1From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Jefferson, [23 December 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury presents his Respects to The Secretary of State requests he will favour him with copies of all his communications to Mr. Genet in answer to applications concerning the Debt. They will be necessary to complete a Report on his last. Mr. Hamilton having acted from his knowlege of them in some instances without having them before him. AL , Thomas Jefferson Papers,...
2To Thomas Jefferson from Alexander Hamilton, 23 December 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury presents his Respects to The Secretary of State requests he will favour him with copies of all his communications to Mr. Genet in answer to applications concerning the Debt. They will be necessary to complete a Report on his last —Mr. Hamilton having acted from his knowlege of them in some instances without having them before him. RC ( DLC ); endorsed by TJ as...
3From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Jefferson, 18 December 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
I am to acknowledge the receipt of an extract of a letter from you to Mr. Hammond of the 5th. of September 1793. As a preliminary however to the Instructions to be given to the Collectors, it will be necessary that you inform me, whether Mr. Hammond has assented to the proposed arrangement as well as the number and names of the prizes that come within the description. I have the Honor to be ...
4To Thomas Jefferson from Alexander Hamilton, 18 December 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I am to acknowledge the receipt of an extract of a letter from you to Mr. Hammond of the 5th. of September 1793. As a preliminary however to the Instructions to be given to the Collectors , it will be necessary that you inform me, whether Mr. Hammond has assented to the proposed arrangement as well as the number and names of the prizes that come within the description. I have the Honor to be...
5From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Jefferson, [11 December 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton presents his Compliments to Mr. Jefferson. He has a confused recollection that there was something agreed upon with regard to prizes about which he was to write to the Collectors but which his state of his health at the time put out of his recollection. If Mr. Jefferson recollects it Mr. H will thank him for information. AL , Thomas Jefferson Papers, Library of Congress. This is...
6To Thomas Jefferson from Alexander Hamilton, 11 December 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Hamilton presents his Compliments to Mr. Jefferson. He has a confused recollection that there was something agreed upon with regard to prizes about which he was to write to the Collectors but which his state of his health at the time put out of his recollection. If Mr. Jefferson recollects it Mr. H. will thank him for information. RC ( DLC ); addressed: “The Secretary of State”; endorsed...
7Cabinet Meeting. Opinions on Relations with France and Great Britain, [7 December 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
At a meeting of the heads of departments & Atty genl. at the President’s on the 7th. of Dec. 1793. Mr. Genet’s ltre of Dec. 3. questioning the right of requiring the address of Consular commissions to the President was read. It is the opinion that the address may be either to the US. or to the President of the US. but that one of these should be insisted on. A letter from James King was read,...
8Cabinet Opinions on Edmond Charles Genet and James King, 7 December 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
At a meeting of the heads of departments and Atty. Genl. at the President’s on the 7th. of Dec. 1793. Mr. Genet’s letter of Dec. 3. questioning the right of requiring the address of Consular commissions to the President was read. It is the opinion that the address may be either to the US. or to the President of the US. but that one of these shoud be insisted on. A letter from James King was...
9From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Jefferson, 30 November 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
I have taken the opinion of the Attorney General on the case of the St Domingo Vessels, mentioned in your letter of the 2d September last, which confirms that which I had before entertained, and on further reflection continue to entertain—namely that those vessels do not fall within the meaning of the 38th Section of the Collection Law respecting vessels that put into our Ports from distress...
10To Thomas Jefferson from Alexander Hamilton, 30 November 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I have taken the opinion of the Attorney General on the case of the St. Domingo vessels, mentioned in your letter of the 2d. of September last, which confirms that which I had before entertained, and on further reflection continue to entertain … namely that those vessels do not fall within the meaning of the 38th. Section of the collection Law respecting vessels that put into our Ports from...
11Cabinet Opinions on Various Letters, [23 November 1793] (Jefferson Papers)
At sundry meetings of the heads of departments and Attorney General from the 1st. to the 21st. of Nov. 1793. at the President’s several matters were agreed upon as stated in the following letters from the Secretary of state. To wit: Nov. 8. Circular letter to the representatives of France, Gr. Brit. Spain and the U. Netherlands, fixing provisorily the extent of our jurisdiction into the sea at...
