4151From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, 19 March 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, March 19, 1794. “I have to acknowlege the receipt of your letter of the 17th of last month. I approve of the employment of additional counsel in the suits of Messrs Arnold & Dexter.” LS , Rhode Island Historical Society, Providence; LC , RG 56, Letters to Collectors at Small Ports, “Set G,” National Archives; copy, RG 56, Letters to the Collector at Providence, National...
4152From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 28 January 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, January 28, 1790. Directs Lincoln to distribute ship registers to the Massachusetts collectors. L[S] , RG 36, Collector of Customs at Boston, Letters from the Treasury and Others, 1789–1809, Vol. 1, National Archives; copy, RG 56, Letters to the Collector at Boston, National Archives; copy, RG 56, Letters to Collectors at Small Ports, “Set G,” National Archives.
4153To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton, 20 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed I transmit your Excellency a letter from the Count Destain. He has had the River sounded and finds he cannot enter. He will sail for Rhode Island tomorrow evening; in the mean time he is making demonstrations to deceive the enemy and beget an opinion, that he intends to operate in this quarter. He would sail immediately but he waits the arrival, or to hear, of a frigate which carried...
4154From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 22 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have just received a letter from the Secretary of war in which he informs me that the resignation of Lieutenant Samuel W. Church of your regiment is accepted. You will please to signify the same to Lieutenant Church, and inform me when he actually receives the notice. With great consideration I am &c. &c. Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. James...
4155From 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. ]
4156From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 6 July 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, July 6, 1795. On July 7, 1795, Washington wrote to Hamilton : “Your letter of yesterday is this moment received.” Letter not found. ] This letter is also cited in Hamilton, History John C. Hamilton, Life of Alexander Hamilton, a History of the Republic of the United States of America (Boston, 1879). , VI, 229.
4157From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 3 May 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed are copies of a Letter of mine of the 25 ultimo to the Attorney General and of his answer. Concurring entirely in opinion with that officer, I am led to bring the subject under the eye of the President only from the reflection that a foreign Government is concerned in the question and unless I receive a direction to the contrary, I shall act in conformity with that opinion. I am urged...
4158From Alexander Hamilton to Samuel Eddins, 28 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I presume you have recd. before this, the letter of Major Hoops, and are on your march to the Delaware—Least however something should have detained you at Richmond I write to direct that you bring on with you the person of whom mention is made in your letter With consideration I am, Sr ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
4159From Alexander Hamilton to Ebenezer Stevens, 21 February 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of yesterday. I had thought that I had given you a written direction relative to the Clothing for the Artillery; but upon examining my files I do not find any—I will recollect however your shewing me a written letter from the Secy. of War relative to Clothing on the subject, and my giving you authority to procure Clothing, but to What extent my memory does not...
4160Report on the Petition of Conyngham, Nesbitt and Company, and James Crawford, [2 March 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury, in obedience to the Order of the House of Representatives of the nineteenth Ultimo, relative to the petition of Conynghame, Nesbitt & Co., and James Crawford, of the City of Philadelphia, Merchants; Respectfully reports That he has examined into the facts, stated in the said petition, and has had the same under consideration. That it is admitted by the Collector...
4161To James Madison from Alexander Hamilton, 27 June 1788 (Madison Papers)
A day or two ago General Schuyler at my request sent forward to you an express with an account of the adoption of the Constitution by New Hampshire. We eagerly wait for further intelligence from you, as our only chance of success depends on you. There are some slight symptoms of relaxation in some of the leaders; which authorises a gleam of hope, if you do well: but certainly I think not...
4162From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, 2 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to enclose the copy of a letter which I have just received from Mr. Wolcott the auditor of the Treasury. The information which he wishes to obtain being essential to the proper settlement of several accounts of considerable moment, as they affect both the character and interest of the United States; I request the favour of you, Sir, if there be any document in the office of...
