41To Alexander Hamilton from Baron von Steuben, 5 September 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
La lettre cy joint de Mr: R: Petters, contienne une preuve, non Equivoque, que dans mes prémieres application & immediatement après la Paix, j’ai appuyer mes pretentions aux E. U. sur une stipulation ou Contract fait en Entrent dans Leurs Service. Comme Vous etiez de cette Même Committe à Philadelphie; je m’en rapporte a Votre Memoire. Dans tout les Committees subsequentes j’ai toujours...
42To Alexander Hamilton from Philip Schuyler, 2 September 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
Albany, September 2, 1788. Sends information for his defense against a bill filed in Chancery by Charles John Evans and Agatha Evans. ADfS , Schuyler Papers, MS Division, New York Public Library. For information concerning this document, see Benjamin Walker to H, September 3, 1803 (printed in this volume).
43To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 28 August 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
I have had the pleasure to receive your letter dated the 13th.—accompanied by one addressed to General Morgan. I will forward the letter to Gener[a]l Morgan by the first conveyance, and add my particular wishes that he would comply with the request contained in it. Although I can scarcely imagine how the Watch of a British Officer, killed within their lines, should have fallen into his hands...
44From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 28 August 1788 (Washington Papers)
I have had the pleasure to receive your letter dated the 13th—accompanied by one addressed to General Morgan. I will forward the letter to Generl Morgan by the first conveyance, and add my particular wishes that he would comply with the request contained in it. Although I can scarcely imagine how the Watch of a British Officer, killed within their lines, should have fallen into his hands (who...
45To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 25 August 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
Since I had the Honor to address you 23rd. Inst. on the Subject of——; I have had the pleasure of a Full Conversation with Mr. A. He is Zealous in the matter and assures me he will go forward in one of the New York Packets by the last of this Week. I have wrote Mr. H. on the Subject and Warmly urged the Necessity of his going on with his Colleague Mr. A. and have made him an offer of a Draught...
46To Alexander Hamilton from Ezekiel Forman, 23 August 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, August 23, 1788. Requests information respecting Forman’s claim against the estate of Philip Livingston. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Forman was a former New Jersey Loyalist and at this time was practicing law in Philadelphia.
47To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 23 August 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
Your favr. of 12th. Inst. I Recd. not ’till yesterday haveing Just then Returned from the Country where I have been attending a Niece of mine who lays Dangerously ill. As your Communications are of a Delicate Nature, be assured Sr. I will hold them in the Fullest Confidence. Mr. A. Will be with you in the Question; Mr. H. I have not Seen. The principle Characters here are not So anxious about...
48To Alexander Hamilton from John Chaloner, 20 August 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, August 20, 1788. Sends Hamilton an abstract of John Holker’s “title to lands in N York State offered by him as a substitute to Mr Church & others who have commenced suits against him for protested bills in place of his bail in said suits.” Asks Hamilton about the validity of this title. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Chaloner wrote to H in the latter’s capacity as...
49To Alexander Hamilton from Samuel Broome, 13 August 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
I have been informed Congress have appointed a Committee to examine into the situation of their Contract made with Mr James Jarvis for the Loan of a quantity of Coined Copper and that said Committee had reported that said Contract Was Void should an action be Commenced against Mr Jarvis for damages. I hope you will be pleased to Consider yourself as his attorney in the suit provided there...
50To Alexander Hamilton from James Madison, [20 July 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Yours of yesterday is this instant come to hand & I have but a few minutes to answer it. I am sorry that your situation obliges you to listen to propositions of the nature you describe. My opinion is that a reservation of a right to withdraw if amendments be not decided on under the form of the Constitution within a certain time, is a conditional ratification, that it does not make N. York a...
51From James Madison to Alexander Hamilton, [20 July] 1788 (Madison Papers)
Yours of yesterday is this instant come to hand & I have but a few minutes to answer it. I am sorry that your situation obliges you to listen to propositions of the nature you describe. My opinion is that a reservation of a right to withdraw if amendments be not decided on under the form of the Constitution within a certain time, is a conditional ratification, that it does not make N. York a...
52To Alexander Hamilton from Nathaniel Chipman, 14 July 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
Your character as a federalist, has induced me, altho’ personally unknown to you, to address you on a subject of very great importance to the State of Vermont, of which I am a citizen, and from which, I think, may be derived a considerable advantage to the fœderal Cause. Ten States have now adopted the new fœderal plan of government. That it will now succeed is beyond doubt; what disputes the...
