1441From Alexander Hamilton to William Short, [3 July 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
General Hamilton waited on Mr. Short to pay his respects & to request the pleasure of his Company at a Family Dinner in the Country on Saturday next three oClock. ALS , Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. Short, who had been Thomas Jefferson’s secretary when Jefferson was Minister to France during the Confederation period, became chargé d’affaires at Paris in 1789. In 1792 he was...
1442From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [4 July 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
This letter, my very dear Eliza, will not be delivered to you, unless I shall first have terminated my earthly career; to begin, as I humbly hope from redeeming grace and divine mercy, a happy immortality. If it had been possible for me to have avoided the interview, my love for you and my precious children would have been alone a decisive motive. But it was not possible, without sacrifices...
1443Motion Made at a Meeting of the Society of the Cincinnati, [4 July 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
On the 4th of July, on motion of Hamilton, the Committee were directed, in case of a favorable report upon claims for admission as a member of right (except where there may have been a previous admission in another State Society), to report specifically the ground upon which they conceive the original right of the applicant to stand, and the reason which may have prevented an earlier...
1444From Alexander Hamilton to Nathaniel Pendleton, [4 July 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
I thank you My Dear Sir for your friendly offices in this last critical scene, if such it shall be. Excuse me for having inserted your name as Executor. I fear it may not be in your favor to do much good to my family. But I am sure you will do all the good you can. Yrs. truly My most interesting papers in regard to my pecuniary affairs will be found 1 in the upper Apartment of Escrutory or...
1445Nathaniel Pendleton’s First Statement of the Regulations for the Duel, [4 July 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
1. To leave this Island from different points in two boats precisely at five Oclock on Saturday P M and to proceed to the place proposed. The party first arriving will wait the landing of the other; each boat shall be rowed by four confidential persons only, who shall remain in their respective boats untill called for. These persons are not to be armed in any manner whatever. There will be but...
1446William P. Van Ness to Nathaniel Pendleton, [4 July 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
I have engaged two gentlemen to dine with me tomorrow. If it be perfectly immaterial to you, I should prefer taking our ride on some subsequent day. I have the honor to be Your most obt & very hum Sert ALS , New York State Historical Association, Cooperstown, New York.
1447From Alexander Hamilton to Wilhelm Schuss, 5 July 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
During Yesterdays Fete, having had occasion to discharge ⟨– –⟩ recently repaired; I must ⟨–⟩ the Barrel now ⟨– – –⟩ in the Opposite Direction. I will expect you ⟨– – –⟩ immedy upon your Return to the City. your Servt Transcript furnished by Mr. Lincoln Diamant, Tarrytown, New York. Schuss was a New York City gunsmith. See “Motion Made at a Meeting of the Society of the Cincinnati,” July 4,...
1448Deed of Trust to John B. Church, John Laurance, and Matthew Clarkson, [6 July 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
This Indenture made the Sixth day of July in the Year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and four Between Alexander Hamilton of the City of New York Counsellor at Law of the one part and John B. Church John Laurance and Matthew Clarkson of the City of New York Esquires of the other part Witnessth That the Said Alexander Hamilton for and in consideration of one Dollar to him in hand paid by...
1449Aaron Burr to William P. Van Ness, [9 July 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
I should with regret pass over another Day. It is left however to your discretion. If the Fort is agreed on, it will [be] impossible to make an early business without fatigue. What you shall do will be satisfactory to me—except an early Morning hour. I have no predilection for time. From 7 to 12 is the least pleasant—but anything so we but get on. If you go out, leave a line for me with your...
1450From Alexander Hamilton to John B. Church, 9 July 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, July 9, 1804. Nathaniel Pendleton described the seventh item on a list of ten, which were given to him after Hamilton’s death, as a “Letter to John B. Church inclosing an assignment of some debts.” Letter not found. ] See “List of Papers Given to Nathaniel Pendleton,” July 19, 1804 . See “Assignment of Debts and Grant of Power of Attorney to John B. Church,” July 9, 1804 .
