1From Alexander Hamilton to Edmund Randolph, 19 February 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
The letter herewith from the comptroller of the Treasury to me and the papers accompanying it will suggest to your consideration some important questions upon which I request your opinion. There are also claims upon the public under the following circumstances respecting which I should be glad to have the benefit of your Judgement. Officers sometimes acting in boards, sometimes individually...
2To Alexander Hamilton from Edmund Randolph, 11 August 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
I beg leave to answer a question which you propounded to me some time ago. Several quarter Masters and other public officers, some with salaries, others with Commissions, have received public Money to disburse for public use. Of this money they were robbed, notwithstanding reasonable care on their part. Are they entitled to an allowance for the sums lost; or must their relief depend on...
3To Alexander Hamilton from Edmund Randolph, 12 August 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
In answer to your Official letter of the 19th. of February last I beg leave to observe: that the supplies and services therein mentioned as having been furnished and rendered by individuals for the use of the Public, were undoubtedly from the nature of Contracts, originally debits against the United States: that the Officers who granted the Certificates, debentures or other acknowledgments for...
4From Alexander Hamilton to Edmund Randolph, [10 December 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, December 10, 1790. On July 9, 1791, Randolph wrote to Hamilton : “In answering your communication of the 10th. of december last.” Letter not found. ] Randolph, a native of Virginia, was an aide-de-camp to George Washington in 1775, a member of the Continental Congress from 1779 to 1783, governor of Virginia from 1786 to 1789, and attorney general of the United States from 1789...
5To Alexander Hamilton from Edmund Randolph, [February 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
The Attorney General of the United States does himself the honor of replying to the questions propounded to him by the Secretary of the Treasury, as follows: ☞ 1st. To the statement in the letter of February, 12th: 1791. It does not appear whether the deceased Administrix be interested personally in the estate of her deceased husband. If she were so, although the whole legal right vested in...
6From Alexander Hamilton to Edmund Randolph, 12 February 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, February 12, 1791. In a letter dated February, 1791, Randolph referred to Hamilton’s “letter of February, 12th: 1791.” Letter not found. ]
7From Alexander Hamilton to Edmund Randolph, 14 February 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, February 14 1791. In a letter dated February, 1791, Randolph referred to Hamilton’s “letter of the 14th: February.” Letter not found. ]
8To Alexander Hamilton from Edmund Randolph, 9 July 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
In answering your communication of the 10th. of december last, I cannot do better, than acknowledge my conviction from the reasoning of Mr. Dayton. That reasoning being in your possession, I beg leave to refer to it, as the groundwork of my opinion, that military rights to land ought to be received on account of his that is Judge Symmes’s contract in the manner, contended for by him. I have...
9To Alexander Hamilton from Edmund Randolph, 21 August 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
In the opinion, given by Mr. Bradford and Mr. Ingersoll, I find the case of Mr. Robert Buchanan to be accurately stated; but after paying a respectful attention to the sentiments of those gentlemen, I am compelled to say, that I differ in the conclusion drawn from that statement: for I cannot agree, that any interest is to be received upon ⟨the⟩ certificate for the year 1791. I acknowledge...
10To Alexander Hamilton from Edmund Randolph, 1 October 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I have done myself the honor of calling at your house and office, with a view to say a word to you, on the claim, which the holders of a certain description of certificates have set up. But being disappointed in meeting you, I beg leave to give you the result of my reflections on that subject. What degree of obligation lies upon the United States to gratify them, is at this time immaterial,...
11From Alexander Hamilton to Edmund Randolph, 12 October 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, October 12, 1791. On October 18, 1791, Randolph wrote to Hamilton : “The attorney-general of the United States does himself the honor of replying to the questions, propounded by the secretary of the Treasury of the United States, in his letter of the 12th of October 1791.” Letter not found. ]
12To Alexander Hamilton from Edmund Randolph, [18 October 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
The attorney-general of the United States does himself the honor of replying to the questions, propounded by the secretary of the Treasury of the United States, in his letter of the 12th of October 1791, as follows. 1st. The Commissioners, appointed in pursuance of the act, incorporating the bank of the United States, have no power, as such, to superintend the election of directors, or to...
13From Alexander Hamilton to Edmund Randolph, 2 November 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, November 2, 1791. On November 9, 1791, Randolph wrote to Hamilton : “I do myself the honor of answering your letter of the 2d. instant.” Letter not found. ]
14To Alexander Hamilton from Edmund Randolph, 9 November 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I do myself the honor of answering your letter of the 2d. instant upon the subject of the North Carolina certificates. The 13th. section of the funding act admits, that subscriptions may be made to the loan payable in the principal and interest of the certificates or notes which, prior to a certain day, were issued by the respective states as acknowledgments or evidences of debts, by them...
