1From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 27 October 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the 17th instant found me at Albany attending the Supreme Court. I have no copy of the Treaty with G B at hand, but I am well satisfied from memory that the true interpretation of that Treaty, enforcing in this respect the true Rule of neutrality, forbids our permitting the sale of a prize taken & brought in by a French National Ship, equally as if by a Privateer —and that the...
2From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, [29 June 1798] (Hamilton Papers)
I have this moment seen a Bill brought into the Senate intitled a Bill to define more particularly the crime of Treason &c. There are provisions in this Bill which according to a cursory view appear to me highly exceptionable & such as more than any thing else may endanger civil War. I have not time to point out my objections by this post but I will do it tomorrow. I hope sincerely the thing...
3From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 9 June 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
I called at your house the morning of my departure but you was not then up. While I was in the City we had a little conversation concerning an affair of an arrangement with Swan for effecting a remittance to Holland. I intended to have resumed it for two reasons, one because it has been represented to the disadvantage of the Conduct of the Treasury, another because Swan who lodged at the same...
4From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 15 June 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, June 15, 1795. On June 18, 1795, Wolcott wrote to Hamilton : “I have recd. your Letters of June 13th. & 15th.” Letter of June 15 not found. ]
5From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, [2 June 1798] (Hamilton Papers)
I received from you not long since a letter on the subject of a fit person for naval Agent which in the hurry of my business I forgot. I think you mentioned in it for consideration Col Stevens & Mr. Blagg. Col Stevens is an active man not wanting in intelligence who has latterly been employed in navigation & probably has some relative ideas. He is however pretty largely in other business &...
6From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 28 October 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
I have seen with pleasure your reply to the calm observer. I believe it is as far as you ought to go but more particular explanation will be useful & from me now a private man intirely proper. I therefore hope to receive as soon as may be the statements I requested. Yrs. ALS , Dartmouth College Library. For background to this letter, see H to George Washington, October 26, 1795, note 1 . For...
7From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 28 December 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
I received yesterday your’s by Post, which I communicated immediately to the Directors of both Banks, that is, so much as concerned each party. It has been very consolatory to the Bank of New York & will do good. All will be well. Mr. Alexander McComb applied, while I was in Office, respecting some land he & Edgar had purchased of the Public and on which they had made a partial payment which...
8From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, [28 July 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
I have not lost sight of the negotiation with the Bank though it labours & I have thought it best to let it lie bye till the President returns. Mc.Cormick is violent against it & plays on little jealousies, & what is still more efficacious private interests; representing the consequent inability of the Bank to accommodate the Merchants, many of whom from the unfortunate issue of some late...
9From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 30 July 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
I had written you a short line previous to the Receipt of your letter of the 26th to which indeed I can add nothing material. It will, as things stand, be imprudent to push the point of a further loan till the President arrives —for though a majority of the Directors are well disposed to the thing, they are afraid of McCormick’s clamours and want the sanction of the President to controul &...
10From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 30 October[–12 November] 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
I wrote you yesterday for a statement of the advances & appropriations for the Department of State. I am very anxious that Fauchet’s whole letter should appear just as it is —strange whispers are in circulation of a nature foreign to Truth & implicating honest men with Rascals. Is it to come out? Can’t you send me a copy? I will observe any conditions you annex. The secret Journals & other...
11From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, [6 August 1798] (Hamilton Papers)
You are probably apprised that in announcing to the General Officers their appointments, they are told that the emoluments are to be suspended until called into actual service and that as a consequence of this plan they are to remain inactive. The project suits admirably my private arrangements, by leaving me to pursue in full extent my profession. But I believe it accords neither with the...
12From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, [21 December 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
I did not understand by your letter of the 17th. of November whether you meant or not to authorise the immediate commencement of the sale of Stock. If you think this measure will become indispensable, it may be well to anticipate the execution; though indeed sales of Stock are at this juncture nearly impracticable. Yet I imagine it will be agreeable to the Bank to have permission to...
