61Enclosure: [Questions Concerning the Navigation of the Several States], [15 October 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
Questions concerning the navigation of the several States, and Foreign Nations to which answers are requested. What is the usual construction of the Vessels built in your State, and in those Foreign Countries, that trade with you (particularly France Great Britain the United Netherlands, Russia Denmark, and Sweden) as it respects their capacity for carrying an[d] sailing? What is the original...
62From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Wadsworth, [9–15 October 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
Col Hamilton requests Col Wadsworth as often as convenient to make inquiry and take minutes of the circumstances relating to the navigation of different nations—the construction and quality of their ships with respect to bulk duration and expedition—the expence of materials construction & equipment—the number of men with which they are navigated—the wages to the seamen, subsistence &c., so as...
63From Alexander Hamilton to John Rice, 16 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, October 16, 1789. “I am favored with yours of the 9th. instant transmitting your Return of Receipts and Payments to that day. Out of the Monies then stated to be in hand, you may exchange Notes of the Banks of New York and Philadelphia to the amount of Ten thousand Dollars.…” L[S] , RG 36, Collector of Customs at Boston, Letters from the Treasury, 1772–1818, Vol. 6,...
64From Alexander Hamilton to Elie Williams, 17 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your Letter of the 10th Instant, in which you inform me, that you have drawn Bills on me on account of Issues under your first Contract, Supposed to be due in the Months of October, November & December, to the amount of Six Thousand Dollars, payable at Twenty, Fifty, and Eighty days. Although I have every disposition to facilitate the execution of your Contract (So far as I can...
65From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 17 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
As some of the Circular Letters to the Collectors of the Different Ports containing an Instruction to receive Notes of the Bank of New York, as well as of that of North America —may have been sent to you among others, either through hurry, or from its having been blended with other matters which were equally applicable to you—You will be pleased to understand that so much of any such...
66From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 19 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, October 19, 1789. “I have this day drawn on you … a sett of Bills of Exchange payable at Sight for Two thousand Dollars.…” L[S] , RG 36, Collector of Customs at Boston, Letters from the Treasury, 1789–1807, Vol. 4, National Archives; copy, RG 56, Letters to the Collector at Boston, National Archives; copy, RG 56, Letters to Collectors at Small Ports, “Set G,” National...
67Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 20 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
On Reflection, I have concluded to substitute the Form herewith transmitted for the Monthly returns required in mine of the 2d. Oct. instant, as less troublesome than the one there proposed; but I still mean that the Quarterly Returns should be conformable to the Model already furnished. I shall expect as soon as may be a Return of all the past according to that Model up to the last of...
68From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [20 October 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
Agreeably to your desire, I sit down to commit a few lines to the Post. Nothing worth particular mention has occured since your Departure; except a report brought by Mr. Keane from So. Carolina, that Mc. Gilivray the Indian Chief had, after a short conference, left our Commissioners, declaring that what they had suggested was only a repetion of the old Storey and inadmissible, or something to...
69From Alexander Hamilton to John Witherspoon, 20 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, October 20, 1789. On October 26, 1789, Witherspoon wrote to Hamilton : “On Saturday I had the Pleasure of receiving Yours of the 20th.” Letter not found. ] Witherspoon was president of the College of New Jersey (Princeton).
70To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 20 October 1789 (Washington Papers)
Agreeably to your desire, I sit down to commit a few lines to the Post. Nothing worth particular mention has occurred since your Departure; except a report brought by Mr Keane from So. Carolina, that McGilivray the Indian Chief had, after a short conference, left our Commissioners, declaring that what they had suggested was only a repe[ti]tion of the old Storey and inadmissible, or something...
71From Alexander Hamilton to Tench Coxe, 26 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, October 26, 1789. On November 30, 1789, Coxe wrote to Hamilton : “by way of answer to the queries I had the honour to receive from you, the 26th of last month.” Letter not found. ]
72From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, 26 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Pay to Baron De Steuben or bearer Fifty Dollars. New York October 26th. 1789. ADS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Bank of New York. Frederick William Augustus Henry Ferdinand, Baron von Steuben.
