1From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 13 August 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, August 13, 1792. “The President having signified to me his intention to appoint David Porter, the present first mate in the cutter Active, master of the said Cutter, in the room of Simon Gross, who has resigned; I have to request, that you will notify the intended appointment to Mr Porter.…” LS , Columbia University Libraries. See George Washington to H, August 5, 1792 .
2From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 31 March 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
The device intimated to me in your letter of the 26th. of January, I consider as a mere evasive expedient, which ought not to protect the owner of the vessel from a prosecution for perjury. It is my desire therefore that if any such case should occur you may direct proceedings on that ground against the offender. I am, Sir, Your obedt. Servant LS , Columbia University Libraries.
3From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 26 May 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, May 26, 1794. On June 5, 1794, Williams wrote to Hamilton : “I can … answer your letter of the 26th Ultimo.” Letter not found. ]
4From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 27 June 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, June 27, 1793. Directs “surrender of Prize to French Privateer.” Letter not found. ] Sold by Harvard Trust Company, 1962.
5From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 5 March 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, March 5, 1794. On March 20, 1794, Williams wrote to Hamilton : “Your letter of the 5th Instant … was duly received.” Letter not found. ]
6From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 4 May 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received yours of the 24th of April requesting my opinion with respect to the Duty on the article of hemp. There can be no doubt that this article is under the present Law Subject to a Duty of five per cent ad valorem untill the first day of December next. I am Sir Your obedt Servt LS , Columbia University Libraries. Letter not found.
7From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 19 February 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, February 19, 1794. Encloses “a copy of a letter from Mr Wm Jarvis … which was addressed to the Secretary of State, and by him transmitted to this Department.” States that “the proper course of proceeding is marked out by law.” LS , Columbia University Libraries. See Edmund Randolph to H, January 31, 1794 . Jarvis was a Baltimore shipbuilder.
8From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 6 December 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
It is understood that a brig called the Dove formerly of Glocester in Massachusetts and commanded by Josiah Parsons has been sold in Europe, under circumstances that give rise to some apprehensions in regard to the misuse of her certificate of registry. I wish to be informed, if it has been returned to your office and when. I am, Sir, Your obedt. servant LS , Columbia University Libraries.
9From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 23 April 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, April 23, 1794. “Enclosed are two passports.… You will perceive that those Vessels have permission to depart in Ballast , with passengers for St. Domingo. You will therefore grant them clearance accordingly.” LS , Columbia University Libraries. On April 22, 1794, George Washington “Signed … passports, to wit, for the Recovery of Baltimore—schooner Providentia, Baltimore …...
10From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, [29 April 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, April 29, 1790. The description of this letter reads: “asking statement of facts relative to vessels exempted from duties.” Letter not found. ] LS , sold by Harvard Trust Company, 1962. For background to this letter, see Robert Purviance to H, April 22, 1790 ( PAH Harold C. Syrett, ed., The Papers of Alexander Hamilton (New York and London, 1961– ). , VI, 372).
11From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 4 August 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, August 4, 1792. “I am informed that there is a vessel in Your Port for Amsterdam; which will sail about the 10th instant. I enclose You a letter for Messrs Willink & van Staphorst, which I request may be forwarded by that vessel.…” LS , Columbia University Libraries. This is presumably a reference to H to Wilhem and Jan Willink, Nicholaas and Jacob Van Staphorst, and...
12From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 11 November 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I have, on consideration, concluded to authorise you to allow the Officers and crew of the revenue cutter twelve cents per ration, instead of nine cents, mentioned in my circular letter of the 21st September. But the allowance claimed for expences of board is inadmissible; their pay and rations must be considered as a full compensation. I am, Sir, Your Obed Servant. LS , Columbia University...
13From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 30 January 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, January 30, 1790. Informs Williams of regulations on payment of invalid pensions. LS , Columbia University Libraries. This is a duplicate of the letter sent to Jedediah Huntington on the same date.
14From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 7 June 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, June 7, 1793. “I duly received your letter of the 28th Ultimo.… In reply to this letter, I have to refer you to my Circular one of the 30th Ultimo.” LS , Columbia University Libraries.