15From Alexander Hamilton to Edmund Randolph, 2 June 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, June 2, 1792. On June 21, 1792, Randolph wrote to Hamilton and referred to “your communication of the 2d instant.” Letter not found. ]
16From Alexander Hamilton to Edmund Randolph, 7 June 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, June 7, 1792. On June 10, 1792, Randolph wrote to Hamilton and referred to “your favor of the 7 Instant.” Letter not found. ]
17To Alexander Hamilton from Edmund Randolph, 10 June 179[2] (Hamilton Papers)
In our conversation Yesterday we reduced the substance of your favor of the 7 Instant to this question: Whether you ought, under any modification, to suspend the payment of Interest to a State, which is intitled under the 17th. section of the act “making provision for the debt of the United states,” to receive interest to the amount of the nonsubscribed deficiency; In trust for the...
18To Alexander Hamilton from Edmund Randolph, 21 June 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
I understand from your communication of the 2d instant, that you do not wish my opinion upon any other point, than that which seems to have produced a schism between the Gentlemen of the NewYork and Virginia bar. The former are interpreted to declare, that sixty Cents and no more are demandable by the Collectors for every entry of an inward Cargo directed to be made in conformity with the...
19From Alexander Hamilton to Edmund Randolph, 25 June 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, June 25, 1792. On June 26, 1792, Randolph wrote to Hamilton and referred to “your communication of yesterday.” Letter not found. ]
20To Alexander Hamilton from Edmund Randolph, 26 June 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
In answer to your communication of yesterday, on the case of Col. Heth the Collector of Bermuda Hundred, I have the honor to inform you, that his enquiries demand different solutions. The contract, made before the passing of the law, to which he alludes, may be consummated on the 2nd day of January next without impropriety. For the restriction on Collectors, on the disposal of public...
21To Alexander Hamilton from Edmund Randolph, 8 September 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Persuaded as I am, that the last effort for the happiness of the United States must perish with the loss of the present Government, and that to be unable to execute laws because a few individuals are resolved to obstruct their operation is nothing less, than a surrender of it, I went into the consideration of the carolina and pittsburg papers with a determination to spare no pains to ascertain...
22From Alexander Hamilton to Edmund Randolph, [6 October 1792] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, October 6, 1792. On October 17, 1792, Randolph wrote to Hamilton : “On my return home, I found your letter of the 6th instant.” Letter not found. ] Although this letter has not been found, the answer to it indicates that its contents were similar to those of “Treasury Department Circular,” September 13, 1792 .
23To Alexander Hamilton from Edmund Randolph, 17 October 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
On my return home, I found your letter of the 6th. instant. My answer is short; being no more, than this, that there is not a single fee or emolument incident to my office; that I have paid the expences without taking any account, as I expected no retribution; and that my salary is 1900 dollars per annum. I have the honor, sir, to be with respect Yr. mo. ob. serv. ALS , RG 46, Second...
24To Alexander Hamilton from Edmund Randolph, 7 January 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
When I first read your letter, inclosing the cession of Montok-point, I suspected, that it would be necessary to travel into a wide constitutional field. I was apprehensive, that I should be obliged to inquire, whether congress, even if they were so disposed, could accept a cession, with a reservation of state-jurisdiction. But when I adverted to the act, which directs a light-house to be...
25George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, Henry Knox, and Edmund Randolph, 24 February 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
The President of the United States requests the attendance of the at Nine o’Clock tomorrow morning ; at the President’s house, on the subject of the note sent to the on the 17~. inst: and that the will bring with him such remarks as he may have committed to writing in pursuance of said note. At the same time the President will lay before the Heads of the Departments & the Attorney General some...
26Cabinet Meeting. Opinion on Furnishing Three Million Livres Agreeably to the Request of the French Minister, [25 … (Hamilton Papers)
Feb. 25. 1793. The President desires the opinions of the heads of the three departments and of the Attorney General on the following question, to wit. Mr. Ternant having applied for money equivalent to three millions of livres to be furnished on account of our debt to France at the request of the Executive of that country, which sum is to be laid out in provisions within the US. to be sent to...
27Cabinet Meeting. Opinion Respecting the Proposed Treaty with the Indians Northwest of the Ohio, [25 February 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
The President having required the attendance of the heads of the three departments and of the Attorney general at his house on Monday the 25th. of Feb. 1793. the following questions were proposed and answers given. 1. The Governor of Canada having refused to let us obtain provisions from that province or to pass them along the water communication to the place of treaty with the Indians, and...
