2081Schedule I: Estimate of the Expenditure for the Civil List of the United States for the year 1789, 19 September 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
First. In relation to the late Government . For Congress Dol. 90ths. Dol. 90ths. THE annual allowance made by the United States, in Congress assembled, the 23d August 1787, including the salaries of the private Secretary & Steward, house rent, and expences of the household, is thereby fixed at 8,000 dollars per annum; which being estimated to the 3d of March, the time fixed for proceedings to...
2082Schedule II: General Estimate of Money requisite for the War Department for the year 1789, 19 September 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Pay of the Troops. Artillery. Dol. 90ths. Dol. 90ths. 1 Major, 12 mo. at 45 dol. pr. mo. 540 4 Captains, 35 1,680 8 Lieutenants, 30 2,880 1 Surgeon’s mate, 30
2083To Alexander Hamilton from Christopher Gore, 20 September 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Be pleas’d to accept my sincere acknowledgments for the politeness and attention, you discover’d in rectifying the mistake made in a conversation with mr Badcock. To lie under the imputation of acting in a character different from the one I assum’d was painful—to be consider’d in this light by one whose reputation is the boast of America was the most distressing of all circumstances that coud...
2084To Alexander Hamilton from John Rice, 20 September 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Boston, September 20, 1789. On October 5, 1789, Hamilton wrote to Rice : “Your Letter of the 20th of September has duly come to hand.” Letter not found. ] Rice was deputy collector of customs at Boston. In August, 1789, Benjamin Lincoln, the collector at Boston, was named by Washington to be one of three commissioners to negotiate a treaty with the southern Indians. In the autumn of 1789,...
2085To Alexander Hamilton from Tobias Lear, 21 September 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
By the command of the President of the United States, I do myself the honor to transmit to you the enclosed letters, which have been received by him, the subject of which come properly under the cognizance of the Treasury Department of the United States. The letters enclosed are, one from Mr. Leonard De Neufville dated June 1789. relating sundry transactions between himself & Partners and the...
2086Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 22 September 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
In consequence of arrangements lately taken with the Bank of North America, and the Bank of New York, for the accommodation of the Government, I am to inform you that it is my desire, that the Notes of those Banks, payable either on demand, or at no longer period than thirty days after their respective dates; should be received in payment of the duties, as equivalent to Gold and Silver, and...
2087To Alexander Hamilton from Joseph Whipple, 22 September 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Portsmouth, New Hampshire, September 22, 1789. Encloses report on customs duties. Promises to transmit quarterly statements of tonnage and impost duties. Copy, RG 56, Letters from the Collector at Portsmouth, National Archives. Whipple was collector of the state impost from 1785 to 1789, and United States collector of customs at Portsmouth from 1789 to 1798. H had requested this report in...
2088From Alexander Hamilton to Sir John Temple, 23 September 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
The Collector of this Port has submitted to me ⟨a ques⟩ tion respecting the propriety of requiring an Entry ⟨at the⟩ Custom house of the British Packets. In order ⟨to a⟩ proper determination of this point, it is necessary ⟨that⟩ I should understand with certainty & precision ⟨the si⟩tuation of those Packets; under what Commissions ⟨they⟩ are Navigated, and what relation, if any, they bear ⟨to...
2089To Alexander Hamilton from Sir John Temple, 23 September 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
As I have nothing to do with the Packet boats ⟨more⟩ than to deliver my dispatches to the Masters of them, ⟨I am⟩ very ignorant of their Establishment. Mr Foxcroft, ⟨Agent⟩ for the British Packets, can, with Accuracy, answer ⟨the q⟩uestions you have this day written to me about. I am with great Respect, Sir your most Obedient Humble Servant ALS , PRO: F. O. Transcripts or photostats from...
2090To Alexander Hamilton from John Davidson, 24 September 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Annapolis, September 24, 1789. On October 3, 1789, Hamilton wrote to Davidson acknowledging the receipt of Davidson’s “letter of the 24th of last month.” Letter not found. ] Davidson was collector of customs at Annapolis.
2091From Alexander Hamilton to James Duane, 24 September 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, September 24, 1789. On September 24, 1789, Duane wrote to Hamilton : “I called upon you within the time limited to give you my answer on the Communication which … you was pleased to make me this morning.” Letter not found. ] Duane was mayor of New York City.
