1From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 13 September 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, September 13, 1789. On September 19, 1789, Delany wrote to Hamilton : “I acknowledge the recpt of Yours … of the 13th Inst, one by the Post covering a Letter to the Comptrolle[r].” Letter not found. ] Delany was appointed collector of customs at Philadelphia on August 4, 1789.
2From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 17 December 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
You will use your best Exertions to pay into the Bank of north America all the Monies you can collect to the 27th. day of this month inclusive, & transmit to my office, a Certificate from the Cashier purporting the whole Sum which the Bank has received of you as Collector of the Customs of the Port of Philadelphia, to that day: after which you will defer your next payments to Bank till the...
3From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 21 December 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, December 21, 1789. “An application has been lately made to me by the Board of wardens of the Port of Philadelphia for the reimbursement of a Sum of money by them expended for the maintenance and Support of the Light house, Beacons &ca in the Bay and River Delaware.… As it is necessary that these Establishments Should be properly Supported, you will advance to Wm Allibone...
4From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 8 February 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Hurry of business has prevented my answering till now your favours of the 21st of December and 9th of January. I am of opinion that in strictness after the passing of the Registering Act, nothing but the Register or Enrollment could be evidence of an American bottom, or entitle a vessel to the privileges of one. Yet where from absence it was impossible for a vessel (“evidently and bona fide”...
5From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 24 March 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, March 24, 1790. On April 30, 1790, Hamilton wrote to Delany “I refer you to my Letter of the 24th march.” Letter not found. ]
6From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 29 March 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
You will please to obtain a certificate from the Cashier of the Bank of North America, expressing the sums paid in the said Bank by you in the course of the present month, upon which a warrant shall be issued for the amount. You will not fail transmitting the said certificate by Thursday’s mail, in order that it may reach me on Saturday. I am Sir Your Obed’t Serv’t ALS , Mrs. Arthur Loeb,...
7From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 30 April 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, April 30, 1790. “I have not yet answered that part of your Letter of the 13th of February which relates to the employing of Boats for the Security of the revenue.… I am not empowered to authorise boats for that purpose.… On the Subject of Stores for the Safe keeping of goods I refer you to my Letter of the 24th march.” LS , Yale University Library. Letter not found.
8From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 19 May 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
The establishment of Custom house boat⟨s is⟩ as you are informed, under the consideration of Congress ⟨at⟩ this time. But the circumstances which led to the tem⟨porary⟩ arrangement in your district appears still to be of so ⟨much⟩ weight, as to induce to a continuance of the measure ⟨till⟩ the proposed establishment shall be completed. I am with respect Sir Your obedt. Servt. LS , United...
9From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 26 May 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
The preceding Circular letter of the 30th of March, having been refered to by the Comptroller of the Treasury, in a letter from him, to you dated yesterday, it is now sent forward, that you may comprehend his meaning; heretofore it has been omitted, on account of the arrangement made for the Loan with the Bank, you will find by the enclosed letter of the 20th Instant my intention that the...
10From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 31 July 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, July 31, 1790. Letter listed in dealer’s catalogue. Letter not found. ] ALS , sold at Thomas Birch’s Sons, December, 1891, Item 95.
11From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 24 September 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the 20th instant, enclosing one to you from Mr. William Bell of the same date. The Certificate mentioned in the latter was not found in your inclosure. I am always disposed to exercise the discretion that may be vested in me by the laws for the reasonable benefit of the fair trader in cases and under circumstances that admit of relief from me. Considerable...
12From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 28 October 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
The Act imposing duties on the Tonnage of Ships or Vessels declares that this charge shall accrue when vessels “shall be entered in the United States from a foreign port or place.” That entry can never have preceded the application for a Register for a new Ship, and consequently the Tonnage cannot be then demanded. New Vessels applying for coasting licences are charged upon a different...