73From Alexander Hamilton to John Barney, 29 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
I have duly received your letter of the 21. instant and beg you to accept my thanks for it. The intimations of Zealous and intelligent citizens will always be received by me with attention and acknowledgement. The ideas contained in your Letter appear to me solid and judicious. As far as my reflections have gone they coincide very much with the views you entertain of the matter. But at present...
74From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Goodhue, [29 October 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
I am duly favoured with your letter of the Eighteenth instant, and receive the observations you have been so obliging as to make, not only with candor but with thanks as a mark of your friendship and confidence. I am far from relying so much upon my own judgment, as not to think it very possible, I may have been mistaken in both the constructions on which you remark. Indeed I see abundant room...
75From Alexander Hamilton to Beverley Randolph, 29 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter by the last Post without date I have had the honor of receiving. I perceive that you had concluded to defer directing the Amount of the State debt to be furnished, ’till a provision is made by the Legislature respecting Funds for discharging it. Allow me to remark Sir, that I am persuaded, for a variety of reasons, that the Amount of the debt, is the most material part of the...
76Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 31 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
A question has been submitted to me by the Collectors of certain ports, which being of a general nature, I have thought fit to make the subject of a circular instruction. It is this, whether the duties are demandable on importations after the first of August, and prior to the organisation of the Custom houses in the respective districts. After mature reflection on this point, I am of opinion...
77From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [November 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
I just hear of an opportunity for Albany & sit down to tell you I am well. Mr. Eveleigh is arrived but so indisposed as to be of no assistance to me which I fear will prevent my journey to Albany; but of this I shall write with more certainty on Sunday. I trust the next post will bring me a line from my love informing me of her & my Children’s safe arrival & health. I am a solitary lost being...
78From Alexander Hamilton to Joseph Whipple, [1] November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, November [ 1 ] 1789 . Has drawn five hundred dollars on him in favor of John Langdon. LS , Harvard College Library. Langdon, a New Hampshire merchant and legislator, was elected to the United States Senate in 1789.
79From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, 2 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to enclose the copy of a letter which I have just received from Mr. Wolcott the auditor of the Treasury. The information which he wishes to obtain being essential to the proper settlement of several accounts of considerable moment, as they affect both the character and interest of the United States; I request the favour of you, Sir, if there be any document in the office of...
80From Alexander Hamilton to Charles Lee, 3 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, November 3, 1789. “I observe by your Letter of the 11th. of October last, that the Registers for Vessells … had not come to hand.… Be kind Enough to inform me in your next, whether you have yet received them.” LS , RG 36, Collector of Customs at Alexandria, Letters Received from the Secretary, National Archives.
81From Alexander Hamilton to Jedediah Huntington, 6 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, November 6, 1789. “I have this day drawn on you in favor of Mr James Watson the sum of One Thousand Dollars in a sole Bill of Exchange. You will be pleased to pay the said sum, and transmit the Bill in Lieu of Specie to the Treasurer of the united states.…” ALS , New London County Historical Society, New London, Connecticut. Watson, a New York merchant and financier and a...
82From Alexander Hamilton to Robert Morris, 6 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, November 6, 1789. On November 13, 1789, Morris wrote to Hamilton : “I had the pleasure to receive your favor of the 6th Instant.” Letter not found. ]
83From Alexander Hamilton to Philemon Gatewood, 7 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
I have duly received your letter of the 19th. of October. I am of Opinion that the true construction of the act is, that the duties on the whole Cargo must be paid or secured in the first District at which a Vessel arrives; except where she puts in from necessity, as provided for by the twelfth Section of the Collection Bill. Consequently she cannot in any other case proceed with a part of her...
84From Alexander Hamilton to John Rice, 7 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, November 7, 1789. “I am favord with your Letter of the 24th. Ultimo Enclosing your Weekly Return.… The mode you practise in taking Bonds to secure the Duties on Goods … is certainly proper.… The Harbour Boats you mention in your Letter of the 22d. I have no Objection to, but wish as soon as possible to have an Estimate of their Expence.” L[S] , RG 36, Collector of Customs...
85From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 7 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letters of the 26th and 29th. of October have duly come to hand. The difficulties you state as arising from some provisions (and the want of others) in the laws of Impost and Tonnage are doubtless well founded, and indicate the propriety of some future correction of the System. With regard to the method of keeping accounts, by the establishment of the Treasury Department, the Forms are...
