1051From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 31 October 1794 (Washington Papers)
By pushing through the rain (which fell more or less on Saturday, Sunday and Monday) I arrived in this City before noon on Tuesday; without encountering any accident on the road, or any thing so unpleasant as the badness of the ways, after the rains had softened the earth and made them susceptible of deep impression, of the Wheels. How you passed through the Glades after the various accounts...
1052To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 18 April 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Baltimore, April 18, 1792. On June 5, 1792, Hamilton wrote to Williams : “I have before me your letters of the 18th of March, 18th of April, 8th & 27th of May.” Letter of April 18 not found. ]
1053To Alexander Hamilton from William Short, 30 July 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
I have hitherto on more than one occasion & particularly in my letter of the 7th. of March last, done myself the honor of informing you of M. de Gardoqui’s desire to unite certain claims of Spain against the U.S. with the specified debt, which under your authority I had directed the Bankers at Amsterdam to pay off. I have also informed you of my determination to confine myself simply to the...
1054To Alexander Hamilton from Jedediah Huntington, [27 May 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
The Brig Maria James Stephenson Master Luke Fortune Consignee Arrived here in Feby last from Grenada—where she was put in Seizure for a Breach of the Laws of Trade. She sails under a british Register. It is said she has since been condemned at Grenada. The Captain repents his assisting in bringing her away and demands her Register of me that he may carry her back. Luke Fortune the Consignee...
1055From John Adams to Alexander Hamilton, 9 April 1791 (Adams Papers)
I have received the Letter you did me the honor to write me this morning and as the Secretary of State accidentally fell in before I had opportunity to answer it, we agreed to propose a meeting at his House at two o’Clock on Monday next. If that time and place are agreable to you, and the Secretary at War, they will be particularly so to me, who have the honor to be with great regard, Sir your...
1056To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Marchant, 8 November 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
In pursuance of an Act of the Congress of the United States “to provide for mitigating or remitting forfeitures and penalties, accruing under the Revennue Laws in certain Cases therein mentioned” I have received the Petition of James Maxwell and Dunken Thelley both of said District Traders in Company hereto annexed And thereupon caused William Ellery, Collector, and Robert Crooke Naval Officer...
1057To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 4 July 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
The post last evening brought me your letter of the 26th. Ulto. The copy of a letter from the Collector of Ba[r]nstable said to be inclosed has not come to hand. You mention that the letter relates to a request from him for a boat for the use of the inspector at Tarpentine Cove. I cannot find such a place within the district of Barnstable. There are now in the Office two Masters of vessels...
1058To Alexander Hamilton from Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 29 February 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, Comptroller’s Office, February 29, 1792. Sends report on memorial of Samuel Fowler. States: “Though there is not any recollection of the particular Certificate presented by Saml Fowler and defaced at the Treasury, yet from the circumstances now stated, it is evident that said Certificate was a forgery and not chargeable to the public. That the negligence imputed by the...
1059To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, [8 April 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
Annexed to your Statemen⟨t⟩ of “Principles and course of Procee⟨d⟩ings” I have given the certificat⟨e⟩ required. I am yours always ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. For background to this letter, see the introductory note to H to Frederick A. C. Muhlenberg, December 16, 1793 . See also H to the Select Committee Appointed to Examine the Treasury Department, March 24, 1794 ; H to...
1060To Alexander Hamilton from Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 1 March 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
In consequence of the permission which you have given I take the liberty to suggest a plan for keeping the accounts of the Funded Debt and for regulating the payment of Interest, which I now submit to your consideration. Let one Commissioner be appointed in each State or in convenient districts of the union, with instructions to take up & cancell the Certificates now in circulation & to...
1061To Alexander Hamilton from William Short, 15 February 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
You will have been informed by the Commissioners at Amsterdam of their having received your letters to them & to me of the 12th. of Aug. last. In forwarding mine they inclosed me a copy of their answer to you. As it then appeared that there was no possibility of making the loan, the direction you gave me as to the co-operation of course could not take its effect. Circumstances having since...
1062To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Knox, 8 August 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
War Department, Accountant’s Office, August 8, 1794. “I have the honor to inclose you an abstract of pay due the dismounted Infantry for the defensive protection of the Territory south west of the Ohio … in 1793 and part of 1794, an estimate of expenses and for pay of the Federal troops in that Quarter, also an estimate of the ordinary expenses of Government for Governor Blount for the year...
1063To Alexander Hamilton from Joseph Whipple, 3 September 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Portsmouth, New Hampshire, September 3, 1790. Has neglected furnishing Hamilton with duplicates of ships’ registers because of the pressure of other duties. Transmits “duplicates of such of said Certificates as have been granted in this District, Twenty of which … are inclosed.” LC , RG 36, Collector of Customs at Portsmouth, Letters Sent, 1790–1791, Vol. 2, National Archives; copy, RG 56,...