13From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 30 June 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
Doctor Livingston sometime since left with me a bundle of vouchers relating to the questions between Phil Livingstons estate & the public. There was among other things a little Register or book with a marble cover doubled up. I do not find it among my papers & if my memory does not deceive me it was sent on breaking up at Philadelphia to one of the Offices of the Treasury. Mr. Jones may know...
14From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 13 March 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
It is natural for people where their interest is concerned to die hard. Mr. Juhel, the bearer of this, goes to Philadelphia to lay before you some supplementary evidence with regard to the Ship Germania, which he hopes may vary your determination. At his request I give him this line to you merely to say—that he is a Merchant of this City of Reputation, and so far as his conduct has fallen...
15From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, [7–10 March 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed are two letters which I will thank you to hand on. I have just seen Livingston’s Motion concerning Instructions &c. My first impression is that the propriety of a compliance with the call, if made, is extremely doubtful. But much careful thought on the subject is requisite. Yrs truly PS. I hand you also a letter from Mrs. Church to Mr. Beametz —which I will thank you to send to Mr....
16From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 8 October 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Carlisle, Pennsylvania, October 8, 1794. On October 11, 1794, Wolcott wrote to Hamilton : “I have recd. your favour dated 7: & 8: inst.” Letter of October 8 not found. ]
17From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, [5 August 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
The Bank of New York is willing to make the loan of 324 000 Dollars to you (I mean the exact sum of about this amount, if you desire it, which one of the laws you mentioned authorises to borrow) on these terms to advance all but two hundred thousand Dollars when you please—to advance the two hundred thousand Dollars, by way of reloan, when that sum, payable in October, becomes due. The term of...
18From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 26 June 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
I have direct information in confidence, that the Minister of France by a letter received yesterday has ordered a fast sailing vessel for France to be prepared at this port. No doubt this has connection with the Treaty with England. I presume with the reserves that decorum requires he is apprised of the contents of that Treaty. This ought at least to go so far as to satisfy him that there is...
19From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 19 August 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, August 19, 1800. On September 3, 1800, Wolcott wrote to Hamilton : “I am favoured with your Letters of the 3d. and 19th.” Letter of August 19 not found. ]
20From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, [20 November 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
Give me leave to remind you of your promise to send me the documents and information which authenticate the situation of Mr. Beaumarchais as to the unaccounted for Million . Allow me also to mention to you another point. I hear there is a plan among the Directors of the Bank to transfer the management of their concerns from the House of Cazenove to that of Baring. When the arrangement was...
21From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 20 April 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the 18th. instant. The money paid me for you shall be placed to your Credit in the Office of Discount & Deposit as you desire. The British Ministry are as great fools, or as great rascals, as our Jacobins—else our Commerce would not continue to be distressed as it is by their Cruisers, nor would the Executive be embarrassed as it now is by the new proposition....
22From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 6 June [1797] (Hamilton Papers)
You some time ago put a question to me, which through hurry, I never answered— viz whether there can be any distinction between the provision in the Treaty with Great Britain respecting British debts and that respecting spoliations , as to the power of the Commissioners to re judge the decisions of the Courts . I answer that I can discover none . I am of opinion however that in the exercise of...
23From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, [8 June 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your two letters of the 6th & 7. The last announces to me no more than I feared. Nor do I believe any sufficient external impulse can be given to save us from disgrace . This however will be thought of. I regret that you appear remote from the idea of a house tax simply without combining the land. I do not differ from your general principle. The truth is a solid one, that the...
24From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, [25 September 1801] (Hamilton Papers)
I send you some extracts from a pamphlet lately published, in reply to one written by a Gentleman of my acquaintance ( not by me as has been by some conjectured) from which I have taken out some leaves which I send you. At the request of this Gentleman I trouble you to give me some explanation respecting the suggestions which are made particularly in respect to Col Pickering, General Miller...
25From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 3 October 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
I lately received a letter from you, transmitting a pamphlet. The latter, I have read with much pleasure. If party spirit admitted of candor, I should say that it was calculated to satisfy candid men of whatever party. Pains will be taken to disseminate it. You may remember that when you were last in this City, I spoke to you about some lands which I owned in the Ohio Company tracts. Inclosed...