15From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 12 April 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
I have considered the circumstances you state in your Letter of the 6th inst. respecting vessels owned by Citizens of Rhode Island. I am of opinion that those vessels in the case you mention, are Subject to the Same Tonnage to which registered vessels owned by Citizens of the united States without License are liable: because if they were to enjoy all the privileges of coasting vessels, they...
16From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 7 September 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
On the 28. June 1791 the Collector of New York was instructed to furnish each of the Revenue Cutters with Ten Musquets and Bayonets, Twenty Pistols, one broad axe, one Chissel of the large and one of the smallest size, and two Lanthorns. I am informed by the Collector of Norfolk that those articles were not received by him; though Mr. Lamb of New York states to me, they were shipped in the...
17From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 7 December 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I request that You will pay to Messrs Elliot and Williams ten thousand Dollars on the first of January next, on account of their contract with the united States of the 27th September instant, taking duplicate receipts, one of which to be transmitted to the Treasury. You will of course retain money in Your hands for the purpose and in case there should not be a probability of a Sufficient sum...
18From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 17 November 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
There will not be found any provision for the payment of Mr. Edward Swift, whom Captain Gross has shipt to do the duty of Mr. James Forbes now absent, unless Mr. Forbes from a sense of justice and propriety allows it to be done out of his money. It would be well for you to intimate this to Captain Gross, and the more so as he in a former instance made an appointment of his officers, which can...
19From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 14 August 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
I am glad to learn from the letter of Mr Delozier of the 25th of July in-closed in yours of the 27th “That the difference between the Inspector of the Revenue and the Inspectors of the Customs had subsided, and that the latter were perfectly disposed to perform the services required of them, by the Secretary of the Treasury, whenever they may be directed by the Inspector of the Revenue.”...
20From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 10 July 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
I am to acknowledge the receipt of Mr Richmonds letter of the 1 instant. It is inconceivable to me what can produce so great a disproportion between the price of Rations in Baltimore and Philadelphia. At all events I am determined not to give the Price demanded, untill convinced by experience, that there is no Alternative. To ascertain this fact, I have to request that you will purchase...
21From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, Robert Purviance, and George Gale, 23 January 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
Certain charges (of which the Collector is in possession) have been brought by William Thompson, first mate of the Revenue Cutter Active against the commander. To enable me to judge what ought to be done in the case, I have concluded to request that the Collector, Naval Officer, and the Supervisor of the Revenue will form a Board, for the purpose of examining into the facts, and report to me...
22From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 25 July 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
After the receipt of this you will divide your deposits between the Bank of Maryland and the Branch of the Bank of the United States, until the first of October ensuing, and thenceforth deposit the public money wholly in the said Branch. The same vouchers, as hereto-fore, must be taken and forwarded from each. I am, Sir, Your Obed Servant. P.S. It is at your discretion either to divide...
23From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 10 December 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
It has been represented to me by Mr. Kearney Wharton of Philadelphia, that some hardship has fallen on him in consequence of the want of proper instruments to ascertain the strength of a parcel of Rum belonging to him and lately imported by Messrs. Oliver and Thompson from Antigua. Though I have not yet decided how far it may be proper to make these revisions, I wish that measures may be taken...
24From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 24 September 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
An account has been transmitted by Mr. Porter, One of the Officers of the Cutter, for the time prior to the date of his Commission. It will be proper that you transmit to the Treasury some information, carefully taken, of the time when each of the Officers commenced effectual and continued service in the preparations for & fitting of the Cutter. I am, Sir, Your most Obed servant LS ,...
25From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 11 October 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the 3rd instant has been received. There can be no doubt that horses and other live stock imported from foreign countries must be considered as an object of trade, or vendible commodity, and of course as subject to duties. To obviate the adoption of this rule in a general sense, I think it however necessary to observe that I consider negroes to be exempted from duties on...
26From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 18 June 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
I have this day decided upon the two cases of Zacharie Coopman and Company, on behalf of Mr. Nichols, and of John Stump. In both I have remitted the interest of all parties, Upon the petitioner’s paying for all actual and necessary disbursements. Duplicates of my decision go, by the mail of this day, to the Clerk of the District Court, at Baltimore. I am, Sir, with consideration, Your Obedt...
