51To Alexander Hamilton from Eliphalet Fitch, [20 December 1800] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Fitch requests the Indulgence of General Hamilton to the enclosed Remarks. They result from an Anxiety to be released from a most unjust and oppressive Restraint; and it is hoped the Chancellor will give an early Attention to this Matter, which so materially affects personal Liberty. AL , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Fitch, a native of Jamaica, West Indies, was a merchant at 33...
52To Alexander Hamilton from Gouverneur Morris, 19 December 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
In Company this Day I heard much said about the Treaty brought to us by Mr. Davie, wherefore as it is a Subject of public Conversation those Restraints which I had impos’d on myself are remov’d and I take the earliest Opportunity of saying one Word about it to you. The Negotiation appears to have been very well conducted on the Part of France and the Result is probably equal to her Wishes. It...
53To Alexander Hamilton from James Gunn, [18 December 1800] (Hamilton Papers)
I presume some of your friends will present you with a copy of the French Convention. The thing is detestable—The Independance of our country humbled to the dust. The President this day nominated Mr. Jay Chief Justice —Mr. Elsworth resigned. Mr. Jay having once declined the office of Chief Judge it is no compliment to re-appoint him to that office, nor was it decent to wound the feelings of...
54From Alexander Hamilton to James Ross, 18 December 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have heared with much regret that the Senate have hesitated to confirm the appointment of Col Smith as Surveyor of this Port on the suggestion of some malconduct in his pecuniary affairs. The suggestion has come to me in various shapes. The truth is Col Smith has been engaged in large and various pecuniary transactions and the consequence was that his affairs became extremely embarrassed. In...
55To Alexander Hamilton from Harrison Gray Otis, 17 December 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
There exists the strongest probability that the electoral votes are equally divided between Messrs Jefferson and Burr. We have certain advices from So Carolina and Georgia, and wait only for intelligence from Kentucky and Tennessee to ascertain the fact. The gentlemen of the opposition are of opinion that this will be the case. The question now is, in what mode shall the friends of the federal...
56To Alexander Hamilton from Theodore Sedgwick, 17 December 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The substance of the convention with France will I presume be known, publickly, in a few days. In the mean time I communicate, in confidence, some part of its character. It contains no stipulation for satisfaction of the injuries we have received. It makes the treaty of 78 a subject of future negotiation. It engages that we shall return, in the condition they now are, all ⟨ou⟩r captures. It...
57From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 17 December 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, December 17, 1800. On December 25, 1800, Wolcott wrote to Hamilton : “I have recd. your favours of the 16th. & 17th.” Letter of December 17 not found. ]
58To Alexander Hamilton from Jean Xavier Bureaux de Pusy, 16 December 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, December 16, 1800. “ Le General me Permet—I de lui rappeller qu’il a bien voulu me promettre une petite portion de l’une de ses Soires, pour lui rendre compte de mes idees Sur la defense Sont la Rade Et le port de New York Sont Susceptibles? … quelle Serait l’heure la moins incommode pour lui? ” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. For background to this letter, see James...
59From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 16 December 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
It is now, my Dear Sir, ascertained that Jefferson or Burr will be President and it seems probable that they will come with equal votes to the House of Representatives. It is also circulated here that in this event the Fœderalists in Congress or some of them talk of preferring Burr. I trust New England at least will not so far lose its head as to fall into this snare. There is no doubt but...
60To Alexander Hamilton from Aaron Ogden, 15 December 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Elizabethtown [ New Jersey ] December 15, 1800 . Complains that he cannot collect from the Government the money he spent for the public service while he was in the Army. Asks Hamilton to certify that the vouchers for Ogden’s expenditures be allowed. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. For payments to Ogden, see William Simmons to Henry Dearborn, March 5, 18, 31, April 26, 1802 (RG 217,...
61To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 14 December 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
After an absence of four months in the Woods I returned hither on the evening of the 10th instant; and this is the first opportunity of acknowledging the receipt of your letter of the 13th ult. A few days before I left the Woods , I received from a friend in Philadelphia, your pamphlet concerning the conduct and character of President Adams. You say the press teams with replies. I have yet...
62To Alexander Hamilton from James Gunn, [13 December 1800] (Hamilton Papers)
The Issue of the Election of President, and vice-President, so far as it depended upon the Individual States, is at length Settled. Jefferson, and Burr have the Major vote, and it may with Truth be Said, that, John Adams has Dam’d our Cause, for the double Chance was lost, in So. Carolina, owing to Genl. Pinckney Refusing to give up Mr. Adams. The Federalist appear to have no plan, common...
