31Thomas Mifflin to Alexander Hamilton, John Laurance, and Richard Varick, 17 December 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
Yesterday I received the letter you did me the honor to write to me on the 10th: instant, and laid it before Congress; but as seven States only have met, the Subject of it cannot be taken up so soon as its Importance requires. I will transmit to you an authenticated copy of the Ratification of the definitive Treaty the moment that Congress shall put it into my power. I am with much Respect &...
32To Alexander Hamilton from John Chaloner, [18] December 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
I have consulted the president of the Bank respectg the information you required in your Letter of the 11th. Instant. He informs me that you must send a regular Power of attorney reciteing the power left by John Carter, that it must be attested by one of the chief Magistrates of your City authourizing whom you please to receive the dividend & vote for Mr Carter’s Shares. I wrote you some time...
33From Alexander Hamilton to Samuel Loudon, [27 December 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
I Observe in Mr. Holt’s paper of this day, a nomination for the ensuing election, in which my name is included. I thank the authors of it for the honour they intended me; but being determined to decline public office, I think it proper to declare my determination, to avoid in any degree distracting the votes of my fellow citizens. The New-York Packet. And the American Advertiser , December 29,...
34From Alexander Hamilton to Francisco de Miranda, [January–July 1784] (Hamilton Papers)
Col Hamiltons Compliments to Col Miranda; is much obliged to him for the paper. AD , Academia Nacional de la Historia, Caracas, Venezuela. Miranda, Spanish-American adventurer and soldier, served with the French during the American Revolution. After the war, when his attempts to achieve the independence of Spanish America were discovered, he fled first to the United States and then to England....
35A Letter from Phocion to the Considerate Citizens of New York, [1–27 January 1784] (Hamilton Papers)
While not only every personal artifice is employed by a few heated and inconsiderate spirits, to practise upon the passions of the people, but the public papers are made the channel of the most inflammatory and pernicious doctrines, tending to the subversion of all private security and genuine liberty; it would be culpable in those who understand and value the true interests of the community...
36From Alexander Hamilton to John Chaloner, 8 January 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, January 8, 1784. On January 21, 1784, Chaloner wrote to Hamilton : “I have before me yours of the 8th. & 15th Instt.” Letter of January 8 not found. ]
37From Alexander Hamilton to John Chaloner, 15 January 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, January 15, 1784. On January 21, 1784, Chaloner wrote to Hamilton : “I have before me yours of the 8th. & 15th Instt.” Letter of January 15 not found. ]
38To Alexander Hamilton from John Chaloner, 21 January 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
I have before me yours of the 8th. & 15th Instt. Yesterday I waited on the President of the Bank with your power of Attorney. He thought it sufficient had Mr Carters to you accompanied it, but for want thereof they could not pay me his divident. You must therefore send me Mr Carters original Power of Attorney to you. Your draft favour of Mr Hoffman I will take up. A Mr P Thompson applied to me...
39To Alexander Hamilton from Gouverneur Morris, 27 January 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
I arrived here on Thursday Evening, after a mighty disagreable Ride, and a mighty whimsical Accident in crossing the Delaware, the Particulars of which I shall reserve till we meet. As I promised to write you the Politics and News of Philadelphia, I will do it this Day; for the Snow Storm rages so incessantly that I can’t go abroad. This you will say bodes a long Letter, and I fear you will...
40To Alexander Hamilton from John Chaloner, 2 February 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
I wrote you the 21st Ulto Copy of which you have annexd. At that period few or no Subscriptions to the Bank of Pensylvania had taken place but its progress has been so rapid as to obtain Seven hundred & fifteen shares on friday last. Thursday next they choose directors & begin to prepare for business. Its Constitution or at least the proposed Constitution is exactly the same as the Bank of No...
41Petition to the New York Legislature, [4 February 1784] (Hamilton Papers)
To The Honorable The Representatives of the State of New York In Senate and Assembly The Memorial and Petition of Alexander Hamilton humbly sheweth That Your Memorialist early in the year 1776 entered into the service of this State having been previously a resident therein, in the command of a company of Artillery raised for its particular defence, and continued in the command of that company...
