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.
1101To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 19 July 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, July 19, 1794. “Pay to The Director of the Mint, one thousand eight hundred & thirty five Dollars and thirty three Cents, to be applied to the purposes of that Establishment.” LC , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. David Rittenhouse.
1102To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Willing, 28 February 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, February 28, 1794. On March 3, 1794, Hamilton wrote to Willing : “I received your letter of the 28th ultimo.” Letter not found. ] Willing was president of the Bank of the United States.
1103To Alexander Hamilton from John Davidson, 2 January 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Annapolis, January 2, 1790. On January 22, 1790, Hamilton wrote to Davidson : “I am favored with your letter of the 2d Instant.” Letter not found. ]
1104To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 12 May 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Boston, May 12, 1792. “I have received your Letter of the 2d. instant. The manner in which you have directed the lodgment of the money will obviate all the difficulties which I supposed might take place under your first order.… I wish to know how I shall settle the price of goods imported from France. Their paper seems to be in a depreciated state and the goods charged proportionately high.…”...
1105To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, [24 April 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
Pay to the Secretary of State in pursuance of the Act providing for the relief of such of the Inhabitants of St. Domingo, resident within the U. S. as may be found in want of support, one thousand eight hundred dollars; being the remainder of the sum granted for that purpose by the above act, and to be applied to the furnishing the said Inhabitants with the means of returning to Saint Domingo....
1106To Alexander Hamilton from Tench Coxe, 28 June 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, Revenue Office, June 28, 1792. Discusses the advantages and disadvantages of “three contracts for Stakeage in the rivers and Bays of North Carolina from the port of Beaufort inclusively to the northern part of Albemarle sound.” LC , RG 58, Letters of Commissioner of Revenue, 1792–1793, National Archives.
1107To Alexander Hamilton from Royal Flint, 21 December 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, December 21, 1791. “This letter will be presented you by Dr. Hopkins of Connecticut. He is on his way to Philadelphia, and while he is in that City, I feel a desire that you become acquainted with him. The literary talents of this gentleman, and the liberal way of thinking, he adopts on all public questions of importance, will render him not only a valuable, but a pleasing...
1108To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 16 June 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Newport, Rhode Island ] June 16, 1794 . “The Ship Fair American Benjamin Lee master bound from China to Newyork arrived here on the 12th of this month without a Manifest. I do not consider the Invoice exhibited a true copy of which goes with this Petition to be a manifest and thereby the master in my opinion has subjected himself to the Penalty in such case imposed by Law. He has petitioned...
1109To Alexander Hamilton from Tobias Lear, 4 August 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York ] August 4, 1790 . Encloses commissions for persons appointed to the customs service in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. LC , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
1110To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 21 July 179[4] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Newport, Rhode Island ] July 21, 179 [ 4 ]. “I have recd. your letters of the 7th. & 8th. of this month. Edmund Valentine and Guilford Grinnell paid their penalties, the United States have been credited for their part thereof.… The Proceedings in the case of the Joanna Danl. Anthony master which you mention as returned, have not been yet received by the District Judge. In my letter of the...
1111To Alexander Hamilton from Isaac Holmes, 6 February 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Charleston, South Carolina, February 6, 1794. On February 28, 1794, Hamilton sent to George Washington “a letter from the Collector of Charlestown of the 6th instant.” Letter not found. ]
1112To Alexander Hamilton from Richard Harison, 31 December 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, December 31, 1792. On January 5, 1793, Hamilton wrote to Harison : “Mr. Le Roy has not yet appeared, with the Powers and Receipts mentioned in your letter of the 31 of December.” Letter not found. ] Harison was United States attorney for the District of New York. Herman Le Roy, a New York City merchant and bank director.
1113To Alexander Hamilton from Tobias Lear, 5 January 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
By direction of the President of the United States, I have the honor herewith to transmit to you a letter from the Governor of Virginia, dated December 18th, 1789, enclosing an Act (which is likewise sent you) of the general Assembly of that Commonwealth, passed Novr. 13th. 1789, to convey to the United States in Congress assembled certain Land for the purpose of building a Light House on Cape...
1114Enclosure: Extract from Rufus King to Alexander Hamilton, [ca. 9] April 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Elliot, who, it has been said, was appointed, will not come to America; owing, say his friends here, to a disinclination on his part, that has arisen from the death of his eldest, or only son. Mr. Seaton yesterday read me an extract of a letter from London, dated Feb. 2. and written as he observed by a man of information, which says ‘Mr. Fraser is appointed Plenipotentiary to the U. S. of...
1115To Alexander Hamilton from William Duer, 16 August 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, August 16, 1791. On August 17, 1791, Hamilton wrote to Duer : “I have received your two letters of the 12th and 16th.” Letter of August 16 not found. ]
1116To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Smith, 8 June 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia ] June 8, 1791 . “… Abstract of Certificates Indents & old Emission money received on the loan proposed by the act of Congress of 4th Augt. 1790 from the 1st to 31st May inclusive the Certificates old emission money and Indents are this day forwarded to Oliver Wolcott Esqr Auditor.…” LC , RG 53, Pennsylvania State Loan Office, Letter Book, 1790–1794, Vol. “615–P,” National...
