ 1785–1787. ] Recounts the facts in the case of Mary Franklin, Executor of Henry Franklin v Teunis Slingerlands . LS , from a photostat in the New York State Library, Albany. Benson, a New York lawyer, was a member of the first New York State Assembly in 1777, a delegate to the Continental Congress from 1781 to 1784, and attorney general of New York from 1777 to 1787. He was a member of the...
12From 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,...
13Thomas Cushing, Francis Dana, and Samuel Breck to Alexander Hamilton and Egbert Benson, 10 September 1786 (Hamilton Papers)
Understanding on our arrival in this City last Fryday evening, that you had gone on for the Convention at Annapolis the week past, we take the Liberty to acquaint you and beg you to communicate to the Convention if it should be opened before we arrive there, that we shall set off from this Place to morrow to join them, as Commissioners from the State of Massachusetts, which we hope to do in...
14From Alexander Hamilton to Elihu Marshall and James Bingham, [19 April 1786] (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, April 19, 1786. Sends a notice for trial in the New York Supreme Court in the case of Robert McWilliams v Elihu Marshall and James Bingham . Document not found. ] ADS , sold by American Art Association-Anderson Galleries, New York City, February 1, 1921. Marshall was a mariner in New York City; Bingham was a gauger in New York City. McWilliams was a New York City grocer. H’s law...
15From 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...
16From 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...
17From Alexander Hamilton to Helena Brasher, 6 December 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, December 6, 1785. “I am instructed by your brother Mr. Laurence Kortright to make the following proposal to you; to wit—that if you will pay him the amount of his account for money and other articles supplied you druing your residence in the Jerseys in the course of the war and will deliver him up his bond for £200 to be paid you at the death of his mother, he will then give you a...
18From Alexander Hamilton to Samuel Breese, William Malcom, and Aaron Burr, April 1787 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, April, 1787 ] “Mrs. Bayard Widow of Mr Samuel Bayard deceased has applied to me to arrange with you some provision for her in persuance of the Will of her husband representing her situation as distressed in the extreme, and assuring me that she is willing to do whatever I shall advise towards a fair adjustment of matters between you and her.…” Copy, Hamilton Papers, Library of...
19Certificate of Clerkship for Dirck Ten Broeck, 26 January 1787 (Hamilton Papers)
I hereby certify that Mr. Dirck Ten Broeck entered a Clerkship with me on the Tenth day of January in the year One thousand seven hundred and Eighty four and served as a Clerk in my office until the fifteenth day of October last past and that he is of good moral character. ADS , Pleadings, 1754–1837, T-540, Hall of Records, New York City. Ten Broeck was the son of Abraham Ten Broeck, who had...
20From Alexander Hamilton to Samuel Broome, [16 August 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
I have this moment received your letter of the thirteenth instant, and am sorry that the rules of propriety in respect to my situation, as a member of Congress, will not permit my acting in the capacity you wish. My situation for some time past has prevented my acknowleging one or two of your favors, which have been duly handed to me. I recollect that one of them contains an inquiry concerning...
21From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Burr, [June–October 1787] (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, June-October, 1787. ] “As I wished the cause of Bayard vs Breese and others to be regularly at issue & as the Chancellor could not readily be come at to procure from him an order to serve subpoenas on the Clerk in Court, I sent you a request some time since to file rejoinders.… I have not, however, received any notice of its having been done. I will thank you particularly to have...
22From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Burr, [4 April 1786] (Hamilton Papers)
ALS , Greenfield Village and Henry Ford Museum, Dearborn, Michigan. This letter has not been released for publication.
23From 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...
24From Alexander Hamilton to John Chaloner, 2 February 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, February 2, 1785. On the back of a letter that Chaloner wrote to Hamilton on January 26, 1785, Hamilton wrote : “Answered Feby. 2d.” Letter not found. ]
25Power of Attorney to John Chaloner, 22 November 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, November 22, 1788. Appoints John Chaloner “of the City of Philadelphia merchant to be my true and lawful attorney and substitute and the lawful attorney of the said John Barker Church for me and in my name” to settle the affairs of John B. Church and Daniel Parker and Company. DS , Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. The power of attorney was enclosed in H to Chaloner,...
26From 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...
27From Alexander Hamilton to John Chaloner, [26 November 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Hurry of business has prevented my complying with the desire of your letter of the 20th. Ulto respecting the arrangement you have entered into with Daniel Parker & Co. &c. Inclosed I send you a power of su[b]stitution which I hope will arrive in time. ⟨With all⟩ the ⟨–⟩ circumstances considered what has been done is prudent so as it does not affect any collateral security which I presume has...
28From 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. ]
29From Alexander Hamilton to John Chaloner, 28 August 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, August 28, 1788. Has checked on the validity of John Holker’s title to lands in New York State and finds that “the chain of title appears to be complete.” ALS , Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. See Chaloner to H, August 20, 1788 .