2092To Alexander Hamilton from James Duane, 24 September 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
I called upon you within the time limited to give you my answer on the Communication which in expressions so honorable you was pleased to make me this morning. As you was abroad I am deprived of the pleasure of a personal Interview. Warmly attached to the Constitution from the clearest conviction that the happiness of my Country depends on it’s successful administration, I think I ought to...
2093From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, [24 September 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
As I shall have occasion to draw on the several Collectors it is necessary that you should be acquainted with my Signature which you have here below I am Sir Your most humb Servt. L[S] , RG 36, Collector of Customs at Boston, Letters from the Treasury, 1789–1807, Vol. 4, National Archives. Lincoln was collector of customs at Boston.
2094To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 24 September 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
The amount of the duties which have accrued in the district of Baltimore, from the 10th day of August to the 23d. Instant inclusive is two thousand six hundred and Seventy pounds, Sixteen Shillings and four pence according to the documents in my Office Vizt. Cash on hand £ 287.18.6 Bonds due @ 4 Months 1176.16.2 Ditto 6 Months 1206. 1.8 2670.16.4 Your Obedient Humble Servant ALS , Office...
2095From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 25 September 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
⟨Here⟩ with is a circular letter, the ⟨principal object of⟩ which relates to an arrangement with the ⟨Banks⟩ of North America and New York, founded upon an immediate accommodation to the public. I am not sufficiently acquainted with the constitution and operations of your Bank to determine posstively how far the receipt of their Notes in payment of the Duties would be a measure of prudence....
2096Promissory Note from Arthur St. Clair, [25 September 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
Thirty days from the date hereof I promise to pay to Alexander Hamilton or order Two thousand dollars in specie for value received. DS , in writing of H, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. St. Clair was governor of the Northwest Territory from 1788 to 1802. On verso H wrote: “Note General St Clair owes nothing but the discount Received the contents of Alexander Hamilton”
2097Report on a Particular Statement of the Warrants Issued by the Late Superintendent of Finance, and by the Board of … (Hamilton Papers)
[To the Speaker of the House of Representatives] The Secretary of the Treasury, in obedience to the order of the House of the 23d Sept. 1789, respectfully submits the settlement therein required, together with one of the whole anticipation on the taxes made by the late superintendant of Finance, at the time of resigning his office; on which a balance appears due of 93,463 20/90ths. dollars....
2098To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 25 September 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
From a great variety of characters who have made a tender of their services for suitable Offices , I have selected the following. If Mr. Jay & you will take the further trouble of running them over to see if among them there can be found one, who, under all circumstances is more eligable for the Post Office than Col O I shall be obliged to you both for your opinion thereon by Eleven ‘Oclock....
2099From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Willing, 25 September 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, September 25, 1789. On October 1, 1789, Willing wrote to Hamilton : “Your Favor of the 25th Ult was received on the 29.” Letter not found. ]
2100From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 25 September 1789 (Washington Papers)
From a great variety of characters who have made a tender of their services for Suitable Offices, I have selected the following. If Mr Jay & you will take the further trouble of running them over to see if among them there can be found one, who, under all circumstances is more eligable for the Post Office than Col. O. —I shall be obliged to you both for your opinions thereon by Eleven...
2101To Alexander Hamilton from William Allibone, 26 September 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, September 26, 1789. Discusses aids to navigation in Delaware Bay and River. Suggests appointment of a superintendent for the entire Delaware district. Mentions a pending bill in Pennsylvania legislature which would cede to United States all state-owned navigational aids in Delaware River. ALS , RG 26, Lighthouse Letters Received, Vol. “A,” Pennsylvania and Southern States,...
2102From 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...
2103To Alexander Hamilton from Jedediah Huntington, 26 September 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New London, Connecticut, September 26, 1789. On November 17, 1789, Hamilton wrote to Huntington : “in respect to the Question referred to in Your Letter of the 26th of September.” Letter not found. ] Huntington was collector of customs at New London, Connecticut.
2104Treasury Department Circular to the Governors of the States, 26 September 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
In obedience to an order of the House of Representatives of the 21st. Instant (Copy of which I have the honor to enclose) it becomes my duty to request your Excellency to procure and transmit to this Office the Documents and Information therein required. As the next Session of the Legislature will be on the first monday of January ensuing, it is greatly to be wished that the whole of the above...