12Cabinet Meetings. Opinions Concerning the Relations of the United States with Several European Countries, [1–22 November … (Hamilton Papers)
At sundry meetings of the heads of departments & attorney general from the 1st. to the 21st. of Nov. 1793. at the President’s several matters were agreed upon as stated in the following letters from the Secretary of state. to wit. Nov. 8. Circular letter to the representatives of France, Gr. Brit. Spain & the U. Netherlands, fixing provisonily the extent of our jurisdiction into the sea at a...
13Cabinet Meeting. Opinion Respecting the French Consul at Boston, [31 August 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
At a meeting of the Heads of departments & Attorney General at the President’s on the 31st. day of Aug. 1793. A letter from mr Gore to mr Lear, dated Boston Aug. 24. was read, stating that the Roland, a privateer fitted out at Boston & furnished with a commission under the government of France, had sent a prize into that port, which being arrested by the Marshal of the district by process from...
14Cabinet Opinions on the Roland and Relations with Great Britain, France, and the Creek Indians, 31 August 1793 (Washington Papers)
At a meeting of the Heads of departments & Attorney General at the President’s on the 31st day of Aug. 1793. A letter from mister Gore to mister Lear, dated Boston Aug. 24. was read, stating that the Roland, a privateer fitted out at Boston & furnished with a commission under the government of France, had sent a prize into that port, which being arrested by the Marshal of the district by...
15Cabinet Opinions on the Roland and Relations with Great Britain, France, and the Creeks, 31 August 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
At a meeting of the Heads of departments and Attorney General at the President’s on the 31st. day of Aug. 1793. A letter from Mr. Gore to Mr. Lear dated Boston Aug. 24. was read, stating that the Roland, a privateer fitted out at Boston and furnished with a commission under the government of France, had sent a prize into that port, which being arrested by the Marshal of the district by process...
16From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Jefferson, [26 August 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton presents his Compliments to Mr. Jefferson informs him that he has abandonned the intention of sending Mr. Little on being satisfied that the business may as well be confided to the Capt of the Sloop. The Sloops name is the Hannah. The Capts. William Culver. The letter for our Consul at Havre is all that is now wanting to complete. AL , Thomas Jefferson Papers, Library of Congress....
17To Thomas Jefferson from Alexander Hamilton, 26 August [1793] (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Hamilton presents his Compliments to Mr. Jefferson informs him that he has abandonned the intention of sending Mr. Little on being satisfied that the business may as well be confided to the Capt. of the Sloop. The Sloops name is the Hannah. The Capts. William Culver. The letter for our Consul at Havre is all that is now wanting to complete. RC ( DLC ); partially dated; with apparently...
18Cabinet Meetings. Proposals Concerning the Conduct of the French Minister, [1–23 August 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
At meetings of the heads of departments & the Attorney General at the President’s on the 1st. & 2d. of Aug. 1793. On a review of the whole of mr Genet’s correspondence & conduct, it was unanimously agreed that a letter should be written to the Minister of the US. at Paris, stating the same to him, resuming the points of difference which had arisen between the government of the US. & mr Genet,...
19Cabinet Opinion on the Recall of Edmond Genet, 23 August 1793 (Washington Papers)
At meetings of the heads of departments & the Attorney General at the President’s on the 1st & 2d of Aug. 1793. On a review of the whole of mister Genet’s correspondence & conduct, it was unanimously agreed that a letter should be written to the Minister of the U.S. at Paris, stating the same to him, resuming the points of difference which had arisen between the government of the U.S. & mister...
20Cabinet Opinions on Edmond Charles Genet, 23 August 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
At meetings of the heads of departments and the Attorney General at the President’s on the 1st. and 2d. of Aug. 1793. On a review of the whole of Mr. Genet’s correspondence and conduct, it was unanimously agreed that a letter should be written to the Minister of the US. at Paris, stating the same to him, resuming the points of difference which had arisen between the government of the US. and...
