2081From Alexander Hamilton to Robert Morris, 14 September 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to acknowlege the receipt of your letter of the 29th. of August; the contents of which shall be executed. I have just received by the post accounts of the specific supplies furnished by this state; copies of which I shall prepare to be transmitted to you by the next post, as I am to return the Originals, which are for the inspection of the legislature. I hope to add to these...
2082From Alexander Hamilton to Samuel Hodgdon, 30 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Lieutenant Muhlenberg has been directed to proceed with the company of Captain Bruff from Baltimore to Norfolk. This officer, in a letter of the twenty seventh inst. represents mentions to me that the men are destitute of woolen overalls I have therefore to request that you will furnish to Baltimore a supply for a full company You will therefore be pleased to furnish with as soon as possible...
2083From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 22 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The information respecting the causes which have interfered with the supply of Cloathing contained in your letter of the 10th. instant received on Saturday is in train to be communicated by a circular letter. I am glad to find that so much progress has been made. If the Contractor delivers in two thirds of the daily quantity he promises, and the articles are expeditiously forwarded, it will...
2084From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [17 March 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, March 17, 1783. Letter not found. ] “List of Letters from General Hamilton to General Washington,” Columbia University Libraries. Two letters from H to Washington on March 17, 1783, are listed. One letter is printed in PAH Harold C. Syrett, ed., The Papers of Alexander Hamilton (New York and London, 1961– ). , III, 290–93.
2085From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, 10 May 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
I received your letter of the 7th instant, covering an account of Stock purchased by you for the United States. I observe that you have exceeded the sum which was limitted by me to the amount of one thousand and ninety eight Dollars, eighty nine Cents. But so small a difference is not very material, and I am willing that the whole should remain on account of the United States. In order to a...
2086From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 16 October 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
About a fortnight since arrived here Mr. Fristel with G W. Fayette son of the Marquis. The former, who is in capacity of Tutor to the latter, requested me to mention their arrival to you, and that they meant to retire to some place in the neighbouring country ’till they should receive some direction from you. Thus at least I understood him—and accordingly they are gone to a house between...
2087From Alexander Hamilton to John H. Buell, 18 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letters of the fifth sixth and sixth seventh, instants have been replied to except as to the arming of the recruits—I do not think it expedient that arms should be sent to Vermont—The troops will take their route towards Pittsburg passing thro’ this place where they can be supplied— ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
2088From 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...
2089From Alexander Hamilton to James Bruff, 25 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
On your arrival at Philadelphia you will apply to the Secy of War who will cause you to be furnished with money Cloathing Knapsacks Camp Kettles & Canteens sufficient to enable you to enter upon the recruiting of your Company as heretofore understood between us— The multiciplicy of my avocations here & the necessity of my immediate Return to N York prevent your receiving your instructions at...
2090To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 15 May 1794 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury has the honor to transmit herewith for the President’s signature, the draft of a passport upon application from the French Minister, which is also enclosed. LB , DLC:GW . On this date GW "Signed a passport for the vessel L’aimable of port de paix (St. Domingo) now at Phila. to depart in ballast & to proceed to sd. Island" ( JPP Dorothy Twohig, ed. The Journal of...
2091To Thomas Jefferson from Alexander Hamilton, 28 August 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
New York, 28 Aug. 1790 . Requests two copies of “An Act making provision for the debt of the United States” and of “An Act making provision for the reduction of the public debt,” together with two copies of his commission as secretary of the treasury, all “certified and exemplified under the Great Seal.” A vessel is expected to sail for Amsterdam in the evening by which he wishes to send some...
2092From Alexander Hamilton to Ebenezer Stevens, 23 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I request from you in the course of the day an estimate of the number of boards requisite for covering the Roofs of hutts sufficient for a Regiment of Infantry & for making bunks and benches and of their cost. likewise the quantity & price of Nails for the same purpose. With considratn I am Sir Yr Obed Ser Ebenezer Stevens Eq ( ALS , New-York Historical Society, New York City).
2093From Alexander Hamilton to Eli Elmer, 29 July 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, July 29, 1790 . “Your letter of the 19th ultimo was duly received and I am apprehensive that an answer to it which was written on the 3d of July has been mislaid. I do not perfectly comprehend from whence arises the expectation that no owner will appear for the goods taken into your keeping from the vessel cast on shore in distress.… The expenses of storage must in this...
2094From Alexander Hamilton to James Duane, [22 July 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
I take the liberty my Dear Sir to request your interest for a friend of mine and a member of the family, Dr McHenry. He wishes to quit a Station which among foreigners is not viewed in a very reputable light and to get into one more military. He will go into the Marquis’s family as an aide. He has been in the army since the commencement of the War—first in the medical line, since the 15th of...