28Report of the Commissioners of the Sinking Fund, 25 February 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
In pursuance of a resolution of the House of Representatives, bearing date of the 19th of this instant, we lay before them a copy of the journal of our Board, and a statement of the purchases made since our last report to Congress. We have the honor, sir, to be, your most obedient servants, ASP American State Papers, Documents, Legislative and Executive, of the Congress of the United States...
29Cabinet Opinions on Indian Affairs, [25 February 1793] (Jefferson Papers)
The President having required the attendance of the heads of the three departments and of the Attorney general at his house on Monday the 25th. of Feb. 1793. the following questions were proposed and answers given. 1. The Governor of Canada having refused to let us obtain provisions from that province or to pass them along the water communication to the place of treaty with the Indians, and...
30Cabinet Opinions on the Debt to France, 25 February 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Feb. 25. 1793. The President desires the opinions of the heads of the three departments and of the Attorney General on the following question, to wit. Mr. Ternant having applied for money equivalent to three millions of livres to be furnished on account of our debt to France at the request of the Executive of that country, which sum is to be laid out in provisions within the US. to be sent to...
31Cabinet Meeting. Opinion on the Time, Place, and Manner of the President-Elect Taking the Oath of Office, [28 February … (Hamilton Papers)
If the qualification is to be in private, T.J, A.H H.K and E.R, are of opinion, that Mr. Cushing should administer the oath to the President at his own house, where such officers, or others, as he may notify, will attend. T.J. and A.H. think, that it ought to be in private. H.K. and E.R. on the other hand think, that the qualification ought to be in public: and that the Marshal of the district...
32Cabinet Meeting. Opinion on the Time, Place, and Manner of the President-Elect Taking the Oath of Office, [1 March 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
It is our opinion, 1. that the President ought to take the oath in public. 2. that the time be on Monday next at 12 o’clock in the forenoon. 3. that the place be the Senate-chamber. 4. that the Marshal of the district inform the Vice-President, that the Senate-chamber, being the usual place of the president’s public acts, is supposed to be the best place for taking the oath; and that it is...
33Cabinet Meeting. Opinion on Proposals Made by William S. Smith Relative to the French Debt, [2 March 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
The President communicated to the Secretary of State, the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of War and the Attorney General of the United States, a letter from William S. Smith Esqr. of the 28th of February past, to the Secretary of the Treasury, with sundry Papers—No. I. II. III & IV. relating to a negotiation for changing the form of the debt to France; and required their opinion what...
34Cabinet Opinion on the American Debt to France, 2 March 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The President communicated to the Secretary of State, the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of War and the Attorney General of the United States, a letter from William S. Smith Esqr. of the 28th. of February past, to the Secretary of the Treasury, with sundry Papers No. I. II. III and IV. relating to a negotiation for changing the form of the debt to France; and required their opinion...
35From Alexander Hamilton to Edmund Randolph, 12 March 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
I had taken it for granted, from the general spirit of the transaction, that the first installment to the Bank of the United States of the loan mentioned in the within Agreement of the 25 of June last became payable on the 1st of January of the present year. But upon examining the Agreement, a doubt arises whether that intention be consistent with the tenor of the Instrument or how far the Act...
36From Alexander Hamilton to Edmund Randolph, 20 March 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to inclose for your consideration Sundry papers relative to certain Certificates of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, originally issued in lieu of Continental Certificates and lately offered to be subscribed to the Loan in state debt continued by an Act of the 8th. of March 1792, entitled “An Act Supplementary to the Act making provision for the debt of the United States.” The...
37George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, Henry Knox, and Edmund Randolph, March 21st [–22] 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
To The Secretary of State—The Secretary of the Treasury—The Secretary of War and The Attorney General of the United States. Gentlemen, The Treaty which is agreed to be held on or about the first of June next at the Lower Sandusky of Lake Erie, being of great moment to the interests and peace of this Country; and likely to be attended with difficulties arising from circumstances (not unknown to...
38To Alexander Hamilton from Edmund Randolph, 30 March 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
The question which I had the honor of receiving in your letter of the 20th of March instant, is, Whether certain certificates of the commonwealth of Pennsylvania , originally issued in lieu of Continental certificates, and lately offered to be subscribed to the Loan in State debt, according to the Act supplementary to the Act, making provision for the debt of the United States, can be legally...
39To Alexander Hamilton from Edmund Randolph, 3 April 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
I am extremely thankful to you for your readiness to accommodate me on the subject of the bills; but find, that the negotiation of the gentleman, to whom you alluded, was not for me. I must therefore make an arrangement for myself. The sum, which I want to sell, is much less than £2600 stg. It is only 1300 £; as I prefer waiting for a rise. For the money to be raised on this latter sum I Am...
