501From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [13 August 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Capt Cochran of the British navy has requested my aid in recovering a family watch worn by his brother, who fell at York Town, (and now in the possession of _____ _____). In compliance with his request I have written the letter herewith (to_____ _____) which I take the liberty to convey through you, in hope that if you see no impropriety in it, you would add your influence to the endeavour to...
502To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 13 August 1788 (Washington Papers)
Capt. Cochran of the British navy has requested my aid in recovering a family watch worn by his brother, who fell at York Town, (and now in the possession of —— ——). In compliance with this request I have written the letter herewith to —— —— which I take the liberty to convey through you, in hope that if you see no impropriety in it, you would add your influence to the endeavour to gratify...
503From Alexander Hamilton to Samuel Broome, [16 August 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
I have this moment received your letter of the thirteenth instant, and am sorry that the rules of propriety in respect to my situation, as a member of Congress, will not permit my acting in the capacity you wish. My situation for some time past has prevented my acknowleging one or two of your favors, which have been duly handed to me. I recollect that one of them contains an inquiry concerning...
504From Alexander Hamilton to John Chaloner, 28 August 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, August 28, 1788. Has checked on the validity of John Holker’s title to lands in New York State and finds that “the chain of title appears to be complete.” ALS , Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. See Chaloner to H, August 20, 1788 .
505From Alexander Hamilton to Ezekiel Forman, 28 August 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, August 28, 1788. On the envelope of the letter that Forman wrote to Hamilton on August 23, 1788 , Hamilton wrote: “Ansd. Aug 28. 88.” Letter not found. ]
506From Alexander Hamilton to William Livingston, [29 August 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
The Baron De Steuben informs me that he expects to set out this day on a visit to your legislature to endeavour to procure some arrangement respecting the place at Hackensack some time since granted to him by your state upon certain conditions. My anxiety for the Baron’s situation induces me to take the liberty of asking your friendship to him as far as may consist with considerations of...
507From Alexander Hamilton to Stephen Lush, 31 August 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, August 31, 1788. Writes concerning a litigation between William Duer and John McCrea. Asks Lush to represent Hamilton’s client, William Duer, before the Court of Chancery in Albany. ALS , Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston. Lush was an Albany lawyer.
508From Alexander Hamilton to Nathaniel Chipman, [September–December 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Your favour of the 6th of September has been duly handed to me, and I receive great pleasure from the hopes you appear to entertain of a favourable turn of affairs in Vermont in regard to the new Government. It is certainly an object of mutual importance to yourselves and to the Union and well deserves the best endeavours of every discerning and good man. I observe with satisfaction your...
509From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, September 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
Your Excellency’s friendly and obliging letter of the 28th Ulto. came safely to hand. I thank you for your assurance of seconding my application to General Morgan. The truth of that affair is, that he purchased the watch for a trifle of a British soldier, who plundered Major Cochran at the moment of his fall at York Town. I should be deeply pained my Dear Sir if your scruples in regard to a...
510To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, September 1788 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency’s friendly and obliging letter of the 28th Ulto came safely to hand. I thank you for your assurance of seconding my application to General Morgan. The truth of that affair is, that he purchased the watch for a trifle of a British soldier, who plundered Major Cochran at the moment of his fall at York Town. I should be deeply pained my Dear Sir if your scruples in regard to a...
511From Alexander Hamilton to Elbridge Gerry, [6 September 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
I am a member of a Committee, to whom the Baron De Steuben’s application to Congress founded upon a certain statement supported among other testimonials by a certificate from you, has been referred. Among the papers committed to us is the copy of a written report made by the Committee appointed to confer with the Baron at York Town. As this report is of a nature to create difficulties in the...
512From Alexander Hamilton to Richard Morris, 8 September 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, September 8, 1788. Sends a petition to “The Honorable Richard Morris, Esq., Chief Justice of the State of New York on behalf of the estate of Philip Livingston.” Document not found. ] DS , sold at Parke-Bernet Galleries, April 4, 1939, Lot 241; DS , Columbia University Libraries. This document is printed in Goebel, Law Practice , I, 257-58.
513John H. Livingston, Thomas Jones, Alexander Hamilton, and Brockholst Livingston to Richard Morris, 8 September 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, September 8, 1788. Petition by the administrators of Philip Livingston’s estate to Morris, Chief Justice of the State of New York, to examine and to settle a claim made by Livingston’s estate against the estate of Philip Skene, a Tory whose lands had been confiscated by New York State. DS , Columbia University Libraries. This document is listed as a “document not found” in PAH Harold...
