541From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 7 December 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, December 7, 1790. Submits “a provisional agreement entered into by the Collector of Newport for keeping the Light house on the Island of Conanicut for one year from the 13th. of September last.…” LC , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. William Ellery. Conanicut Island is located in Narragansett Bay.
542From Alexander Hamilton to John Cochran, 10 December 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
The instructions given to you originally in regard to the transmission of certificates are rightly construed by you in your letter of the 1st. instant. The certificates of the Register of the Treasury and all others of which you have no checks or registers are to be sent hither for examination: And moreover, in all other cases wherein you actually find reason to entertain doubts of the...
543From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 10 December 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury has the honor respectfully to inclose to the President of the United States a letter that has been transmitted under cover to him, together with some papers that accompanied it. LC , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
544From Alexander Hamilton to Edmund Randolph, [10 December 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, December 10, 1790. On July 9, 1791, Randolph wrote to Hamilton : “In answering your communication of the 10th. of december last.” Letter not found. ] Randolph, a native of Virginia, was an aide-de-camp to George Washington in 1775, a member of the Continental Congress from 1779 to 1783, governor of Virginia from 1786 to 1789, and attorney general of the United States from 1789...
545Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 11 December 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
The Comptroller of the Treasury having happily recovered his health, and being consequently able to superintend as usual the business of his office, I am to request that you will in future make your applications to him on all questions or enquiries relative to the forms transmitted to you and to the mode of acting in cases arising under them. Such enquiries as you may have addressed to me...
546From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [11 December 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury presents his respects to the President. As the instruction concerning Capt. Howell is not definitive, The Secretary, unless directed to the contrary will retain the Communication till he has had an opportunity of submitting to the President some other candidates & recommendations from the same quarter, merely to afford an opportunity of comparison, & to acquaint...
547From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 12 December 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
I find it necessary to be more fully informed as to some particulars attending the case stated to me by Messrs. Warder & Co. on the 6th. Instant. It is said in your Notes and additions to their statement that the Teas were surveyed by the Wardens with the consent of the Collector. I wish to know, if the appointment was made by you according to the directions of the 16th. Section of the then...
548From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Arnold, 13 December 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the 29th. October has been received. It will be proper for you to make application on the subject of fees to the Collector of your District. It is his duty, both as it regards the persons who hold the employment of surveyor and the public service, to pay to the several surveyors the lawful portion of the compensations, according to their several services. And I presume if any...
549From Alexander Hamilton to John Daves, 13 December 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, December 13, 1790. “I learn from your letter of the 7th. of October, that you have sent for a set of Scales & Weights, and that you have determined to rent a store for the Public Use, as also to build a scale house. Some of these things you will perceive by consulting the Acts of Congress cannot be lawfully done without Permission first obtained. Before I authorize you to...
550From Alexander Hamilton to the President and Directors of the Bank of New York, 13 December 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
The Treasurer of the United States has instructions to deposit with you his draughts on Messrs. Wm. and John Willink and N. and J. Van Staphorst and Hubbard of Amsterdam to the Amount of 25000 Guilders. These bills are drawn as you will perceive at a very short sight. The price for which you are to dispose of them is 36⁴⁄₁₁ ninetieths of a dollar per guilder, for which you may receive notes...
551From Alexander Hamilton to the President and Directors of the Bank of New York, 13 December 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, December 13, 1790. On December 20, 1790, William Seton wrote to Hamilton : “The President & Directors desire me to acknowledge the receipt of your two Letters of the 13th.” One letter not found. ]
552From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, 13 December 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter relative to the Ship Warren, and highly approve the vigilance and firmness, which you have Shewn in this case. It does not appear that any penalty or forfeiture is incurred by the vessel’s departure from your District, without papers, because she was not licensed , and not bound to a foreign port . But the Deputy Collector of Newport ought, as I understand the...