4163From Alexander Hamilton to Joseph Whipple, 30 January 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, January 30, 1790. On May 31, 1790, in a letter to Hamilton , Whipple referred to “your letters of the 30th January & 24th March last.” Letter of January 30th not found. ]
4164Remarks on the Treaty of Amity Commerce and Navigation lately made between the United States and Great Britain, [9–11 … (Hamilton Papers)
Article I Article II This being simply a declaration of peace and friendship is liable to no observation. This article, by fixing a precise period for the evacuation of the posts namely the first of June 1796 secures that important event as far as a stipulation can do it. It is objected that the period is too remote, and that reasoning from the past there can be no reliance upon a fulfilment...
4165From Alexander Hamilton to John Habersham, 26 April 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, April 26, 1791. On May 20, 1791, Habersham wrote to Hamilton : “I have … received your letter of the 26th. ultimo.” Letter not found. ]
4166From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 20 January 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to send herewith a letter to me from the Comissioner of the revenue of the 17 of August 1793; relating to the then state of execution of the laws laying a duty on spirits distilled within the United States, and on Stills, which was directed with the ultimate view of laying before you the information which it contains. You will perceive that upon the whole the execution of the...
4167From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, 8 September 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
I beg your pardon for having omitted to attend earlier to the suggestion in your letter of the 30th. of August respecting the defence of our ports. I am sincere in saying that a charge of this kind would on various accounts be unpleasant to me among the rest as likely to involve ill natured & foolish criticism. But I shall not decline the trust if you think proper to repose it provided the...
4168From 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...
4169From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, [30 May 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
I perceive Congress are invading the Sinking Fund system. If this goes through & is sanctionned by the President the fabric of public Credit is prostrate & the Country & the President are disgraced. Treasury Bills & every expedient however costly to meet exigencies must be preferable in the event to such an overthrow of system. Yrs truly ALS , Connecticut Historical Society, Hartford; copy,...
4170From Alexander Hamilton to Stephen Lush, 31 August 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, August 31, 1788. Writes concerning a litigation between William Duer and John McCrea. Asks Lush to represent Hamilton’s client, William Duer, before the Court of Chancery in Albany. ALS , Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston. Lush was an Albany lawyer.
4171To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton, 17 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
I duly received your letter of the 14th and shall not fail in conjunction with General St Clair to attend to the military object of it. I am much obliged to your Excellency for the communication of your Southern advises—The enemy are still in the dark about their fleet and army gone that way as we gather from the Commissioners —They pretend to have little European news, though a vessel arrived...
4172From Alexander Hamilton to Isaac Gouverneur and Peter Kemble, 19 January 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York ] January 19, 1797 . “You are hereby requested to produce on the Trial of this cause during the present term whensoever the same shall be the letters from the Plaintiff to you whereof a list is at foot.…” ADfS , Free Library of Philadelphia; ADf , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. This is a reference to the case of Louis Le Guen v Isaac Gouverneur and Peter Kemble , which was...
4173From Alexander Hamilton to Jabez Huntington, 30 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have just received a letter from the S of War in which he informs me that the President accepts your resignation, but regrets that any circumstances the should deprive the army of your services. With great con— ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress). A note on the cover reads: "To be copied."
4174From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Sim Lee, 15 September 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
War Department, September 15, 1794. “… It is the President’s desire, that no time should be lost in uniting the whole of the militia of Maryland at Fort Cumberland. If the commanding officer has not already taken the field, it is desirable that he should do it without delay, in order to combine, arrange and accelerate the ulterior movements.” LS , Hall of Records of Maryland, Annapolis. Samuel...
4175From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [2 October 1801] (Hamilton Papers)
I was extremely disappointed, My Dear Eliza, that the Mondays post did not bring me a letter from you. You used to keep your promises better. And you know that I should be anxious to hear of your health. If the succeeding post does not rectify the omission of the former I shall be dissatisfied and pained. I am chagrined at the prospect of being detained considerably longer than I expected. Our...
4176From Alexander Hamilton to Stewart and Totten, 11 April 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New Windsor, New York, April 11, 1781. On April 13, 1781, Stewart and Totten wrote to Hamilton : “We have this moment Recv’d your favour of ye 11th Inst.” Letter not found. ] The firm of Stewart and Totten was located in Philadelphia. Although the firm is listed on the tax rolls for 1782 in the Pennsylvania Archives (3rd ser., XVI, 295, 521), no information is given concerning the firm’s...