26From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 17 December 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, December 17, 1800. On December 25, 1800, Wolcott wrote to Hamilton : “I have recd. your favours of the 16th. & 17th.” Letter of December 17 not found. ]
27From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, [30 May 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
I perceive Congress are invading the Sinking Fund system. If this goes through & is sanctionned by the President the fabric of public Credit is prostrate & the Country & the President are disgraced. Treasury Bills & every expedient however costly to meet exigencies must be preferable in the event to such an overthrow of system. Yrs truly ALS , Connecticut Historical Society, Hartford; copy,...
28From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 29 September 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
Being about to leave the seat of Government for a few Weeks to accompany the Army on its march against the Western Insurgents of Pennsylvania, I commit to you during my absence the management of those matters which are reserved to my superintendance under the constitution and regulations of the Department, especially the receipts and expenditures of money, and I rely upon your deligence and...
29From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 3 October 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the and thank you for the information. As to Randolph, I shall be surprised at nothing—but if the facts come out, his personal influence is at all events damned. No colouring will remove unfavourable impressions. To do mischief he must work in the Dark. What you say respecting your own department disquiets me; for I think we shall for the present weather all...
30From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 5 August 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received yours of 3d instant. You make no mention of having received one from me inclosing another for the Attorney General in which I tell him that I will attend the cause which involves the question respecting direct taxes when notified of the time it will come on. The silence of your letter makes me fear it may have miscarried. I do not wonder at what you tell me of the author of a...
31From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, [8 July 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
I have just received your letter of the 6th. The idea of selling Bank Stock is the worst of all & can only be urged on a plan of private speculation. Acquiescence may tempt the Bank to oppress hereafter for speculation purposes. I have talked to some Directors of the Bank of New York conformably to your first suggestion, respecting the deposit of Stock & it will not be expedient to change...
32From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 30 September 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia ] September 30, 1794 . On October 2, 1794, Wolcott wrote to Hamilton : “I have recd. your letter of Sept. 30th.” Letter not found. ]
33From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 21 August 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
Your two letters of the 9th. reached this place during an absence on necessary business which only terminated on Saturday. Our friend McHenry has adopted the ideas suggested to him. And you may rely on my effectual cooperation. At the same time, as a total dislocation of residence, to fulfil in all its extent the idea you intimate, would be unqualified ruin to me, I must endeavor to avoid it....
34From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 20 December 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, December 20, 1798. On December 21, 1798, Wolcott wrote to Hamilton : “I have recd. your favour of the 20th.” Letter not found. ]
35From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 2 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
When lately in Philadelphia, I mention’d to you that the Secretary of War had given me to expect some Communication from you previous to the Execution of an Order which he has given me respecting a Military Escort to protect the marking of an Indian boundary line. This is intended to remind you of the matter and to repeat to you that I wait for this Communication. With great respect I have...
36Enclosure: Further Measures Adviseable to Be Taken without Delay, [5 June 1798] (Hamilton Papers)
Further measures adviseable to be taken without delay I To authorise the President to proceed forthwith to raise the 10000 men already ordered. II To establish an academy for naval & military instruction. This is a very important measure and ought to be permanent. III To provide for the immediate raising of a corps of Non Commissioned officers (viz) serjeants & Corporals sufficient with the...
37From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, [September] 1803 (Hamilton Papers)
The necessity of purchasing a quantity of land, which I did not intend, in consequence of a mortgage that comprehended a tract I had before purchased, has so far disconcerted my pecuniary arrangements as to require that I should obtain some further Bank accommodations, instead of gradually extinguishing those I had already procured. It is therefore my wish to obtain from the Merchants Bank a...
38From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 30 September 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
I have thought it adviseable to establish during my absence a substitute for the mode of transferring Stock from Office to Office heretofore in practice at the Treasury. The inclosed letters by duplicates to the respective Commissioners of Loans from Jersey inclusively to Georgia specify it. Please to have the blanks filled with the names of those Commissioners severally and have the letters...