53To Alexander Hamilton from John Kelly, 14 July 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Tinmouth, Vermont, July 14, 1788. On this date Nathaniel Chipman wrote Hamilton that Kelly “writes by the same opportunity.” Letter not found. ]
54To Alexander Hamilton from John Sullivan, [10 July 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Capt Roche who was employed by me in consequence of your directions to forward the news of New Hampshires having adopted the new Constitution, called on me this Day with the Inclosed Account, the Ballance of which I paid him in Cash and have taken the Liberty of drawing on you for the same with the addition of seven shillings more which is the Loss by Discount & postage at 3 1/2 per Cent. His...
55To Alexander Hamilton from James Madison, [30 June 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed is the final result of our conventional deliberations. The intended address of the minority proved to be of a nature apprehended by me. It was rejected by the party themselves when proposed to them, and produced an auspicious conclusion to the business. As I shall set out in a few days for N. York, I postpone further explanations. I have this instant the communications from N....
56From James Madison to Alexander Hamilton, [30 June] 1788 (Madison Papers)
Inclosed is the final result of our conventional deliberations. The intended address of the Minority proved to be of a nature apprehended by me. It was rejected by the party themselves when proposed to them, and produced an auspicious conclusion to the business. As I shall set out in a few days for N. York, I postpone further explanations. I have this instant the communications from N....
57To Alexander Hamilton from James Madison, 27 June [1788] (Hamilton Papers)
This day put an end to the existence of our Convention. The inclosed is a copy of the Act of Ratification. It has been followed by a number of recomendatory alterations; many of them highly objectionable. One of the most so is an article prohibiting direct taxes where effectual laws shall be passed by the States for the purpose. It was impossible to prevent this error. The minority will sign...
58From James Madison to Alexander Hamilton, 27 June 1788 (Madison Papers)
This day put an end to the existence of our Convention. The inclosed is a copy of the Act of Ratification. It has been followed by a number of recommendatory alterations; many of them highly objectionable. One of the most so is an article prohibiting direct taxes where effectual laws shall be passed by the States for the purpose. It was impossible to prevent this error. The minority will sign...
59From James Madison to [Alexander Hamilton?], 25 June 1788 (Madison Papers)
On the final question the Constitution was this day ratified by 89 ays agst. 79 noes. The majority is small but the proceeding has been free from every flaw & pretext of it; and the Convention as full as could be demanded, two members only being absent and those known to be divided on the subject. Recommendatory amendments will accompany the act of ratification. They are still [to] be settled...
60To Alexander Hamilton from James Madison, 22 June 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
The Judiciary Department has been on the anvil for several days; and I presume will still be a further subject of disquisition. The attacks on it have apparently made less impression than was feared. But they may be secretly felt by particular interests that would not make the acknowledgement, and wd. chuse to ground their vote agst. the Constitution on other motives. In the course of this...
61From James Madison to Alexander Hamilton, 22 June 1788 (Madison Papers)
The Judiciary Department has been on the anvil for several days; and I presume will still be a further subject of disquisition. The attacks on it have apparently made less impression than was feared. But they may be secretly felt by particular interests that would not make the acknowledgment, and wd. chuse to ground their vote agst. the Constitution on other motives. In the course of this week...
62To Alexander Hamilton from John Langdon, [21 June 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
By the Desire of our Mutual Friend Rufus King Esqr. I have the great pleasure and satisfaction of informing you, that this State, has this day Adopted the federal Constitution; this al-important Question, was Carried by a Majority of Eleven 57 Yeas 46 Nays. Excuse hast and Believe me, with the greatest Respect Dr: Sir: Your Mot: Obt: Servant P: S: this letter goes to Springfield by an...
63To Alexander Hamilton from James Madison, 20 June 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
Our debates have advanced as far as the Judiciary Department against which a great effort is making. The appellate congnizance of fact, and an extension of the power to causes between Citizens of different States, with some lesser objections are the topics chiefly dwelt on. The retrospection to cases antecedent to the Constitution, such as British debts, and an apprehended revival of the...
64From James Madison to Alexander Hamilton, 20 June 1788 (Madison Papers)
Our debates have advanced as far as the Judiciary Department against which a great effort is making. The Appellate connazance of fact, and an extension of the power to causes between Citizens of different States, with some lesser objections are the topics cheifly dwelt on. The retrospection to cases antecedent to the Constitution, such as British debts, and an apprehended revival of the...
65To Alexander Hamilton from James Madison, 16 June 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
Yours of the 8th. is just come to hand. I mentioned in my last that Oswald had been here in consultation with the Antifedl. leaders. The contents of your letter confirm the idea that a negotiation for delay is [on] foot between the opposition here & with you. We have conjectured for some days that the policy is to spin out the Session in order to receive overtures from your Convention; or if...