1117To Alexander Hamilton from Rufus King, 17[–18] April [1796] (Hamilton Papers)
In general I agree in the Course you recommend. Separate Bills will be reported to the House this morning, providing for the Sp. Ind. & Alg. Treaties—they will pass the H. and be sent to the Senate by the middle of the week. I percive no impropriety in adding to the first of these Bills recived by the Senate, and in succession to each of them if requisite, a Provision for the Br. Treaty. Such...
1118To Alexander Hamilton from James Reynolds, [22 December 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
Received December 22 of Alexander Hamilton six hundred dollars on account of a sum of one thousand dollars due to me. “Reynolds Pamphlet,” August 31, 1797 . This receipt is printed as document No. V in the appendix of the “Reynolds Pamphlet,” August 31, 1797 . This was the first of two payments of blackmail by H to Reynolds. The second payment was made on January 3, 1792. For background to...
1119From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 10 August 1793 (Washington Papers)
I thank you for giving me the perusal of the letters to you, which are herewith returned. And I pray you to draught, on my behalf, what you may conceive to be a short, but proper & respectful response to the letter of the Chairman—or to the resolves—or to both as you shall judge best (for they come in a form so unusual that I scarcely know the mode that will be most eligable) and let me be...
1120To Alexander Hamilton from James Lloyd, 14 August 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
August 14, 1793. “… I have made application to his Excellency the President of the United States for the office of Surveyor of the Port of Baltimore. As the Office is connected with your Department I have thought that this intimation was a mark of respect which your Station as well as your personal character demanded of me.” ALS , RG 59, Miscellaneous Letters, 1790–1799, National Archives....
1121To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Walker, 15 September 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
I have not had much time to consider the Subject on which I promised to give you my opinion nor to make the necessary previous enquiries. I will however give you my thoughts as they occur at the moment. The public Accounts under the old System were divided into several branches say 1st. The Army Accounts.—comprehending only the Pay & Commutations of the Line of the Army. 2d— the Accounts of...
1122To Alexander Hamilton from Edmund Randolph, 7 February 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, February 7, 1794. Encloses “the Bond of Henry Cooper, as Consul at St. Croix.” Approves Cooper’s securities and “transmits the Bond, bearing date the 8th day of November, 1793, to be deposited in the Treasury Office.” LC , RG 59, Domestic Letters of the Department of State, Vol. 6, January 2–June 26, 1794, National Archives. John Wilcocks, who was related to Cooper, had...
1123To Alexander Hamilton from Tobias Lear, 11 January 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, January 11, 1791. “The President of the United States having duly considered the subject of building a Light House on Cape Henry in Virginia, as submitted to him on the 5th Instant by the Secretary of the Treasury … it appears to him that the proposal made by John McComb Junr. of New York is most advantageous to the United States, and he is therefore of opinion that the...
1124To Alexander Hamilton from Edward Carrington, 7 February 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
By the last Mail I had the Honor to receive yours of the 29th. Ult. communicating the Presidents offer of the place of Comptroller of the Treasury. Calls to public Office from that source can never be received by me but with immotions of the highest reverence and gratification, dictated as they uniformly are by motives of public good, they constitute the most flattering evidences of merit,...
1125To Alexander Hamilton from Nathaniel Appleton, 20 March 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Boston, March 20, 1791. “I wrote you twice the 16 instant.… I now send you copy of the same lest the original should miscarry.… I have issued no Certificate to non-subscribers or for Deposits.…” LC , RG 53, Massachusetts State Loan Office, Letter Book, 1785–1791, Vol. “259–M,” National Archives. See H to Appleton, March 5, 1791 .
1126To Alexander Hamilton from Joseph Nourse, 30 November 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to enclose a Certificate of the Sums issuable from the Treasury of the United States for the payment of Interest which was due to the several Creditors on the Books of the Treasury on the 30th September 1793; and to the Trustees for Redemption of the Public Debt for Interest arising to the same Period upon the Stock standing in their names and in the name of Samuel Meredith in...
1127To Alexander Hamilton from Tobias Lear, 21 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
I am directed by the President of the United States to enclose and send to you, a letter addressed to him from Thomas Newton Junr. Esquire of Norfolk, dated October 24th. 1789, containing an estimate made by Commissioners appointed by the States of Maryland and Virginia of the cost of building a lighthouse on Cape Henry in Virginia—an account of materials which were placed on the spot for that...
1128To Alexander Hamilton from Stephen Van Rensselaer, 16 May 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the 25 of April I received and have endeavoured to obtain the information you required. Respecting John Burk he was a Soldier in Col. Willets Regiment & did on the 8 of March execute a power of Attorney to A. Holbrook but says that he received only two Dollars & wishes to revoke the power if possible. With respect to E. Lewis I could not learn whether he gave a similar power he...
1129From Thomas Jefferson to Alexander Hamilton, 12 December 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Colo. Humphries having charged Mr. Church our Consul at Lisbon to send us information of the truce between Algiers and Portugal by an Express vessel, he engaged one under Swedish colours to come here with his letters. She is now lying at New York at our expence. Thinking it material to save as much of the expence as we can, by permitting her to be freighted back to Lisbon to which place she is...
1130To Alexander Hamilton from William Seton, 3 August 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
I am honoured with a letter from your Department of the 1st, inst. respecting the payments that have been made thro’ this Institution by your desire to Messrs. Beach & Canfield —the only sums paid to them were 4350 Dollars on the 29th May & 3630 92/100 on the 29th. June Agreeably to your desire no further payments shall be made to them till I receive your special Direction. I have the honour...