1064To Alexander Hamilton from Joseph Whipple, 10 September 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Your Circular letter dated the 5th. of August respecting two missing Certificates of Registry, Enjoining the Seasonable transmission of Returns, Noticing the failure of complying with the opinions of Messrs. Jones and Harrison, The Information Stating a practice of Measuring Vessels of the United States previously Registered, And requesting a Copy of the Table of Fees, was received the 25th....
1065To Alexander Hamilton from Tench Coxe, 24 May 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, Revenue Office, May 24, 1794. “I have the honor to communicate to you an offer to build a house for the keeper of the Light house on Plumb Island.… I have no particular grounds on which to form an opinion of the reasonableness of these proposals, except that Genl Lincoln has not expressed any opinion unfavorable to them.…” LC , RG 26, Lighthouse Letters, Vol. I, National...
1066To Alexander Hamilton from Eli Elmer, 19 June 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Bridgetown, New Jersey, June 19, 1790. On July 29, 1790, Hamilton wrote to Elmer : “Your letter of the 19th ultimo was duly received.” Letter not found. ] Elmer was collector of customs at Bridgetown.
1067To Alexander Hamilton from William Pinkney, 18 September 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
In the absence of the Governor, we have received information from General Smith, that the Spirit of insurrection in the Upper Counties of this State has arisen to so alarming a Heigth, as actually to prompt a part of the misguided Inhabitants to embody for the purpose of marching to Frederic Town, with the object no doubt, of obtaining possession of the State’s armoury and Magazine. The prompt...
1068To Alexander Hamilton from Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 26 July 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, July 26, 1796. On July 30, 1796, Hamilton wrote to Wolcott and acknowledged “the Receipt of your letter of the 26th.” Letter not found. ]
1069To 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...
1070To Alexander Hamilton from Tench Coxe, 5 July 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Coxe has the pleasure to enclose the papers desired by the secretary of the Treasury. He is apprehensive that the copying and comparing all the papers he writes in pursuance of the Treasury Agency for the war department will be found impracticable, considering the other business of the Clerks. Mr. Coxe’s letter to Mr. White about Mr. Zane’s Iron works, had gone before the receipt of the...
1071To Alexander Hamilton from Tench Coxe, 19 September 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to in-close to you a letter of the 10th Instant this day received from the Supervisor of Virginia, in answer to a letter of the 23d. Ultimo from this Office. The intention of this communication is to place before you the tenor of any instructions to that officer on the subject of the 9th. Section of the Act of May 1792, concerning the duties on Spirits distilled in the United...
1072To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 7 October 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
The Office of District Attorney for Rhode Island being vacant by the Death of William Channing Esqr. and some of the Merchants having recommended to the President of the United States, David Howell Esqr. to Succeed to that Office, and knowing him to be very much under the Influence of those Characters who have long and with violence, opposed me in a Just Execution of the revenue laws —I have...
1073From Thomas Jefferson to Alexander Hamilton, 13 July 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Permit me to request the favor of you, to cause a warrant to be issued on the Treasurer of the United States payable to George Taylor Junior to the amount of five hundred and twenty dollars for defraying the contingent expenses of the Department of State. I have the honor to be, with sentiments of the highest respect, Sir, Your most obedient and most humble servant PrC ( DLC ); in Taylor’s...
1074To Alexander Hamilton from Abishai Thomas, [18 June 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
Congress having appropriated Money for payment of the Invalid pensioners commencing with the 4th March 1789, and payment for the whole of that year having been made by the State of North Carolina to all the pensioners on the returns of that State, prior to the appropriation aforesaid, or at least prior to the knowledge thereof being obtained within the State, it follows that the money sent...
1075To Alexander Hamilton from Tench Coxe, [13 February 1795] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Coxe presents his comps. to Col. Hamilton with a Statement of the Account for Lands in the case of Church, Coxe & Steedman —and in the Case of Church, Coxe, Ball, Smith &ca . The others are drawing out. These being ready are sent to give time for inspection. He has repeated his request for an Adjustment before monday in a letter to Wheelen Miller & Co. Copy, Tench Coxe Papers, Historical...
1076To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 14 October 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed is the duplicate of my last. The calamity which has befallen Philadelphia & seems in no wise to abate renders it more essential than ever for the heads of Departments to Assemble, that proper measures with respect to the public Offices & Papers may be adopted. It is time also, if the President can with propriety interpose, to decide something with respect to the meeting of Congress....