39From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, [28 June 1798] (Hamilton Papers)
Col Burr sets out today for Philadelphia. I have some reasons for wishing that the administration may manifest a cordiality to him. It is not impossible he will be found a useful cooperator. I am aware there are different sides but the case is worth the experiment. He will call on McHenry upon going to the City. Yrs. truly ALS , Connecticut Historical Society, Hartford. H and Aaron Burr were...
40From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, [15 July 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
The application for a loan from the Bank of New York though powerfully supported by some of the leading directors labours; owing to the jealousy & narrowness of certain ones who see in it a plan to increase the active capital of the Branch Bank & put them in its power. Unluckily the President suddenly went off to R Island with his wife & some sick Children. I pursue the affair & I hope still...
41From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, [5 April 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of March 31. I hope nothing in my last was misunderstood. Could it be necessary I would assure you that no one has a stronger convinction than myself of the purity of the motives which direct your public Conduct or of the good sense and judgment by which it is guided. If I have a fear (you will excuse my frankness), it is lest the strength of your feelings, the...
42From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 22 August 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
No one knows better than yourself how difficult and oppressive is the collection even of taxes very moderate in their amount if there be a defective circulation. According to all the phœnomena which fall under my notice this is our case in the interior parts of the Country. Again Individual Capitals & consequently the faculty of direct loans is not very extensive in the U States. The Banks can...
43From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 18 March 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
The XXXIV Section of the Collection law provides that certain rates per Cent . shall be allowed for the Tares of Coffee Pepper and Sugar, other than loaf Sugar. Upon this provision, a doubt has existed whether the per centage ought not, in certain cases to be computed on the Cwt. or long hundred; or ought in all cases to be computed on the 100 lb or short hundred. The practice at different...
44From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, [3 November 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
I have more carefully examined our Treaty with G Britain & I return to the opinion given you from Albany. My hesitation yesterday arose from the terms of the 24th article which were confined to privateers , a word that has an appropriate sense, meaning ships of private persons commissioned to cruise . But the following article contains the equivalent one to that with France, upon which we...
45From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, [13 September 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
It is with pleasure I am able to inform you that you have been appointed Auditor in the Department of the Treasury. The salary of this office is 1500 Dollars. Your friends having expressed a doubt of your acceptance, I cannot forbear saying, that I shall be happy to find the doubt has been ill founded; as from the character I have received of you, I am persuaded you will be an acquisition to...
46From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 16 June 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
It appears to me material under our present prospects to complete the three frigates without delay. They may be useful with reference to the Algerines—they may be useful to convoy our vessels out of the reach of pickeroon privateers hovering on our Coast. I know you want money but could not the Merchants by secret movements be put in motion to make you a loan. I think something of this kind...
47From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 27 October 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
I wish the statements requested in my letter of yesterday may contain each particular payment not aggregates for periods. It runs in my mind that once there being no appropriation I procured an informal advance for The President from the bank—if this is so let me know the time & particulars. If the Account has been wound up to an exact adjustment since the period noticed by the calm observer,...
48From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, [15 June 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
The post of today brought me a letter from you. From some recent information which I have obtained here, I have scarcely a doubt that the plan of the French is—1 to take all enemy property in our Ships contrary to the Treaty between the two Countries 2 to seize and carry in all our vessels laden with provisions for any English Port. Among this all that they choose to think enemy property will...
49From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 21 March 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I hope you will have understood that I did not mean by any thing in my late letter to blame the plan pursued with regard to vessels arriving contrary to the Non-Intercourse laws. I mean only to give you testimony of the character of an Individual & to place before you my professional ideas of the defective wording of the law as a kind of caution in the execution. I agree with you that the...
50From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 22 June 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the 18th instant. I will reply to one or two points now and to the rest hereafter. With regard to the measure of receiving Dutch bonds here to be exchanged, as is usual, it has different sides. To do it may be in some measure necessary to effectuate the main object; as there may be many individuals who from circumstances might not think themselves safe in...