4177From Alexander Hamilton to Major General William Alexander, Lord Stirling, [20 September 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
His Excellency finds the relative situation of the country hereabouts something different from what his information led him to conceive and that Fredericksburgh is not quite that intermediate Point between Danbury and the Highlands, which would answer his views but is too far Northerly. He therefore desires you will halt on the ground this will find you upon ’till further orders. He will have...
4178To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 23 December 1793 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury has the honor to submit to the consideration of the President a communication from the Commissioner of the revenue, dated the 18h of December respecting Mr James Collins, Inspector of the Revenue for Survey No: 2 of the District of Pennsylvania. It has at length become certain (what has been for some time feared) that Mr Collins is incapable of executing the...
4179From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Walker, 23 July 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Since my last to you it has occurred to me that the concerns of the Society for establishing useful Manufactures, in England, are not in such hands as might be wished, that is such of which there is sufficient knowlege. Would it not be adviseable that some known and responsible character should be written to and requested to take up the affair in concert if you please with King? The endeavour...
4180From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, [14 March 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
Col Laurens, who will have the honor of delivering you this letter, is on his way to South Carolina, on a project, which I think, in the present situation of affairs there, is a very good one and deserves every kind of support and encouragement. This is to raise two three or four batalions of negroes; with the assistance of the government of that state, by contributions from the owners in...
4181From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Pearsall, 20 May [1784] (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York ] May 20 [ 1784 ]. Apologizes for “a too sudden opinion … relating to confiscated property.” Sends new opinion. ALS , Columbia University Libraries. Pearsall was a partner in the firm of merchants in New York City known as Thomas Pearsall and Son. For the text of H’s opinion and a discussion of Pearsall’s case, see Goebel, Law Practice Julius Goebel, Jr., and Joseph H. Smith, eds.,...
4182From Alexander Hamilton to Josias Carvel Hall, 19 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I send you inclosed an applicatio n of one James Hamilton, for the discharge of — Apprentice—enlisted by Lt. Alexander of your Regiment— You will please to enquire — the fact, and observe that if true the general regulation requires his discharge— With great consideration ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
4183Pacificus No. II, [3 July 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
The second & principal objection to the Proclamation namely that it is inconsistent with the Treaties between the United States and France will now be examined. It has been already shewn, that it is not inconsistent with the performance of any of the stipulations in those Treaties, which would not make us an associate or party in the war and particularly, that it is compatible with the...
4184From Alexander Hamilton to John Cochran, [8 February 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Treasury Department, February 8, 1791. The description of this letter in the dealer’s catalogue reads: “Concerning ‘the Payment of Pensions to Invalids for the space of one year.… The allowance for your trouble will be two per cent on what you pay.’” Letter not found. ] The Collector: A Magazine for Autograph and Historical Collectors , LXXXI, (1968), 806, Item B242. Cochran was commissioner...
4185From Alexander Hamilton to Lewis Tousard, 30 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the twenty eighth, but do not perceive in it any sufficient reason for preferring Philadelphia to N York or it’s vicinity for your residence during the ensuing winter. Any military books belonging to the public can be sent to you, and if you are in a town near this city I can correspond regular with you by post, which would supercede the necessity of a personal...
4186From Alexander Hamilton to Nicholas Fish, [16 September 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Smith, the bearer of this, a citizen who I believe has had a good zeal in the public cause, & is in great distress has applied to me for some public appointment. I know nothing that will suit him & that he will suit at present. I give him a line to you to satisfy him but with an anticipation that it is not likely you have any thing in your power. If you have I shall be glad he may be...
4187From Alexander Hamilton to John Davidson, 17 November 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, November 17, 1790. “I have recieved your letter of the 10th. instant.… The late Collection Law specifies, that a certain per centage shall be allowed to Collectors on all sums by them recieved and paid into the Treasury. You cannot therefore charge commisions upon monies recieved under it which have not been so disposed of.…” Copy, RG 56, Letters to and from the Collectors...
