From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 9 November 1790
To Sharp Delany
Treasury Department
Novr. 9. 1790.
Sir
I have considered the application made to you by the Gentlemen concerned in the damaged goods imported in the Betsey from Liverpool,1 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,2 it is not in the power of any executive officer to dispense with it.
I am, Sir Your obedt. servant
Alexander Hamilton
Sharp Delany Esquire
Collector of the Customs
Philadelphia
LS, Bureau of Customs, Philadelphia; copy, RG 56, Letters to the Collector at Philadelphia, National Archives; copy, RG 56, Letters to Collectors at Small Ports, “Set G,” National Archives.
2. “An Act to provide more effectually for the collection of the duties imposed by law on goods, wares and merchandise imported into the United States, and on the tonnage of ships or vessels” ( 145–78 [August 4, 1790]). H is referring to Section 37 of this law.