13From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 29 October 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
If the arrival of the vessel, that has put into this port in distress, was subsequent to the passing of the existing Collection-Law, she is not liable to Tonnage; provided all the requisitions of the Law, in such cases, are duly complied with, but if she has left behind her any goods, not licensed by you to be sold, either on account of their perishable nature, or for the purpose of procuring...
14From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 4 November 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
It will be necessary to the perfect understanding of the case you referred to me this morning, to know the day on which the goods of the Betsey from Liverpool were entered and whether they are now in a situation to be exhibited. It will be agreable to me also to see such papers, relative to this case, as may be in your hands. When you possess me of these things, I will give the subject due...
15From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 9 November 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
I have considered the application made to you by the Gentlemen concerned in the damaged goods imported in the Betsey from Liverpool, and I am of opinion, that your answer to them is conformable with the Law. The legislature having thought proper to make the measures prescribed by the Act, requisite to obtaining the allowance for damage, it is not in the power of any executive officer to...
16From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 19 November 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, November 19, 1790. On December 2, 1790, Hamilton wrote to Delany : “I have received this morning your letter in answer to mine of the 19th. ultimo.” Letter not found. ]
17From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 2 December 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received this morning your letter in answer to mine of the 19th. ultimo from which I find that Messrs. Willing Morris & Swanwick’s bond given for duties on goods imported from Rhode Island on the 1st. of June, falls due this day. The Legislature having declared that the Section of the act to regulate the Collection of duties, which subjected foreign goods from N. Carolina & Rhode Island...
18From 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...
19From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, [December 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
I have considered the case of the two vessels belonging to the port of Philadelphia which have arrived at the Capes of Delaware. The law does not authorize the receiving in any custom house, reports and entries of vessels that are not within the district to which it appertains. The only method therefore, as it appears to me, by which the owners can effect an entry in this or any other case is...
20From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 22 January 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, January 22, 1791. The dealer’s catalogue description of this letter reads: “Authorizing a cutter to be built for the Delaware station under the supervision of Captain Montgomery.” Letter not found. ] LS , sold at Parke-Bernet Galleries, March 28, 1940, Lot 302. James Montgomery of Pennsylvania.
21From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 8 February 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I received yesterday an application from Messrs. R & J Potter, Knox, Henderson & others, relative to the claim of additional duties on Goods ⅌ the ship Kitty from London. Having no statement of facts from your office, I am uncertain how far all those things, that may concern the rights of the United States, have occurred to the Applicants, & can, therefore, only give a conditional instruction...
22From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, [February 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
I have considered the case of the two vessels belonging to the port of Philadelphia which have arrived at the capes of Delaware. The law does not authorize the receiving in any custom house, reports and entries of vessels that are not within the district to which it appertains. The Only method therefore, as it appears to me, by which the owners can effect an entry in this or any other case is...
23From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 5 April 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
The section of the collection law relative to the tares to be allowed at the Custom house upon the several species of goods therein mentioned appears to require that the allowance ⅌ Centum upon Coffee in bags } be computed upon the hundred pounds, do. in bales do. in casks pepper in bales do. in casks and that the allowance ⅌ centum upon sugars (other than loaf) in hogsheads & boxes be...
24From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 21 April 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I do not conceive the laws will admit of a Collectors receiving & certifying a Manifest of goods actually at the time without his district; nor could it be deemed safe so to frame a law that the certificates issued under it might be constantly applied to cover goods other than those for which they were intended as passports. I do not therefore deem myself justifiable in giving you the...
25From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 4 May 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I am informed, that a doubt has been made, whether in order to obtain the Credit for two years , for the duties on Teas, according to the Act making provision for the collection of the Duties by law, imposed on Teas and to prolong the term for the payment of the duties on Wines, it is necessary that the Teas be deposited in conformity to the regulations prescribed in the Act—it being contended...
26From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 8 September 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I am informed there is reason to believe, that a vessel belonging to Elizabeth Town in New Jersey has been employed by a merchant in Philadelphia to run a cargo of rum, by carrying the hogsheads in the hold and a quantity of shingles on the Deck. The intelligence comes to me in such a way as to render it proper that you know it for the purpose of giving the necessary intimation to the officers...
