1To John Adams from William Ellery, [ca. 6] March 1790 (Adams Papers)
Engaged as you are in public business, and this State not having shown a disposition to join the Union I did not wonder, although I could not but regret, that my letter should remain so long unanswered.— I wish that our affairs now afforded a prospect of a speedy accession.— Before you receive this letter you will have heard of the proceedings of our Convention.— They met, framed a bill of...
2To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 15 February 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I received your letter of the 31st. of last month on the 12th of this. It will be impossible for me to give the names of persons of this State suitable for 1st. 2nd. & 3d. mates of the Cutter now building in Connecticut by this Post. I will do it the next. When I sent forward a statement of the Cases of Hezekiah Usher & George Usher I was unacquainted with some circumstances which appeared on...
3To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 21 February 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Newport, Rhode Island ] February 21, 1791. “Agreeably to your request I now give the names of such persons as have offered, and I think are suitable to hold offices on board the Cutters.…” LC , Newport Historical Society, Newport, Rhode Island. Letter not found. H had requested this information on January 31. See Ellery to H, February 15, 1791 .
4To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 7 March 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed is a weekly return of Cash on hand, and also a Certificate of Registry No. 13 issued at the Port of Dighton by H Baylies Collector Mh. 27th 1790, and delivered up on account of transfer of property. The Genl. Assembly of this State met at East Greenwich the last week. Previous to their meeting I requested two of the Deputies of this town to move for a cession of the right of the State...
5To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 15 March 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
This will be accompanied by a weekly return of Cash, and by a Certificate of Registry No. 5 dated Jany. 22. 1790, granted by the Collector of Dighton, and delivered up on account of the transfer of property, and also the copy of an Endorsment of an Enrollment of the change of Master said Enrollment being No. 11 and issued from this office. Yesterday arrived here a Schooner named the Charming...
6To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 21 March 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
This will be accompanied by my weekly return of Cash, the copy of a memorandum of the change of master on a Certifict. of Registry No. 5 which issued from this Office, and with a draft No. 728 dated 9th Novr 1789 drawn upon me by Saml. Meredith Tr. in favour of the Cashr. of bank of New york for one hundred Dollars. Your letter of the 5th. of this month did not come to hand until the 18th. On...
7To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 28 March 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed is my weekly return of Cash and a Certificate of Registry No. 15, dated at the Port of Dighton March 30 1790, and delivered up on account of transfer of property. On the Twenty first day of this month I received a letter from the Commr. of loans informing me that on inquiry of Col. Olney he found, that he would be able to furnish as much money as would be wanted to pay the first...
8To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 28 March 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
On the 26th. of this month arrived in this Port the Sloop Betsy of Providence James Munro junr. master. He reported that he took in his Cargo consisting of Fifty four Hogsheads & ten bbls of Molasses, One hundred and thirty five barrels of sugar, part of a piece of broad Cloth, and one Umbrella at Cape Francois, proceeded therewith to Charleston So. Carolina, but not finding a suitable market,...
9To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 19 April 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received two pressing letters, one from the Surveyor of the Port of Warren & Barrington and the other from the Surveyor of the Port of East-Greenwich respecting boats for their Ports, extracts from which I now present to you. “Agreeably to your request, (writes Mr. Phillips) I shall describe the Port of Warren and Barrington, and the parts adjoining. The Port of Warren lies on Palmer’s...
10To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 25 April 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
The 21st. of this month I received a thermometer which by your direction was sent to me from New york by Mr. Lamb. By some accident the bulb was broken in its way from Philadelphia to this place. It came broken to me. As it was made at Philadelphia, and I suppose the maker is furnished with spare tubes I have remitted it to Mr. Lamb with a request that he would transmit it immediately to you....
11To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 9 May 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the 27th. of last month. Always attentive to the business of the Cession of the Light-House &c I applied to leading members of the House, a bill was preferred at the Session which began and finished last week. It passed the Lower House unanimously, but it was stopped in the Upper House; by the opposition made to it principally by the Governour, who as I am...
12To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 23 May 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Newport, Rhode Island ] May 23, 1791 . “On the 16th. of this month I received your Circular letter of the 14th. of Aprl. last.… The Tare allowed in this District is calculated upon every One hundred and twelve pounds, and this was the practice in this State before it adopted the new Constitution. The merchants here have lately objected to this mode of taring, and say that the allowance ought...
