1To Alexander Hamilton from Nathaniel G. Ingraham, 26 February 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, February 26, 1801. On March 6, 1801, Hamilton wrote to Ingraham and acknowledged the receipt of “Your letter of the 26th of February.” Letter not found. ] Ingraham, a former ship captain from Massachusetts who had served on board the Bonhomme Richard in its famous encounter with the Serapis , was a New York City shipowner, merchant, and land speculator.
2To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin DeWitt, [25 February 1801] (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to inform you, that at A meeting of the Society for the promotion of Agriculture Arts & Manufactures Held in the Senate Chamber on the 11th Feby 1801 You was duly elected a Member thereof. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. DeWitt, a graduate of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia in 1797, practiced medicine in Albany. After George Clinton became governor of New...
3To Alexander Hamilton from George and Jacob Gilbert, 16 February 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
As the period when Congress will rise is close at hand, and the opportunity of your saving us from ruin by a fair representation of facts must then, in all probability, cease, we take the liberty, with great respect, of praying your attention, to the Letter we address’d you some time since, and remain Your Most obedient & very humble servants. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. The...
4To Alexander Hamilton from John Jay, 15 February 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
At present I have not Leisure to mention more on the subject, than that the Gentleman who was thought of for a certain Employment, declines it—nor does he know of any Person who wd. probably be willing and also well qualified to execute what would be expected from him as necessary to ensure Success to the Plan. Yours ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. In JCHW John C. Hamilton, ed.,...
5To Alexander Hamilton from Edward Tilghman, 12 February 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
February 12, 1801. Acknowledges Hamilton’s letter of February 11, 1801 . Discusses several lawsuits involving the capture and resale of American-owned vessels by foreign nations and the settlement of the cases in United States courts. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Letter not found. H wanted this information for the case of John C. Vandenheuvel v United Insurance Company , which...
6To Alexander Hamilton from Marquis de Lafayette, 10 February 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
I Have not, Since my Return to france, Received a Line from you—yet I am Sure you are affectionately interested in every Account Which Concerns me. The departure of Mr pichon for the United States affords me a Good Opportunity to write. He Has much pleased me by His eager wishes and Useful Exertions for a Reconciliation Between Both Countries. He Speaks of America and Americans in terms...
7To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Lee, 6 February 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
Yr. favor was duely recd & would have been replied to immediately, had not the subject it regards been so momentous & was I not solicitous to communicate my final decision to you thereupon. It is certainly cause of no little regret in my mind to find myself in opposition to you on any occurrence, especially on one so important as that which now presents itself. But really my friend after much...
8To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Glen, 27 January 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
Washington, January 27, 1801. Requests a certificate indicating that his son, Lieutenant John Glen, performed extra service on Hamilton’s orders. States that his son needs this certificate to obtain “his pay Rations & Extra Allowances.” Copy, Schenectady County Historical Society, Schenectady, New York. Glen, a Schenectady merchant, was a member of the Provincial Congress and a deputy...
9To Alexander Hamilton from Gouverneur Morris, 26 January 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
I have now lying before me your Letter dated the instant. It contains important facts with many of which I had previously become acquainted but I dare not communicate the Contents because the Idea that two States will on a second Ballot come over forms already a Reason with the federal Members in the House of Representatives for supporting Mr Burr. They now seriously and generally after much...
10To Alexander Hamilton from Gouverneur Morris, 16 January 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
I have yours of the 9th. I had already replied to those which it refers to. The Idea that a Division of the Votes would bring over the Aristocrats who call themselves Democrats to vote for Burr is unfounded. Were it otherwise a Number ⟨of⟩ Federalists , that is of Republicans would urge the Experiment and therefore the only Use I could make of your Letter was to communicate the Contents of it...
