2251To Alexander Hamilton from Mungo Mackay, 16 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Boston, November 16, 1789. “A very respectable Body of the Merchants of this Metropolis having thought proper to communicate to us, the Members of the Boston Marine Society, a Copy of their proposed application to the President of the United States on the subject of the Pilotage of this Bay & Harbour, accompanied by a request that the Society wou’d state the present defects of that Business...
2252From Alexander Hamilton to Samuel Osgood, 16 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, November 16, 1789. On November 28, 1789, Osgood wrote to Hamilton : “I am to acknowledge the receipt of your favor of the 16th. Instant.” Letter not found. ] Osgood had been appointed Postmaster-General on September 26, 1789.
2253From Alexander Hamilton to John Rice, 16 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Since your Letter of the 31st. of October last, no Weekly Return has come to hand from your Office. From the inconsiderable Sums, which you appear hitherto to have Exchanged for New-York Bank Notes, I have Reason to believe that the Remittances of them to your City will not be as considerable for some Time past as I was led to think, when I directed you to Exchange them for the Specie in your...
2254To Alexander Hamilton from Joseph Whipple, 16 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Portsmouth, New Hampshire, November 16, 1789. Encloses “Weekly return of receipts and payments to the 14th instant.” Asks if duties are to be calculated on the basis of a ship’s manifest. LC , RG 36, Collector of Customs at Portsmouth, Letters Sent, 1789–1790, Vol. 1, National Archives.
2255From Alexander Hamilton to Jedediah Huntington, 17 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
I perceive by your Letter of the 4th instant that I misapprehended you in respect to the question referred to in Your Letter of the 26th of September. I thought it related to the going from one port to another to deliver the inward Cargo which certainly cannot be done without previously paying or securing the Duties at the first port. But there is clearly no color for the idea that foreign...
2256From Alexander Hamilton to Charles Lee, 17 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, November 17, 1789. “Several of the Officers of the different Ports within your State, have applied at this Office for Registers for Vessels. I find that there was a Delay in your receiving those which were forwarded to you.… As I presume however that all, which have been forwarded, have now come to hand, I am to request your Attention (if not already done) in distributing...
2257To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas FitzSimons, 18 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, November 18, 1789. “Our Collector is much embarrassed on Account of the dutys on the Goods imported into this port between the 1st. of August when the Continental Impost was to take place and the 7th when he received his Commission. He Continued to act as an officer of the State till the latter Period and took bond for the payment of the dutys during that time. I need not point...
2258To Alexander Hamilton from Richard Harison and Samuel Jones, [18 November 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
In Consequence of the Application of the ninth Instant made to us by the Secretary of the Treasury, we have considered the several Questions proposed upon the Act for registering & clearing of Vessels &ca. passed the 22d Day of last September, and are of Opinion 1. That Vessels of less than twenty Tons licenced as the Act directs, are exempt from Tonnage, because the Act having declared that...
2259To Alexander Hamilton from William Smith, 18 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Boston, November 18, 1789. “I have the honor to inclose you a Letter from the Boston Marine Society with a Letter for the President of the United States from the Merchants of Boston.…” ALS , RG 26, Lighthouse Letters Received, Vol. “B,” New Hampshire and Massachusetts, National Archives. Smith was secretary of the Boston Marine Society. Mungo Mackay to H, November 16, 1789 .
2260From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 18 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
You[r] letter of the 7th of November duly came to hand. The mode you have adopted for the delivery of the Bank Notes is under the circumstances the proper one. In mine of the 20th of October I directed the Quarterly Returns to be made up to the last of September. Of course those after that day will terminate at the end of every subsequent three Months; that is to say the next after that to the...
2261To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Willing, 18 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
I have just received your Favor of the 14th Instant. the explanation you have drawn up in the Official Instrument now sent me, is Substantially ye purport of the Original Agreement as we understood it. I have now the pleasure to return you one of the two papers executed under the Seal of this Institution and my own Signature as president. We had never any Idea of passing the produce of the...
2262To Alexander Hamilton from James Madison, 19 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
I was too much indisposed for some time after the receipt of your favor of the 12 Octr. to comply with the request in it, and since my arrival here and recovery I have till now been without a conveyance to the post office. The supplemental funds which at present occur to me as on the whole most eligible are 1. an excise on home distilleries. If the tax can be regulated by the size of the Still...