2095From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 27 October 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the 17th instant found me at Albany attending the Supreme Court. I have no copy of the Treaty with G B at hand, but I am well satisfied from memory that the true interpretation of that Treaty, enforcing in this respect the true Rule of neutrality, forbids our permitting the sale of a prize taken & brought in by a French National Ship, equally as if by a Privateer —and that the...
2096Enclosure: Report on Edmond Genet’s Debt Proposal, 23 November 1793 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury upon two Letters from the Minister plenipotentiary of France to the Secy of State severally bearing date the 11. & 14 of November inst. respectfully reports to the President of the United States as follows. 1. The object of these Letters is to procure an engagement that the bills which the Minister may draw upon the sums, which according to the terms of the...
2097From Alexander Hamilton to Robert Morris, [28 September 1782] (Hamilton Papers)
I have been honord this week with your letters of the 28 August 6th. 12th and 17th instant with their inclosures. It gives me the most real pleasure to find that my past communications have meet your approbation; and I feel a particular satisfaction in the friendly confidence which your letters manifest. I am persuaded that substanial reasons have determined your choice in a particular...
2098From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 12 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received a letter dated February 25th. 1800 last month from Colonel Parker requesting a certificate of my having directed him to lay out the State of Virginia into districts. the certificate I have made out adding to it my knowledge of the orders he has received from General Washington respecting the cantonment at Harpers ferry. in executing the above orders he has incurred considerable...
2099From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 4 June 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
As the enemy appear from different Quarters to be in motion it is necessary that the army be in readiness to march, it is therefore ordered that the tents be immediately struck—the baggage and camp equipage loaded—the horses to the Waggons and all the men at their respective incampments paraded and ready to march at a moments warning. ALS , University of California at Berkeley. Lincoln, who...
2100From Alexander Hamilton to ———, [1789–1795] (Hamilton Papers)
[ 1789–1795 .] Encloses the decision of the Federal District Court of Connecticut on the petition of Captain Timothy Savage. Suspects Savage of intent to defraud. LS , Yale University Library. The MS is a fragment without date or place.
2101From Alexander Hamilton to Henry Knox, 24 January 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
I send you a letter of this day from Mr Miller, Inspector of Cloathing, suggesting the necessity of certain precautions for the preservation of the Hats which have been delivered. You will be fully sensible of the importance of due care on this point, and will I doubt not give the necessary direction to Mr Hodgsdon. I have the Honour to be very Respectfully Sir, Your obedient servt. Copy, RG...
2102From Alexander Hamilton to John Stevens, 26 October 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, October 26, 1795. “Lady Sterling has consulted me on the subject of the enclosed letter but without more facts than she is possessed of, I cannot judge with certainty in whom the right to the certificates is. Prima facie it is not in Mr. Dayton. But I shall write to that Gentleman to know precisely the grounds of his claim. This information obtained I shall be able to form a final...
2103From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Jefferson, 20 April 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to enclose you copies of certain communications which have been made to me, respecting the detention of the Registers of vessels of the United States in some of the Islands of his Christian Majesty, in order that such measures may be taken as shall appear adviseable towards preventing in future a practice, which has a tendency either to interfere with the policy of our Laws,...
2104From Alexander Hamilton to Samuel Jones, [9 June 1785] (Hamilton Papers)
The above is a copy of a paper transmitted me this day by Mr. Duane. You will perceive much is expected from us; and unfortunately in the situation of my business little is in my power. I wish to see you in Town as soon AL , The Huntington Library, San Marino, California. The letter is undated. It was written, as the first line states, on the date on which H received his commission from James...
2105From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 9 April 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
It gives me great pleasure to have the opportunity of announcing to you one whom I know to be so interesting to You as the bearer of this Mr. Motier La Fayette. I allow myself to share by anticipation the satisfaction which the Meeting will afford to all the parties—the more, as I am persuased, that time will confirm the favourable representation I have made of the person & justify the...
2106From Alexander Hamilton to Stephen Van Rensselaer, 17 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The enclosed letter being on public business of an urgent nature, I request you to pay attention to hastening its transmission—If it cannot be sent, conveniently and speedily, by the Post, you will much oblige me in forwarding it by an express. With great Esteem Sir (Copy, in the handwriting of Ethan Brown, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
2107From Alexander Hamilton to Isaac Gregory, 20 August 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, August 20, 1792. “Your letter of the 25th. ultimo, concerning a certain seizure made by you, has been received. If the Sloop Polly passed 24 hours within any harbour, inlet or creek of any Port in your Dictrict without reporting, the penalty, in the 16th Section of the Collection law will apply; otherwise, there will be no penalty for proceeding to an ‘interior...