86From Alexander Hamilton to Angelica Church, [8 November 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
After taking leave of you on board of the Packet, I hastened home to sooth and console your sister. I found her in bitter distress; though much recovered from the agony, in which she had been, by the kind cares of Mrs. Bruce and the Baron. After composing her by a flattering picture of your prospects for the voyage, and a strong infusion of hope, that she had not taken a last farewell of you;...
87From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Wadsworth, 8 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Mr Pomeroy has delivered me your Letter of the 4th Instant. It is doubtless of very great consequence to break up the Gang you mention; and expence for that purpose ought not to be spared. As you are at the source of information, may I request you to undertake the management of the business, and to furnish whatever money may be requisite for pursuing it with effect, drewing upon me for the...
88From Alexander Hamilton to Richard Harison, [9 November 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
I will thank you jointly with Mr. Jones for an opinion on the inclosed Questions. As they are of a nature to excite critical attention, I shall be glad of care in the consideration of the subject. Though I would mean to reserve my own opinion, I should not be sorry for an opportunity of pointing out some particulars in a personal interview before your opinion is made up. Tomorrow Morning...
89Enclosure: To Samuel Jones and Richard Harison, [9 November 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury requests the opinion of Council on the following points, arising on the Act for Registering & Clearing Vessels regulating the Coasting Trade & for other purposes— 1st By the 22d Section it is provided that every Vessel of Less than Twenty Tons shall procure a license from the Collector of the District to which she belongs purporting that such Vessel is exempt...
90From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Wadsworth, [12–14 November 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
November 12. 1789 The above is a copy of a letter transmitted you some days since. I am just favoured with your’s of the 6th instant; and have informed Mr. Butler of the train in which the business has been put and referred him to you. I did not think it adviseable to take arrangements with him here, as I could not be certain, but that in consequence of my letter you would commence operations....
91From Alexander Hamilton to John Fitzgerald, 13 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, November 13, 1789. The catalogue description of this letter reads as follows: “… seeking information regarding the distilleries in the State of Virginia and to which he puts many questions he wants answered regarding materials, size, location, etc.” Letter not found. ] LS , sold at Stan V. Henkels, Jr., May 17, 1932, Lot 167.
92From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Willing, 14 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, November 14, 1789. On November 18, 1789, Willing wrote to Hamilton : “I have just received your Favor of the 14th Instant.” Letter not found. ]
93From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Willing, 15 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, November 15, 1789. On December 9, 1789, Willing wrote to Hamilton : “We Reced your favor … of the 15th.” Letter not found. ]
94From Alexander Hamilton to Samuel Osgood, 16 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, November 16, 1789. On November 28, 1789, Osgood wrote to Hamilton : “I am to acknowledge the receipt of your favor of the 16th. Instant.” Letter not found. ] Osgood had been appointed Postmaster-General on September 26, 1789.
95From Alexander Hamilton to John Rice, 16 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Since your Letter of the 31st. of October last, no Weekly Return has come to hand from your Office. From the inconsiderable Sums, which you appear hitherto to have Exchanged for New-York Bank Notes, I have Reason to believe that the Remittances of them to your City will not be as considerable for some Time past as I was led to think, when I directed you to Exchange them for the Specie in your...
96From Alexander Hamilton to Jedediah Huntington, 17 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
I perceive by your Letter of the 4th instant that I misapprehended you in respect to the question referred to in Your Letter of the 26th of September. I thought it related to the going from one port to another to deliver the inward Cargo which certainly cannot be done without previously paying or securing the Duties at the first port. But there is clearly no color for the idea that foreign...
97From Alexander Hamilton to Charles Lee, 17 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, November 17, 1789. “Several of the Officers of the different Ports within your State, have applied at this Office for Registers for Vessels. I find that there was a Delay in your receiving those which were forwarded to you.… As I presume however that all, which have been forwarded, have now come to hand, I am to request your Attention (if not already done) in distributing...
98From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 18 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
You[r] letter of the 7th of November duly came to hand. The mode you have adopted for the delivery of the Bank Notes is under the circumstances the proper one. In mine of the 20th of October I directed the Quarterly Returns to be made up to the last of September. Of course those after that day will terminate at the end of every subsequent three Months; that is to say the next after that to the...
