1From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Stoddert, [8 August 1798] (Hamilton Papers)
Capt. Robert Hamilton , a first cousin of mine, is desirous of entering into our naval service. He is regularly bred to the sea which he has followed since he was fourteen years old. His opportunities have been of the best, among others that of voyages to the East Indies. I feel myself warranted in recommending him as an able well informed seaman—who adds to this qualification the sentiments...
2From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Stoddert, [21 August 1798] (Hamilton Papers)
I, about a fortnight since, wrote to you on the subject of a relation of mine desirous of entering into our Navy and recommending him as a first Lieutenant; to which letter not having received an answer, I am apprehensive it may have miscarried. You will oblige me by your opinion as speedily as convenient how far there is a prospect for him. I anticipate that there may be scruples from his...
3From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Stoddert, 29 August 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
Your obliging letter of the 24 instant duly came to hand. The very polite ground on which you give me to expect your cooperation in procuring an appointment for Capt Hamilton has a very strong claim to my acknowlegement. In consequence of the information in your letter, I have seen Capt Talbot. He seems to expect an official notification from your department to ascertain and fix his own...
4From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Stoddert, 3 September 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
Considering the great length of time before the Frigate here will be ready for sea—I have concluded that it may be expedient, if it can be effected, to have Capt. Hamilton appointed & assigned to some Southern Vessel which will sooner be ready. I imagine Cap Talbot will be glad hereafter to have him as an associate. If this can be conveniently managed in the proper time, it will give me...
5From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Stoddert, 20 October 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received a letter from Mr. Goldsborough of the 15th. transmitting me one for Capt Hamilton to notify him of his appointment as a Lieutenant in our navy. This event gives me particular pleasure and claims a renewal of my acknowlegemants to you for the obliging part you have taken in the matter. Capt. Hamilton is now absent on a vesel to Albany. I dayly expect him back. On his return, he...
6From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Stoddert, 4 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hudson who will deliver you this is desirous of the place of Midshipman on board of our Navy. This Gentleman completed his Studies in the law with me. He possesses talents and animation and I have no doubt will succeed in the naval career. An active temper joined to the pressure of pecuniary circumstances has determined him to embrace this course. I interest myself in his success as far as...
7From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Stoddert, 29 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
A pressure of various business has delayed a reply to your favor of the 19th. instant. The principle you suggest for my consideration, though if it could be introduced it would work well, cannot in my opinion be put into practice. It would contravene too much, pretensions rooted as well in the human heart as in unconquerable prejudices of the military State, by which expression I include the...
8From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Stoddert, 30 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose to you a letter in recommendation of Dr. Adolph Lent. It has the signature of Mr. Tillary a respectable physician of this city, and a gentleman in whom I can place full confidence. Doctor Lent has shewn me the recommendations from other physicians of respectability, and I have no doubt from these recommendations that he is fully deserving of the place which it is his wish to obtain....
9From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Stoddert, 1 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I am destined to become, occasionally, the organ of application to you for naval appointments—It is impossible to refuse all attention to the requests of persons who write to me on the subject—I send you therefore the inclosed letter—All I can say is that Mr. McLeod has been recommended to me by Abraham Archer Esqr. of York Town who bears a respectable character— ( Df , in the handwriting of...
10From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Stoddert, 22 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to enclose to you recommendations in favour of a Mr Thoms—a candidate for an appointment in the Navy—I have confidence in the Gentlemen recommending , and should be pleased that Mr Thoms should meet your approbation — With— ( Df , in the handwriting of Ethan Brown, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).