From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, 6 July 1790
To Jeremiah Olney
Treasury Department
July 6. 1790
Sir;
From your letter of the 23d. June, a doubt has arisen, with respect to the name of the Person whom you recommend as Surveyor for North Kingstown.
One of the Senators of your State informs me, that he is acquainted with Daniel Updike, but knows of no person by the name of Daniel Eldridge Updike.1 If they are not two distinct persons, it will be necessary to ascertain the true name of the Gentleman intended for the office, and to communicate it to me, as speedily as may be, in order that the appointment may suffer no delay.
I am, Sir, Your Obedt. Servt.
A. Hamilton.
Jeremiah Olney Esqr.
Collector of the Port of Providence, Rhode Island.
Copy, RG 56, Letters to the Collector at Providence, National Archives; copy, RG 56, Letters to Collectors at Small Ports, “Set G,” National Archives.
1. Daniel Updike and Daniel Eldridge Updike were cousins. Daniel Updike was a lawyer in North Kingstown, Rhode Island. In March, 1790, the Rhode Island Ratifying Convention appointed him its secretary, and in May, 1790, the voters elected him attorney general. Daniel Eldridge Updike was a merchant and a justice of the peace in North Kingstown.