11To Alexander Hamilton from Gouverneur Morris, 16 January 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
I this Instant receive your favor of the tenth. I thank you for it. The Aurora will have shewn you the Result of our Deliberations on the Convention at least of those which went to a Division worth noting. If it sticks in France it will be respecting Points on which the Vote was unanimous or nearly so. As to the Induction from the Words of the 2d Article that the old Treaties subsisted tho...
12To Alexander Hamilton from Louis Le Guen, 15 January 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
Pour ne Pas Laisser plus Long-temps Les fonds mort , destinés Pour L’establissement de Mlle. Hylton, a present Madame Le Guen, conformement á mon Contrat de mariage avec Elle, Et En attandant L’occasion favorable de les Placer deffinitivement avec avantage , J’ai trouvée, Par L’entremise de Mr. Prime ⟨–⟩, un Placement de, Dix Milles dollars á L’interest de 7. ⅌. %. par án Jusquau 1er. avril...
13To Alexander Hamilton from Aaron Ogden, 15 January 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose the within power, confiding that the Trustees agree in an opinion, that no investment in real property, should be assented to, unless, in such, as would be productive to Mrs. Le Guien, in case of accident to her husband. If the power be not sufficiently ample, or in proper form, be pleased to cause such an one to be sent to me, as you may judge requisite & I will return it duly...
14To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 12 January 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
I received your letter of the 4th inst on Saturday last. After giving as much consideration as I could to the subject of the election of a President, which I perceived from conversation with some of the members of Congress who were here at christmas was likely to assume a serious form, it appeared to me that the proper line for the federal party to pursue in the case, was, to acquiesce with a...
15To Alexander Hamilton from John Rutledge, Junior, 10 January 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
I yesterday had the honor of receiving your favor of the fourth instant, & am justly sensible of the distinction conferred upon me by your confidence. My determination to support Mr Burr has been shaken by your communication, & I shall make, among those who with you are anxious to preserve the public order at this crisis, all the use of it that its seasonableness & value will enable me to do....
16To Alexander Hamilton from Theodore Sedgwick, 10 January 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
I delayed my dear sir, an answer to your Letter of the 22nd ult. purposely, because from it I was induced to beleive I was soon to be favored with another containing additional observations on the convention. On that subject, at present, I shall say nothing. It is not doubted that the votes for Jefferson and Burr have been equally given, and that from one of those the House must select the...
17To Alexander Hamilton from James Gunn, [9 January 1801] (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your favor of the 24th. Ult. It is probable a rejection of the French convention would excite some unpleasant feeling in America; But its Ratification would be Dishonorable. The Second and Third Articles were rejected by very large majorities. Genl. Armstrong voted against the Second Article, which alarmed the Jacobins. With Some other exceptions, it is believed, the thing will...
18To Alexander Hamilton from James A. Bayard, 7 January 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
I have been but a few days in this City, but since my arrival have had the pleasure to receive the letter which you did me the honor to write on the 27. Ult. I am fully sensible of the great importance of the Subject to which it relates and am therefore extremely obliged by the information you have been so obliging as to communicate. You have probably Seen a letter addressed by Col. Burr to...
19To Alexander Hamilton from Gouverneur Morris, 5 January 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your favors of the 24th. and 26th of last Month. I am much oblig’d by both. The Convention with france will be ratified sub Modo . Such at least is my Opinion. I wish 1st to strike out the 2d & 3d Articles 2dly. to fix a Limitation of Time. The 2d Art. ⟨by⟩ suspending the Operation admits the Existence of former ⟨Tr⟩eaties. The Restitution of our Trophies stipulated by the 3d...
20To Alexander Hamilton from John Marshall, 1 January 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
I receivd this morning your letter of the 26th of Decr. It is I believe certain that Jefferson & Burr will come to the house of representatives with equal votes. The returns have been all receivd & this is the general opinion. Being no longer in the house of representatives & consequently compeld by no duty to decide between them, my own mind had scarcely determind to which of these gentlemen...