42From Alexander Hamilton to John Chaloner, 5 February 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, February 5, 1784. On February 12, 1784, Chaloner wrote to Hamilton : “Your two favours of the fifth & Eighth Instant are both reced.” Letter of February 5 not found. ]
43To Alexander Hamilton from John B. Church, 7 February 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
I received a few Days since my Dear Sir your Favor of the 12th Decemr. I observed your Account of the Project of the Bank, I fear by Letters I have Received from Chaloner that the Plan will be carried into Execution before this Reaches you, if it is and the Shares are not all taken up pray buy for me Two hundred and fifty Shares. I shall direct Chaloner to draw on me to supply you with the...
44From Alexander Hamilton to John B. Church, 7 February 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, February 7, 1784. On May 2, 1784, Church wrote to Hamilton : “I have within a few Days Received your Favors of the 7th and 18th Feby. and 6th March.” Letter of February 7 not found. ]
45From Alexander Hamilton to John Chaloner, 8 February 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, February 8, 1784. On February 12, 1784, Chaloner wrote to Hamilton : “Your two favours of the fifth & Eighth Instant are both reced.” Letter of February 8 not found. ]
46To Alexander Hamilton from John Chaloner, 12 February 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
Your two favours of the fifth & Eighth Instant are both reced, the latter covering Mr Carters power of Attorney to you. The utillity of another bank to the Mercantile Interest is very evident the rapid progress of the New one has already in some Instances dictated to the Old. I will mention a Case. On application with your power of Attorney to me, I was told it was irregular & could not...
47From Alexander Hamilton to John Chaloner, 12 February 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, February 12, 1784. On February 17, 1784, Chaloner wrote to Hamilton : “Yours of the 12th. Instant I have just reced.” Letter not found. ]
48To Alexander Hamilton from John Chaloner, 17 February 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
Yours of the 12th. Instant I have just reced & am glad to find your Sentiments coinside with mine respecting the deposit of Bank Stock. I will immediately subscribe two thousand dollars for Mr Church. By the very next oppo. I will send a Sketch of the Acct between us. I am with respect Sir Your most Obdt Servt LC , Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. Letter not found.
49From Alexander Hamilton to Egbert Benson, 18 February 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York ] February 18, 1784 . “I am engaged in several causes depending on the Trespass law on the side of the defendants. Three of my Clients who are British Merchants are anxious to have your assistance.… The actions are brought in the Mayor’s Court; so that I suppose the argument will come on in about five weeks. Will it be convenient for you to be here?” ALS , Lloyd W. Smith Collection,...
50From Alexander Hamilton to John B. Church, 18 February 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, February 18, 1784. On May 2, 1784, Church wrote to Hamilton : “I have within a few Days Received your Favors of the 7th and 18th Feby. and 6th March.” Letter of February 18 not found. ]
51From Alexander Hamilton to Gouverneur Morris, 21 February 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
I duly received my dear Sir your letter of the 27th: of January and I would have sooner told you how much pleasure it gave me, if I had had time; but legislative folly has afforded so plentiful a harvest to us lawyers that we have scarcely a moment to spare from the substantial business of reaping. Today being sunday I have resolved to give an hour to friendship and to you. Good people would...
52Constitution of the Bank of New York, [23 February–15 March 1784] (Hamilton Papers)
Constitution Article 1st. That the Bank shall be called by the Name and Title of the Bank of New York. –2– That the Capital Stock consist of Five Hundred Thousand Dollars in Gold or Silver, divided into One Thousand Shares of Five Hundred Dollars each Share and that a Majority of all the Directors may at their discretion open new Subscriptions for encreasing the Capital Stock, when they shall...
53Outline of a Charter for the Bank of New York, [23 February–15 March 1784] (Hamilton Papers)
Plan for the Incorporation of a Bank 1st: The Stile of the Bank to be “The Bank of New-York.” 2. The Capital Stock not to Exceed 1,000,000 Dollars; each Share consisting of 500 Dollars. 3. The Subscribers to Elect on the 2d. Monday of May, in each year thirteen Directors to Conduct the Affairs of the Bank, who shall be authorised to Chuse a President; the Mode of Election to be determined by a...
54To Alexander Hamilton from Jacob Le Roy, March 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
Greenwich [ Connecticut ] March, 1784 . Instructs Hamilton to collect interest on money owed to Le Roy by John Reade. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Le Roy was a member of the New York merchant firm of Jacob Le Roy and Sons.
55From Alexander Hamilton to Robert Bayard, 6 March 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, March 6, 1784. “Mrs. Naomi Dunbar widow of Daniel Dunbar has retained me as Council in a suit which she expects will shortly be brought in behalf of the state for a house and lot in this city sold by you to her husband.… Mrs. Dunbar therefore wishes … that you would procure and send over to her a proper conveyance for the house and lot.” ALS , Mr. Justin G. Turner, Los Angeles,...