27From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 20 April 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
The remarks you propose to make upon the coasting law will be very acceptable, as the new bill stands postponed ‘till the next Session of Congress. I shall at all times wish for such observations as may occur to the Collectors on the Subject of the Revenue & Trade laws. I am of opinion that a consular certificate will not justify you, in paying a drawback. The Agents for Mr. Stephen Zacharie...
28From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 14 January 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
I am informed that a Brig which frequents Your port, and was, or is now the Hope, of Baltimore, is owned by a Mr Gernon. It is my wish to be informed whether it appears, and how, that Mr Gernon is a Citizen of the United States, how long he appears, by the Register, to have owned the Hope, and whether she goes and comes between Your District and any one particular foreign port or island. There...
29From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 6 August 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
It has been represented to me by Messrs. Sherman & Procter of New Bedford, that some things which they deem improper have taken place. The Substance of the information is that their Brig Hawk, Hathaway Master, was remeasured in Baltimore altho she had been measured in New Bedford prior to her sailing [and was possessed of a Register of the U States] that she was registered anew in Baltimore,...
30From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 1 November 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
The Post of to day brought me your letter of the 29th of October, which I immediately communicated to the President, and hasten to make known to you his consent to your undertaking the voyage recommended to you. It is not doubted that due care will previously be taken to secure the proper management of the public business in your absence. My most sincere and cordial wishes for the restoration...
31From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 27 September 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
You will retain, in your hands, such monies as you shall receive after this letter reaches you ’till the whole sum shall amount to ten thousand Dollars; which is destined as an advance to Messrs. Elliot and Williams, and for the payment of which you will receive directions as soon as their bond with the proper sureties shall be received by me. I remain with great consideration Sir Your...
32From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 26 October 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the 15th. instant is come to hand, together with the forms of Custom House papers in use with you, for which I thank you. I observe what you say on the subject of Manifests. The idea has evidently been derived from a similar regulation lately introduced in Great Britain; and it is said that the effect there has evinced its utility. It is true as you remark, that as no method of...
33From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 9 June 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
In consequence of a Statement made to me by Mr Samuel Dodge, Agent for procuring materials &c. for the fortification, I have directed the Treasurer to remit you the further sum of 1700 Dollars in bills upon you, payable to you or your order, which you will endorse to the agent in proportion to the further progress of expenditure, agreeably to my instructions of the 3d of April last. I should...
34From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 26 April 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
Samuel Smith Esqr. has applied for a passport for a small vessel to be sent in Ballast to the Island of Bermuda which is herewith enclosed. Mr Smith not being possessed of the names of the Vessel and Master they are left blank in the paper to be inserted by you. Another passport has been granted for Captain Kean Master of the Schooner Eagle, bound for St Domingo in ballast, and with passengers...
35From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 3 November 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
I received by the hands of Mr. Richmond your letter on the subject of the stock standing in your name on the public books. Though, according to the letter of the law, the prohibition to dispose appears to be retrospective as well as future, I am of opinion that it is consistent with sound legal construction to confine the latitude of the expression, so as to admit of the alienation and...
36From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 25 June 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
The Commissioner of Loans for the state of Maryland, after allowing for the Eight thousand dollars with which you furnished him, and a sum of five thousand dollars remitted him, in notes of the Bank of Maryland, would be deficient about five thousand five hundred Dollars of the sum requisite for the payment of the interest which will be payable in your state, upon the public debt on the first...
37From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 25 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
The last post brought me your letter of the 14th instant. The bill you inclosed will be presented by Mr Meredith for payment. Having drawn upon you for nearly all the Specie in your hands, I should have directed it to be returned, did I not Suppose that this might produce inconvenience to the parties. You are too sensible of the necessity of conformity to general regulations to make it...
38From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 21 June 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
I learnt with real pleasure, your return from the West Indies in improved health. Be assured, that I interest myself, with friendship, in your welfare. The Collector of Anapolis has announced his intention to resign by the first of next month. Do you know a character there fit and probably willing to serve? There is a salary of 200 Dollars a year besides the per Centage & fees. The whole...