27From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 8 September 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I have considered the case proposed to me in your letter of the 11th. July, and do not find myself authorised to instruct you to set off the drawback against the bond of the importer Mr. Telles. The legislature had not seen fit to make any provision of this nature in the first collection law, and in the existing act they have only extended it to the importer , and not to the purchasers from...
28From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 10 October 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, October 10, 1791. “Your letter of the 5th instant has been received. The requisite instructions relative to the boat have been forwarded to the Collector of Wilmington.…” Copy, RG 56, Letters to the Collector at Philadelphia, National Archives; copy, RG 56, Letters to Collectors at Small Ports, “Set G,” National Archives. Letter not found. The collector of customs at...
29From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 16 December 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I wish you to ascertain who is the present owner of the Brig Lydia commanded by Captain Vancise, of what place he is a resident, whether he is a Citizen of the United States, when he became owner of that vessel, and where he purchased her. Should application be made for a new register for that Vessel, I wish to receive immediate information, and that you suspend the issuing of it until you...
30From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 11 January 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, January 11, 1792. “I think it proper that you make an immediate demand of the difference between foreign Tonnage and foreign Impost and those duties of Tonnage & impost which have been paid at the several entries of the Brig Lydia, which have taken place since the 8th of October 1790.… It is my intention to write to Richd. Carrington Esquire of Richmond in Virginia upon...
31From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 2 February 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, February 2, 1792. Questions two entries in Delany’s “account with the United States.” States: “The Register of the Ship Blum Hoff Lady has been transmitted to me by the Collector of Burlington. He mentions that this vessel departed from his district without any papers, and that she has since sailed from Philadelphia. I wish to be informed if she brought any goods into your...
32From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 12 May 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
It has been represented to me by a Committee of the Merchants of Philadelphia, that the Delaware Pilots have entered into a combination very inconvenient to the movements of their vessels, and which may produce injury to the National commerce and Revenue. The officers of the Revenue Cutter being acquainted with the River and bay of Delaware, and the chief mate Mr. Roach being a Pilot of the...
33From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 21 June 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, June 21, 1792. Requests “enquiries concerning a fit Character to serve as third mate in the Revenue Cutter on the Pennsylvania Station.” LS , Dr. Charles W. Olsen, Chicago, Illinois.
34From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 2 July 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, July 2, 1792. “I have this day decided upon the case of Hollingsworth, Shallcross, Lovering and Le Maigre. There being no appearance of fraud or wilful negligence in the transaction, the interest of all parties in the forfeiture is remitted to the Petitioners, upon their paying costs and charges.…” LS , Bureau of Customs, Philadelphia; LC , RG 56, Letters to the Collector...
35From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 12 July 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
The practice of demanding Tonnage of a licensed vessel, when clearing out on a foreign voyage, and delivering up her license, as mentioned in your letter of the 10th instant, is conceived not to be conformable with law. A vessel cannot be liable to the Tonnage Duty whilst trading under a legal license. The practice must therefore be discontinued, and the Tonnage, charged in such cases, ought...
36From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 13 July 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, July 13, 1792. “I have desired eleven Hydrometers to be sent to Your Office, which I request you will please to forward by water to the Collectors of the several ports.…” LS , from the original in the New York State Library, Albany.
37From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 26 July 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
I have considered the case represented in your letter of the 13. instant respecting the duty on certain Whalebone imported by Mr. Joy. I do not under such circumstances conceive the article to be exempted from the duty; because the evidence of goods of the growth, produce or manufacture of the United States, which are to be exempted, when brought from a foreign port, is prescribed by the 24th...
38From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 28 July 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, July 28, 1792. “I have this day decided upon the case of Asa Gilbert. There being no appearance of fraud in the transaction, the interest of all parties in the forfeiture is remitted to him, upon his paying the legal Duties and all reasonable costs and charges.…” LS , Bureau of Customs, Philadelphia.