1077To Alexander Hamilton from Sharp Delany, [25 January 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
From the Journals of Congress I see You have reported a Bill to the consideration of the Legislature respecting Duties, which gives me much pleasure even if the Imposts you wish to take place should not carry, as the deficiencies & contrarieties in our collection & Registering Acts may be remedied. The office of Naval officer as a controuling officer is absolutely necessary—but as the...
1078To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Tallmadge, 20 June 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
In reply to your Letter of the 16th. instant I would observe that so far as the Draughts of the Ohio Lotts have been completed, every proprietor may know his own Lotts; but as this business has been executed but in part, it was tho’t best not to insert the numbers of the Lotts in the body of the Deeds. I except to go to Marietta the ensuing fall, when the Accounts of the Ohio Company will...
1079To Alexander Hamilton from John Nicholson, 19 April 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Altho many of the Certificates the property of the State of Pennsylvania were not yet assigned thereto for which you have directed such provisions to be made as fully secures her interest therein, Yet there are also Certificates that appear to the Credit of the same State on the Treasury Books which individuals are intitled to on their delivering up the New Loan Certificates of Pennsylvania in...
1080From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 23 March 1793 (Washington Papers)
Pay, or cause to be paid to the Secretary of State or to his order, the sum of Thirty nine thousand five hundred Dollars, which, in addition to five hundred Dollars furnished to Colo. Humphreys on the 14th of Augt 1790, will complete the sum of forty thousand Dollars for the third year’s allowance under the Act concerning intercourse with foreign Nations. LB , DLC:GW . Thomas Jefferson...
1081To Alexander Hamilton from James Hardie, 2 December 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
Princeton [ New Jersey ] December 2, 1795 . “… During the time of the yellow fever in New York, some business called me to that city. A person to whom I had rendered very considerable service served a writ upon me even in his own house & as it happened at a late hour I was sent to jail, where I continued for three days.… The trial will come on, during the Christmas week, when I shall endeavour...
1082To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 16 July 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Messrs Clarke and Nightingale are about Exporting a Quantity of Brandy to Cape Francois—imported into this district in the Ship Lark in May last from Bourdeaux—and have applyed to me for information. Wheather said Brandy may not on Return of the Vessel be relanded here, (in case it cannot be Sold to advantage in the Cape) Free of duty and the Exportation Bond Cancelled without a Breach of Law,...
1083To Alexander Hamilton from John Fitzgerald, 20 June 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Alexandria, Virginia, June 20, 1791. On June 30, 1791, Hamilton wrote to Fitzgerald : “Yours of the 20th of June came duly to hand.” Letter not found. ] Fitzgerald, a neighbor of George Washington, had served as one of his aides during the American Revolution. In 1793 he succeeded Charles Lee as collector of customs at Alexandria.
1084To Alexander Hamilton from Stephen Rochefontaine, 10 May 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
West Point by Peekskill, May 10, 1796. “I have had the honor to transmit to you in the course of last week, a Letter detailing the affair which passed between Mr Wilson, a Lieut. in the Corps, and myself; the Injuries offered on both sides had been settled agreeably to the rules of honor adopted by gentlemen, and in consequence of a Particular agreement made by the two seconds; two days after...
1085To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 26 June 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
The Sloop Abigail of this Port, burthen 46 ⁶³⁄₉₅ Tons, Michael Anthony Master, arrived here on the 24th instant, having a Register, and a License which expired on the 5th Day of the present Month: he cleared his Vessel at New-York on the 20th Instant; and appears to have committed a breach of the 6th Section of the new Coasting Law; but as that Section makes a distinction between registered ,...
1086To Alexander Hamilton from William Short, 30 August 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
I had the honor of writing to you on the 6th inst. previously to my going to Amsterdam to sign the contract & bonds of the last or second 4 p. cent loan. Since my return here I have recd. from Mr. Pinckney your letters of June 14—June 23 with its enclosures—& June 30. These letters were recieved here the 17th inst. being sent by Mr. Pinckney with the idea, that they would be forwarded to me;...
1087Tobias Lear to Alexander Hamilton, 9 July 1791 (Washington Papers)
Philadelphia, 9 July 1791. “The President has received a letter from Mr Rue, who was appointed second Mate of the revenue Cutter on the Delaware station, declining his appointment & returning his commission.” LB , DLC:GW . The letter of resignation from Benjamin Rue to GW has not been found but must have been written between 28 June and this date. Tench Coxe wrote to Tobias Lear on 28 June...
1088To Alexander Hamilton from James Hamilton, 12 June 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
I wrote you a letter in June 1792 inclosed in one to Mr. Donald of Virginia Since which I have had no further accounts from you. My bad State of health has prevented my going to Sea at this time being afflicted with a complication of disorders. The war which has lately broke out between France & England makes it very dengerous going to Sea at this time, however we daily expect news of a peace...