514From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, [6 October 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Your different favours have duly come to hand for which I thank you and for the trouble you have so obligingly taken to urge forward your delegation. Happily the affair has terminated to our wishes. But My Dear Sir I cannot refrain from being particularly anxious for the accession of your state to the new system. Tis very important to the whole Union & particularly to the Northern part of it...
515From Alexander Hamilton to Theodore Sedgwick, [9 October 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
I thank you My Dr. Sir for your obliging congratulations on the event towards effecting which your aid as a joint labourer was so essential. I hope experience may show that while it promotes the interest of this place it will not be incompatible with public good. We are making efforts to prepare handsome accommodations for the session of the new Congress. On the subject of Vice President, my...
516From Alexander Hamilton to Theodore Sedgwick, [9 November 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Your last letter but one met me at Albany attending Court; from whence I am but just returned. Yours of the 2d. instant is this moment handed me. I am very sorry for the scism you hint at among the Foederalists; but I have so much confidence in the good management of the fast friends of the constitution that I hope no ill consequences will ensue from that disagreement. It will however be...
517From Alexander Hamilton to the Agents of the State of New York for Managing the Controversy with the Commonwealth of … (Hamilton Papers)
The Agents of the State of New York } for managing the controversy with the Commonwealth of Massachusettes 1785 For my services in examining the controversy collecting testimony and drawing brief for the hearing. The time spent in this business I cannot precisely determine but to the best of my recollection and Judgment it must have exceeded in the whole five weeks say however 35 days at £3.4...
518From Alexander Hamilton to Daniel Morgan, 18 November 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, November 18, 1788. On November 18, 1788, Hamilton wrote to George Washington : “I will make no apology for asking you to take the additional trouble of forwarding the inclosed to … General” Daniel Morgan. Letter not found. ]
519From Alexander Hamilton to Walter Livingston, [18 November 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton requests the favour of Mr W Livingston to lend his name to the enclosed. AL , New-York Historical Society, New York City. Livingston, a New York City lawyer, served as Commissioner of the Treasury from 1785 to 1789. The enclosure has not been found, but at the bottom of H’s letter Livingston wrote: “Nov. 18–88 The note enclosed was for £300 payable in 30 days drawn by himself in...
520From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [18 November 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Your two last letters have duly come to hand & the Count De Moustier has delivered me the watch you committed to his charge. Your obliging attention to this matter claims my particular acknowlegements. I will make no apology for asking you to take the additional trouble of forwarding the inclosed to the General. I take the liberty of passing it through you that you may by perusing the contents...
521To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 18 November 1788 (Washington Papers)
Your last two letters have duly come to hand & the Count De Moustier has delivered me the watch you committed to his charge. Your obliging attention to this matter claims my particular acknowledgements. I will make no apology for asking you to take the additional trouble of forwarding the inclosed to the General—I take the liberty of passing it through you that you may by perusing the contents...
522Promissory Note to Walter Livingston, 20 November 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, November 20, 1788. On the letter from Hamilton of November 18, 1788 , Livingston made the following notation: “Nov. 20 Col. A. Hamilton sent a note of his to me by Mr. Duer for 3000 Dolls. Specie to endorse which I did and sent the same to the Bank to be discounted for him—W.L.” Document not found. ] William Duer.
523Power of Attorney to John Chaloner, 22 November 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, November 22, 1788. Appoints John Chaloner “of the City of Philadelphia merchant to be my true and lawful attorney and substitute and the lawful attorney of the said John Barker Church for me and in my name” to settle the affairs of John B. Church and Daniel Parker and Company. DS , Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. The power of attorney was enclosed in H to Chaloner,...
524From Alexander Hamilton to James Madison, [23 November 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
I thank you My Dear Sir for yours of the 20th. The only part of it which surprises me is what you mention respecting Clinton. I cannot however believe that the plan will succeed. Nor indeed do I think that Clinton would be disposed to exchange his present appointment for that office or to risk his popularity by holding both. At the same time the attempt merits attention and ought not to be...
525To James Madison from Alexander Hamilton, 23 November 1788 (Madison Papers)
I thank you My Dear Sir for yours of the 20th. The only part of it which surprises me is what you mention respecting Clinton. I cannot however believe that the plan will succeed. Nor indeed do I think that Clinton would be disposed to exchange his present appointment for that office or to risk his popularity by holding both. At the same time the attempt merits attention and ought not to be...
