From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 3 May 1794
To George Washington
Treasury Dept. May 3d. 1794.
Sir,
Inclosed are copies of a Letter of mine of the 25 ultimo to the Attorney General1 and of his answer.2
Concurring entirely in opinion with that officer, I am led to bring the subject under the eye of the President only from the reflection that a foreign Government is concerned in the question and unless I receive a direction to the contrary, I shall act in conformity with that opinion. I am urged for a reply in a particular case which will go to Europe by the Vessel which shall carry Mr. Jay.3
With perfect respect I have the honor to be &c.
Alex: Hamilton
LC, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
1. H’s letter to William Bradford has not been found.
2. Bradford to H, May 1, 1794. See also Thomas Pinckney to H, February 27, 1794; Edmund Randolph to H, April 30, 1794.
3. On May 10, 1794, Randolph stated in a letter to Pinckney: “The Secretary of the Treasury says that La Colombe’s money will be paid, and that it is advisable for you to send your account” (LC, RG 59, Diplomatic and Consular Instructions of the Department of State, 1791–1801, Vol. 2, August 22, 1793-June 1, 1795, National Archives).