2105From Alexander Hamilton to John B. Church, [28 September 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, September 28, 1789. On November 4, 1789, John Rutledge, wrote to William Short : “Church read me a letter from Hamilton dated the 28th of Septr—he says ‘Mr Jay is appointed chief Justice, Mr Osgood Post Master—Wilson one of the 5 circuit Judges & Mr Jefferson will have offered him the foreign department.’” Letter not found. ] ALS , William Short Papers, Library of Congress....
2106From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 29 September 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
It may happen that the Treasurer will draw upon you for the Compensation to the Senators and Representatives of New Hampshire as well as those of your State. The direction given to you with respect to the latter, is to extend to the former. I am Sir Your obedient Servant L[S] , RG 36, Collector of Customs at Boston, Letters from the Treasury, 1790–1810, Vol. 2, National Archives. Samuel...
2107To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Lee, 30 September 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Least my brother should have returned I take the liberty of asking your safe delivery of the two lets. enclosed & any reply which may be given to you for me. At the same time let me present my hearty gratulations on the proper honor you have received from our country. I anticipate good to the public & new lustre to my friend notwithstanding the obstinate difficultys & embarrassments which...
2108To Alexander Hamilton from ———, [October 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
Answer 1st The Ships built in Massachusetts are constructed to combine the two great objects of sailing & carrying, perhaps better than those of either of the Nations mentiond (those of France & G Britain in some instances excepted); whereby altho’ they may not be capable of carrying so much in proportion to their measure they will sail faster, are more safe at Sea; & have an advantage in...
2109To Alexander Hamilton from ———, [October 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
Answers. 1st The construction upon which vessels are built in this State, admits of their carrying as many tons in weight as their tonage; and may be said to sail well. The vessels that trade here from the Netherlands, Russia, Denmark and Sweden are at present few or none. Those from Great Britain do not materially differ in their construction for carrying from those built in this State, and...
2110Conversation with George Beckwith, [October 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
Seventh. I have requested to see you on this occasion from a Wish to Explain Certain points, relative to our situation, and from a desire to suggest a measure, which I conceive to be both for the interest of Great Britain, and of this Country to adopt. We have lately Established a Government upon principles, that in my opinion render it safe for any Nation to Enter into Treaties with us,...
2111To Alexander Hamilton from Sharp Delany, October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, October, 1789. Acknowledges receipt of circular letter of October 2, 1789. Complains that method of filing returns requires so much clerical assistance that it imposes a very heavy financial burden on the collectors. LC , Bureau of Customs, Philadelphia.
2112To Alexander Hamilton from Sharp Delany, October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia ] October, 1789 . Acknowledges receipt of 150 ship registers. LC , Bureau of Customs, Philadelphia.
2113To Alexander Hamilton from John Fitzgerald, [October 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
Vessels built in our State for the Tobo. Business are generally constructed for the Stowage of that article & a Ship of 200 Tons ought to carry 400 Hogshead. Vessels of foreign Nations are not always so constructed as to stow in proportion which must depend in a great measure on the trade intended when they are framed but the English French Dutch & Scot[c]h Ships in generally carry in...
2114To Alexander Hamilton from Tobias Lear, October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York ] October, 1789 . Transmits several letters relating to Samuel Caldwell. ALS , Applications for Office under George Washington, Library of Congress. Caldwell had been state tonnage inspector at Philadelphia up to 1789. Although he asked for a Federal appointment for the same job in April, 1789, applied for the surveyorship of the port in July, and asked for the post of lighthouse...
2115To Alexander Hamilton from Oliver Wolcott, Junior, [October 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, October, 1789. ] Sends “Estimate of Debts contracted by the State of Connecticut during the late War and remaining unpaid September 1, 1789.” Copy, Connecticut Historical Society, Hartford. Wolcott was the son of Oliver Wolcott, Connecticut jurist and governor. Wolcott, who served during the American Revolution in the quartermaster department, was admitted to the bar in 1781, and...
2116To Alexander Hamilton from Sharp Delany, 1 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, October 1, 1789. “In conformity to what I esteem your instructions, I yesterday paid the Bank of No America Thirteen Thousand Dollars.…” LC , Bureau of Customs, Philadelphia.
2117Promissory Note from William Grayson, 1 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Thirty days after date I promise to pay to Alexander Hamilton Esqr. or order the sum of two hundred dollars specie value recieved. ADS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Grayson, a prominent Antifederalist and United States Senator from Virginia, died in March, 1790.