526From Alexander Hamilton to John Chaloner, [26 November 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Hurry of business has prevented my complying with the desire of your letter of the 20th. Ulto respecting the arrangement you have entered into with Daniel Parker & Co. &c. Inclosed I send you a power of su[b]stitution which I hope will arrive in time. ⟨With all⟩ the ⟨–⟩ circumstances considered what has been done is prudent so as it does not affect any collateral security which I presume has...
527From Alexander Hamilton to Henry Banks, 12 December 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, December 12, 1788. On January 1, 1789, Banks wrote to Hamilton : “I recd. your letter of the 12 Ulto.” Letter not found. ] Banks, a Virginian, speculated extensively in western lands.
528Receipt to Baron von Steuben, [12 December 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
I certify that William Constable hath delivered me for the Baron De Steuben by way of loan One Hundred pounds December 12th 1788. ADS , anonymous donor. Constable, a native of Ireland, was a prominent New York City merchant. In 1784 he became a partner with John Rucker of New York in the firm of Constable, Rucker, and Company. Rucker died in 1788, and Constable continued the firm under the...
529From Alexander Hamilton to William Livingston, 15 December 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, December 15, 1788. On December 22, 1788, Livingston wrote to Hamilton : “Being favoured with your letter of the 15th instant.” Letter not found. ]
530From Alexander Hamilton to Samuel Ogden, 15 December 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, December 15, 1788. Discusses estate of Philip Ogden. Letter not found. ] ALS , sold at Henkel’s, March 27, 1914, Lot 465.
531From Alexander Hamilton to Richard Varick, [31 December 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Commodore Nicholson tells me this evening that they are nearly at a stand for want of funds. I commit the guardianship of my poor bantling to you. Pray dont let it suffer. Another thousand by the corporation will relieve all our difficulties. Yrs. sincerely ALS , MS Division, New York Public Library, New York City. Varick at this time was recorder for New York City. On September 30, 1788, the...
532Certificate of Clerkship for Joseph Strong, [20 January 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
I certify that Joseph Strong has served a clerkship of three years in my office in the business of an Attorney and that he is of good moral character. ADS , Pleadings, 1754–1837, S-486, Hall of Records, New York City. Following his clerkship, Strong practiced law first in Cooperstown, New York, and then in Albany. See Strong to H, August 11, 1796 ( PAH Harold C. Syrett, ed., The Papers of...
533From Alexander Hamilton to Samuel Jones, [21 January 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
As in our conversations on the important subject of a representation in the ensuing Congress I had the pleasure to perceive that you were inclined to pursue a moderate and accommodating line of conduct; and as I have reason to believe that representations will be made of the sense of this city calculated to nourish a spirit of pertinacity in the Majority of the Assembly which may counteract...
534From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Wadsworth, [25 January 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, January 25, 1789. ] On February [5–28], 1789, Wadsworth wrote to Hamilton : “Your favor of the 25 Jany came in good time.” Letter not found. ]
535From Alexander Hamilton to James Wilson, [25 January 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
A degree of anxiety about a matter of primary importance to the new government induces me to trouble you with this letter. I mean the election of the President. We all feel of how much moment it is that Washington should be the man; and I own I cannot think there is material room to doubt that this will be the unanimous sense. But as a failure in this object would be attended with the worst...
536From Alexander Hamilton to John Holker, [29 January 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
I certify that I am willing and do hereby accept the brief reposed in me as a Commissioner by virtue of a certain instrument bearing date the thirty first day of December in the year one thousand seven hundred and Eighty Eight made between Daniel Parker by his Attorney Andrew Craigie John Holker William Duer Samuel Rogers by the said Andrew Craigie Royal Flint and divers Creditors of the...
537From Alexander Hamilton to Theodore Sedgwick, [29 January 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
I thank you for your two letters of the 4th and 7th instant which arrived here during my absence at Albany from which place I have but recently returned. I believe you may be perfectly tranquil on the subject of Mr. Adam’s election. It seems to be certain that all the middle states will vote for him to Delaware inclusively and probably Maryland. In the South there are no candidates thought of...
538From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas McKean, 10 February 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, February 10, 1789. “I duly received the letter which you did me the honor to write me of the 2d of Decr. last.… With regard to your Bond against Dowdle, when I first received it I made diligent inquiry after him, but I found that his situation and principles were equally desperate & that to make any attempt to recover the money would be to add fruitlessly to your loss.…” ALS ,...