1451Assignment of Debts and Grant of Power of Attorney to John B. Church, [9 July 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
Know all Men by these Presents, That I Alexander Hamilton of the City of New York Counsellor at law, in consideration of one Dollar to me in hand paid by John B Church Esquire, (the receipt whereof is hereby acknowleged) have bargained sold assigned and conveyed and hereby do bargain sell assign & convey to the said John B Church all and singular the debts due owing and payable to me: which...
1452Enclosure: [List of Debts Assigned to John B. Church], 9 July 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
A Copy of a list of Debts assigned to John B Church Esquire per Deed Dated 9th. July 1804 paid James & William Sterling 75 pd Isaac Clason 160 no William Bell—Robinson & Hartshorne 50 pd Mess. Jenkins (Riggs) 50 pd Pierre Van Cortland } 40 late L. Governor pd P. Jay Monroe paid
1453Last Will and Testament of Alexander Hamilton, [9 July 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
In the Name of God Amen! I Alexander Hamilton of the City of New York Counsellor at Law do make this my last Will and Testament as follows. First I appoint John B Church Nicholas Fish and Nathaniel Pendleton of the City aforesaid Esquires to be Executors and Trustees of this my Will and I devise to them their heirs and Assigns, as joint Tenants and not as Tenants in common, All my Estate real...
1454William P. Van Ness’s Regulations for the Duel, [9 July 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
1. The parties to leave the City at 5 O Clock A. M Wednesday morning 11th Instant. 2. The distance between the parties to be 10 yards & the Pistols not to exceed 11 Inches in the barrel. The Seconds to determine by lot the choice of Positions and the Giving of the word. 3. The parties being placed at their Stations—The Second who gives the words shall ask them whether they are ready. Being...
1455Debts Owed for Services Not Rendered, [10 July 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
These sums having been received since my engagement & no services rendered I consider them as forming part of my debts. Franklin & Robinson 50 James Amory 20 D Ludlow & Co 50 Wilmerding 30 Murdock Masterson & Co 20 Steven Ray & David Dill 25 Scott & Tremaine 20 ADS , New-York Historical Society, New York City. This document is the tenth and final item on the
1456From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [10 July 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
Mrs. Mitchel is the person in the world to whom as a friend I am under the greatest Obligations. I have ⟨not⟩ hitherto done my ⟨duty⟩ to her. But ⟨resolved⟩ to repair my omission as much as ⟨possible,⟩ I have encouraged her to come to ⟨this Country⟩ and intend, if it shall be ⟨in my po⟩wer to render the Evening of her days ⟨c⟩omfortable. But if it shall please God to put this out of my power...
1457Nathaniel Pendleton’s Second Statement of the Regulations for the Duel, [10 July 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
1. The parties will leave town tomorrow morning about five o Clock, and meet at the place agreed on. The party arriving first shall wait for the other. 2. The weapons shall be pistols not exceeding eleven inches in the barrel. The distance ten paces. 3. The Choice of positions to be determined by lot. 4. The parties having taken their positions one of the seconds to be determined by lot (after...
1458From Alexander Hamilton to Theodore Sedgwick, 10 July 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received two letters from you since we last saw each other—that of the latest date being the 24 of May. I have had in hand for some time a long letter to you, explaining my view of the course and tendency of our Politics, and my intentions as to my own future conduct. But my plan embraced so large a range that owing to much avocation, some indifferent health, and a growing distaste for...
1459William P. Van Ness to Nathaniel Pendleton, [11 July 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
If your attention to your friend will not be interrupted by it, I will be greatly obliged to you, to inform me of the situation of General Hamilton. I sincerely hope that his wound is not, as has been stated to me, pronounced mortal. The melancholy termination of this days contest renders it expedient I think, that we should have an interview as soon as your situation & feeling will justify...
1460Aaron Burr to David Hosack, [12 July 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr Burr’s respectful Compliments. He requests Dr. Hosack to inform him of the present state of Genl. H. and of the hopes which are entertained of his recovery. Mr. Burr begs to know at what hours of the [day] the Dr. may most probably be found at home, that he may repeat his inquiries. He would take it very kind if the Dr. would take the trouble of calling on him as he returns from Mr....