66To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Lee, [16 June 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
God bless you & your efforts to save me from the manifold ⟨–⟩ misfortunes which have & continue to oppress me, whenever I attempt to aid human nature. You will do what you think best & whatever you do I will confirm. Hazard has acted the part of a decided rascal & if I fail in my right, I may not in personal revenge. Our Convention is in full debate on the great business of Federal...
67From James Madison to Alexander Hamilton, 16 June 1788 (Madison Papers)
Yours of the 8th is just come to hand. I mentioned in my last that Oswald had been here in consultation with the Antifedl. leaders. The contents of your letter confirm the idea that a negociation for delay is [on] foot between the opposition here & with you. We have conjectured for some days that the policy is to spin out the Session in order to receive overtures from your Convention; or if...
68To Alexander Hamilton from James Madison, 13 June 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Richmond, June 13, 1788. On June 25, 1788, Hamilton wrote to Madison: “I am very sorry to find by your letter of the 13th that your prospects are so critical.” Letter not found. ]
69To Alexander Hamilton from Gouverneur Morris, 13 June 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
I am to acknowlege yours of the 19th. of May which reached me a few Days since. Matters are not going so well in this State as the Friends of America could wish. If indeed the Debates in Convention were alone attended to a contrary Inference would be drawn for altho Mr. Henry is most warm and powerful in Declamation being perfectly Master of Action Utterance and the Power of Speech to stir...
70From James Madison to Alexander Hamilton, 13 June 1788 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 13 June 1788 . Mentioned in Hamilton to JM, 25 June 1788 . Describes the critical outlook for ratification of the Constitution at the Richmond convention.
71To Alexander Hamilton from Rufus King, 12 June 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
I have made an arrangement to forward by express the result of the convention of New Hampshire to Springfield in this State, from which place Genl. Knox has engaged a conveyance to you at Poughkeepsie. Those who are best informed of the situation of the Question in New Hampshire are positive that the Decision will be such as we wish, and from the particular Facts which I have heard, I can...
72To Alexander Hamilton from James Madison, 9 June [1788] (Hamilton Papers)
The Heat of the weather &c. has laid me up with a bilious attack; I am not able therefore to say more than a few words. No material indications have taken place since my last. The chance at present seems to be in our favor. But it is possible things may take another turn. Oswald in Phila. came here on Saturday; and has closet interviews with the leaders of the opposition. Yours affcy. ALS ,...
73From James Madison to Alexander Hamilton, 9 June 1788 (Madison Papers)
The Heat of the weather &c. has laid me up with a bilious attack: I am not able therefore to say more than a few words. No material indications have taken place since my last. The chance at present seems to be in our favor. But it is possible things may take another turn. Oswald of Phila. came here on saturday; and has closet interviews with the leaders of the Opposition. Yours Affely. RC (...
74To Alexander Hamilton from Marquis de Lafayette, 24 May 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
It is a Hard thing for me to Be separated from the friends I love the Best, and to think that our daily Conversations are Reduced to a few letters, the Arrival of Which is ever lengthy and sometimes Uncertain. I Hope, However, My dear friend, you don’t question My Continual and Affectionate Remembrance of the Happy days I Have Past With You. I Hope You often think of me, and of the pleasure...
75To Alexander Hamilton from John Jay, 15 May 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Richard Laurence of Staten Island has complained to Congress, and to the King of Great Britain, that Judgments have been obtained and executed against him in certain Actions of Trespass, which he says were commenced and prosecuted in Violation of the Treaty of Peace. In these Actions I understand you was concerned for him, and as it is important that the Facts which concern the Merits of...
76Appointment as Delegate to the General Meeting of the Society of the Cincinnati, 3 May 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, May 3, 1788. Baron von Steuben, president of the Society of the Cincinnati of the State of New York, signed a certification that Hamilton and six other men had been appointed delegates to represent New York in the “General Meeting of the society of ye. Cincinnati to be holden in the City of Philadelphia on Monday the fifth day of May 1788.” DS , Papers of the Society of the...
77From James Madison to Alexander Hamilton, ca. 10 April 1788 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. Ca. 10 April 1788 . Alluded to in Hamilton to JM, 11 May 1788 . Prospects for the Constitution in Virginia. Requests Hamilton to send copies of the first volume of The Federalist .
78From James Madison to Alexander Hamilton, ca. 10 March 1788 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. Ca. 10 March 1788, Philadelphia. Acknowledged in Hamilton to JM, 3 Apr. 1788 . Discusses points to be raised in The Federalist concerning the judiciary.