21From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Jefferson, [13 August 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of The Treasury proposes to the Secretary of State a Meeting of the Trustees of the Sinking Fund at the Office of the Secy of State the day after tomorrow twelve oClock. If convenient to him he will please to give notice accordingly to The Atty General. If the Sy of the Treasury hears nothing to the contrary he will attend of course. AL , Thomas Jefferson Papers, Library of Congress.
22To Thomas Jefferson from Alexander Hamilton, 13 August 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury proposes to the Secretary of State a Meeting of the Trustees of the Sinking Fund at the Office of the Secy. of State the day after tomorrow twelve oClock. If convenient to him he will please to give notice accordingly to The Atty. General. If the Sy. of the Treasury hears nothing to the contrary he will attend of course. RC ( DLC ); endorsed by TJ as received 13...
23Cabinet Meeting. Opinion Respecting Certain French Vessels and Their Prizes, [5 August 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
At a meeting of the heads of departments & the Attorney general at the Secretary of state’s office Aug. 5. 1793. The case of the Swallow letter of marque at New York, desired to be sent out of our ports, as being a privateer. It is the opinion that there is no ground to make any order on the subject. The Polly or Republican, in the hands of the Marshal at New York, on a charge of having been...
24Cabinet Opinion on French Privateers and Prizes, 5 August 1793 (Washington Papers)
At a meeting of the heads of departments & the Attorney general at the Secretary of state’s office Aug. 5. 1793. The case of the Swallow letter of marque at New York, desired to be sent out of our ports, as being a privateer. it is the opinion that there is no ground to make any new order on the subject. The Polly or Republican, in the hands of the Marshal at New York, on a charge of having...
25Cabinet Opinions on Privateers and Prizes, 5 August 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
At a meeting of the heads of departments and the Attorney general at the Secretary of state’s office Aug. 5. 1793. The case of the Swallow letter of marque at New York, desired to be sent out of our ports, as being a privateer. It is the opinion that there is no ground to make any order on the subject. The Polly or Republican , in the hands of the Marshal at New York, on a charge of having...
26Cabinet Opinion on the Rules of Neutrality, 3 August 1793 (Washington Papers)
August 3. 1793 The foregoing rules having been considered by us at several meetings, and being now unanimously approved, they are submitted to the President of the United States. DS , in George Taylor, Jr.’s writing, DLC:GW ; copy (letterpress copy), DLC : Jefferson Papers; LB , DLC:GW ; Df , in Alexander Hamilton’s writing, DLC : Jefferson Papers; copy, DNA : RG 46, Third Congress, 1793–1795,...
27Cabinet Opinion on French Privateers, 3 August 1793 (Washington Papers)
That The Minister of the French Republic be informed that the President considers the U. States as bound pursuant to positive assurances, given in conformity to the laws of neutrality, to effectuate the restoration of, or to make compensation for, prizes which shall have been made of any of the parties at war with France subsequent to the fifth day of June last by privateers fitted out of...
28Cabinet Opinion on Prizes and Privateers, 3 August 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
That the Minister of the French Republic be informed that the President considers the UStates as bound pursuant to positive assurances, given in conformity to the laws of neutrality, to effectuate the restoration of, or to make compensation for, prizes which shall have been made of any of the parties at war with France subsequent to the fifth day of June last by privateers fitted out of their...
29Rules on Neutrality, 3 August 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
1. The original arming and equipping of vessels in the ports of the United States by any of the belligerent parties, for military service offensive or defensive, is deemed unlawful. 2. Equipments of merchant vessels by either of the belligerent parties in the ports of the United States, purely for the accommodation of them as such, is deemed lawful. 3. Equipments in the ports of the United...
30From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Jefferson, 26 July 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia ] July 26, 1793 . Transmits “Copies of two letters from the Commissioner of Loans for Virginia on the subject of Mr. Short’s stock.” Copy, William Short Papers, Library of Congress. For background to this letter, see John Hopkins to H, April 29 , July 16, 1793 ; H to Jefferson, July 10, 1793 .