2263To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 19 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
I have recd. a letter of the 6th ult. from Mr. Anspach, stating the necessity of his being furnished with two or three thousand dollars, to pay some arrears due to himself, Mr. Wolfe, Mr. Dill, & a few others who were employed in the late department of the Quarter Master General—that the payment of those arrears, particularly his, Mr. Wolfe’s & Mr. Dill’s will enable them to complete the...
2264From 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...
2265To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 19 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Baltimore, November 19, 1789. Encloses for Samuel Meredith one thousand dollars in “the previous parts of the Notes mentioned in the within list.” ALS , RG 53, “Old Correspondence,” Baltimore Collector, National Archives.
2266From James Madison to Alexander Hamilton, 19 November 1789 (Madison Papers)
I was too much indisposed for some time after the receipt of your favor of the 12 Ocr. to comply with the request in it, and since my arrival here and recovery I have till now been without a conveyance to the post office. The supplemental funds which at present occur to me as on the whole most eligible are 1. An excise on home distilleries. If the tax can be regulated by the size of the Still...
2267To Alexander Hamilton from Meletiah Jordan, 20 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Frenchman’s Bay [ District of Maine ] November 20, 1789 . “Received yours of the 14th. of September this day.… I must inform you there is but one vessel belonging to this District that follows coasting, neither is there one that follows foreign trade. The vessels in this Port consist of fishing and as it is forbidden that no foreign vessel shall bring or land goods in this District you must...
2268From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 20 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed are copies of two letters, one Circular to the several Collectors of your State, yourself excepted; the other to the Directors of the Bank of Massachusetts. You will perceive the intimation I have given respecting yourself. It is my wish to have an eye on the spot to attend to the operations of the Bank, ⟨in order that the meas⟩ure now adopted may be continued ⟨or discontinued, as...
2269From Alexander Hamilton to the President and Directors of the Massachusetts Bank, 20 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed is a copy of instructions lately sent to the Collectors of the Several Ports in your State except that of Boston. I presume the object of it will be acceptable to you; as it must be Serviceable to the institution under your direction. If as I take it for granted will be the case, the arrangement meets your approbation; I am to request you will concur in it by furnishing to each...
2270Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs in Massachusetts, 20 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
I have heretofore directed you to receive in payment of the duties the notes of the Banks of North America and New York. I now desire that you will also receive those of the Bank of Boston, and will exchange whatever specie you may at any time have in your hands for those notes. In order to guard you against Counterfeits in this instance, I shall request the Directors of that Bank to send you...
2271From Alexander Hamilton to Vincent Gray, 21 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, November 21, 1789. Letter listed in dealer’s catalogue. Letter not found. ] LS , sold at Birch’s Sons, March, 1893, Lot 492.
2272To Alexander Hamilton from Tobias Lear, 21 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
I am directed by the President of the United States to enclose and send to you, a letter addressed to him from Thomas Newton Junr. Esquire of Norfolk, dated October 24th. 1789, containing an estimate made by Commissioners appointed by the States of Maryland and Virginia of the cost of building a lighthouse on Cape Henry in Virginia—an account of materials which were placed on the spot for that...
2273From Alexander Hamilton to Tobias Lear, 21 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, November 21, 1789. “I have received the letter which you enclosed to me in yours of this date.… I shall pay due attention to the information it conveys.…” LC , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
2274Treasury Department Circular to the Governors of the States, 21 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Not having received any acknowledgement of my Letter of the 26th Septr, transmitting the Copies of two resolutions of the house of Representatives of the 21st of the Same month; and conceiving the information which relates to the debts of the Several States, and the public securities of the union in their Treasuries, to be an object of a very important nature, I have the honor to inclose...
2275To Alexander Hamilton from John Witherspoon, 21 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Saturday last in the Afternoon I went to New York & called upon you that Day & next Day agreeably to my promise in my Answer to Yours which I hope you received, but was not so fortunate as to find you at home & therefore must put off my intended Conversation to a future Opportunity which I hope will be very soon. In the mean Time I take the Liberty to inform You that I have been told Mr Sharp...
