31To Alexander Hamilton from Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 10 October 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
I have this moment recd. you favour of Septr. 25th. but being oblidged to set out on my Tour to Vermont in a few Hours, I cannot consult my papers, nor reply as particularly as would otherwise be in my power. I do not know Campbell & till after the publication of Colo. Pickerings accounts in the Aurora, I did not know that such a person was employed in the Treasury. I have since been informed...
32To Alexander Hamilton from Elizabeth Hamilton, 19 October 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, October 19, 1801. On Sunday, October 25, 1801 , Hamilton wrote to his wife: “I was much relieved, My Dear Eliza, by the receipt yesterday morning of your letter of Monday last.” Letter not found. ] See H to Elizabeth Hamilton, October 17–18, 1801 .
33To Alexander Hamilton from Robert Smith, 20 November 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
Your application to me in favor of Capt Du Buisson was highly acceptable and required no kind of apology. His case has had all the attention which under existing Circumstances could consistently be given to it. I have given him a sum of Money which will accomodate him for the present. Be persuaded, sir, I shall at all times be happy in receiving from you any Communications with which you may...
34To Alexander Hamilton from Bushrod Washington, 21 November 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter dated in September came lately to my hands after having made a circuitous rout through many distant post offices as appears from the endorsements on it. I sent to Richmond about four months ago all the trunks of papers which I received from Mount Vernon except two. I have had so little leisure for examining the contents of those trunks, that it would be impossible for me at the...
35To Alexander Hamilton from Joaquim L. Steinbach, 23 November 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, November 23, 1801. Requests Hamilton’s opinion on two marine insurance cases involving the ship Zenobia and the sloop Britton of Barrington . ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. No evidence has been found that H served as Steinbach’s counsel in any case involving either of these ships.
36To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Rush, 26 November 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
Permit a whole family to mingle their tears with yours upon the late distressing event that has taken place in your family. It may perhaps help to sooth your grief when I add to that united expression of Sympathy, that your Son had made himself very dear to my family during his late visit to Philadelphia, by the most engaging deportment. His visits to us were daily, and after each of them he...
37To Alexander Hamilton from John Dickinson, [30 November 1801] (Hamilton Papers)
A sense of thy services to our Country, and the satisfaction I have received from our acquaintance, cause me to take an Interest in every Thing that importantly concerns thy Happiness. This Disposition compells me with a heart-felt love, most deeply to sympathize with thee and thy family in your present affliction. Could I add to this regretful Testimony any Arguments to soothe your Minds,...
38To Alexander Hamilton from Philip Schuyler, 4 December 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Albany, December 4, 1801. On Sunday, December 6, 1801, Schuyler wrote to Elizabeth Hamilton and referred to “a letter of Friday last to my Dear Hamilton.” Letter not found. ] ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
39To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 4 December 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
I sincerely condole with Mrs. Hamilton and you on the loss which you have sustained in the death of your beloved son Philip. I can well conceive of the distress this event has occasioned, and the tender recollections that his memory must long continue to excite. I lost my eldest child, a daughter, after she had discovered whatever can promise to flattter parental expectations. Is there ought...
40To Alexander Hamilton from George W. P. Custis, 5 December 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
With the utmost sorrow have I lately perused the unhappy fate of your son, and among the many that have come forward to condole with you on so afflicting an event, I beg I may be permitted, to make one of the number. We were brought up as it were, together in our earlier years and that mutual friendship which then existed between us, would I have no doubt have at a future time ripened into...
41To Alexander Hamilton from Nicholas Olive, [15 December 1801] (Hamilton Papers)
J’ai eû l’honneur de vous écrire d’Angleterre, et de vous faire part de ce qui nous est arrivé, Vous aurez pensé peutêtre qu’aigri par le malheur j’avois chargé le tableau; Le tems vous apprendra que j’aurois pû le rendre plus sombre, et ce tems sera celui où le Capitaine et le Maître du bâtiment pris arriveront dans les Etats-unis; Ils vous diront ce qu’ils ont vû & avec qu’elle inhumanité...
42To Alexander Hamilton from Charles Carroll of Carrollton, 19 December 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
Annapolis [ Maryland ] December 19, 1801 . Encloses three drafts of eight thousand dollars each payable to Isaac Bronson. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Carroll paid Isaac Bronson, a New York City businessman, twenty-four thousand dollars for discharging a lien against twelve thousand acres of land which Carroll had purchased from Robert C. Johnson. For information concerning the...
43To Alexander Hamilton from Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, 24 December 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
It was not, my dear friend, till my return from attending the sessions of our State Legislature at Columbia, that I was fully apprized of your irreparable loss. I am much afflicted at the event, and most sincerely condole with Mrs. Hamilton & yourself on a misfortune which only religion & time can alleviate. It is however a consolation to reflect (if so great a loss can admitt of any immediate...