553First Draft: First Report on the Further Provision Necessary for Establishing Public Credit, [13 December 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
Respectfully reports That the object which appears to be more most immediately essential necessary essential to the further support of public Credit, in pursuance of the principles of the plan adopted during the last session of Congress is the establishment of proper and sufficient funds for of such additional funds
554From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 13 December 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to transmit herewith the copy of a report intended to be presented to the House of representatives on the subject of a National Bank. This communication would have been earlier made if it had been in my power, but it has been impossible for me to prepare it sooner. With the most perfect respect I have the honor to be Sir, Your most Obedient & most humble Servant LC ,...
555Draft of the Second Report on the Further Provision Necessary for Establishing Public Credit (Report on a National … (Hamilton Papers)
That from a conviction (as suggested in his Report No. I herewith presented) That a National Bank is an Institution essential to of primary importance to the prosperous administration of the Finances, and would be of the greatest utility in the operations connected with the support of public Credit—his attention has been accordingly occupied drawn to in devising the plan of such an...
556Final Version of the Second Report on the Further Provision Necessary for Establishing Public Credit (Report on a … (Hamilton Papers)
[To the Speaker of the House of Representatives] In obedience to the order of the House of Representatives of the ninth day of August last, requiring the Secretary of the Treasury to prepare and report on this day such further provision as may, in his opinion, be necessary for establishing the public Credit The said Secretary further respectfully reports That from a conviction (as suggested in...
557From Alexander Hamilton to Nathaniel Appleton, 13 December 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
I am of opinion it will be most proper that a person having a general power to transfer stock should not transfer to himself. He may as well transfer to a third person, who can afterwards transfer to him, which will avoid all question. When you issue new certificates on a transfer of stock, it will be well that on the back of the cancelled certificate (or file of cancelled certificates, if...
558From Alexander Hamilton to William Ellery, [13 December 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, December 13, 1790. On January 17, 1791, Ellery wrote to Hamilton : “On my return from the Eastward … I found that four letters had been received from you.… The third dated Dece. 13. 1790 respects the Departure of the Ship Warren from the District of Providence without a coasting licence or register.” Letter not found. ] Printed in this volume. See Jeremiah Olney to H, November...
559From Alexander Hamilton to Nathaniel Phillips, [13 December 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, December 13, 1790. On June 6, 1791, William Ellery wrote to Hamilton : “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.” Letter not found. ] Phillips was surveyor of the ports of Warren and Barrington, Rhode Island. Printed in this volume.
560To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 13 December 1790 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to transmit here with the copy of a report intended to be presented to the House of Representatives on the subject of a National Bank. This communication would have been earlier made if it had been in my power; but it has been impossible for me to prepare it sooner. With the most perfect respect I have the honor to be Sir, Your Most Obedient & Most humble Servant LB , DLC:GW ....
561From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 15 December 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury has the honor respectfully to inform the President of the United States that a wish of the Collector of Boston to spend a part of the time of the Session of Congress at the Seat of Government has been intimated to him. An absence from his office at this season of the year being the least likely to be inconvenient, and it being probable that much useful information...
562To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 15 December 1790 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury has the honor respectfully to inform the President of the United States that a wish of the Collector of Boston to spend a part of the time of the Session of Congress at the Seat of Government has been intimated to him. An absence from his Office at this season of the year being the least likely to be inconvenient, and it being probable that much useful information...
563From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 17 December 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, December 17, 1790. “It having been intimated to me that you were desirous to visit Philadelphia I took an early opportunity to inform the President that I believed you entertained such a wish, requesting his permission if it should not appear improper. I added that personal ⟨conferences with you⟩ upon the operation of the ⟨trade laws might be⟩ of considerable use, and...
564From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 18 December 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter relative to the cutter was duly received, but it appearing from the information collected on that subject that the cost of those boats would exceed the sum contemplated by the legislature the whole business has been suspended ’till this time. I am however now engaged in the adjustment of it. I observe your intention of œconomizing with regard to the Harbor boat, of your disposition...
565Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 18 December 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
You will have perceived by the Act of the last session, entitled an Act making further provision for the payment of the debts of the United States, that after the end of the present month the duties on distilled spirits are regulated according to certain classes of proof, to be determined by Dycas’s Hydrometer. Doubting whether it might be convenient to the several officers of the Customs to...