13To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 6 June 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I received a letter from the Surveyor of the Port of Warren some time ago inclosing a letter from you of the 13th. of Decr. 1790. relative to the lawful portion of the compensations the Surveyors are respectively to receive for their services. It is I am sensible my duty to pay them their lawful portions of fees received by me; but a dispute has arisen between the Surveyors of Warren &...
14To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 6 June 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
On the 3d. instant I recd. your circular letters of the 13th. & 25th of May last. I do not recollect that in any instance duties on goods brought into this district have been ascertained otherwise than on the actual landing thereof, and by the measuring, weighg. & gauging, where those operations are required by law. A particular attention will be paid to your direction in that respect. Your...
15To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 13 June 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letters of the 26th. & the 30th. of May last. To the explanations and instructions, and the act respecting further provisn. for collecting the duties on Teas, and for prolonging the term for the payment of the duties on Wines inclosed in the first I shall pay attention. In answer to the last, Capt. Smith left his coasting papers with me agreeably to law, and his license...
16To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 26 June 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Newport [ Rhode Island ] June 26, 1791 . Encloses weekly return and requests Hamilton “Please to inform me for what ports or places Consuls are appointed, and of the names of the Consuls for the respective places.” LC , Newport Historical Society, Newport, Rhode Island.
17To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 4 July 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed is my weekly return of monies received and paid, and a monthly return of bonds a certife of Regy. No. 66 granted at this port, & a Cerf. on account of transfer of propy., the copy of an endorsment of the change of master on Regy. No. 4 and a like copy on Enrollment No. 9, also four draughts made on me by the Treasr. of the U. S. in favour of Jabez Bowen Commr. of Loans viz No 1616, &...
18To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 11 July 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Newport [ Rhode Island ] July 11, 1791 . “… Inclosed is a statement of the case of the Brig Seven Brothers, and of the case of Joseph Finch late master of her. I have applied to the Carpenter who covered the Light-House to examine the condition of it. He could not attend this business the last week, but said he will attend it this and make report.” LC , Newport Historical Society, Newport,...
19To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 18 July 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed is my Statement of fees &c. on which I beg leave to make a few remarks. The number of Certifs. of Regy. and Enrollments issued in this, will probably be less than in the last year, and for the following reasons. Upon adopting the Constitution by this State the last year a number of vessels belonging to it were without those papers, which will not want them this; and the property of...
20To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 18 July 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Newport [ Rhode Island ] July 18, 1791 . “… The Light-House has been examined by the Carpenter, who covered it, accompanied by the Surveyor of this Port, and the former reports that the Lead upon the Platform in which the Lanthorn stands, is cracked in several places, that the water passes through the crack and falls upon the Wall and inside Wooden work, & that fifteen pieces of sheet lead...
21To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 25 July 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Newport [ Rhode Island ] July 25, 1791 . “… A person usually residing in this District, is in the District of Boston & Charlestown and there purchases a vessel; is he obliged to take the Oath or Affirmation, required by law previous to the making a Registry or granting a Certificate, before the Collector of this District omitting in said oath or affirmation and inserting what is to be omitted...
22To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 2 August 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
This will be attended by a weekly return of monies received and paid, a monthly schedule of bonds; a List of a Post-note of the North American Bank for One hundred and ninety five Dollars, No. 8080, dated Philadelphia 9th. July 1791, one moiety whereof was transmitted by the last post, and the other moiety is now transmitted by this. The District Court which met here this day adjourned to the...
23To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 8 August 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Newport [ Rhode Island ] August 8, 1791 . “… On the 4th. of this month arrived here the Sloop Dove Pardon T. Slocum master from Surinam and imported among other articles one hogshead and one barrel of Pumpings. Pumpings is a compound of the drainings from casks of sugar in the holds of vessels, and bilge water; which being pumped up is preserved in casks for sale. By distillation it yields...
24To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 23 August 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
This will be accompanied by a weekly return of monies recd. and paid, and the copy of an endorsment on Certife No. 22 granted Apl. 23d. 1791 at this Port. To your letter of the 10th of this month, requesting the particular circumstances that led to a remeasurement of the Brig Sally &c I would answer; that the property of said Brig having been transferred to Messrs Lyon and Lawrance citizens of...
25To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 26 August 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Agreeably to my expectation the Sloop Betsy is condemned, and is to be sold on the 14th. day of the next month. I should be happy to receive your direction with respect to the conduct of the Officers of the Customs as to the sale of said Sloop, prior to the day of sale; and it would add to my happiness if at the same time you would give me your opinion how the monies arising from the sale...