44To Alexander Hamilton from James A. Bayard, 29 December 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
Washington, December 29. 1801. States that “the cause of Messrs. Graves & Barnwell in which you were so obliging to mention my name as Counsel to the Plaintiffs” was argued in the Supreme Court of the United States and decided in favor of the defendant. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. The case of Graves et al. v The Boston Marine Insurance Company was heard before the Supreme Court...
45To Alexander Hamilton from Philip Schuyler, 2 January 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of Mondays date only reached me this Morning. My Coachman Toby is very Much Indisposed. My other Servants abroad on their holyday frolick, that I can only send Anthony to morrow morning he will carry a pair of horses to relieve yours, or If a Snow falls in the course of the night he will go in my Sleigh. When You arrive at the Ferry at greenbush, Stop at the tavern and Send Anthony...
46To Alexander Hamilton from Chevalier de Colbert, 4 January 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
Paris, January 4, 1802. Expresses condolences on the death of Philip Hamilton. Requests Hamilton, as his attorney, to take action to secure for him the lands in Georgia granted to Comte d’Estaing. Also requests Hamilton to settle his accounts with Robert Morris to whom he had advanced money that was secured by some of Morris’s holdings in the Genesee country. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of...
47To Alexander Hamilton from Nicholas Evertson, 12 January 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, January 12, 1802. “The within case is considered … as noticed for the next Term.… As no order has been obtained to stay proceedings in the cause… would it not be prudent to procure one? …” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Evertson was a New York City attorney. The enclosure was Richard S. Hallett v William Burrell, William Houstoun, Paul Skidmore, and Gamaliel Skidmore ,...
48To Alexander Hamilton from Rufus King, 12 January 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
Both as a friend and a father I do most unfeignibly participate and condole with you in the heavy affliction that has fallen upon your family. It would be altogether vain for me to have recourse to the usual Topics of consolation, in so severe a Calamity: it must be sought for among the treasures of your own Mind, which nature has so eminently endowed; and after a while, it will likewise be...
49To Alexander Hamilton from Charles W. Hare, 14 January 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, January 14, 1802. Describes the arrangement he “made with Col. Burr on the subject of Mr Angersteins debt.” States: “I have paid 20 Dlls 67 to the keeper of the city tavern on account of your son’s bill and have taken a receipt in full. I enquired for other bills, but could not find any, and I believe he owed nothing more.” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Hare, the...
50To Alexander Hamilton from William Henderson, 15 January 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
The Committee which has been appointed here, to act on behalf of the Sufferrers by French Captures , have requested me to write to you, for the draft of such a memorial as you think would be proper to present to Congress on the subject of their claims. it is probable that similar applications for relief, will be made from all the trading Towns in the Union; & perhaps from an united effort some...
51To Alexander Hamilton from Robert G. Harper, 19 January 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
Permit me, my dear Genl. to present to you Mr. Keene of this place, a friend of mine and a man of Character & honour, who visits new York for a few days; during which your acquaintence and notice cannot fail to be very gratifying to him. So far as you may find it convenient to bestow them, they will confer an obligation on me. With high respect I have the pleasure to be, my dear sir Your...
52To Alexander Hamilton from Gouverneur Morris, 22 February 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
You Must pardon me for telling you I am sorry that you opposed sending a Petition to Congress against the Repeal of the Law of last Session for amending the judicial System. It will stop I suppose any such actions which might have come on from the Eastward and thus leave our Enemies to conclude against us from the Silence of our friends. Moreover it will enable your personal Enemies to say...
53To Alexander Hamilton from Gouverneur Morris, 11 March 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
I have your two Letters of the 27th. of Feby. and the 4th. Instant. I thank you for them. In Reply to what you tell me in the Close of the former I can only say that your Talents if not your Birth entitle you to the Rank of an American Citizen. To be born in America seems to be a Matter of Indifference at New York, an advantage in New England, a Disadvantage in Pensilvania. You say I am not....
54To Alexander Hamilton from William Jackson, 12 March 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
I beg leave, my dear General, to request that you will notify the New York State Society of the Cincinnati that the triennial general Meeting of the Society is to be held at the City of Washington on the first monday in may next, where it is anxiously wished that their Delegates may attend. The nomination of Gentlemen, in Congress, who are Members of the Society may facilitate the convening of...