63To Alexander Hamilton from James Gunn, [11 December 1800] (Hamilton Papers)
I have Seen a list of the names of the So. Carolina Electors. They will all Vote for Jefferson and Col. Burr. Genl. Pinckney will not get one vote. Yours Sincerely ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Gunn was a Georgia Federalist, a lawyer, and a member of the United States Senate from 1789 to 1801. See the introductory note to H to Theodore Sedgwick, May 4, 1800 .
64To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 1 December 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
What is past and cannot be amended between friends had better be forgotten. Let it be so if you please. I am content. I have since your last reflected upon the policy & necessity of your replying to the answers to your animadversions on the character & conduct of the President, and incline to beleive that it would be wiser to suspend, for the present any further publication on the subject....
65To Alexander Hamilton from George Cabot, 29 November 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
It is too late to use the letter you enclosed me in Vermont & here it is unnecessary. I am satisfied the votes in this State & New Hampshire will be all for A & P. you will have seen with some pleasure that our Legislature have conducted in the manner was predicted by our friend Mr. Lowell junr —to his efforts indeed much of the success may be attributed. Some fears are entertained lest the...
66From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 22 November 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I am sorry that you were not pleased with my not having consulted you before I used your name in my publication. It was my intention to have done it—but finding my self pressed in point of time I concluded to wave it and on this reasoning— “The nature of the transaction is such as dispensed Mr. Mc. Henry from any obligation of delicacy to conceal any part of it. No blame can therefore attach...
67To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 19 November 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I received your letter of the 13 inst yesterday evening. [Altho’ I am not pleased at the facts attached to my name, in your letter to the President, having been brought into public view, without my consent, I can conceive nevertheless what might have prevented you from not requesting it. This supposed reason has weight if the facts could be considered of consequence, still however, in a case...
68From Alexander Hamilton to Henry Cheriot, 18 November 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I am sorry that my departure from Albany prevented my receiving there your communication on the subject of Mr. Le Couteux. The facts which you state respecting him correspond with what I have always understood. This Gentleman having emigrated from France to the UStates in a time of peace between that country and Great Britain and having been fourteen years a naturalized citizen of this...
69Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Cooper, and David A. Ogden to Thomas FitzSimons, Herman LeRoy, William Tilghman and Matthew … (Hamilton Papers)
As we have not been favored with an Answer to our Letter of 17. October last, we have Reason to conclude that you do not propose cooperating with us on the subject of that Letter. Under this Impression we beg leave to state, that we shall not make a final Decision on this Business till Monday the 24. Inst. If you will appoint an Agent to meet us on Saturday the 22. Int. we shall be happy to...
70To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Goodhue, 15 November 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I receiv’d your pamphlet, for which I thank you. I have always been of opinion, that We have been actuated by a pernicious plolicy in being so silent respecting Mr A, the public have been left thereby to form opinions favourable to him and of course unfavorible to those who were the objects of his Mad displeasure. I abominate the Hypocritical part which We have been necessitated to act in...
71To Alexander Hamilton from William Irvine, 13 November 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Carlisle [ Pennsylvania ] November 13, 1800 . Notifies Hamilton that his son Callender Irvine is fit to report for military duty and will visit Hamilton to thank him for “indulging him with a long leave of absence for the recovery of health.” ALS , Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. Irvine, an immigrant from Ireland and a veteran of the American Revolution, was a member of the...
72From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 13 November 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
You have seen my letter. You would think the close of it temporising. But the Fœderal Stomach would not bear a stronger dose. I regret that my early opinion was not pursued. All would then have stood better. The press teems with answers to my pamphlet. I may have to reply. If I do I shall reinforce my position by new facts. Assist me with such as you may possess. Did you yourself see the...
73From Alexander Hamilton to Timothy Pickering, 13 November 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
You no doubt have seen my pamphlet respecting the conduct and character of President Adams. The press teems with replies, and I may finally think it expedient to publish a second time. In this case I shall reinforce my charges by new anecdotes. My friends will no doubt be disposed to aid me. You probably possess some which are unknown to me. Pray let me have them without delay. You will...
74To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 3 November 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Providence, November 3, 1800. Recommends “the bearer Mr. Nathl. Greene Olney, a kinsman of mine,” who “now goes to New York in order to establish himself in Mercantile pursuits.” ALS , Rhode Island Historical Society, Providence. Nathaniel Greene Olney was the nephew of Jeremiah Olney and the son of Christopher Olney. On November 29, 1800, The Providence Gazette carried the following notice:...
75Enclosure: France and America, [2 October 1800] (Hamilton Papers)
We have seen in the Gazette on Monday last, the result, as given under the Paris head of August the 8th, of the negociation between our Commissioners and the French Government. It seems, it has failed, and is for the present, suspended, the reasons of which are assigned. This account of the matter, tho without an official stamp, has strong marks of being an enunciation by authority of the...
