From Alexander Hamilton to John Wendell, 30 August 1792
To John Wendell
Philadelphia
Augt 30 1792
Sir
I have to acknowledge your favr of the 23d of July.1
You are right in your conjecture that no report was made on the case of Mr Dumon.2
It arose partly from my press of business & partly from a persuasion, that a report, if made would not have been acted upon, in the then Session.
With regard to further evidence, I doubt how far any particular trouble on that subject ought to be recommended. If aditional proof respecting the burning of the house, & the reasons for it, could conveniently be obtained, it may be advisable to do it.
I learn with pleasure the family connection which subsists between you & Mrs Hamilton3 and should be glad to render you any good offices in my power. You judge rightly, in the supposition, that my present situation precludes an agency in the affair of the land in which you are interested. Your hint respecting your son will be borne in mind; if any thing should occur, in which his interest & that of the public can be conciliated it will be a satisfaction to me, to promote it.
With Esteem & Regard I am, Sir Yr Ob Servt
Alexander Hamilton
John Wendell Esqr
Ports-mouth
LS, Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston.
1. Letter not found.
2. On December 21, 1791, the House of Representatives recorded receipt of “A petition of Jean Baptist Dumon, son and heir of Jean Baptist Dumon, deceased, late of Canada, merchant, praying to be reimbursed certain advances made by the deceased, for the support of the American Army, and also for losses and injuries sustained, both in his person and property, by adhering to the American cause, during the late war” (, 479). The petition was referred to the Secretary of the Treasury, who was directed to examine it and give his opinion on it.
3. “Captain Johannes Wendell, a merchant … married a daughter of Dr. Abraham Staats.… He died in middle life, and his widow married Johannes Schuyler, the grandfather of General Philip Schuyler” (George W. Schuyler, Colonial New York: Philip Schuyler and His Family [New York, 1885] II, 318).