21From John Adams to Alexander Hamilton, 1800 (Adams Papers)
Page 4. Mr. Adams is no doubt under great Obligations to Mr. Hamilton, for “not denying to him Patriotism, and Integrity and even Talents of a certain kind” It is to be Sure an awfull a calamity to Mr A. that the solidity of his understanding should have been brought into question, with Mr H. although it were upon gro false grounds were So false or or Spurious reports were So Spurious . The...
22To Alexander Hamilton from Fisher Ames, [December 1800] (Hamilton Papers)
The situation we are in, though not unexpected by a few, has filled the public with equal surprise and terror. The votes, Rhode Island excepted, have been given in a manner to take away that sort of reproach from the Hamiltonians that momentary interests and the petulance of disappointment wd. otherwise have naturally thrown upon us. I discern symptoms of general wish to pass an act of...
23To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 31 December 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have recd. a letter from Mr. W. this morning in which he says. “I have made enquiry respecting the declaration of Mr. Adams while in London in Nov. 1783—it seems he thought negociations could be better conducted there than in a foreign country, and observes—‘Here with the most perfect politeness to ministers we may keep them in awe; a visit to a distinguished member of opposition, even...
24To Alexander Hamilton from Louis Le Guen, 27 December 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Je Vous remet inclus La Lettre que Vous Ecrit Le Cel. Burr, par la quelle il doit Vous faire payer Pour Mon Compte—apres demoin Lemoy 29.— Dollars 6000.— Voicy Ensuitte La Maniere dont il doit regler Avec Moy. Apres avoir fixée avec Moy, ( des Onoraires Pour tous Ses Soins dans mes affaires Contre la maison Gouvr. et Kemble à Sa Satisfaction ) il s’est reconnue Mon d’Ebiteur de $—12539.41,...
25To Alexander Hamilton from Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 25 December 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have recd. your favours of the 16th. & 17th. —that of the 16th I communicated to Mr. Marshall & Mr. Sedgwick; the first has yet expressed no ⟨op⟩inion; the last mentioned Gentleman has been inclined to support Mr. Burr & this I find appears to be a prevailing & increasing sentiment of the Federalists—with what degree of seriousness the intention is formed & whether it can succeed are...
26To Alexander Hamilton from Eliphalet Fitch, [20 December 1800] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Fitch requests the Indulgence of General Hamilton to the enclosed Remarks. They result from an Anxiety to be released from a most unjust and oppressive Restraint; and it is hoped the Chancellor will give an early Attention to this Matter, which so materially affects personal Liberty. AL , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Fitch, a native of Jamaica, West Indies, was a merchant at 33...
27To Alexander Hamilton from Gouverneur Morris, 19 December 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
In Company this Day I heard much said about the Treaty brought to us by Mr. Davie, wherefore as it is a Subject of public Conversation those Restraints which I had impos’d on myself are remov’d and I take the earliest Opportunity of saying one Word about it to you. The Negotiation appears to have been very well conducted on the Part of France and the Result is probably equal to her Wishes. It...
28To Alexander Hamilton from James Gunn, [18 December 1800] (Hamilton Papers)
I presume some of your friends will present you with a copy of the French Convention. The thing is detestable—The Independance of our country humbled to the dust. The President this day nominated Mr. Jay Chief Justice —Mr. Elsworth resigned. Mr. Jay having once declined the office of Chief Judge it is no compliment to re-appoint him to that office, nor was it decent to wound the feelings of...
29To Alexander Hamilton from Harrison Gray Otis, 17 December 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
There exists the strongest probability that the electoral votes are equally divided between Messrs Jefferson and Burr. We have certain advices from So Carolina and Georgia, and wait only for intelligence from Kentucky and Tennessee to ascertain the fact. The gentlemen of the opposition are of opinion that this will be the case. The question now is, in what mode shall the friends of the federal...