26To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 29 August 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I wrote a letter to you by the Post, last Friday, because I wished to receive as early an information on the subjects mentioned in it as might be convenient. I am informed that the situation and circumstances of Thomas Cotterell late owner of the Sloop Betsy are such that if the prosecutions to which he is liable should be commenced against him, and be successful he and his family would be...
27To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 6 September 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Newport [ Rhode Island ] September 6, 1791 . “I have recd. your letter respecting the article of Pumpings, and shall attend to your directions. Please to favour me with an answer to my letter of the 6th. of June relative to the lawful portion of the compensations Surveyors are to receive for Regrs &c., to the question in my letter of the 4th. of July Should not every vessel receive her first...
28To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 19 September 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
The Schooner Lydia Peleg Saunders master burthen 34 26/95 tons arrived here from the Port of Stonington in the District of New London on the 12th. of this month, with a cargo consisting of fifteen hhds. of West India Rum, One box and one kegg of medicine and eight cords of oak wood; without a manifest or permit. The Schooner was duely enrolled and licensed. The master produced to the office...
29To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 22 September 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I am informed by the Surveyor of the Port of No. Kingstown, that it is common for fishing Vessels belonging to that Port to bring grindstones, and the masters of them declare that the rough Stones are taken from shores in the Brith. Dominions as ballast and manufactured by the hands on board on their passage home. On this information permit me to raise the following questions. Supposing on...
30To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 4 October 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the 16th of Septemr. on the 27th of the same month, and am much obliged for your answers to my several questions, and for the consent you have given respecting the sales of vessels of which may be condemned. If measures had not been taken the Sloop Betsy would not have sold so high as she did. I told the Council for the Ushers, that their case having been fairly...
31To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 10 October 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your Circular of the 21st. of last month, and shall observe your directions contained in it. I have also received your letter of the 23d. of the same month with the marginal part of Certife. of Registry No. 60. I wish to know whether cancelled bonds for Registers may be delivered up to the obligors, or destroyed. I don’t know that they can be of any use after cancelment, and...
32To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 14 October 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed is the form of the bond and oath given and taken by the Exporters of Distilled Spirits in this District. Please to revise, and correct them, and return them, or to furnish me with other forms as soon as may be convenient. It is made a question whether by the addition to the provisions contained in the fortieth and forty-first Sects. of the Act intituled an Act to prove more...
33To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 18 October 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
The bark Polly Ebenezer Shearman master, which sailed from this Port for Hamburgh May 25th 1791 arrived here from that place on the 14th. of this month with a valuable cargo, and on the 15th. the master delivered a report and manifest in writing. Among other articles specified therein are four casks containing gin; which Gin being in casks of less than fifty gallons capacity, and not in cases...
34To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 25 October 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Newport, Rhode Island ] October 25, 1791 . “Yesterday the Brig: Seven Brothers was condemned, no person appearing to claim her, and defend against the Libell. The person referred to in my letter of the 10th. of this month, who was a seaman on board the Sloop Betsy when the breach of the Revenue laws was made for which she was forfeited, and for whom a summons was issued, appeared before the...
35To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 7 November 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Newport [ Rhode Island ] November 7, 1791 . “I have received your Letter of the 26th. of October last, delivered the Gin taken into my Custody which was imported in the Bark Polly in Casks under legal capacity, and shall make similar communications where I discover any deviations from the requisitions of the Laws. I would be much obliged to you for an answer to my letter of the 14th. of last...
36To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 11 November 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
At the Session of the Genl. Assembly, which ended the last week, I desired a leading member of the Lower House to move for a Cession of the Light House &c to the United States, if he should think the motion would succeed. He conversed with some members of the Upper House upon the subject who had formerly opposed it, they said there was time enough to cede hereafter, and thought it best to hold...
37To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 15 November 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Newport [ Rhode Island ] November 15, 1791 . “… At a District Court held at Providence the last week came on the trial United States vs Thomas Cotrell for aiding and assisting in unlading the Sloop Betsy James Bissel Master without a permit when the Jury found a Verdict for the Plaint. for four hundred Dollars, and Cost of Suit.…” LC , Newport Historical Society, Newport, Rhode Island. See...