2108From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [1 March 1782] (Hamilton Papers)
Your Excellency will, I am persuaded, readily admit the force of this sentiment, that though it is the duty of a good citizen to devote his services to the public, when it has occasion for them, he cannot with propriety, or delicacy to himself, obtrude them, when it either has, or appears to have none. The difficuties I experienced last campaign in obtaining a command will not suffer me to...
2109To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 6 October 1791 (Washington Papers)
Mr Chew having confirmed the character received by you, of Mr Barratt, I have written to Mr Vining requesting him to ascertain whether the appointment will be acceptable to him. Mr Houston of Georgia declines the offer made to him, on the score of want of a familiar acquaintance with figures, and its being inconsistent with the State of his affairs, to translate himself wholly to the seat of...
2110From Alexander Hamilton to Richard Harrison, 10 September 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed I transmit herewith, an Account of Mr. Le Maigres against the United States for the hire of his Vessell to carry Mr. Higginson, who was appointed by the President of the United States, Agent to go to the British West India Islands, on the subject of the American Vessells captured by the British Cruizers since the commencement of the War between France and England which Account you...
2111From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Charles Stewart, [18 November 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
You will see that Mr. Farge is a man in distress. The General has given him an order to draw rations. From his situation he cannot draw them dayly. Can you advance him for two or three months at a time? This is wholly private. Yrs. with great regard ALS , Harvard College Library. Stewart was commissary general of issues. Accompanying this letter is an enclosure written and signed by H which...
2112From Alexander Hamilton to Susanna Livingston, 29 December 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
I am mortified My Dear Miss Livingston that you should have had to write to me on the subject of your Certificates. Of all delinquencies, those towards the Ladies I think the most inexcusable. And hold myself bound by all the laws of chivalry to make the most ample reparation in any mode you shall prescribe. You will of course recollect that I am a married man! The Certificates have been...
2113Report on the Petition of Robert Oliver and Hugh Thompson, [2 February 1795] (Hamilton Papers)
[To the President of the Senate] The Secretary of the Treasury to whom was referred by the Senate, the Memorial of Oliver and Thompson respectfully makes thereupon the following report. It is the object of this Memorial to obtain restitution for a sum of duties alleged to have been overpaid in the district of Baltimore in consequence of certain mistakes. The business of rectifying mistakes in...
2114From Alexander Hamilton to Charles Lee, 18 March 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, March 18, 1791. Directs Lee to supply funds for any notes George Washington may desire to exchange on the President’s southern tour. LS , RG 56, Letters to and from the Collector at Alexandria, National Archives; copy, RG 56, Letters to Collectors at Small Ports, “Set G,” National Archives. This is the same letter that was sent to John Daves on this date.
2115From Alexander Hamilton to Timothy Pickering, 19 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
In the Estimate laid before Congress at their last Sessions, I included as an Anticipation of the late Superintendant of Finance the Amount of a draft issued by him in your favor on the late Receiver of Taxes for the State of New York for Fifty thousand Dollars no part of which appears to have been paid. The circumstances attending this Anticipation not being sufficiently known by the...
2116To Thomas Jefferson from Alexander Hamilton, 20 March 179[2] (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Hamilton presents his Compliments to Mr. Jefferson. He may have heard that the Treasurer was in the Market last night and may be at a loss concerning his authority. The ground of the operation is an Act of the Board of the 15th of August last, appropriating a sum between three and four hundred thousand Dollars, which Mr. Hamilton considers as any sum short of 400,000 Dollars; leaving still...
2117To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 21 March 1794 (Washington Papers)
A law having passed to inable the President to cause a loan to be made in aid of the current receipts from the Public revenues, it is urgent that measures should be taken without delay for carrying it into effect. The enclosed statement shews the probable situation of the Treasury to the end of the ensuing quarter as far as materials are now possessed and manifests the necessity of an...
2118From Alexander Hamilton to Henry Lee, [22 August 1792] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, August 22, 1792. On September 10, 1792, Lee wrote to Hamilton : “I found on my return from a visit … your letter of the 22d. Ult.” Letter not found. ] From 1792 to 1794 Lee was governor of Virginia.
2119From Alexander Hamilton to Major Nicholas Fish, [March 1782] (Hamilton Papers)
I am sorry that for want of a person to send them with, I have been obliged to detain your horses till now. The articles I shall want from Duychinks are: four pint decanters if to be had, if not two Quart do. a dozen wine glasses two ale-glasses to hold about a pint each, if not to be had, two tumblers. You will oblige me by procuring these articles as soon as possible, having them carefully...