30To Alexander Hamilton from Theodore Sedgwick, 17 December 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The substance of the convention with France will I presume be known, publickly, in a few days. In the mean time I communicate, in confidence, some part of its character. It contains no stipulation for satisfaction of the injuries we have received. It makes the treaty of 78 a subject of future negotiation. It engages that we shall return, in the condition they now are, all ⟨ou⟩r captures. It...
31To Alexander Hamilton from Jean Xavier Bureaux de Pusy, 16 December 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, December 16, 1800. “ Le General me Permet—I de lui rappeller qu’il a bien voulu me promettre une petite portion de l’une de ses Soires, pour lui rendre compte de mes idees Sur la defense Sont la Rade Et le port de New York Sont Susceptibles? … quelle Serait l’heure la moins incommode pour lui? ” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. For background to this letter, see James...
32To Alexander Hamilton from Aaron Ogden, 15 December 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Elizabethtown [ New Jersey ] December 15, 1800 . Complains that he cannot collect from the Government the money he spent for the public service while he was in the Army. Asks Hamilton to certify that the vouchers for Ogden’s expenditures be allowed. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. For payments to Ogden, see William Simmons to Henry Dearborn, March 5, 18, 31, April 26, 1802 (RG 217,...
33To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 14 December 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
After an absence of four months in the Woods I returned hither on the evening of the 10th instant; and this is the first opportunity of acknowledging the receipt of your letter of the 13th ult. A few days before I left the Woods , I received from a friend in Philadelphia, your pamphlet concerning the conduct and character of President Adams. You say the press teams with replies. I have yet...
34To Alexander Hamilton from James Gunn, [13 December 1800] (Hamilton Papers)
The Issue of the Election of President, and vice-President, so far as it depended upon the Individual States, is at length Settled. Jefferson, and Burr have the Major vote, and it may with Truth be Said, that, John Adams has Dam’d our Cause, for the double Chance was lost, in So. Carolina, owing to Genl. Pinckney Refusing to give up Mr. Adams. The Federalist appear to have no plan, common...
35To Alexander Hamilton from James Gunn, [11 December 1800] (Hamilton Papers)
I have Seen a list of the names of the So. Carolina Electors. They will all Vote for Jefferson and Col. Burr. Genl. Pinckney will not get one vote. Yours Sincerely ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Gunn was a Georgia Federalist, a lawyer, and a member of the United States Senate from 1789 to 1801. See the introductory note to H to Theodore Sedgwick, May 4, 1800 .
36To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 1 December 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
What is past and cannot be amended between friends had better be forgotten. Let it be so if you please. I am content. I have since your last reflected upon the policy & necessity of your replying to the answers to your animadversions on the character & conduct of the President, and incline to beleive that it would be wiser to suspend, for the present any further publication on the subject....
37To Alexander Hamilton from George Cabot, 29 November 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
It is too late to use the letter you enclosed me in Vermont & here it is unnecessary. I am satisfied the votes in this State & New Hampshire will be all for A & P. you will have seen with some pleasure that our Legislature have conducted in the manner was predicted by our friend Mr. Lowell junr —to his efforts indeed much of the success may be attributed. Some fears are entertained lest the...
38To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 19 November 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I received your letter of the 13 inst yesterday evening. [Altho’ I am not pleased at the facts attached to my name, in your letter to the President, having been brought into public view, without my consent, I can conceive nevertheless what might have prevented you from not requesting it. This supposed reason has weight if the facts could be considered of consequence, still however, in a case...
39To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Goodhue, 15 November 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I receiv’d your pamphlet, for which I thank you. I have always been of opinion, that We have been actuated by a pernicious plolicy in being so silent respecting Mr A, the public have been left thereby to form opinions favourable to him and of course unfavorible to those who were the objects of his Mad displeasure. I abominate the Hypocritical part which We have been necessitated to act in...