2118Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 1 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
The United States in Congress having by their Act of the 7th. of August last Ordained “That all expences for the necessary support and maintenance of Light-houses, Beacons, Buoys &ca. within any Port or Harbour of the United States, should after the 15th. of August last, be defrayed out of the Treasury of the United States”; You will be pleased to transmit forthwith to this Office, as...
2119To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Willing, 1 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Your Favor of the 25th Ult was received on the 29 and has this day been laid before the Directors, as well as your Official Confirmation of the Agreement made with your Assistant Mr. Duer on the 17th of September respecting the Loan of 50,000 drs. Your Open Letter to our Collector was delivered to him directly and he has in consequence thereof, and in Conformity of the third Article in our...
2120From Alexander Hamilton to Joseph Clay, 2 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, October 2, 1789. On December 30, 1789 , Clay wrote to Hamilton: “I received your very obliging favour of the 2d Octr.” Letter not found. ] Clay was a Savannah merchant and planter who had served as paymaster general of the Continental Army in the Southern Department.
2121Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 2 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
As in the first establishiment of Revenue systems, imperfections and inconveniencies will naturally present themselves in practice, which could not have been foreseen in their formation; it is of the greatest moment, that the best information should be collected for the use of the Government as to the operation of those, which may have been adopted. To the obtaining this information, as it...
2122To Alexander Hamilton from Nicholas Cruger, 3 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York ] October 3, 1789. “Most sincerely do I Congratulate you on your Late appointment. I had Promis’d Mr. Harrison my Law business when ever you Declin’d it. I must therefore begg you will send me … [various] Papers [in your possession] which I mean to Put into his hands.…” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Cruger was a member of a prominent merchant family of New York City...
2123From Alexander Hamilton to John Davidson, 3 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, October 3, 1789. Acknowledges receipt of Davidson’s “letter of the 24th of last month.” Sends directions for filing of surety bond. States that privileges to ships of the United States are to be extended to Rhode Island and North Carolina vessels until January 15, 1790. Copy, RG 56, Letters to Collectors at Small Ports, “Set G,” National Archives; copy, RG 56, Letters to...
2124Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 3 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed is the copy of an Act for amending the “Act for registering and Clearing Vessels, regulating the Coasting Trade, and for other purposes,” which I transmit you for your Government. I am Sir Your humble servt. LS , to Charles Lee, Charles Lee Papers, Library of Congress; LS , to John Scott, Harvard College Library; LS , to William Webb, Princeton University Library; L[S] , to Otho...
2125From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Wadsworth, 3 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
From some returns which have already come to me I am led to fear that smuggling has already began in some parts of our eastern extremity. I have under consideration the business of establishing Guard boats, and will be much obliged to you for you[r] ideas on this subject—the usefulness of the thing, the kind of boats the plan upon which they ought to be established and the probable expence....
2126To Alexander Hamilton from Samuel Jones, [4 October 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
I am of Opinion that the Duties upon Goods imported into any District after the first Day of August and before a Custom House was established and organized in such District are recoverable by Action of Debt in the Name or by Information on Behalf of the United States against the Importers. The Acts for Collection of the Duties and regulating the coasting Trade suppose and some of their...
2127To Alexander Hamilton from William Allibone, 5 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, October 5, 1789. On April 29, 1790, Allibone wrote to Hamilton : “I did make mention of it in a letter of mine dated October 5th last.” Letter not found. ]
2128From Alexander Hamilton to John Rice, 5 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the 20th of September has duly come to hand. In regard to the enquiry you make, I am of opinion that the Law does not intend to allow a Vessel to proceed from one District to another, without paying or securing the Duties in the first; except when originally bound to another, and obliged from necessity to put into the Port at which she arrives as provided for in the twelvth...
2129Treasury Department Circular to the Wardens of the Ports, 5 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
If any arrangement has been made at the Port where you reside for the support Maintenance and repairs of Light-houses, Beacons, Buoys &c. under your direction; you will be pleased to continue the charge and superintendence of the same in the usual manner, ’till you receive further Instructions from me on this subject, taking care that your expenditures for those objects be conducted with...
2130From James Madison to Alexander Hamilton, [ca. 5 October] 1789 (Madison Papers)
The bearer will deliver two of your books which have been some time in my hands. I add to them a pamphlet recd. not long since from France. I can not recommend it because I have not read it. The subject tho’ a hackneyed is an interesting one, and the titles of some of the chapters promising. You will soon discover how far it may be worth your perusal. The inclosed letter to Genl. Schuyler...