30From 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...
31From 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. ]
32From Alexander Hamilton to John Chaloner, [1 March 1786] (Hamilton Papers)
I inclose you a letter to Mr. Wilcox which after reading and noting the contents please to deliver to him. There are three ships I think in which Mr. Church is concerned ⅛ with Mr. Wilcox and others. You will oblige him if you will endeavour to sell his interest for any thing short of giving them away. I have full power to convey & will do whenever you can find a pur⟨chaser⟩. Perhaps Mr....
33From Alexander Hamilton to John Chaloner, [1 December 1786] (Hamilton Papers)
I send you the bill drawn on Mr. Ray protested as you desire in your last. You will be so good as to send forward the Specie by the first opportunity as the Packet sails in a short time. Yr Obed serv ALS , Historical Society of Pennsylvania. See H to John Chaloner, November 22, 1786 .
34From 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. ]
35From 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. ]
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 John Chaloner, [11 November 1784] (Hamilton Papers)
Mrs. Renselaaer has requested me to write to you concerning a negro, Ben, formerly belonging to Mrs. Carter who was sold for a term of years to Major Jackson. Mrs. Church has written to her sister that she is very desirous of having him back again; and you are requested if Major Jackson will part with him to purchase his remaining time for Mrs. Church and to send him on to me. There are also...
38From 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...
39From Alexander Hamilton to John Chaloner, [30 October 1786] (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed I send you Mr. Church’s Power of Atty to me to receive his bank dividends &c. and a power from me to you to receive the last and the next . I will be obliged to you to get the money & forward it by the first proper opportuni[t]y to this place. Pray let me know how matters go on with the bank. What is intended? When is the next election of Directors? Can bank stock be sold at any rate...
40From Alexander Hamilton to John Chaloner, [22 November 1786] (Hamilton Papers)
I received your letter with the draft on Mr Ray which I presented immediately. He would not accept it payable in specie. I did not protest because by your letter it appears to be an affair of accomodation and that you retain the money in your hands. Nor do I now return the draft because Mr. Ray tells me endeavours are making to turn paper into specie for the payment of it; if these do not...
41From 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. ]
42From 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. ]
43From Alexander Hamilton to John Chaloner, [10 March 1786] (Hamilton Papers)
On the subject of the Ships I am to request you will sell them on the best Terms you can. I would mean one eighth of them absolutely as they now stand, without any consideration of expences incurred, for all these must come of course into a general account between the concerned. If Mr. Wilcox will give me as much as another so much the better. You may accommodate him as to the time of payment...
44From Alexander Hamilton to John Chaloner, [2 February 1785] (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, February 2, 1785. “I have received your letter with the state of the case enclosed. If you can make no arrangement for securing Mr. Carter without the assistance of the law, I am upon the whole of opinion it will be advisable to rely on the first bill of exchange, instituting another suit against Turnbull Marmie & Co. Though it may be a question whether they are not discharged by...
45From Alexander Hamilton to John Chaloner, [16 March 1786] (Hamilton Papers)
March 16th. The above is copy of mine which went by a private hand inclosing the original of a letter to Mr. Wilcox of which the inclosed is a Copy. Yrs ALS , Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. H to Chaloner, March 10, 1786 . H to John Wilcocks, March 10, 1786 .
46From 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...
47From Alexander Hamilton to Nathaniel Chipman, 22 July 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
Your brother delivered me your favour which I received with pleasure as the basis of a correspondence that may be productive of public good. The accession of Vermont to the Confederacy is doubtless an object of great importance to the whole, and it appears to me that this is the favorable moment for effecting it upon the best terms for all concerned. Besides more general reasons, there are...
48From Alexander Hamilton to Nathaniel Chipman, [September–December 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Your favour of the 6th of September has been duly handed to me, and I receive great pleasure from the hopes you appear to entertain of a favourable turn of affairs in Vermont in regard to the new Government. It is certainly an object of mutual importance to yourselves and to the Union and well deserves the best endeavours of every discerning and good man. I observe with satisfaction your...
49From Alexander Hamilton to Angelica Church, [3 August 1785] (Hamilton Papers)
You have been much better to me My Dear friend since you left America, than I have deserved, for you have written to me oftener than I have written to you. I will make no apology; for I am sure you will attribute it to any thing else rather than to a defect of pleasure in writing to you. Mr. Van Schaik delivered me your last; if he were not a man of merit (as he is) your patronage would be a...
50From Alexander Hamilton to Angelica Church, [6 December 1787] (Hamilton Papers)
I this morning wrote a short and hasty line to your other self and did not then expect I should have been able to find a moment for the more agreeable purpose of dropping a line to you. Your husband has too much gallantry to be offended at this implication of preference. But I can not, however great my hurry, resist the strong desire I feel of thankg you for your invaluable letter by the last...