2276To Alexander Hamilton from Charles Lee, 21 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Upon the River Powtomack there are five Collectorships, two in Maryland and three in Virginia. I will forbear to give my opinion till more mature consideration, what alterations ought to be made, but, at present I can venture to say that they are not all necessary, either for mercantile convenience, or for the better collection of the revenue. The distance from Georgetown to Alexandria is...
2277From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Smith, 21 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
In Consequence of your Application, I have this day issued a warrant in your Favor on the Treasurer of the United States for 22.250 Dollars in Indents of Interest, which he is directed to forward without Delay. I am, Sir, Your Obedt. & humble Servt. LS , Breckinridge Long Papers, Library of Congress. For background to this letter, see “Treasury Department Circular to the Continental Loan...
2278From Alexander Hamilton to Sylvanus Bourne, [22 November 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of November 1st duly came to hand as did your two former letters; though from the peculiarily of my situation, at one time, & my hurry at another, they were not acknowleged. I did however, as Mr. Ames communicated to you, inform him, that nothing then was in my power. The same is the case now; and the rules I prescribe myself with regard to the future will only permit me to assure...
2279To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Grymes, 23 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
I have to address you on an interestg subject to my self, and am happy that fortune has placed you in the station, to render your Country the service you will undoubtedly do her. I am to acquaint you that I am entitled to 1/6 of a Ship called the Aurora chartered 10 or 12 years past by Mr. Morris in behalf of the Country, Mr. Morris inform me he is likely to get his accts settled this winter...
2280To Alexander Hamilton from John Davidson, 24 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Annapolis, November 24, 1789. On December 8, 1789, Hamilton wrote to Davidson : “I have duly received your letter of the 24th of November.” Letter not found. ]
2281To Alexander Hamilton from Nathaniel Gorham, 24 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
[ November 24, 1789. On December 8, 1789, Hamilton wrote to Gorham : “I am favored with your Letter of the 24th of last Month.” Letter not found. ] Gorham was a Charlestown, Massachusetts, legislator and merchant.
2282From Alexander Hamilton to Jedediah Huntington, 24 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
I acknowledge the receipt of your’s of the 11th. instant. The privileges allowed to Vessels under twenty Tons appear to me in the same light in which they do to you. I should be obliged by your ideas of the most proper arrangement with regard to that description of Vessels; as the thing is perhaps not without difficulties. I have no doubt that the Importer must make entry, as well with regard...
2283To Alexander Hamilton from William Bingham, [25 November 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
Some particular Avocations that have engaged my Attention Since the receipt of your Letter of the 10 October, (with which I was honoured) have prevented my Sending an earlier Communication in reply to it. Inclosed are Answers to the Several Queries, which I hope will embrace the Objects you were desirous of being more fully acquainted with. I have made Some Observations on the Operation of the...
2284Enclosure: [Answers to Queries Concerning the Navigation of the Several States], [25 November 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
Answers to Queries concerning the Navigation of the Several States, & foreign Nations 1 Vessels built in this State for the West India & European Trade, are generally betwixt 180 & 300 Tons, & are not So flat bottomed as those of G Britain Holland & Sweden & are Somewhat fuller than those of France. They do not carry quite as much according to their Tonnage, as the British Dutch or Swedish...
2285From Alexander Hamilton to Vincent Gray, 25 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
I am favoured with your two letters of the 10th and 11th Instant, the former transmitting a Letter to the Treasurer said to contain One hundred and fifty Dollars in Notes of the Bank of North America, the latter a Letter to the Same Officer Said to contain Two hundred and Seventy Dollars in notes of the Said Bank and that of New york. I am sir Your Obt hble Servt LS , RG 36, Collector of...
2286To Alexander Hamilton from Meletiah Jordan, 25 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Frenchman’s Bay, District of Maine, November 25, 1789. On December 24, 1789, Jordan wrote to Hamilton : “I wrote you the … 25th of November last.” Letter not found. ]
2287To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 25 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
I have this day recd. your letter of the 19th. instant. It is in some sort anticipated by mine of last week. But the inclosed letter to Mr. Peter Anspach is to request him with Mr. Wolfe’s assistance to present you with a statement of the debts intended to have been provided for by the anticipation you mention, & which yet remain unsatisfied. The documents are in his hand. I remarked in my...