39From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 3 May 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
It has been found necessary to adopt certain regulations with regard to Vessels to which passports shall be granted by the President during the present embargo for the purpose of carrying french Emigrants to the West Indies. You are to require security from the owner or owners of such vessels (to wit a bond of the acting owner with competent sureties) with condition that she shall proceed to...
40From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 9 June 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
I feel myself not a little a delinquent in regard to a certain paper you forwarded it to me. I will now explain the reasons of its non appearance. Though I thought it a merited & a very good reproof on certain folks as well as calculated to throw useful light on transactions interesting to the fame of our deceased friend—as the business depending was taking a favourable turn when I received...
41From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 22 January 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
It being deemed necessary to proceed in the building of the Cutter for the Maryland station I have now to request that you will immediately proceed in the business. It may be well that you should be informed that the Massachusetts Cutter has been contracted for at Newburyport at about 22½ Dollars per Ton fitted completely as a vessel with sails, rigging, anchors &ca. including two Boats, one...
42From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 4 June 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I send you herewith sundry papers, relating to applicatons of John MacRae and John Morrison to the Judge of the District Court of Virginia, upon the Act for the remission or mitigation of penalties. This transaction appears to me thus far in an extremely questionable shape, so that I am very far from being satisfied, that there has not been more than inadvertence in the case. Unwilling...
43From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 25 May 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
It is necessary for the Government of the Commissioner of loans in the disposition of some Treasury drafts which have been sent him that he should be informed weekly of the monies which you shall have received subsequent to the date of your last return namely the 20th instant. Fourteen hundred Dollars of the ballance then in your hands together with the amount of your subsequent receipts, to...
44From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 25 July 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed you will find an advertismen⟨t⟩ relative to the supply of Rations for the Troops of the United Sta⟨tes⟩ which you will be pleased to have inserted in your best Newspaper for the term of four Weeks. The account of the expenc⟨es⟩ I must also request you to procure, and discharge and I shall direct, the Receipt to be admitted, as a Voucher for the amount in your subsequent settlement. I...
45From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 24 May 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received a letter from the Surveyor of your district upon the subject of boats for the use of the officers of the Customs. I have thought it necessary to the more frugal and certain collection of the revenue to permit that boats might be purchased or built merely for harbor service, and to this, if you find it will be œconomical, or that it is necessary to ensure the faithful payment of...
46From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 28 March 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
An uncommon press of business has prevented my thanking you sooner for your private letter of the . Your ideas of the manner of conducting a certain business have a remarkable correspondency with my own. I think one might venture to ensure success, humanly speaking, on such a plan, and every other will be precarious and critical. I flatter myself the general principles of it will govern future...
47From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 29 March 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the 22d instant, and am extremely sorry to perceive the difficulties you mention. It is not in my power to authorise your dispensing with the execution of the laws, as explained by your standing instructions from the Treasury; but as I have always a desire to give every convenient and prudent facility to commerce, I have made an eventual engagement to the Bank of...
48From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 11 August 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, August 11, 1792. “I enclose you an Advertizement, concerning proposals for the supply of rations for the Western Posts, which I request you will have inserted in the paper of your City, stiled ‘the Maryland Journal & Baltimore Advertizer’ to continue untill the 29th of Septr next.…” LS , Columbia University Libraries. This advertisement reads as follows: “Notice is hereby...
49From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 22 January 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
I have before me your letter of the 30th of November last containing a requisition from Captn Porter for certain repairs to be done to the Revenue Cutter Active. The public service requiring that the vessel should be kept in repair, I request that you will have done what shall be found necessary. If the Judgment of the Captain cannot be confided in, you will call in the aid of a trusty and...
50From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 7 November 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
Mr Delaporte of Baltimore has communicated to me, that about Twelve months ago, he received some Furniture and wearing apparel belonging to Mr. Gimat, late Governor of St Lucia; upon the entry of which at the Custom house, he gave his Bond, with condition to be cancelled, in case Mr Gimat should arrive within a Twelve month, and take the oath of his intended residence in the United States, as...