566From Alexander Hamilton to Peter Anspach, 20 December 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
I learn from your letter of the 7th. instant that you are willing to undertake the business proposed to you in mine of the 2d. instant. You will therefore consider yourself appointed as a Clerk in the Auditor’s Office from the day when you shall notify me that you have commenced the business. I wish therefore that you should without delay give public notice that all persons concerned may...
567From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Rodney, [20 December 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
[Philadelphia, December 20, 1790. Letter listed in dealer’s catalogue. Letter not found.] LS , sold by Stan V. Henkels, June 13, 1919, Lot 356. Rodney, brother of Cæsar Rodney, had been a member of the Delaware legislature. In 1787 he resigned and returned to the management of the Rodney lands in Delaware. In 1803 he was appointed a judge of the Mississippi Territory.
568To John Adams from Alexander Hamilton, 21 December 1790 (Adams Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury presents his respects to the Vice President and sends him the report of the Trustees of the Sinking Fund with the Documents referred to in it, in Triplicates according to the direction of the Board— He begs leave to remind The Vice President that this is the last day; of course it is necessary it should be presented to day. He is sorry that it could not have been...
569From Alexander Hamilton to John Adams, [21 December 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury presents his respects to the Vice President and sends him the report of The Trustees of the Sinking Fund with the Documents referred to in it, in Triplicates according to the direction of the Board. He begs leave to remind The Vice President that this is the last day; of course it is necessary it should be presented to day. He is sorry that it could not have been...
570From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 21 December 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
The duties upon Hemp and cotton which took place the 1st. instant being included in the same clause —and there having been no duty before upon cotton it appears probable that it was not the intention of the legislature to make the 60 cents an additional duty. It is also observable that although Hemp was left among the articles subject to five per centum, this is not termed a further or...
571From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [22 December 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to send with this a short report on the Pay (Post) Master General’s letter. From the circumstances of the case and a general impression that it is always best for the Chief Magistrate to be as little implicated as possible in the specific approbation of a particular measure proceeding from a particular officer, I believe it may be adviseable to answer generally that the...
572Enclosure: [Report on the Letter from the Post Master General], 22 December 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury in obedience to the order of the President of the United States has examined the letter of the 16th. inst: from the Post Master General and the papers accompanying the same. The data they exhibit, do not appear sufficient to enable a judgment of the propriety generally of the Contracts made or intended; in order to which, the distances of the several posts,...
573From Alexander Hamilton to William Allibone, 23 December 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, December 23, 1790. On December 28, 1790, Allibone wrote to Hamilton : “In obedience to the Instructions I received the 23d Instant.” Letter not found. ]
574From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 23 December 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, December 23, 1790. Discusses qualifications of various candidates who have been recommended for the appointment as “Keeper for the Light-house at Portland in the District of Maine.” LC , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
575To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 23 December 1790 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury has the honor respectfully to submit to the President of the United States the propriety of appointing a Keeper for the Light-house at Portland in the District of Maine. The enclosed recommendations from that quarter were transmitted to the Superintendant of the Light-houses of Massachusetts under the idea that the appointment was to be made by him. An enquiry of...
576From Alexander Hamilton to Nathaniel Fosdick, 24 December 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
It is to be presumed that the Collectors cause all goods which are reported for exportation to be reshipped under the care of an Inspector; and that he draws the allowance, per diem, during the time he is engaged in this duty. This I apprehend is the only charge which arises on the service of Inspection prior to and during the shipment. I am, Sir, Your obedient Servant, Copy, RG 56, Letters to...
577From Alexander Hamilton to Jedediah Huntington, 24 December 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the 3d. instant together with the contract for supplying the light house therein enclosed. I fear it will be difficult for the President to form an opinion of this agreement for want of the particulars. The quantities and prices of the requisite articles would afford better ground on which to judge; and I therefore request that you will endeavour to have the...
578From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, 24 December 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, December 24, 1790. On January 3, 1791, Seton wrote to Hamilton : “all the purchasers chose to avail themselves of that indulgence, given in your Letter of the 24 Decbr.” Letter not found. ]
579To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 24 December 1790 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Alexander Hamilton, 24 Dec. 1790. Tench Coxe wrote to Tobias Lear on 29 Dec. 1790: “I find on examining the current papers that the communications which the Secretary of the Treasury had the honor to make to the President of the United States on Friday, was transmitted by one of the Gentlemen in the office without enclosing the papers therein refered to. I do myself the...