40George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, Henry Knox, and Edmund Randolph, 18 April 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
The posture of affairs in Europe, particularly between France and Great Britain, places the United States in a delicate situation; and requires much consideration of the measures which will be proper for them to observe in the War betwn. those Powers. With a view to forming a general plan of conduct for the Executive, I have stated and enclosed sundry questions to be considered preparatory to...
41From Alexander Hamilton to Edmund Randolph, 30 April 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
On a reperusal of the letter from the Governor of Virginia which I mentioned to you, I find that the proposal is to submit the Question to the Supreme Court of the United States at its next term. With the approbation of the President and in conformity to your opinion I have informed the Governor that the Question would be submitted as proposed. It will therefore remain for you to concert with...
42From Alexander Hamilton to Edmund Randolph, 10 May 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed are two letters one of the 16th of April from the Collector of the District of Charlestown, the other of the 29 of April from the Collector of the District of New Port —raising certain questions concerning the conduct to be observed in respect to prizes brought into the ports of the UStates by the Powers of Europe now at War with each other. I request your opinion on the points of law...
43Alexander Hamilton and Edmund Randolph to Thomas Jefferson, [13–15 May 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
A Perhaps the Secretary of State, revising the expression of this member of the sentence, will find terms to express his idea still more clearly and may avoid the use of a word of doubtful propriety “Contraventions.” B “but be attentive” C “mere” to be omitted D Considering that this Letter will probably become a matter of publicity to the world is it necessary to be so strong? Would not the...
44Memorandum from Alexander Hamilton and Edmund Randolph, [ca. 13–15 May 1793] (Jefferson Papers)
A Perhaps the Secretary of State, revising the expression of this member of the sentence, will find terms to express his idea still more clearly and may avoid the use of a word of doubtful propriety “Contraventions” B “but be attentive” C “mere” to be omitted D Considering that this Letter will probably become a matter of publicity to the world is it necessary to be so strong? Would not the...
45Cabinet Opinion on the Creek Indians and Georgia, 29 May 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The President of the United States having assembled the heads of the respective departments and the attorney General, laid before them for their advice thereon, sundry communications from the Governor of Georgia, and others, relatively to the recent alarming depredations of the creek Indians upon the State of Georgia. Whereupon after the subject was maturely considered and discussed it was...
46Cabinet Opinion on Sending an Agent to the Choctaws, 1–5 June 1793 (Washington Papers)
That an Agent be sent to the Choctaw nation to endeavor secretly to engage them to support the Chickasaws in their present war with the Creeks, giving them for that purpose arms and ammunition sufficient: and that it be kept in view that if we settle our differences amicably with the Creeks, we at the same time mediate effectually the peace of the Chickasaws & Choctaws, so as to rescue the...
47Cabinet Opinions on Sending an Agent to the Choctaw Indians, 1 June 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
That an Agent be sent to the Choctaw nation to endeavour secretly to engage them to support the Chickasaws in their present war with the Creeks, giving them for that purpose arms and ammunition sufficient: and that it be kept in view that if we settle our differences amicably with the Creeks, we at the same time mediate effectually the peace of the Chickasaws and Choctaws, so as to rescue the...
48To Alexander Hamilton from Edmund Randolph, 4 June 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, June 4, 1793. “… Inclosed is Mr. Bell’s paper. From Baltimore I shall remit that Sum, which I mentioned to you in part of your kind favor.…” ALS , New-York Historical Society, New York City. For background to this letter, see Randolph to H, April 3, 1793 , and William Bell to H, June 2, 1793 .
49Cabinet Meeting. Opinion on Sending an Agent to the Choctaw, 1 [–5] June 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
That an Agent be sent to the Choctaw nation to endeavor secretly to engage them to support the Chickasaws in their present war with the Creeks, giving them for that purpose arms and ammunition sufficient: and that it be kept in view that if we settle our differences amicably with the Creeks, we at the same time mediate effectually the peace of the Chickasaws & Choctaws, so as to rescue the...
50Proposed Rules Concerning Arming and Equipping of Vessels by Belligerents in the Ports of the United States, Second … (Hamilton Papers)
[ Second Version ] 2. That all equipments of merchant vessels, purely for the accommodation of them as Such be admitted. 3. That all equipments, [vessels armed for merchandize and war with or without commission,] which are doubtful in their nature, being applicable to commerce or war be admitted, except [such] as Shall have made prize of &c as no. 1. A 5. That no equipments of any kind of...