2288Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 25 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
I request you to procure and send me without delay the revenue laws of your State in force immediately preceding the Act of Congress laying a duty on imports; as well those relating to imports as others: the whole being wanted for information. Should it not be practicable to obtain the Revenue laws distinct from the other laws of the State, you will be pleased to procure and forward the whole,...
2289From 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...
2290From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, [25 November 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
I write you officially by this post; but there is a passage in your letter about which I cannot forbear saying something in a private letter. After remarking on the occasion which a departure from instructions might give to an inference that the accommodation of private interest might be the inducement, You add, “I should not mention the latter, if intimations of precautions (which are...
2291From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Willing, 25 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, November 25, 1789. On November 30, 1789, Willing wrote to Hamilton : “Yours of the 25th did not reach me till yesterday noon.” Letter not found. ]
2292To Alexander Hamilton from Joseph Whipple, 26 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Portsmouth, New Hampshire, November 26, 1789. Asks that a uniform ruling be made on “the propriety of measuring Foreign Vessels that have Registers.” Requests instructions on the levying of tonnage and import taxes on foreign ships that enter Portsmouth but also intend to call at other United States ports. LC , RG 36, Collector of Customs at Portsmouth, Letters Sent, 1789–1790, Vol.1, National...
2293From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas FitzSimons, 27 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York ] November 27, 1789 . “With regard to feeling the public pulse about the debt I have several times had an inclination to the measure; but this inclination has given place to the reflection, that bringing on a discussion might be as likely to fix prejudices as to produce good, and that it may be safest to trust to the effect of the Legislative sanction to good measures, and to the...
2294From Alexander Hamilton to Robert Hanson Harrison, [27 November 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
After having laboured with you in the common cause of America during the late war and having learnt your value, judge of the pleasure, I felt in the prospect of a reunion of efforts in the same cause for I consider the business of America’s happiness as yet to be done. In proportion to that sentiment has been my disappointment at learning that you had declined a Seat on the Bench of the U....
2295To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Mifflin, 27 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, November 27, 1789. “… the Comptroller General of this State hath made considerable Progress in the Statement of the public Debts of Pennsylvania … and I … will … transmit to you in four weeks from this Date all the Information required.…” Hazard, Pennsylvania Archives , XI Samuel Hazard, ed., Pennsylvania Archives (Philadelphia, 1855). , 641. This letter is in reply to “Treasury...
2296To Alexander Hamilton from James Madison, [20–28 November 1789] (Hamilton 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...
2297To Alexander Hamilton from Tobias Lear, 28 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
The President of the U States being very desirous that the several Accots. of those Articles which were furnished by directions of Saml. Osgood & William Duer Esqr. in pursuance of a resolution of both houses of Congress of the 15th. of April 1789. and deposited in the house provided for the President of the United States, for his use, should be settled & paid. He has therefore, directed me to...
2298To Alexander Hamilton from Samuel Osgood, 28 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, November 28, 1789. Acknowledges Hamilton’s letter of November 16, 1789. Sends a detailed report on the present condition of the Post Office Department with suggestions for improving its efficiency and increasing postal revenue. LC , RG 28, Records of the Postmaster General, Letter Books, 1789–1794, National Archives. Osgood was appointed Postmaster General on September 26, 1789....
2299To Alexander Hamilton from Beverley Randolph, 28 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Severe Indisposition prevented my answering your Favour of the 29th. of October, sooner than the present Moment. I now do myself the Honour to transmit an Abstract of the Public Debt of Virginia. No Funds have ever been established for the redemption of any part of the Principal, but the Legislature have heretofore made annual provision for the payment of the Interest. While the state...
2300Tobias Lear to Alexander Hamilton, 28 November 1789 (Washington Papers)
The President of the U. States being very desirous that the several Accts of those Articles which were furnished by directions of Saml Osgood & William Duer Esqr in pursuance of a resolution of both houses of Congress of the 15th of April 1789 and deposited in the house provided for the President of the United States, for his use, should be settled & paid. He has, therefore, directed me to...