580Warrant of Remission in the Case of Robert Wasson, Master of the Sloop “Sally”, [27 December 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
To all to whom these presents shall come I Alexander Hamilton Secretary of the Treasury of the United States send Greeting. Whereas a statement of facts with the petition of Robert Wasson of Norwalk in the State of Connecticut, Master of a Sloop called the Sally bound from Norwalk in the district of Connecticut to that of the State of New York thereto annexed touching a certain forfeiture and...
581From Alexander Hamilton to William Ellery, [28 December 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, December 28, 1790. On January 17, 1791, Ellery wrote to Hamilton : “On my return from the Eastward … I found that four letters had been received from you.… The letter of the 28th. of Dece. requires no answer.” Letter not found. ] Printed in this volume.
582From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, [29 December 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
When I answered your letter concerning Mr Burges’s Vessel, being in a hurry, I trusted to my recollection of the act; but having since more particularly adverted to the terms of it, I entertain a doubt of the justness of the opinion then given. I wish therefore the affair may be considered as Standing for further consideration. I mean to take the Attorney General’s opinion; when you will hear...
583From Alexander Hamilton to Tench Coxe, [1791–1794] (Hamilton Papers)
I am engaged at home to day. If any thing requires my attention at the Office will you send it to me. Mr. Horsefield takes a family dinner with me at three OClock. Can you be of the party. Yrs. ALS , Papers of Tench Coxe in the Coxe Family Papers at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. Joseph Horsfield of Northampton County was a delegate to the Pennsylvania Ratifying...
584From Alexander Hamilton to William Webb, [1791–1792] (Hamilton Papers)
[ 1791–1792. The description of this letter in the dealer’s catalogue reads: “In regard to ‘expenses incurred in consequences of the action against Jonathan Williams.’” Letter not found. ] LS , sold at Goodspeed’s Book Shop, Boston, Catalogue 174, Item 4819B. Webb was collector of customs at Bath, District of Maine. The “expenses” mentioned in the description printed above were the costs to...
585Alexander Hamilton’s Second Draft of the Report on the Subject of Manufactures, 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury in obedience to the order of the House of Representatives of the fifteenth day of January 1790 has applied his attention, at as early a period as his other duties would permit to the subject of Manufactures and particularly to the means of promoting such as will tend to render the United States, independent on foreign nations, for military and other essential...
586Alexander Hamilton’s Third Draft of the Report on the Subject of Manufactures, 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury in obedience to the order of the House of Representatives of the fifteenth day of January 1790 has applied his attention, at as early a period as his other duties would permit, to the subject of manufactures; and particularly to the means of promoting such as will tend to render the United States, independent on foreign nations for military and other essential...
587Alexander Hamilton’s Fourth Draft of the Report on the Subject of Manufactures, 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury in obedience to the order of the House of Representatives, of the 15. day of January 1790, has applied his attention, at as early a period as his other duties would permit, to the subject of manufactures and particularly to the means of promoting such, as will tend to render the United States independent on foreign nations, for military and other essential...
588From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 5 January 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury has the honor respectfully to inform the President of the United States that in pursuance of his instructions, due public notice was given in the Gazettes of Virginia and of the principal sea ports of the United States, that proposals would be received at the Treasury office untill the 31st. Ultimo, for building by Contract a Light-house, and the necessary...
589From Alexander Hamilton to Walter Livingston, [5 January 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, January 5, 1791. On January 15, 1791, Livingston wrote to Hamilton and referred to the “receipt of your favor of the 5.” Letter not found. ] This letter is printed in this volume.
590To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 5 January 1791 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury has the honor respectfully to inform the President of the United States that in pursuance of his instructions, due public notice was given in the Gazettes of Virginia and of the principal sea ports of the United States, that proposals would be received at the Treasury Office untill the 31st Ultimo, for building by Contract a Light-house, and the necessary...