Alexander Hamilton Papers
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From Alexander Hamilton to Lewis F. Delesdernier, 15 June 1792

To Lewis F. Delesdernier

Treasury Department
June 15. 1792.

Sir

I find by a remark, subjoined to one of your accounts, that you leave the monies, falling due on Bonds, in the hands of the Obligors, until a safe opportunity offers for Boston. This practice being against the express letter of the law must be forborn in future. It involves a responsibility, on your part, in as much as motives of safety would less exonerate you in cases where parties1 should fail in their payments, after indulgence had been granted by you, than in a plain case of theft or robbery.

I conceive the safest mode of securing the public money would be to provide a small iron chest, which might be fastened to the floor; and if one that will answer the purpose can be procured upon reasonable terms I shall have no objection to the expence.

I am, Sir,   Your Obed Servant

Lewis F Delesdernier Esqr
Collector Passamaquody.

L[S], RG 36, Collector of Customs at Boston, Letters from the Treasury, 1789–1807, Vol. 4, National Archives.

1The word “parties” is in the handwriting of H.

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