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...
4221From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 22 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to transmit the proceedings of a General Court Martial in the case of Capt. Courtlandt of the 12th. Regt. to be laid before the President for his decision. Tho’ this Officer would soon be out of Service by the operation of the law for disbanding the troops; yet it is, in my opinion, very important, in point of example, that for such outrageous conduct, he should be sent from...
4222From Alexander Hamilton to Nathaniel Gorham, 19 June 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
It being intended to station Officers upon the recruiting Service at Portland, Salem, Boston, and Worcester, I have to request that you will enter into contract with any person or persons, who may be disposed to furnish the rations, Quartermasters articles, and medical assistance required for that service, at the most reasonable rate. You will be governed by my letter to you of the 26th of...
4223From Alexander Hamilton to Daniel Eldridge Updike, 9 August 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, August 9, 1790. Encloses Updike’s commission as the surveyor of the port of North Kingstown, Rhode Island. LS , Hamilton College Library, Clinton, New York.
4224From Alexander Hamilton to Comfort Sands, [23 June 1782] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Morris having lately offered me the appointment of Receiver of Continental taxes for this state, I wish to collect as much and as accurate information as possible of the situation of its money-concerns. It will be among other things of great importance that I should form an idea of the money brought into the state and carried out of it; and with a view to this I take the liberty to request...
4225From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, 31 July 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
I arrived here, My beloved Eliza, yesterday, too late to write by the Post—but am happy to be able to inform you that the precious little ones we left behind are well. As there is a vacation at this time, I propose sending the two youngest to Mrs. Morris’s who has requested it, or to Mrs. Bradford’s —I have not intirely determined which. I shall expect with infinite anxiety a letter from you &...
4226From Alexander Hamilton to ———, [16 February 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
I recollect that Mr. Morris sometime previous to the first of May instant mentioned to me the subject of some new emission money with inquiry what was to be done with it & that I advised its being presented at the Treasury. ALS , Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. For a description of “new emission” money, see Charles Pettit to H, April 30, 1791, note 3 .
4227From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Willing, 3 December 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, December 3, 1789. On December 9, 1789, Willing wrote to Hamilton : “We Reced your favor of the 3 Inst.” Letter not found. ]
4228From Alexander Hamilton to the President and Directors of the Bank of the United States, 2 January 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
I have to request that you will advance to Tench Coxe Esqr, Commissioner of the Revenue, the sum of nine hundred and sixty five Dollars and forty seven Cents, upon the same principles as mentioned in my letter to you of the 10th of October last. It will be necessary to take a receipt from Mr Coxe, specifying that this money is for his own, Clerks and Messenger’s salaries from the 1st of...
4229From Alexander Hamilton to James Duane, 29 October 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Mr Laurance is setting out for Philadelphia to obtain a determination respecting the promotion which he may expect by continuing in his present station. It seems his pay has been lately reduced—and he stands in the predicament of the civil staff in general, without any assurances of having his depreciation made good; though certainly there can be no reason for excluding him from this piece of...
4230From Alexander Hamilton to Theodore Sedgwick, [18 February 1795] (Hamilton Papers)
Every moment’s reflection increases my chagrin and disgust at the failure of the propositions concerning the unsubscribed Debt. I am tortured by the idea that the Country should be so completely and so unnecessarily dishonored. A day of reckoning must come. I pray you, let the yeas and nays seperate the wheat from the chaff . I may otherwise have to feel the distress of wounding a friend by a...
4231From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 5 December 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
I have found it necessary in order to provide for the punctual payment of the allowances to fishing vessels which will become due on the 31st inst to authorise the Collectors of the several districts in Massachusetts to draw on you, when the funds in their hands shall be inadequate to discharge the demands uppon them. The Collectors who may have occasion to resort to this resourse have been...
4232From 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...
4233From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [13 November 1798] (Hamilton Papers)
General Hamilton presents his respects to the Commander in Chief & sends the sketch of a letter in conformity to what passed this morning.
4234To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 2 May 1794 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury has the honor of enclosing herewith the draft of a passport for the President’s signature—intended for the brigantine Lily, now at Baltimore. The case was here before the Secretary’s letter of yesterday was sent to the President, and was overlooked. LB , DLC:GW . The copyist wrote "1792." The enclosure has not been identified, but GW signed a passport for the Lily...
4235From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 19 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
In my letter of yesterday, in answer to yours on the subject of furnishing the Western Posts I omitted to g giving saying any thing about the Carriages for Cannon. General Wilkinson’s absence for a few days prevents me from speaking with precision as that point, It is however my opinion that they cannot well be made there of the right sort kind, & I would advise that they be made here and sent...
4236From Alexander Hamilton to Welcome Arnold, 22 July 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I have before me your letter of the 15 instant, which first apprised me of any controversy between the Collector and yourself, about the validity of any part of the demand on you. From the simple statement of the fact to me, I had been led to conclude that there had been a delay of payment of an acknowleged and undisputed debt, and as I had understood that your situation precluded the...