55To Alexander Hamilton from Samuel S. Smith, 18 March 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
Princeton [ New Jersey ] March 18, 1802 . Introduces his son, John Witherspoon Smith, who plans to practice law in New York City. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Smith, a Presbyterian clergyman, had a pastorate in western Virginia in the seventeen-seventies, taught at the College of New Jersey from 1779 to 1795, and served as president of the college from 1795 to 1812. By 1803 John...
56[To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Truxtun], [22 March 1802] (Hamilton Papers)
Copy, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress; JCH Transcripts John C. Hamilton Transcripts, Columbia University Libraries. , Columbia University Libraries. In JCHW John C. Hamilton, ed., The Works of Alexander Hamilton (New York, 1851–1856). , XI, 533, this letter is incorrectly addressed to H. Actually, it is a copy in Truxtun’s handwriting of a letter which Truxtun wrote to Aaron Burr and...
57To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Truxtun, 26 March 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
As an officer Sacrifised by party Spirit & in the hope of a favourable change in the affairs of our once free and happy Country, I think it a duty to address you as one of the remaining honest political fathers of it. The present administration finding as I verily believe, that it was not possible to Succeed in bringing me over to prostitute my principles by forsaking the federal cause and...
58To Alexander Hamilton from Philip Schuyler, 28 March 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
In a letter from Mrs. Church of tuesday last she mentions that my dear Eliza had been very much indisposed, but was better. as no mention is made of the disorder with which she has been afflicted, we apprehend that she has miscarryed, we are extremely anxious for further Accounts and pray they may be such as shall do away our apprehensions. The Regents of the university have directed their...
59To Alexander Hamilton from Cornelius Bogert, 29 March 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York ] March 29, 1802. Discusses the facts in the “causes of Vanderheuvel against the Columbian Insurance Company.” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Bogert was a New York City lawyer. H made the following entry in his Law Register, 1795–1804: “Columbian Insur: } Of Counsel with Bogert Company Adsm J Vandenheuvel Retainer 100” ( D , partially in H’s handwriting, New York Law...
60To Alexander Hamilton from Philip Schuyler, 5 April 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
Your favor which I received on Saturday last, has relieved us from great anxiety, and another from Angelica has quite set our minds at ease as to My Dear Eliza, we hope to hear that all will be well when she is disburthened. The Regents have come into all the measures which I mentioned to you, in a former letter, relative to the lands to the northward. The deed will be recorded in the...
61To Alexander Hamilton from Rufus King, 8 April 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
By Dr. Romayne I send you a pamphlet lately written upon the interesting subject of the public credit of this Country. The author is a member of parliament an old & practical Banker, Brother to the president of the Bank of England, and for many years much conversant with the great money operations of the Country. When you have read it I wish the favour of you to send it together with the other...
62To Alexander Hamilton from James A. Bayard, 12 April 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
The apprehensions you appear to entertain of the effect of the intrigues of a certain person, if you will take my word for it are wholly without ground. I[n] fact little had been attempted & nothing accomplished. I answer only for the time present because I believe the Gentleman is waiting to see the result of the new state of things more completely developed, before he decides upon the Course...
63To Alexander Hamilton from David Gelston, 14 April 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, April 14, 1802. Directs Hamilton to proceed on behalf of the United States attorney for the District of New York against the Brig Triton , which had arrived in the port of New York from Bristol, England, “with a Cargo of Porter in cases of less capacity than forty gallons beer measure contrary to the laws of the United States.” ALS , RG 21, District Court for the Southern District of...
64To Alexander Hamilton from Bushrod Washington, 15 April 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
In writing the history of Genl Washington’s life, it is sometimes difficult to acquire a clear view of some of the operations of the Armies, without obtaining a more precise explanation of some circumstances than can be derived from the papers in my possession, without a very laborous examination of them, and even then, there are some points which would require farther illustration—such for...
65To Alexander Hamilton from James A. Bayard, 25 April 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
I have considered with a great deal of Attention the project recommended in your last letter of connected associations in the different States for the support of our Constitution & religion. The plan is marked with great ingenuity, but I am not inclined to think that it is applicable to the state of things in this Country. Such an association must be bottomed upon a stronger & more active...
66To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Wadsworth, 26 April 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Hartford, April 26, 1802. On May 19, 1802, Hamilton wrote to Wadsworth : “I have the pleasure of receiving your letter of the 26th. of April.” Letter not found. ]
67To Alexander Hamilton from Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, 3 May 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
I was in Georgia when your favour of the 15th: of March arrived in Charleston, & when I received it, it was too late to set out for Washington to be there at the time mentioned even if I had been prepared for such a jaunt. I agree entirely with you in your sentiments of the act repealing the act of the last session for the better organization of the Judiciary department; but it was natural to...
