To Thomas Jefferson from Alexander Donald, 5 January 1792
From Alexander Donald
London 5th: Jany. 1792
Dear Sir
Since writing you yesterday, it has occurr’d to me that as your National Bank has now come into opperation that it will require a House of Credit and Respectability to transact business for it in this place, and upon that Idea I have taken the Liberty of mentioning to you, and Mr. Hamilton, that Donald & Burton will be very happy in being appointed as Agents for the Bank in this place, and altho the usual commission on such business is half a ⅌ Cent for paying, and the same for receiving all monies, we will in consideration of the magnitude of the business, accept of one quarter ⅌ Cent.
Knowing as I do from experience the certainty and warmth of your Friendship, I know it is sufficient for me to mention my wishes.—I remain with great esteem Dear Sir your faithful & Humbe: Servt.,
A Donald
RC (DLC); in clerk’s hand, except for signature; at head of text: “Duple.”; endorsed by TJ as received 27 May 1792 but not recorded in SJL. Donald’s original letter of 5 Jan. 1792 is recorded in SJL as received 28 Mch. 1792 but has not been found and was probably forwarded to Hamilton as stated in TJ to Donald of 8 June 1792.
Donald’s letter of yesterday was that of 3 Jan. 1791. The letter to Mr. Hamilton in which Donald suggested that his mercantile firm act as the London agent of the Bank of the United States has not been found.