99From Alexander Hamilton to Timothy Pickering, 19 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
In the Estimate laid before Congress at their last Sessions, I included as an Anticipation of the late Superintendant of Finance the Amount of a draft issued by him in your favor on the late Receiver of Taxes for the State of New York for Fifty thousand Dollars no part of which appears to have been paid. The circumstances attending this Anticipation not being sufficiently known by the...
100From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 20 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed are copies of two letters, one Circular to the several Collectors of your State, yourself excepted; the other to the Directors of the Bank of Massachusetts. You will perceive the intimation I have given respecting yourself. It is my wish to have an eye on the spot to attend to the operations of the Bank, ⟨in order that the meas⟩ure now adopted may be continued ⟨or discontinued, as...
101From Alexander Hamilton to the President and Directors of the Massachusetts Bank, 20 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed is a copy of instructions lately sent to the Collectors of the Several Ports in your State except that of Boston. I presume the object of it will be acceptable to you; as it must be Serviceable to the institution under your direction. If as I take it for granted will be the case, the arrangement meets your approbation; I am to request you will concur in it by furnishing to each...
102Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs in Massachusetts, 20 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
I have heretofore directed you to receive in payment of the duties the notes of the Banks of North America and New York. I now desire that you will also receive those of the Bank of Boston, and will exchange whatever specie you may at any time have in your hands for those notes. In order to guard you against Counterfeits in this instance, I shall request the Directors of that Bank to send you...
103From Alexander Hamilton to Vincent Gray, 21 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, November 21, 1789. Letter listed in dealer’s catalogue. Letter not found. ] LS , sold at Birch’s Sons, March, 1893, Lot 492.
104From Alexander Hamilton to Tobias Lear, 21 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, November 21, 1789. “I have received the letter which you enclosed to me in yours of this date.… I shall pay due attention to the information it conveys.…” LC , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
105Treasury Department Circular to the Governors of the States, 21 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Not having received any acknowledgement of my Letter of the 26th Septr, transmitting the Copies of two resolutions of the house of Representatives of the 21st of the Same month; and conceiving the information which relates to the debts of the Several States, and the public securities of the union in their Treasuries, to be an object of a very important nature, I have the honor to inclose...
106From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Smith, 21 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
In Consequence of your Application, I have this day issued a warrant in your Favor on the Treasurer of the United States for 22.250 Dollars in Indents of Interest, which he is directed to forward without Delay. I am, Sir, Your Obedt. & humble Servt. LS , Breckinridge Long Papers, Library of Congress. For background to this letter, see “Treasury Department Circular to the Continental Loan...
107From Alexander Hamilton to Sylvanus Bourne, [22 November 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of November 1st duly came to hand as did your two former letters; though from the peculiarily of my situation, at one time, & my hurry at another, they were not acknowleged. I did however, as Mr. Ames communicated to you, inform him, that nothing then was in my power. The same is the case now; and the rules I prescribe myself with regard to the future will only permit me to assure...
108From Alexander Hamilton to Jedediah Huntington, 24 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
I acknowledge the receipt of your’s of the 11th. instant. The privileges allowed to Vessels under twenty Tons appear to me in the same light in which they do to you. I should be obliged by your ideas of the most proper arrangement with regard to that description of Vessels; as the thing is perhaps not without difficulties. I have no doubt that the Importer must make entry, as well with regard...
109From Alexander Hamilton to Vincent Gray, 25 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
I am favoured with your two letters of the 10th and 11th Instant, the former transmitting a Letter to the Treasurer said to contain One hundred and fifty Dollars in Notes of the Bank of North America, the latter a Letter to the Same Officer Said to contain Two hundred and Seventy Dollars in notes of the Said Bank and that of New york. I am sir Your Obt hble Servt LS , RG 36, Collector of...
110Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 25 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
I request you to procure and send me without delay the revenue laws of your State in force immediately preceding the Act of Congress laying a duty on imports; as well those relating to imports as others: the whole being wanted for information. Should it not be practicable to obtain the Revenue laws distinct from the other laws of the State, you will be pleased to procure and forward the whole,...