68To Alexander Hamilton from Rufus King, 7 May 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
As I know of no measure from abroad, which is capable of such extensive and injurious effects as the cession of Louisiana and the Floridas to France, it has been a subject of my unremitted solicitude and attention from the moment of our first suspicions concerning it. Its importance was fully and repeatedly developed to the Ministers of this Country before the conclusion of the Preliminaries,...
69To Alexander Hamilton from Simeon Baldwin, 8 May 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New Haven, Connecticut, May 8, 1802. The dealer’s description of this letter reads: “Legal.” Letter not found. ] The Collector: A Magazine for Autograph and Historical Collectors , LIX, No. 1 (January, 1946), 20. Baldwin wrote this letter in reply to H to Baldwin, May 1, 1802 .
70To Alexander Hamilton from Louis André Pichon, 21 May 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Washington, May 21, 1802. The endorsement on Hamilton to Pichon, May 10, 1802 , reads: “Repue Le 21 mai.” Letter not found. ]
71To Alexander Hamilton from Peter W. Yates, [May 1802] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Albany, May, 1802. ] “The Argument on the inclosed case is to be the next term in new York. I cannot attend. I request you to pay particular attention to this Case & prepare for the argument. The deft. claims under my Br in Law Anthony Bries the eldest son and heir of old Hendrick Bries their father.…” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Yates, an Albany lawyer, was a regent of the...
72To Alexander Hamilton from John B. Graves, 8 June 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, June 8, 1802. Requests Hamilton’s opinion concerning his claim for reimbursement on a premium that he had paid to insure his cargo aboard the schooner Alert . ALS , Montague Collection, MS Division, New York Public Library. Graves was a New York City merchant. For the full text of this letter, related documents, and an explanation of their contents, see Goebel, Law Practice Julius...
73To Alexander Hamilton from Philip Schuyler, 15 [June] 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
On Sunday a letter from Mrs. Church announced the happy delivery of My Dear Eliza, and that She and the child, were in as good health as could be expected and wished for. On this Event, I must Sincerely congratulate you and her. May I soon learn that she is perfectly restored. It is more than probable that soon after my return to albany I shall have the pleasure of seeing [you] at New York....
74To Alexander Hamilton from Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, 2 July 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
My Brother is desirous that his son who in the late Army was one of my Aids should qualify himself for the profession of the Law: for this purpose he has been some time studying with Mr: De Saussure of this State. Our City has been for several years past fatal to many strangers who have attempted to spend their summer in it; my nephew has not been here in that season since his return from...
75To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Truxtun, 10 July 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
I pray you to accept a Copy of the medal voted me by Congress as a Small token of the great Respect and esteem with which I have the honor to be Dear Sir Your very obt. st. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Truxtun was appointed a captain in the United States Navy in 1794 and ranked fifth among the six captains appointed at that time. During the undeclared war with France, he...
76To Alexander Hamilton from Gilbert McClaghry, 15 July 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
July 15, 1802. States that he is destitute and asks Hamilton to help him collect the commutation and ration money of his brother, John McClaghry, who died while serving in the Continental Army. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. John McClaghry (McLaughry) became an ensign in the Fifth New York Regiment on November 21, 1776. He was taken prisoner at Fort Montgomery on October 6, 1777,...
77To Alexander Hamilton from Rufus King, 23 July 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
[ London, July 23, 1802. King’s description of this letter reads: “General Hamilton. Determination to return home &c.” Letter not found. ] Rufus King’s “Memorandum of private Letters, &c., dates & persons from 1796 to Augt 1802,” owned by Mr. James G. King, New York City.
78To Alexander Hamilton from Rufus King, 5 August 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your obliging letter in duplicate of June —enclosed I have now the pleasure to send you a copy of my letter to the Secretary of State resigning my mission, and requesting to be relieved in season to return home in may next. In a few days I purpose to avail my self of the leave of temporary absence which I have received to visit the continent. My plan is to go to Holland, and...
79To Alexander Hamilton from Rufus King, 6 August 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
I wrote to you two days ago by a private ship, as the Packet goes in a day or two I avail myself of the Opportunity to inform you that I have sent to the Secy of State my Resignation, and requested to be relieved in time to return home in April next. As there is reason to apprehend that we may be at war with all the barbary powers, as well as morocco I have asked for a Passage home in a...
80To Alexander Hamilton from Rufus King, 6 August 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
After further enquiry, I annex little credit to the notice posted at Loyds’, that two american vessels had been carried into Algiers. Two vessels the Franklin morris master, and the Rose (master not known) said to be of Philadelphia, are reported to have been taken by the cruisers of morocco or some other of the Barbary Powers. These are also the vessels which are mentioned at Loyds as having...