539Certificate of Good Character for Peter Ogilvie, [13 February 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, February 13, 1789. The dealer’s catalogue description of this document reads: “certifying the character of Peter Ogilvie.” Document not found. ] ADS , sold at Swann Auction Galleries, October 1, 1942, Lot 28. Ogilvie was a New York attorney, a member of the New York Assembly from Orange County in 1778 and 1779, and judge of the Court of Probates of New York State from 1787 to 1799.
540From Alexander Hamilton to Pierre Van Cortlandt, [16 February 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
By the direction of the Committee I transmit you the inclosed letter. I doubt not Sir you will believe me to be sincere when I assure you that I should be much more happy if circumstances permitted me to be the channel of a very different application. But such is the situation of our state that personal attachments are obliged to yield to public necessity. As I allow myself to hope Sir that...
541From Alexander Hamilton to the Supervisors of the City of Albany, [18 February 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
The last Tuesday of April next being the day appointed by law for the election of a Governor for the ensuing three years; the great importance of making a wise choice in the present peculiar situation of our local and national affairs, appears to have made a deep impression on the minds of considerate men in the different parts of the state. On the eleventh instant, a numerous meeting of...
542From Alexander Hamilton to Isaac Ledyard, [18 February 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
I understand you are to have a meeting at this place to morrow on the subject of the ensuing elections and accordingly inclose you to be laid before the meeting an address to the Inhabitants of your Township in regard to the appointment of a Governor. It is much to be wished the meeting may agree with their fellow citizens in New York and come to a resolution on the subject—For in Politics as...
543H. G. Letter I, 20 February 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the 18th instant, has duly come to hand, and entitles you to my particular thanks. In return I shall endeavor fully to comply with your request, and furnish you, in a series of letters, with all the materials in my power, to enable you to judge what conduct it will be proper for you to pursue, in relation to the ensuing election for Governor. Your influence is considerable; and...
544H. G. Letter II, 21 February 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Shortly after the breaking out of the war with Great-Britain, Mr. Clinton received an appointment as brigadier-general, in which capacity he served until he was elected governor of the state, some time in the early part of the year 1777. In both these situations, from the condition of the state, which, during the greatest part of the war was its principal theatre, Mr. Clinton was frequently...
545H. G. Letter III, 22 February 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
You mention towards the close of your letter, two reports circulating in your county, which you say operate to the advantage of Mr. Clinton; the one, that at the time he first took the chair of government, “the great men” as they are insidiously called, declined the station, through apprehension of the dangers that might attend it. Not less willing then to set him up as a mark for the...
546H. G. Letter IV, 24 February 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
You will perceive, my dear Sir, from the sketch, I have given you, that though the present Governor has a just title to credit for his exertions in the late revolution; yet the degree of credit to which he is truly entitled has been immodestly exaggerated. It is to be wished, nevertheless, for the honor and interest of the state, that his administration since the peace was proportionably...
547H. G. Letter V, 25 February 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
In your’s of the 23d instant, which has just come to hand, you observe that there are persons in your county, who entertain favourable impressions of the present governor, for the good order preserved in this city, upon the evacuation of it by the British troops; and which you say is ascribed to his moderation, care and decision. This is an idea, not confined to your county. Mr. Clinton and...
548H. G. Letter VI, 26 February 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
I shall now proceed to give you a brief history of the Governor’s administration since the peace, as it respects the United States; from the whole of which, preferring the evidence of actions , to that of professions , I am persuaded you will agree with me, that there is satisfactory proof of his being an enemy to the AMERICAN UNION. The facts from which I shall draw this conclusion are of the...
549From Alexander Hamilton to the Citizens of New York, [26 February 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
The Committee appointed by the Meeting at Bardin’s Tavern, on Monday evening, for the purpose of carrying into execution the views of the meeting respecting the election of Mr. John Lawrence, as a representative of this district in Congress, having understood that a meeting was held this evening at the Coffee house in opposition to that nomination, which has been adjourned till to-morrow...
550H. G. Letter VI, 27 February 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
In my last I stated a number of facts tending to prove that Mr. Clinton is not a friend to the UNION. I would not be understood, that either of these facts singly would authorise such a conclusion, but that it is the result of them collectively. Many men, of whose good intentions, I have no doubt, have entertained similar sentiments with him on several of the points stated; but I am mistaken...