56From Alexander Hamilton to John B. Church, 6 March 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, March 6, 1784. On May 2, 1784, Church wrote to Hamilton : “I have within a few Days Received your Favors of the 7th and 18th Feby. and 6th March.” Letter of March 6 not found. ]
57From Alexander Hamilton to John B. Church, 10 March 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
In my last to you I informed you that a project for a land bank had been set on foot by Mr. Sayre as the ostensible Parent; but that I had reason to suspect the Chancellor was the true father. The fact has turned out as I supposed; and the Chancellor with a number of others have since petitioned the Legislature for an exclusive charter for the proposed bank. I thought it necessary not only...
58To Alexander Hamilton from John Chaloner, 16 March 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
Herewith you have a letter from Mr Church which came to hand by the last Post. Yesterday at a meeting of the Stockholders of the New Bank they agreed to withdraw their Petition for a Charter & that Institution does not go on. You will please therefore to give order respectg the monies I subscribed on acct of Mr Church for that Purpose. I am with great respect Sir Your LC , Historical Society...
59From Alexander Hamilton to Gouverneur Morris, [21 March 1784] (Hamilton Papers)
Permit me to introduce to Your acquaintance and attention Mr Seaton Cashier of the Bank of New York. He is just setting out for Philadelphia to procure materials, and information in the forms of business. I recommend him to you, because I am persuaded you will with pleasure facilitate his object. Personally I dare say you will be pleased with him. He will tell you of our embarrassments and...
60From Alexander Hamilton to John Chaloner, 22 March 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, March 22, 1784. On March 25, 1784, Chaloner wrote to Hamilton : “Yours of the 22d Instant I have just now reced.” Letter not found. ]
61To Alexander Hamilton from John Chaloner, 25 March 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
Yours of the 22nd Instant I have just now reced and shall attend to your directions. I never charge Mr Church Commissions on receiving Cash because the charge of Commissions on his property in my hands is considerable large but if this transaction is not for him, I ought to have a small Comm[issio]n. I have reced the Package for Mrs Hamilton, & will forward it by the first Vessell to New York....
62To Alexander Hamilton from William Seton, 27 March 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
You will have seen by my Letters to the Direction how I have proceeded since my coming here. Allow me now particularly to thank you for your kind Letter to Mr: Fitzsimmons, as from him I have already received every assistance and shall derive every necessary Information: I find he is the Leading Man in the Direction of the Bank of North America abstracted from its connection with the State,...
63To Alexander Hamilton from Hugh Seton, 30 March 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
[ England, March 30, 1784. On June 18, 1784, Hamilton wrote to Seton : “I have been duely honored with your letter of the 30th. of March.” Letter not found. ] Hugh Seton of Leicester Fields, County of Middlesex, England, was the partner of John Ballantyne of Bologne, France, in the firm of Charles and Hugh Smith and Company. Seton asked H to collect a debt for him. See H to Seton, June 18, 1784 .
64From Alexander Hamilton to ———, 31 March 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, March 31, 1784. “I have considered the Patent to Mr. Woolley and am in doubt whether it is valid or not so far as it gives an exclusive right of ferriage; as this may be construed into a monopoly.” ALS , Bank of New York, New York City.
65Second Letter from Phocion, [April 1784] (Hamilton Papers)
The little hasty production, under the signature of Phocion , has met with a more favourable reception from the public, than was expected. The force of plain truth has carried it along against the stream of prejudice; and the principles, it holds out, have gained ground, in spite of the opposition of those, who were either too angry, or too much interested to be convinced. Men of this...
66From Alexander Hamilton to Gouverneur Morris, [7 April 1784] (Hamilton Papers)
Pardon me My Dr. Sir for not sooner having obeyed your orders with respect to the inclosed. I part with it reluctantly; for that is so rare an article, that when we get so much of it in so small a compass we can not easily consent to be dispossessed of it. I am very happy to hear of the union of your two banks; for you will believe me when I tell you, that on more deliberate consideration, I...
67From Alexander Hamilton to James Madison, [18 April 1784] (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, April 18, 1784. “I take the liberty to introduce him to you, as to one who will be disposed, so far as your situation will permit and the circumstances of the State may render practicable, to patronise any just or equitable claims which he may have upon the State. What those claims are he will himself explain to you, I have assured him that he will find in you a friend to justice...