39From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 24 September 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
In answer to your letter of this day, I incline to the opinion, that the laws respecting drawbacks ought to be so construed as to admit the entry of goods, wares and merchandise for exportation, if made within twelve calendar months, from the time such goods, wares or merchandise were entered at the custom-house and the duties paid or secured —as equivalent to the actual exportation. In...
40From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 10 October 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
If a vessel bound to a foreign port, is by distress of weather, compelled to put into any port of the united States, where upon due examination such vessel is found to be unfit to proceed on her voyage, so as to render the transferring of her cargo to another vessel necessary, I am of opinion, that the Tonnage duty is not to be demanded. But an entry must be made of the cargo and the duties...
41From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 13 December 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, December 13, 1792. “I received with your letter of the 26th Ultimo an estimate of the Duties which have accrued in your Office during the third quarter of the present year amounting to 402,540 dollars. It does not appear, whether the expences that have occurred during the quarter, are deducted from the sum. If not, I request to be informed of the amount.…” LS , Bureau of...
42From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 14 December 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, December 14, 1792. “The Revenue Cutter of Georgia being to be provided with Sail Cloth, I have to request that you will purchase upon the most reasonable terms, 9 Bolts equal to No 1 and 3 Bolts equal to No 8 of Boston Manufacture.…” LS , Bureau of Customs, Philadelphia; copy, RG 56, Letters to the Collector at Philadelphia, National Archives; LC , RG 26, Revenue Cutter...
43From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 27 December 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, December 27, 1792. On the back of a letter which Delany wrote to Hamilton on October 4, 1792, the following words are written: “27 December Answered.” Letter not found. ]
44From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 9 May 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
It is suggested to me that some of the officers of the Customs have been concerned in the disorderly proceedings, which lately took place with regard to the schooner Swift Packet. I am therefore to desire that you will make a particular inquiry as to the Persons who were active in the affair, in order that the truth of the above suggestion may be critically ascertained. This is a matter so...
45From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 20 January 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, January 20, 1795. “I have not received from you agreeably to my request a particular Statement in writing of all the circumstances which have attending the fitting out & Sailing of Three Vessels which have been armed in this Port in whole or in part as Cruisers in the service of France. It is essential, that I receive it this Week & that it be very particular & correct....
46From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 22 January 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
It appears from the Petition of Thomas Elder, owner of the Schooner Eliza, that when you gave a permit to land the Cargo of the said Schooner, you were acquainted with the circumstance of their being a Cask of spirits on board of less capacity than ninety Gallons. I cannot help therefore expressing my disapprobation of the transaction as being both improper & irregular. I am with consideration...
47From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 24 January 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
I return herewith the papers transmitted with your letter of the 22d. of January. I do not consider this as a compliance with the requisition of my letter of the 20th. instant—and after the personal explanation I gave you, I cannot but express my surprise that you have fallen so far short of my intention. My object is to have a report from you concerning the three vessels, including the...
48From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 28 January 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
The best reply that I can make to your letter on the subject of the Eliza’s Cargo is, to furnish you with an Abstract of Mr. Elders statement to the Judge and a copy of your certificate subjoined thereto. These documents will go to shew, that the opinion expressed in my letter to you of the 22d. instant was not loosely founded. I am with consideration Sir Your Most Obedt. Servt. Copy,...
49From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 30 January 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
You are unfortunate, if a wrong Statement has been made by the party confirmed by your own Certificate and by the report of the district Judge. I could only regret that an error had come to me so Sanctionned. But Coming in such a Shape it was impossible for me not to conclude as I did. I send you a further extract from the Petition (the truth of which you have certified) which follows...
50From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 13 September 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Duer my assistant goes to Philadelphia to transact some business with the bank there in which your co-operation will probably be wanted. He will give you the necessary explanations; and I doubt not will have your acquiescence in whatever may be requisite to complete his arrangments. The other principal Officers of the Department not being on the spot some informality may be unavoidable....