40To Alexander Hamilton from William Irvine, 13 November 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Carlisle [ Pennsylvania ] November 13, 1800 . Notifies Hamilton that his son Callender Irvine is fit to report for military duty and will visit Hamilton to thank him for “indulging him with a long leave of absence for the recovery of health.” ALS , Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. Irvine, an immigrant from Ireland and a veteran of the American Revolution, was a member of the...
41To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 3 November 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Providence, November 3, 1800. Recommends “the bearer Mr. Nathl. Greene Olney, a kinsman of mine,” who “now goes to New York in order to establish himself in Mercantile pursuits.” ALS , Rhode Island Historical Society, Providence. Nathaniel Greene Olney was the nephew of Jeremiah Olney and the son of Christopher Olney. On November 29, 1800, The Providence Gazette carried the following notice:...
42To Alexander Hamilton from Oliver Ellsworth, 16 October 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose for your perusal, but by no means for publication, an extract of a letter I have just been writing for the Secretary of State. More could not be done than has been, without too great a sacrifice; and I hope, as the reign of Jacobinism in France is over, and appearances are strong in favour of a general peace, that you will think it was better to sign a Convention than to do nothing....
43To Alexander Hamilton from James Wilkinson, 13 October 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The order under cover will best explain to you, the Embarrassment I suffer for want of the Information & advice, I have long since sollicited from you. Without daring to condemn, I will lament your neglect of me, because it retards my puny arrangements, & prevents the completion of any system whatever: conscious of the variety, the extent, & the purpose of your Engagements at all times, to...
44To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 12 October 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Mr Wolcott informed me by a letter recd yesterday evening that he was to leave the seat of Government (on a visit to his family) to day. He goes by way of Lancaster & I expect will pass through to New York in which case I pray you to give him the inclosed letter. If any accident should prevent his seeing you, be pleased to send it to him. It will shew you what I think of things here and my...
45To Alexander Hamilton from George Cabot, 11 October 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the 2d did not reach me until last evening, it having been accidentally detained at the Stage house in this village several days. The President is on the point of departure for the Seat of Govt so that no opportunity of conveyance by a private Gentleman cou’d be found, I have therefore sent your letter by a sure hand to the post office whence it undoubtedly goes in the...
46To Alexander Hamilton from John G. Coffin, 11 October 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Boston, October 11, 1800. “If you have not found it convenient to have placed my claim against the United States for Compensation for doing the duty of Quarter Master at Fort Niagara in a train for settlement, I will thank you to forward it to me, that I may offer it to the accountant of the War Department for payment.…” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Coffin, a Massachusetts...
47To Alexander Hamilton from William Lewis, 11 October 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of yesterday I recieved this morning, requesting to “know with exactness, what passed between the President and the Counsel of Fries &c.” and as nothing that I deem improper ever passed between them, I shall without hesitation furnish all the information in my power. It seems proper however to accompany it with some additional information, as I do not wish a part of the transaction...
48To Alexander Hamilton from William Vans Murray, 9 October 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I was extremely flatterd by the confidence which your letter by Mr. Colbert proved you have in my disposition to follow your wishes. A letter from you is no affair of ceremony—it is an obligation on any man who flatters himself with the hope of your personal esteem. Mr. C. gave it to me yesterday. I immediately in particular addressed a letter to Bonaparte, & made use of your name, wh. I was...
49To Alexander Hamilton from Samuel Dexter, 2 October 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the Honor to enclose a Letter from General La Fayette, and one from the Widow of the late Colonel Fleury, which came to this Office with a number of others on the same subject under cover from Mr. Murray. I have not formally requested your assistance to Mr. Puzy, respecting the fortifications in the Harbor of New York, because, as the Law of your state is construed by me, the whole...
50To Alexander Hamilton from Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 2 October 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I wrote you a hasty Letter yesterday in which I returned the draught which accompanied your favour of September 26th. In my opinion the style temper and spirit of the composition are well suited to the subject & will do you honour. I have only to submit a few criticisms to your consideration. The observations respecting Mr. T. Pinckneys predilection for France—in page 19. and his official...