4237From Alexander Hamilton to Samuel Eddins, 15 January 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The Deputy P. Mr. General has applied to me for some Officer as a temporary Asst. to him in his Dept. and has signified Lt. Osborne’s willingness to undertake it. You will therefore give Lt. Osborne the necessary permission— W— ( Df , in the handwriting of Ethan Brown, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
4238From Alexander Hamilton to ——— Watts, [n.p., n.d.] (Hamilton Papers)
I would advise you to close with Mr. Hobart on his own terms; only fix what is a reasonable time: say three four five or six months, the longer the better. Let a fair copy of the paper inclosed be signed with a receipt at bottom for the money in specie. This may, if necessary be afterwards put more in form. Yrs. ALS , Mr. A. J. Marino, Weehawken, New Jersey. This letter, which is addressed to...
4239From Alexander Hamilton to Brigadier General Henry Knox, [3 June 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Middlebrook, New Jersey, June 3, 1779. ] Catalogue description reads: “Regarding DeKalb’s movements.” Letter not found. ] ALS , sold by C. F. Libbie, April 26, 1904, Lot 1125.
4240From Alexander Hamilton to Comte de Rochambeau, [15 October 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
I think I informed you a day or two since of an embarkation; it has not yet sailed but is ready waiting for a fair wind; and is supposed to consist of about 3000 men. The Grenadiers and light infantry compose a part of it and there is some cavalry; this denotes an expedition to some part of the Continent, perhaps to establish a post in Virginia, perhaps to make a descent in North Carolina and...
4241To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 14 March 1799 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to send you the extract of a letter of the 8th instant (received two days since) from the Secretary of War, together with the Section of the Act to which it relates. I am entirely of opinion with him, as to the expediency of causing the Pay Master General to reside at the seat of Government—But as the measure is of importance, and especially as the act expressly refers the...
4242From Alexander Hamilton to Charles François Bournonville, 21 August 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
I am to inform you that the two Bills in favor of Messrs. Cunningham & Nesbit for Twenty five thousand five hundred Dollars have been registered at the Treasury in order to be comprised in the payment on the 3d of September next. This operation will no doubt be confirmed by Mr Genet. I am Sir with consideration Your obedient Servant LS , Arch. des Aff. Etr., Corr. Pol. Etats-Unis ,...
4243From Alexander Hamilton to Jedediah Huntington, 5 December 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, December 5, 1789. Letter listed in dealer’s catalogue. Letter not found. ] LS , sold at Chicago Book and Art Auction, April 27, 1932, Lot 84.
4244VIII. Alexander Hamilton’s Report on the American Debt to France, 8 June 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury to whom was referred a Communication from the Minister Plenipotentiary of the Republic of France, on the subject of the Debts of the United States to France, respectfully makes thereupon the following Report. The object of this communication is to engage the United States to enter into an arrangement for discharging the residue of the debt which they owe to...
4245From 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...
4246To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 5 July 1796 (Washington Papers)
I was in due time favoured with your letter of the 26 June & consulted the Gentleman you name on the subjects of it. We are both of opinion there is no power in the President to appoint an Envoy Extraordinary, without the concurrence of the senate, & that the information in question is not a sufficient ground for extraordinarily convening the senate—If however the President from his...
4247From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Walker, 7 May 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
The bearer of this Mr. George Parkinson is an ingenious Mechanic who has been engaged by me in the service of The Society for establishing useful manufactures. I have advised him to go to New York to assist Mr. Marshall to whom I have given him a letter & to whom I am persuaded he will be useful. I take this occasion to make him known to you that he may receive any little pecuniary aid of...
4248From Alexander Hamilton to Ebenezer Stevens, 19 November 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
Since my arrival here I have received three letters from you to the contents of which I have attended though my engagements have not before admitted a reply. If I recollect rightly the law of the State, it authorises, and in my opinion expediency requires, that the sum requisite to complete the batteries undertaken by order of the Military Committee, in addition to the 50000 Dollars provided...
4249Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 6 August 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
It is the opinion of the Attorney General, that by force of the 8th section of the “Act for raising a further sum of money for the protection of the Frontiers, and for other purposes therein mentioned,” the regulation, requiring the immediate payment of the duties on imported articles, when the amount should not exceed fifty dollars, is repealed in all cases, except those relating to Salt,...
4250From Alexander Hamilton to John Quincy Adams, 8 August 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
You will find herewith sundry Documents marked A, B, C, D, E, F, G, & H—A being a copy of the Presidents Power to me to conduct certain loans, directed by two Acts of Congress therein referred to, B a Copy of a power from me to Messrs. Wilhem and Jan Willinks & Nicholas & Jacob Van Staphorst & Hubbard predicated upon that of the President to me, C a copy of a power from me to Mr. Short founded...