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. ]
4201From Alexander Hamilton to James Duane, 20 August 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
Albany, August 20, 1783. Requests information concerning 40,000 acres of land in Tryon County on which Abel James holds a mortgage. ALS , New-York Historical Society, New York City.
4202From Alexander Hamilton to John Auldjo, [26 July 1787] (Hamilton Papers)
I have delivered the paper you committed to me as it stood altered to Major Peirce from whose conduct I am to conclude the affair between you is at an end. He informs me that he is shortly to set out on a jaunt up the North River. As you intimate a wish to have my sentiments in writing on the transaction I shall with pleasure declare that the steps you have taken in consequence of Mr. Pearces...
4203From Alexander Hamilton to Tench Coxe, 22 May 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Pursuant to the 6th Section of the Act making alterations in the Treasury & War Departments, I have concluded to commit to you the general Superintendence of the Light Houses and other establishments relating to the security of Navigation according to the powers vested in me by law. Information will be given accordingly to the respective Superintendents who will be instructed to correspond in...
4204From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 30 April 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
I have in a late report to the house of Representatives in substance proposed, what you mention in your Letter of the 15th Inst. respecting coasters. There is also a proposition before the house, contemplating a provision for boats to secure the revenue against fraudulent practices; it will therefore be best for the present to wait the result. I am Sir Your Obedt Servt L[S] , RG 36,...
4205From Alexander Hamilton to Samuel Hodgdon, 19 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Lt. Fergus of the Artillery is at Wilmington in North Carolina, and has under his command twenty six non Commissioned Officers and privates. They are in great want of Clothing, and I request that you will immediately take the necessar measures for having them supplied— ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
4206From Alexander Hamilton to Ebenezer Stevens, 22 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
From the representations which have come to me from different Quarters it appears to me proper to adopt the scale at foot as that by which the articles mentioned in it ought to be furnished for the purpose of hutting the troops. But as the Regiments are not complete two thirds in each case will suffice. I request therefore that you will increase the supplies according to this rule and that no...
4207From Alexander Hamilton to Elliot and Williams, 6 October 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, October 6, 1791. “The Collector of Baltimore is authorized to advance to you immediately Ten Thousand Dollars, and is informed that it is my intention to make you a like advance, on the first of January next.” Letter not found. ] ALS , sold at Anderson Galleries, April 14, 1913, Lot 365. The firm consisted of Robert Elliot and Elie Williams. For background to this letter, see...
4208From Alexander Hamilton to Daniel Jackson, 20 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the 9th. instant and have no objection to Lieutt. Williams remaining with you until he may receive further orders. with true consideration &c— ( Df , in the handwriting of Philip Church, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress). Acknowledges Jackson’s letter of May 9, 1800. Letter not found.
4209From Alexander Hamilton to Richard Hunewell, 25 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the fourth of this month— With great conn. ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
4210From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Timothy Pickering, [22 November 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
A working party of fifty men is ordered to parade tomorrow morning eight oClock at your quarters to take your orders. The object is to repair the road & briges for the march of the army to New Windsor by Pompton, Ringwood &c. A party of Artificers must accompany—A special charge to do the business well. Yr hum serv ALS , RG 93, Miscellaneous Records, National Archives. These preparations were...
4211From Alexander Hamilton to James Bruff, 2 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have to acknowledge the receipt of Yr. letter of the 27th. of June. I must refer you to my letter of yesterday, which renders a particular reply unnecessary— Yr. Suggestion with respect to Lt Smith will be consider’d. with consideration (Copy, in the handwriting of Ethan Brown, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
4212From Alexander Hamilton to Samuel Hodgdon, 17 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
You will — send to Harper’s ferry, subject to the orders of General Pinckney, a supply quantity of fixed ammunition equal to a supply field supply of four four pounders, and a regiment of Infantry. You will also send to the Union — Brigade, subject to the order of Col. Smith a quantity of fixed ammunition equal to a field supply of two six pounders and a battallion of Infantry. The same...
4213From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 1 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I would thank you to inform me whether Mr. Brown has been appointed to fill the vacancy occasioned in Col. Taylor’s regiment by the non acceptance of Mr. Chew. If this has not been done I would recommend that the place be filled by the senior first lieut. according to the regular principles of Military promotion. Col. Taylor, in his letter of the second of October mentions to me that Austin...
4214From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Wadsworth, [20 August 1787] (Hamilton Papers)
The inclosed is said to be the Copy of a letter circulating in your state. The history of its appearance among us is that it was sent by one Whitmore of Stratford, formerly in the Pay Master Generals Office to a James Reynold of this City. I am at a loss clearly to understand its object—and have some suspicion that it has been fabricated to excite jealousy against the Convention with a view to...
4215From Alexander Hamilton to John H. Buell, 24 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Lieutenant Bullitt, who will deliver to you this to you, is annexed to your command for the purpose of being employed in the recruiting service— Lieutenant Laidlie will also join you shortly— ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
4216From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 28 April 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
I should not advise a present reference to the Legislature on the subject of the application of the loan; as under the circumstances of that body at this moment much debate would probably ensue and perhaps no decision. I am the less induced to advise this step; as the expedient itself will be hereafter practicable, if it shall appear to be necessary. It will be some time before the proceeds of...
4217From Alexander Hamilton to John Kean, 27 August 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia ] August 27, 1794 . Encloses “two draughts of a Contract, for the Loan of One million of Dollars, agreed to be made to the United States by the Bank —one of which draughts is already signed in due form by the Secretary on the part of the United States—the other is intended to be executed by the President of the Bank.” L, Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. Kean was...
4218From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Wadsworth, [29 October 1785] (Hamilton Papers)
I have intended for some time to write to you on the subject of the bank of North America; but my absence from town and multiplied engagements have delayed my doing it. You of course know that the State of Pensylvania has repealed its act of incorporation. What do you intend to do or what would you advise to be done for Mr Church? To sell unless at a great disadvantage is not practicable. To...
4219From Alexander Hamilton to William Cooper, 6 September 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
I congratulate you and myself on your victory over Brockholst. Whether your interest is much promoted by it or not is of small consequence—In the triumph of vanquishing such an enemy. That you know was your principal inducement and I know that you will be willing to pay well for it. I have been deliberating whether to charge you 200 or 100 pounds for my services in this cause. In fixing upon...
4220From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [7 March 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
I found Young La Fayette here and delivered him your Letter which much relieved him. I fancy you will see him on the first day of April. Mr. Livingston’s motion in the House of Representatives, concerning the production of papers has attracted much attention. The opinion of those who think here is, that if the motion succeeds, it ought not to be complied with. Besides that in a matter of such...