76From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, [30–31 October 1800] (Hamilton Papers)
It is an awkward thing now to tell you that it was early my intention to send you the inclosed. But it is nevertheless true that the idea was repeatedly in my mind with the design of executing it & was as often driven out by the distractions of business &c. Always very truly Dr Sir yr Obed ser ALS , sold by Forest H. Sweet, Battle Creek, Michigan, January, 1958, Lot No. 141. Jay endorsed...
77Account with John McComb, Junior, [25 October 1800] (Hamilton Papers)
1800 To John MComb Junr Dr. Sepr. Repairing Farm House &ca 2 Paid Thos Bloomfield 2000 brick as pr bill £ 5 4 6 " Abm. V Gelder 3 Casks Lime & Cartg. 2 4 " 9 days Mason work @13/ 5 17 13¾ do Labour
78Letter from Alexander Hamilton, Concerning the Public Conduct and Character of John Adams, Esq. President of the United … (Hamilton Papers)
Some of the warm personal friends of Mr. Adams are taking unwearied pains to disparage the motives of those Federalists, who advocate the equal support of Gen. Pinckney , at the approaching election of President and Vice-President. They are exhibited under a variety of aspects equally derogatory. Sometimes they are versatile, factious spirits, who cannot be long satisfied with any chief,...
79From Alexander Hamilton to Ebenezer Stevens, [21 October 1800] (Hamilton Papers)
General Stevens will please to deliver to Capt Huger the papers of the Adjutant Generals Office to be forwarded to B General Wilkinson AL , New-York Historical Society, New York City. For an explanation of the contents of this letter, see James Wilkinson to H, October 13, 1800 . Stevens endorsed this letter: “Genl Hamilton order for delivery of Ajt Genl Papers to Capt Huger for Genl Wilkinson....
80Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Cooper, and David A. Ogden to Thomas FitzSimons, Herman LeRoy, William Tilghman and Matthew … (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, October 17, 1800. The description of this letter in the dealer’s catalogue reads: “Concerning the conveyance of 175,000 acres of land, probably in N. Y. state.” Letter not found. ] LS , American Book-Prices Current 1966 , Vol. 72 [New York and London, 1969], 984. This letter, which H, Cooper, and Ogden wrote as attorneys for the Holland Land Company, concerns the settlement of the...
81To Alexander Hamilton from Oliver Ellsworth, 16 October 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose for your perusal, but by no means for publication, an extract of a letter I have just been writing for the Secretary of State. More could not be done than has been, without too great a sacrifice; and I hope, as the reign of Jacobinism in France is over, and appearances are strong in favour of a general peace, that you will think it was better to sign a Convention than to do nothing....
82To Alexander Hamilton from James Wilkinson, 13 October 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The order under cover will best explain to you, the Embarrassment I suffer for want of the Information & advice, I have long since sollicited from you. Without daring to condemn, I will lament your neglect of me, because it retards my puny arrangements, & prevents the completion of any system whatever: conscious of the variety, the extent, & the purpose of your Engagements at all times, to...
83To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 12 October 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Mr Wolcott informed me by a letter recd yesterday evening that he was to leave the seat of Government (on a visit to his family) to day. He goes by way of Lancaster & I expect will pass through to New York in which case I pray you to give him the inclosed letter. If any accident should prevent his seeing you, be pleased to send it to him. It will shew you what I think of things here and my...
84To Alexander Hamilton from George Cabot, 11 October 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the 2d did not reach me until last evening, it having been accidentally detained at the Stage house in this village several days. The President is on the point of departure for the Seat of Govt so that no opportunity of conveyance by a private Gentleman cou’d be found, I have therefore sent your letter by a sure hand to the post office whence it undoubtedly goes in the...
85To Alexander Hamilton from John G. Coffin, 11 October 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Boston, October 11, 1800. “If you have not found it convenient to have placed my claim against the United States for Compensation for doing the duty of Quarter Master at Fort Niagara in a train for settlement, I will thank you to forward it to me, that I may offer it to the accountant of the War Department for payment.…” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Coffin, a Massachusetts...
86To Alexander Hamilton from William Lewis, 11 October 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of yesterday I recieved this morning, requesting to “know with exactness, what passed between the President and the Counsel of Fries &c.” and as nothing that I deem improper ever passed between them, I shall without hesitation furnish all the information in my power. It seems proper however to accompany it with some additional information, as I do not wish a part of the transaction...