31To Thomas Jefferson from Alexander Hamilton, 26 July 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Hamilton presents his Compliments to Mr. Jefferson And has the honor of sending him, herewith, the Copies of two letters from the Commissioner of Loans for Virginia on the subject of Mr. Short’s Stock. RC ( DLC : William Short Papers); in a clerk’s hand; endorsed by TJ as received 27 July 1793 and so recorded in SJL . Enclosures: (1) John Hopkins to Hamilton, 29 Apr. 1793, reporting that...
32IV. Questions for the Supreme Court, [18 July 1793] (Jefferson Papers)
1. Do the treaties between the US. and France give to France or her citizens a right , when at war with a power with whom the US. are at peace, to fit out originally in and from the ports of the US, vessels armed for war, with or without commission? 2. If they give such a right , does it extend to all manner of armed vessels, or to particular kinds only? If the latter, to what kinds does it...
33Cabinet Meeting. Opinion on Vessels Arming and Arriving in United States Ports, [12 July 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
July 12, 1793. At a meeting of the heads of the departments at the President’s on summons from him, and on consideration of various representations from the Ministers Plenipotentiary of France & Great Britain on the subject of vessels arming & arriving in our ports, and of prizes it is their opinion that letters be written to the said Ministers informing them that the Executive of the US.,...
34Cabinet Opinion on Consulting the Supreme Court, 12 July 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
July 12. 1793. At a meeting of the heads of the departments at the President’s on summons from him, and on consideration of various representations from the Ministers Plenipotentiary of France and Great Britain on the subject of vessels arming and arriving in our ports, and of prizes it is their opinion that letters be written to the said Ministers informing them that the Executive of the US.,...
35From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Jefferson, [10 July 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury presents his Compliments to the Secretary of State. He has signed the Counterpart; but for the present leaves in the words as a privateer to consider jointly of some substitute the kind of vessel not being wholly indifferent & there being a doubt whether the general words would be descriptive enough. The letter supposed to have been received from the Commissioner...
36To Thomas Jefferson from Alexander Hamilton, 10 July [1793] (Jefferson Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury presents his Compliments to the Secretary of State. He has signed the Counterpart ; but for the present leaves in the words as a privateer to consider jointly of some substitute the kind of vessel not being wholly indifferent and there being a doubt whether the general words would be descriptive enough. The letter supposed to have been received from the...
37Cabinet Opinion on the Little Sarah [Petite Démocrate], 8 July 1793 (Washington Papers)
At a meeting at the State house of the city of Philadelphia July 8. 1793. Present the Secretary of state, the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary at War. It appears that a brigantine called the Little Sarah has been fitted out at the port of Philadelphia, with fourteen cannon, & all other equipments indicating that she is intended as a Privateer to cruise under the authority of France, &...
38Cabinet Opinions on the Little Sarah, 8 July 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
At a meeting at the State house of the city of Philadelphia July 8. 1793. Present the Secretary of state, the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary at War. It appears that a brigantine called the Little Sarah has been fitted out at the port of Philadelphia, with fourteen cannon, and all other equipments indicating that she is intended as a Privateer to cruise under the authority of France,...
39From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Jefferson, [5 July 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton presents his Compliments to the Secretary of State—requests to be informed, if it will be convenient to him to meet the Secretary at War & Mr. H to day at twelve oClock. If it will, they will be at that hour at Mr. Jefferson’s office. AL , Thomas Jefferson Papers, Library of Congress.
40To Thomas Jefferson from Alexander Hamilton, 5 July [1793] (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Hamilton presents his Compliments to the Secretary of State—requests to be informed, if it will be convenient to him to meet the Secretary at War and Mr. H. to day at twelve oClock. If it will, they will be at that hour at Mr. Jefferson’s office. RC ( DLC ); partially dated; endorsed by TJ as received 5 July 1793 and so recorded in SJL .