2120From Alexander Hamilton to William J. Vredenburgh, [February 1799] (Hamilton Papers)
Willliam J. Vredenburgh Esq. To Alexander Hamilton Dr For my services as Counsel at Albany } Dollars ⅌ account heretofore rendered 75 Mr. Hamilton presents his compliments to Mr. Vredenburgh & requests the payment of the above. ⟨He will recall that⟩ Mr. Hamilton with Mr. Pendleton, argued his cause at Albany. The argument was successful. The amount was considerable. The points were nice. The...
2121From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 6 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Agreeably to your letter of the third inst. I have given direct directed Col. Stevens to provide such a number of Common and Horsemen’s Tents for the twelfth and thirteenth regiments as shall be sufficient with — what has been already furnished to make up their complement according to the peace establishment—From the situation of things in Philadela. I think it would be prudent to give the...
2122From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Willing, 13 September 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
You will probably have learned ere this reaches you, my appointment to the Office of Secretary of the Treasury. To the acceptance of this arduous trust, I have been not a little encouraged by the hope that my inviolable attachment to the principles which form the basis of public credit is so well and so generally understood as to insure me the confidence of those who have it most in their...
2123From Alexander Hamilton to John Cochran, 13 August 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, August 13, 1793. “I have directed the Treasurer of the United States, to furnish you with a draught on the Office of Discount & Deposit at New-York, for Seven Thousand Nine Hundred and Eighty five Dollars; for the purpose of enabling you … to discharge a half years pension which will become due to the Invalids of the United States on the 5th of the ensuing month.” LS ,...
2124From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 8 January 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury has the honor respectfully to transmit to the President of the United States a Contract made by the Collector of Portsmouth in New Hampshire with Titus Salter for furnishing the Light house on New Castle Island with oil, wick, fuel & candles, and for the care & lighting of the same from the 15th. day of August 1789. to the 1st. day of July next, including some...
2125From Alexander Hamilton to Wilhem and Jan Willink, Nicholaas and Jacob Van Staphorst, and Nicholas Hubbard, 18 March … (Hamilton Papers)
The Treasurer of the United States has been directed to draw upon you, a Bill, at ten days sight, in favor of the Secretary of State, for ninety nine thousand Guilders, which you will dispose of, according to directions to be given you by, Mr. Jefferson. I am &c. Copy, RG 233, Reports of the Treasury Department, 1792–1793, Vol. III, National Archives. This letter was enclosed in H’s “Report on...
2126To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 5 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
In conformity to the intimation you were pleased to honor me with on evening last I have reflected on the etiquette proper to be observed by the President and now submit the ideas which have occurred to me on the subject. The public good requires as a primary object that the dignity of the office should be supported. Whatever is essential to this ought to be pursued though at the risk of...
2127From Alexander Hamilton to James Lovell, 29 November 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
Various circumstances have prevented an earlier answer to your letter of the 22d of August last. The question referred to having been stated to the Attorney General, you will receive a copy of his opinion herewith enclosed, in which I concur. I am Sir Your obedient Servant L[S] , RG 36, Collector of Customs at Boston, Letters from the Treasury, 1789–1807, Vol. 4, National Archives. Although...
2128From Alexander Hamilton to John Adlum, 24 June 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Not having recd. an acknowledgemt. of my letter to you of the 8th. inst. I send you a copy— You will please to direct Lt. Gibson of the Corps of Artillerists to repair to Fort Mifflin and take the orders of the Commanding Officer there till he shall be directed to join his Company. You will likewise detach the Artificers of Capt. Elliott’s Company to the same place With great consideration I...
2129From Alexander Hamilton to Jean Baptiste de Ternant, [11 March 1792] (Hamilton Papers)
I hoped ere this to have sent you the calculation desired. But it happens that the Gentleman of my Office whom I usually employ on such occasions is unwell and I have been too much engaged myself to test by calculation the idea which has been in my mind. Of this however you are sure that the charges being 4 ⅌ Ct and the interest for 6 Months 2½ ⅌ Ct 6½ ⅌ Ct six and a half ⅌ Ct. is the utmost...
2130Report on Stills and Spirits Distilled Within the United States, 2 March 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
Pursuant to an order of the House of Representatives of the 8th of May last, I have the honor to transmit a general state of the Revenue on stills and spirits distilled within the United States, exhibiting the several particulars indicated by the said order, so far as returns have been received at the Treasury; to which I beg leave to add, the Copy of a letter of yesterday from the...