87From Alexander Hamilton to William Lewis, 10 October 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, October 10, 1800. On October 11, 1800, Lewis wrote to Hamilton : “Your letter of yesterday I received this morning.” Letter not found. ]
88To Alexander Hamilton from William Vans Murray, 9 October 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I was extremely flatterd by the confidence which your letter by Mr. Colbert proved you have in my disposition to follow your wishes. A letter from you is no affair of ceremony—it is an obligation on any man who flatters himself with the hope of your personal esteem. Mr. C. gave it to me yesterday. I immediately in particular addressed a letter to Bonaparte, & made use of your name, wh. I was...
89From Alexander Hamilton to Philip Schuyler, 9 October 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, October 9, 1800. Advises Schuyler on the settlement of the estate of his brother Courtlandt Schuyler and states that he plans to go to Albany. ALS , MS Division, New York Public Library. Schuyler to H, July 17, 1800 . See H to Aaron Ogden, October 2, 1800, note 2 .
90From Alexander Hamilton to James Wilkinson, 8 October 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, October 8, 1800. On October 13, 1800, Wilkinson wrote to Hamilton : “I have this Day recd. your Letter of the 8th. Inst.” Letter not found. ]
91From Alexander Hamilton to George Cabot, 2 October 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, October 2, 1800. On October 11, 1800, Cabot wrote to H : “Your letter of the 2d did not reach me until last evening.” Letter not found. ]
92To Alexander Hamilton from Samuel Dexter, 2 October 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the Honor to enclose a Letter from General La Fayette, and one from the Widow of the late Colonel Fleury, which came to this Office with a number of others on the same subject under cover from Mr. Murray. I have not formally requested your assistance to Mr. Puzy, respecting the fortifications in the Harbor of New York, because, as the Law of your state is construed by me, the whole...
93From Alexander Hamilton to John Marshall, 2 October 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Before this reaches you, you will no doubt have seen under the Paris head an account of the suspension of the negotiation which has strong marks of being genuine. Inclosed is a comment which I have thought it expedient rather hastily to make upon it, with an eye particularly to some elections in our neighbourhood. If you agree with me in the concluding sentiments you will seriously consider...
94From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 2 October 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Will you do me the favour to inquire & inform me how soon we may depend on our carriage. I propose shortly to make a journey to Albany & to take Mrs. H with me, which is the cause of my now troubling you. Pray what are you going to do in New Jersey. We are all-apprehension about you. Yrs. truly ALS , George N. Meissner Collection, Rare Book Department, Washington University, St. Louis,...
95To Alexander Hamilton from Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 2 October 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I wrote you a hasty Letter yesterday in which I returned the draught which accompanied your favour of September 26th. In my opinion the style temper and spirit of the composition are well suited to the subject & will do you honour. I have only to submit a few criticisms to your consideration. The observations respecting Mr. T. Pinckneys predilection for France—in page 19. and his official...
96To John Adams from Alexander Hamilton, 1 October 1800 (Adams Papers)
The time which has elapsed since my letter of the first of August last was delivered to you precludes the further expectation of an answer. From this silence, I will draw no inference; nor will I presume to judge of the fitness of silence on such an occasion, on the part of the Chief Magistrate of a Republic, towards a citizen, who without a stain has discharged so many important public...
97From Alexander Hamilton to ———, 1 October 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I send you my account against this State. As I am building I want mony much. You will therefore oblige me by receiving & forwarding it without delay. I authorise you to give a receipt in full. You will observe that the causes have been decided in our favour. Wit great regard I am Dr. Sir Your Obed ser ALS , Columbia University Libraries. This letter was apparently addressed to John V....
98From Alexander Hamilton to John Adams, 1 October 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The time which has elapsed since my letter of the first of August was delivered to you precludes the further expectation of an answer. From this silence, I will draw no inference; nor will I presume to judge of the fitness of silence on such an occasion, on the part of The Chief Magistrate of a Republic, towards a citizen, who without a stain has discharged so many important public trusts. But...
99To Alexander Hamilton from Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 1 October 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have recd. your favour of September 26th. and have made a few notes, which I will revise and send to you to morrow. The style & temper is excellent, no observations occur to me upon the first part of the Draught. You will judge of the expediency of sending the Letter, from the information which you possess of the public opinion. I have no lights beyond those which I suggested as from...
100Receipt from William Barton, [September 1800] (Hamilton Papers)
1800 Genl. Alexander Hammelton To William Barton Sept. 2d. To an arch Bar & Crain eye for a fire place Wt 40 lb. .. £ 2. 00 10 To a Crain for Ditto Wt 36½ lb .. 1. 16.0 £ 3. 16.0 DS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Barton was a blacksmith in New York City. For background to this document, see the introductory note to Philip Schuyler to H, July 17, 1800 .