68To James Madison from Alexander Hamilton, 18 April 1784 (Madison Papers)
I take the liberty to introduce him to you, as to one who will be disposed, as far as your situation will permit and the circumstances of the State may render practicable, to patronise any just or equitable claims which he may have upon the State. What those claims are he will himself explain to you, I have assured him that he will find in you a friend to justice and an able advocate for...
69To Alexander Hamilton from John Chaloner, 1 May 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed you have Captn Wades recet for the Box I reced of the Consul of france which I hope will come safe to hand. I shall write you on the Subject of the Bank as soon as I am well informd of the business transacted Yesterday at a meeting of the Stockholders. I have not a doubt but that the money can be better employed & with equal security. I am Sir Your most Obdt Servt LC , Historical...
70To Alexander Hamilton from John B. Church, 2 May 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
I have within a few Days Received your Favors of the 7th & 18th Feby. and 6th March. I am sorry to see the Proprietors of the old Bank at Philada. have acted so weak a Part as to cause an unnecessary Opposition; I fear they will by the Conduct they have pursued decrease their future Dividends, and I really believe the new Bank will be more beneficial than the old. The Establishment of the New...
71To Alexander Hamilton from John Campbell, 10 May 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
I am happy to have the Satisfaction to Inform you that If I could by any means find a Safe Opportunity at Present I have in my power to remit you the Cash to pay those people that you was my Security too. As I only arrived here the 29th. of last Month, I beg you may not think it Strange you not Recd. the mony by this. I hope you’ll rest assured that when ever I can with any Safety Send it to...
72From Alexander Hamilton to John B. Church, 16 May 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, May 16, 1784. On the envelope of a letter that Church wrote to Hamilton on February 7, 1784 , Hamilton wrote: “From & to Mr. Carter May 16, 1784.” Letter not found. ]
73From Alexander Hamilton to Hugh Knox, 17 May 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, May 17, 1784. On July 28, 1784, Knox wrote to Hamilton : “After a long long Chasm in Our Epistolary Intercourse, I received your favour of the 17th. of May last.” Letter not found. ]
74From Alexander Hamilton to John Chaloner, [17–]18 May 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
By this post will come to you a letter from General Schuyler, in which you will perceive he has desired me to draw upon you for a sum of money. The object is to pay for a lot purchased for Mr Carter. The amount of the sum wanted is £2800 this Currency. A bill upon Philadelphia cannot be sold here ⟨without⟩ considerable discount. I am therefore to request you will forward it by trusty persons...
75From 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.,...
76To Alexander Hamilton from John Chaloner, 26 May 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
Yours of the 18 Inst came duly to hand I have expectation of a bill on your City for the amt of your first payment or thereabouts. I shall certainly receive it in a day or two & will forward it immediately. The Present situation of the Bank is unknown to any but the directors thereof. What has occasioned the late embarrassments is also unknown. They are so far surmounted as to enable them to...
77To Alexander Hamilton from Matthew Visscher, 27 May 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
May 27, 1784. Lists persons against whom judgments have been entered under the Confiscation Law. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Visscher was an Albany lawyer who was clerk of the city and county of Albany.
78To Alexander Hamilton from Egbert Benson, 28 May 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
May 28, 1784. “There is an Ejectment depending in the Supreme Court for Lands in this County for the Family of the Rooseboom’s agt: Pearsall Brown, in which the Lessors of the Plf: request You will consider Yourself retained as Council on their Behalf.… I have a similar Request to you from the Devisees of Catharine Brett, who claim a considerable Tract in the Rumbout Precinct in this County...
79To Alexander Hamilton from John Chaloner, 31 May 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed you have a list of sundry bills Exchd herewith. Should any of the Persons on whom Mr Macarty has drawn decline acceptance because of the time: You have his consent to grant them any indulgence on this head. I have forwarded them to you because he has confidence that they will be paid & if so will prevent my sending on Money and also because he is a particular acquaintance of our...
80From Alexander Hamilton to Egbert Benson, 8 June 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, June 8, 1784. The catalogue description of a letter to Benson from Hamilton reads: “Mainly on legal business, concluding: ‘No thing new here except that the Whigs by way of eminence (as they distinguish themselves) are degenerating fast into a very peaceable set of people.’” Letter not found. ] ALS , sold at Anderson Galleries, May 9, 1912, Lot 65.