1089To Alexander Hamilton from Stephen Cross, 18 October 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Newburyport [ Massachusetts ] October 18, 1792 . “In my letter of May 25th I mentioned that I should make some Observations respecting my being removed from Office.… Had not the under officers a right to give the other Officers their whole pay or any part of it if they pleased, and what danger of abuse would arise there from if they did. The money represented to be passed by me.… was voluntary...
1090To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Lee, 13 November 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Nailer’s Farm , Pennsylvania, November 13, 1794 . On November 13, 1794, Hamilton wrote to Lee : “I have received your Letter of this day.” Letter not found. ] On November 12 and November 13, 1794, Lee issued orders from his headquarters at Nailer’s farm ( Baldwin, “Orders Issued by General Henry Lee,” Leland D. Baldwin, ed., “Orders Issued by General Henry Lee during the Campaign against the...
1091To Alexander Hamilton from Richard Harison, 4 June 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, June 4, 1792. On June 26, 1792, Hamilton wrote to Harison : “I shall be mindful of the intimation in your letter of the 4th instant.” Letter not found. ]
1092To Alexander Hamilton from Nicholas Low, 31 August 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
The in-closed I have this Moment recd. and have only to add that any Negociations you may make in Consequence will be confirmed. Fearing to be too late for this post—I conclude in Haste. Dr. sr. yours sincerely &ca ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. For background to this letter, see “Draft Minutes of a Meeting of a Committee of the Directors of the Society for Establishing Useful...
1093From John Jay to Alexander Hamilton, 8 September 1792 (Jay Papers)
I have conferred with M r King on the Subject of your Letter of the 3 d . Inst.— we concur in opinion that neither a Proclamation nor a particular charge by the court to the G[rand]. Jury would be adviseable at present. To us it appears more prudent that this Business be opened by the Presid ts . Speech at the ensuing Session of Congress— their address will manifest the Sense of the House, &...
1094To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 8 November 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letters of the 26th. Ult: & 1st. Inst. The objection stated by you to the appointment of Mr. Spence being conclusive, I now enclose a letter from Mr. Wingate to me recommendatory of another Candidate, with my answer occasioned by the previous appointment of Mr. Woodbury Langdon, but should that Gentleman finally determine not to accept, and you learn, on enquiring, that...
1095To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 5 January 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
Newport [ Rhode Island ] January 5, 1795 . “This will be accompanied by the Accounts of Walter Channing Agent for fortifics in this Port, and his letter to me relative to said Accts and the purchase of land for said fortifics….” LC , Newport Historical Society, Newport, Rhode Island. Ellery was collector of customs at Newport. DS , RG 217, Miscellaneous Treasury Accounts, 1790–1894, Account...
1096To Alexander Hamilton from John Bard, 24 August 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
I cannot help offering you my sincere Gratulations, on an event which lately happened here which you have been acquainted with. There never could have been a more compleat Tryumph, than this City felt at our late numerous meeting, Numerous beyond Example on any former Occasion within my rememberance: and in this numerous and most respectable meeting of our Citizens, not one Dissenting Voice,...
1097To Alexander Hamilton from Baron von Steuben, October [1791] (Hamilton Papers)
De tout temps c’etait ma destiné de rencontrer ces Génies Extraordinaires qu’on Apelle Originaux de sorte que je ne suis pas surpris de me trouver en contact avec le Quaker Churchman. Ce Philosophe magnetisé m’a communiqué ses idées et ses Chimeres; Je m’interesse à sa curiosité de vouloir reconnaitre ce point magnetique, dont nous connaissons l’effêct depuis des Siecles, et dont nous ignorons...
1098To Alexander Hamilton from Pierpont Edwards, August 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
[ August, 1790. “George Smith, John Caldwell & John Morgan … are men of good standing … and may be taken as sureties.” Letter not found. ] ALS , sold by Anderson Galleries, February 16, 1906, Lot 75. For background to this letter, see “Treasury Department Circular to the District Attorneys,” August 31, 1790 . Edwards was United States attorney for the district of Connecticut. Extract taken...
1099To Alexander Hamilton from William Duer, [24 December 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
I learn with inexpressible Concern, that your Health still Continues in an Equivocal State: all your Friends here Entertain on this Subject the most serious Anxiety, and I am constantly required to Impress on you the necessity of some Relaxation from the laborious Duties of your Office. In the Executing this Task, I obey the Impulse of my own Heart, let me therefore Entreat in public...
1100To Alexander Hamilton from John Lamb, 15 June 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, June 15, 1794. On June 26, 1794, Hamilton wrote to Lamb : “I have to reply to your letter of the 15th instant.” Letter not found. ] Lamb was collector of customs in New York City.