1461To Alexander Hamilton from Louis Le Guen, 12 July 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
J’ai hier recu Votre Lettre du 6. mai timbree du 10 , La quelle m’accuse reception de la Mienne du 2. ainssy que de L’Extrait de La Conssultation, des deux avocats de Bordeaux, Sur mon Afaire Contre Bouchereau, Et dépuis ai remis L’original avec deux autres Pieces importantes à Mr. harison, Le quel ma mandé avoir obtenue Le renvois de la Cause à la Court qui doit le tenir en Octobre, Ce qui me...
1462Benjamin Moore to William Coleman, 12 July 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
The public mind being extremely agitated by the melancholy fate of that great man, Alexander Hamilton , I have thought it would be grateful to my fellow-citizens, would provide against misrepresentation, and, perhaps, be conducive to the advancement of the cause of religion, were I to give a narrative of some facts which have fallen under my own observation, during the time which elapsed...
1463Bill for Alexander Hamilton’s Coffin, [13 July 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
The Committee Appointed by the Corporation to Conduct the Funeral of the Late General Hamilton Dr 1804 To Fenwick Lyell July 13 To a Mahogany Coffin £10..0..0 $25 D , Historical Documents Collection, on deposit at Queens College, City University of New York. On July 13, 1804, the Common Council of the City of New York “Resolved unanimously that the Common Council of the City of New York...
1464Coroner’s Inquest, [13 July–2 August 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
City & County of Newyork } ss An Inquisition Indented taken for the People of the State of Newyork At the third Ward of the City of Newyork in the County of Newyork, the thirteenth day of July in the year of Our Lord One thousand Eight hundred and four, and Continued by adjournment until the Second day of August in the year Aforesaid, before me John Burger Coroner for the Said City and County...
1465The Funeral, [14 July 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
On Saturday last the remains of Alexander Hamilton were committed to the grave with every possible testimony of respect and sorrow. That distant readers may form some idea of what passed on this mournful occasion, we shall here present them with a regular and correct account of the whole scene. The Military, under the command of Lieutenant Col. Morton, were drawn up in front of Mr. Church’s...
1466Nathaniel Pendleton to William P. Van Ness, [15 July 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
Having thought it expedient on consideration to make a small addition to the statement which I had the honor of communicating to you on Friday last, I wished to have given you an opportunity of seeing it previous to its publication; and for that purpose I called at your house in town this evening supposing you had been prevented from calling upon me at five oClock this afternoon according to...
1467William P. Van Ness to Nathaniel Pendleton, 16 July 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
I went to the City yesterday for the express purpose of conferring with [you] on the subject of the contemplated publication. One of my children was extremely unwell when I left home and a short time after my arrival in town, a Servant was sent to inform me that she was in extreme danger. To this unfortunate situation of my family I beg you to ascribe my apparent inattention to the appointment...
1468Nathaniel Pendleton to William P. Van Ness, 16 July 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
It will not be possible for me to give you another opportunity of seeing the Statement, before it is printed. Arrangements were made to have it appear this day, reserving a few lines of addition for your examination until after the hour you mentioned; as to which too we had before conversed. I have added in explicit terms the reason assigned by you for not having received the last paper I...
1469Joint Statement by William P. Van Ness and Nathaniel Pendleton on the Duel between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr … (Hamilton Papers)
Col: Burr arrived first on the ground as had been previously agreed. When Genl Hamilton arrived the parties exchanged salutations and the Seconds proceeded to make their arrangments. They measured the distance, ten full paces, and cast lots for the choice of positions as also to determine by whom the word should be given, both of which fell to the Second of Genl Hamilton. They then proceeded...
1470List of Papers Given to Nathaniel Pendleton, [19 July 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
There were inclosed under this cover and delivered to me after the death of General Hamilton 1. His will 2. Deed of trust to John B Church, Jno Laurence, & Genl Clarkson 3. State of his Property & Debts with remarks 4 Remarks explanatory of his conduct motives & views in his expected interview 5 Note to myself 6. Letter to Mrs. Hamilton 7. Letter to John B Church inclosing an Assignment of...