79Appointment as Delegate to the Continental Congress, [2 February 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
State of New York The people of the State of New york by the Grace of God free and Independent To all to whom these presents shall come send Greeting. Whereas our Senate and Assembly on the Twenty second day of January last nominated and appointed the Honorable Ezra L’Hommedieu, Egbert Benson, Alexander Hamilton, Abraham Yates, Junior and Leonard Gansevort Esquires Delegates to represent our...
80To Alexander Hamilton from John Fitch, 29 January 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
Having exausted considerable sums of money in forming a Boat to be propelled by the force of steam a considerable part of which has been expended in experiments in learning to make a Steam Engine that being so useful a Machine for most great works, I humbly flatter myself it is deserving the notice of Congress and that it will in time superceed the greatest part of Water works as well as all...
81To Alexander Hamilton from Robert Troup, 3 December 1787 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York ] December 3, 1787 . Requests Hamilton to make arrangements for the purchase of a house and lot which Troup wishes to buy. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
82Election as Manager of the St. Andrew’s Society, 30 November 1787 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, November 30, 1787. On this date at the annual assembly of the St. Andrew’s Society of New York State, Hamilton and five other men were elected managers of the Society for 1788. The [New York] Independent Journal: or, the General Advertiser , December 1, 1787.
83To Alexander Hamilton from David Forman, 27 November 1787 (Hamilton Papers)
November 27, 1787. Asks for a statement of the amount due Forman from a judgment secured against Robert Cox. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
84To Alexander Hamilton from John Witherspoon, 16 November 1787 (Hamilton Papers)
I have just received your Letter inclosing Baron Steubens Printed Paper In answer please to knew that Nothing passed between me & the Committee that can be constructed as the least Contradiction to which I certified formerly. They asked now whether there was an actual or explicit Contract with Baron Steuben verbally though not written I answerd that there was not any proper formal Contract...
85Bill and Receipt from Francis Childs, [12 November 1787] (Hamilton Papers)
Alexander Hamilton Esqr. to Francis Childs Dr. 1787 Nov. 12. to advertising the Farm for Sale on Frog’s Neck —9 weeks } £1.1⟨–⟩ ADS , MS Division, New York Public Library. Childs was the editor and publisher of The [New York] Daily Advertiser , a newspaper that he had established on March 1, 1785. Throgs (Frogs) Neck is a peninsula at the eastern end of the East River in what was then...
86To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 10 November 1787 (Hamilton Papers)
I thank you for the Pamphlet, and for the Gazette contained in your letter of the 30th. Ulto. For the remaining numbers of Publius, I shall acknowledge myself obliged as I am persuaded the subject will be well handled by the Author. The new Constitution has, as the public prints will have informed you, been handed to the people of this state by an unanimous vote of the Assembly; but it is not...
87From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 10 November 1787 (Washington Papers)
I thank you for the Pamphlet, and for the Gazette contained in your letter of the 30th Ult. For the remaining numbers of Publius, I shall acknowledge myself obliged, as I am persuaded the subject will be well handled by the Author. The new Constitution has, as the public prints will have informed you, been handed to the people of this state by an unanimous vote of the Assembly; but it is not...
88To Alexander Hamilton from Gaspard Joseph Amand Ducher, 26 October 1787 (Hamilton Papers)
je suis arrivé ici apres bien des fatigues et des dangers; je me Repose et j’en ai grand Besoin. Rappelles vous, je vous prie, que vous m’aves promis Deux pièces Relatives à La nouvelle constitution; je les attends avec Le plus grand empressement et je vous scaurai gré de me faire passer tous les pamphlets qui seront imprimés sur ce sujet. mes Respects je vous prie à Madame hamilton. jai...
89To Alexander Hamilton from Marquis de Lafayette, 26 October [1787] (Hamilton Papers)
As I am writing By a Gentleman Who goes through England and Carries my letter Himself, I shall Content Myself with inclosing the Copy of Some favourable Arrangemens of Commerce —and Reminding You of Your loving, grateful, and devoted am My dear Hamilton Yours for Ever My Best Respects to Mrs Hamilton. ALS , The Sol Feinstone Collection, Library of the American Philosophical Society,...
90To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 18 October 1787 (Hamilton Papers)
Your favor without date came to my hand by the last Post. It is with unfeigned concern I perceive that a political dispute has arisen between Governor Clinton and yourself. For both of you I have the highest esteem and regard. But as you say it is insinuated by some of your political adversaries, and may obtain credit, “that you palmed yourself upon me, and was dismissed from my family;” and...