38To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 21 November 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Newport, Rhode Island ] November 21, 1791 . “On the 19th. instant I recd. your letter of the 10th. authorizing me to receive, in payment of Duties, the Notes of the Bank of Providence, payable in Specie on Demand, advising me that you have requested the President of that Institution to furnish me with checks, expressing your wish that I should ‘Transmit once in every week to the Bank of...
39To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 28 November 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
This will be attended with my weekly return of monies recd. and paid. I have recd. your circular letter of the 11th. of this month respectg. the allowance for damaged goods, and shall pay due regard to your sentiments on that subject. The Brig Seven Brothers, by my direction, was at the public auction put up at five hundred Dollars. Colo. Topham, the former owner, with a number of others...
40To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 5 December 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Newport, Rhode Island ] December 5, 1791. “I have recd. your letters of the 16th & 17th of the last month, and the contents of them will be duely regarded. The construction you give to the Provision in the Act of the 3d. of March 1791 I am happy to find corresponds with the opinion I had entertained.…” LC , Newport Historical Society, Newport, Rhode Island. Letter not found. Letter not...
41To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 20 December 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Newport [ Rhode Island ] December 20, 1791 . “… I transmitted to the bank of Providence by water last friday seven thousand Dollars under the care of an Inspector. The money arrived safe but he has not had an opportunity to return with the Cashiers Receipts. I expect him this day, and will send on a receipt by the first post.” LC , Newport Historical Society, Newport, Rhode Island.
42To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 26 December 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
This will be accompanied by a duplicate of my letter to you of the 14th. of Octr. last. In your last letter dated Decr. 12th., which I recd. on the 23d., you mention that “No letter of the 14th. of October has been received from you at this office a Duplicate will therefore be requisite.” In your letter of the 17th. of Novr. last you say “your letter of the 14th. ulto . remains to be answered”...
43To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 3 January 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Newport [ Rhode Island ] January 3, 1792 . “The Light House has been repaired.… I wish for your opinion on this Question. Is a master of a vessel who is convicted of swearing falsly thereby disqualified from acting in future in that capacity?” LC , Newport Historical Society, Newport, Rhode Island. See Ellery to H, July 18 , November 11, 1791 .
44To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 9 January 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Newport [ Rhode Island ] January 9, 1792 . “This will be accompd. by a Statement of the case of Josh. Elliott master of the Sloop Industry from St Martins and destined for the district of New Haven.… It appears to me … that it was the intention of the Legislature that the manifest should be made out before the vessels departure from a foreign port for the United States, but as this is not...
45To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 16 January 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Newport, Rhode Island ] January 16, 1792 . States that expenses for the customs office and officers as well as the allowance on exported domestic spirits will exceed expected receipts. Wishes “to know whether under the above circumstances any further deposits should be made in the Bank of Providence until those allowances shall be discharged.” LC , Newport Historical Society, Newport, Rhode...
46To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 23 January 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Newport, Rhode Island ] January 23, 1792 . “Yesterday I recd. your Circular Letter of the second of this month, and shall observe your directions.…” LC , Newport Historical Society, Newport, Rhode Island.
47To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 30 January 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
The question respectg. masters of vessels convicted of havg. sworn falsely was the result of a conversation I had with a gentleman on that subject. He conceived that as the credibility of such men must be greatly impaired, it was the intention of the Legislature that they should not be permitted to act in a capacity which would necessarily subject them to take oaths. I had carefully examined...
48To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 7 February 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Newport [ Rhode Island ] February 7, 1792. “Thomas Cotrell, and Joseph Finch are committed to Gaol on the Executions against them. The Brig Three Brothers remains on hand. The cause of Capt. Elliot was tried yesterday, and the Jury found a verdict for the Plts for twenty-five Cents, and Costs.…” LC , Newport Historical Society, Newport, Rhode Island. Ellery was collector of customs at Newport....
49To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 10 February 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Newport, Rhode Island ] February 10, 1792. “On the third of this month the Sloop Hannah William Corey master from Martinico and destined for the District of Providence arrived in this District, but could not enter the first mentioned district on account of the ice.… Capt. Corey appeared at the Custom House for the first time & reported on the morning of the 7th. of this month. The reason of...
50To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 13 February 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Newport [ Rhode Island ] February 13, 1792. “.… On the 11th. of this month I received a letter from the Surveyor of Pawcatuck in which he informs me that he had received the Thermometer, which I had forwarded to him, that on opening it he found the Glass broken, and should return it the first opportunity. It is unfortunate that the Thermometer for this Port, & Pawcatuck should have been broken...