4188From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 8 February 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I received yesterday an application from Messrs. R & J Potter, Knox, Henderson & others, relative to the claim of additional duties on Goods ⅌ the ship Kitty from London. Having no statement of facts from your office, I am uncertain how far all those things, that may concern the rights of the United States, have occurred to the Applicants, & can, therefore, only give a conditional instruction...
4189I. Alexander Hamilton’s Questions for the Supreme Court, [ca. 18 July 1793] (Jefferson Papers)
I Do the Treaties between the United States and France give to France or her Citizens a right , when at War with a Power with whom the UStates are at peace, to fit out originally, in and from the Ports of the UStates, vessels armed for War, with or without commission? Agreed x II If they give such a right Does it extend to all manner of armed vessels or to particular kinds only? If the...
4190From Alexander Hamilton to Major Sebastian Bauman, [13 April 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
You have intirely misunderstood me. I said I knew you too well not to be convinced, that you would give fair play; that is in other words my knowlege of you convinced me that you would give fair play . You seem to have taken it in a different sense. Permit me to say this was not well done; for my friendship for you as well as the whole complexion of my letter ought to have saved me from the...
4191From Alexander Hamilton to Stephen Higginson, 9 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, October 9, 1789. On October 27, 1789, Higginson wrote to Hamilton : “Your Letter of the 9th instant I rec’d.” Letter not found. ] Higginson was a Boston merchant and Federalist.
4192From Alexander Hamilton to Richard Hunewell, 31 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The persons Officers named in your letter of the 24 instant, as for your Regimental Staff have been recommended for confirmation to the Secretary of War for confirmation, which it is not doubted will be given. The Your arrangement of Districts and subdistricts and the assignment of Officers to them are approved and I am content that you pursue the plan you mention as to the Distribution of...
4193From Alexander Hamilton to Baron de Kalb, 24 September 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
His Excellency has received advice, that the enemy have made an incursion into the Jerseys and that another body of troops has advanced beyond Kings bridge. Though He apprehends the object of these parties can only be a forage; it is possible they may intend something against the Highlands. He therefore thinks it necessary to give you this intimation, that you may hold yourself in readiness to...
4194From Alexander Hamilton to Robert Troup, [20 June 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
[ June 20, 1797. The description of this letter in the dealer’s catalogue reads: “on legal matters.” Letter not found. ] ALS , sold by Robert H. Dodd, New York City, April, 1916, Catalogue 20.
4195From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 7 January 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
It is my wish I have concluded that Colonel Ogden should shall be detached this Winter from the Brigade for the purpose of assisting the Adjutant General in framing regulations for the army. I request therefore that you will take the necessary steps to meet this arrangement give him permission to be absent with true consideration I am Sir Your obed Servt. ( Df , in the handwriting of Philip...
4196From Alexander Hamilton to Samuel Hodgdon, 12 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I send you for your information An extract from Col Parkers letter of the sixth of this month. “A considerable number of our men are entirely without waistcoats of any kind, and all the coats are expended. These articles with woolen overalls are much wanted.” I must request urge your immediate attention to this point—You have heretofore been requested, I believe, to forward to the a supply of...
4197From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Brookes, 2 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The time which you limited for Your self to repair to your station is expired. I presume you are on your way, but lest any unforeseen cause of delay shall have occurred I am now to inform You that your immediate presence at the station which has been assigned you is necessary— Yr. obt & (Copy, in the handwriting of Ethan Brown, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
4198From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, 26 March 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
I send you an Official Order for 50 000 Dollars subject to the directions in my private letter of yesterday. Yrs. sincerely You will only present the inclosed when necessary. ALS , Mr. Pierce Gaines, Fairfield, Connecticut; copy, in the writing of Seton, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. H to Gulian Verplanck, March 26, 1792 .
4199From Alexander Hamilton to the New York Committee of Correspondence, 20 April 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
The disposition of the Convention, with respect to the disaffected among you is highly commendable, and justified by every principle of equity and policy. The necessity of exemplary punishment, throughout the States, is become evident beyond a doubt; and it were to be wished every one of the thirteen would imitate the judicious conduct of New-York. Lenity and forbearance have been tried too...
4200From 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. ]