41From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Jefferson, [25 June 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
The letters to Mr. Hammond & Mr. Pinckney appear to me proper, according to the facts stated in them. The object of that to Mr. Genet also appears to me desireable; but I am not wholly without scruple as to the proposition going from the UStates. ALS , Thomas Jefferson Papers, Library of Congress. For background to this letter, see Jefferson to H and Henry Knox, June 25, 1793 . H’s reply was...
42From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Jefferson, 24 June 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, June 24, 1793. “… The Collectors have been furnished with all the Sea letters that have been received from your Department and … a demand exists at several of the Custom Houses for more.” LS , Pierpont Morgan Library, New York City. See “Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs,” May 13–16, 1793 .
43To Thomas Jefferson from Alexander Hamilton, 24 June 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to inform you that the Collectors have been furnished with all the Sea letters that have been received from Your Department, And that a demand exists at several of the Custom Houses for more. With great respect, I have the honor to be, Sir, your Obedt Servt. RC ( NNP ); in a clerk’s hand, signed by Hamilton; at foot of text: “The Secretary of State”; endorsed by TJ as received...
44Cabinet Meeting. Opinion Respecting a Communication from the Spanish Commissioners, 20 June 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
At a meeting this day of the heads of departments at the President’s on summons from him, a letter from Messrs. Viar & Jaudenes dated June 18. & addressed to the Secretary of state, was read: whereupon it is the opinion that a full detail of the proceedings of the US. with respect to the Southern Indians, & the Spaniards be prepared, and a justification as to the particular matters charged in...
45Cabinet Opinion on Relations with Spain and Great Britain, 20 June 1793 (Washington Papers)
At a meeting this day of the heads of departments at the President’s on summons from him, a letter from Messrs Viar & Jaudenes dated June 18. & addressed to the Secretary of state, was read: whereupon it is the opinion that a full detail of the proceedings of the U.S. with respect to the Southern Indians, & the Spaniards be prepared, and a notification as to the particular matters charged in...
46Cabinet Opinion on Relations with Spain and Great Britain, 20 June 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
June 20. 1793. At a meeting this day of the heads of departments at the President’s on summons from him, a letter from Messrs. Viar and Jaudenes dated June 18. and addressed to the Secretary of state, was read: whereupon it is the opinion that a full detail of the proceedings of the US. with respect to the Southern Indians, and the Spaniards be prepared, and a justification as to the...
47Cabinet Meeting. Opinion Respecting French Privateers, 17 June 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
At a meeting of the heads of departments at the President’s this day, on summons from him, a letter from mr Genet of the 15th. inst. addressed to the Secretary of state on the subject of the seizure of a vessel by the Govr. of New York as having been armed, equipped & manned in that port with a design to cruize on the enemies of France, was read, as also the draught of an answer prepared by...
48Cabinet Opinion on French Privateers, 17 June 1793 (Washington Papers)
At a meeting of the heads of departments at the President’s this day, on summons from him, a letter from mister Genet of the 15th inst. addressed to the Secretary of state on the subject of the seizure of a vessel by the Govr. of New York as having been armed, equipped & manned in that port with a design to cruize on the enemies of France, was recd as also the draught of an answer prepared by...
49Cabinet Opinion on French Privateers, 17 June 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
June 17. 1793 At a meeting of the heads of departments at the President’s this day, on summons from him, a letter from Mr. Genet of the 15th. inst. addressed to the Secretary of state on the subject of the seizure of a vessel by the Govr. of New York as having been armed, equipped and manned in that port with a design to cruize on the enemies of France, was read, as also the draught of an...
50Cabinet Meeting. Opinion Respecting the Measures to Be Taken Relative to a Sloop Fitted Out as a Privateer, 12 June 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
The President having required the opinions of the heads of the three departments on a letter from Governor Clinton of the 9th. inst. stating that he had taken possession of the sloop Polly, now called the Republican, which was arming, equipping & manning by French & other citizens to cruize against some of the belligerent powers, and desiring to know what further was to be done, and they...