1From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [5 May 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
In conformity to the intimation you were pleased to honor me with on evening last I have reflected on the etiquette proper to be observed by the President and now submit the ideas which have occurred to me on the subject. The public good requires as a primary object that the dignity of the office should be supported. Whatever is essential to this ought to be pursued though at the risk of...
2From Alexander Hamilton to Walter Livingston, 18 May 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
The interview between us yesterday was altogether unexpected. I thought it proper to be candid. But I trust you will consider what I said as confidential. I mean to consult mutual friends; and to act agreeably to the most scrupulous delicacy. My final determination shall be communicated. If Whatever may be the issue it shall not be my fault, if it causes any interruption of that friendly...
3From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [28 May 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
I am miserable My beloved angel that I cannot yet come to you; but this abominable business still detains us & will do it for some days. I would willingly endure the fatigue of a journey to visit you, if it were but for a minute; but such is my situation and the expectation of those for whom I act, that I cannot get away for an hour. It cannot however much longer keep me from my beloved; and...
4Eulogy on Nathanael Greene, [4 July 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
Eulogium on the late Major General Greene There is no duty that could have been assigned to me by this Society, which I should execute with greater alacrity than the one I am now called upon to perform. All the motives capable of interesting an ingenuous and feeling mind conspire to prompt me to its execution. To commemorate the talents virtues and exploits of great and good men is at all...
5From Alexander Hamilton to Rufus King, [15 July 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
I received your letter by the last Post but one. I immediately sat about circulating an idea, that it would be injurious to the City to have Duane elected—as the probability was, that some very unfit character would be his successor. My object was to have this sentiment communicated to our members. But a stop was put to my measures, by a letter received from Burr, announcing that at a general...
6From Alexander Hamilton to Samuel Jones, [September 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
I Are the duties recoverable on goods imported between the first of August and the time the custom house was organised in a state recoverable? II May vessels arriving in any port leave that port without paying or securing the duties prior to the expiration of 48 hours and go where they please or not? III May they only go prior to the same period to another state? IV May they after that period...
7Schedule III: A Statement of the Anticipation of Monies on the Public Credit, 11 September 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
The Register having accurately stated the account of warrants drawn by the late Commissioners of the Board of Treasury on the Treasurer of the United States, and having examined the amount of monies actually received by the said Treasurer, certifies, that the excess of warrants drawn beyond the said Treasurer’s actual receipts, amounts to the sum of One Hundred Eighty-nine thousand, Nine...
8Conversation with Comte de Moustier, [13 September 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
Projet de M. hamilton, pour liquider les arrérages de la dette tant domestique qu’Etrangére des Etats Unis. Observations de M. de Moustier à ce sujet. Le 13. de ce mois, M. Hamilton à qui j’avois été faire la veille mon compliment sur sa nomination à la place de Secretaire du Departement des Finances, vint chés moi et m’entretint du projet qu’il avoit de proposer que le Congrès fit un emprunt...
9From 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.
10From Alexander Hamilton to Samuel Meredith, 13 September 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Permit me to congratulate you on your appointment as Treasurer of the United States, and to assure you of the pleasure I feel in anticipating your co-operation with me in a station, in which a character like yours is so truly valuable. I need not observe to you how important it is, that you should be on the ground as speedily as possible. The call for your presence you will be sensible, is...
11Treasury Department Warrant No. 1, [13 September 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
To the President, Directors & Company of the Bank of New York. Pay to Samuel Meredith Treasurer of the United States, or Order, the Sum of Twenty thousand Dollars; being the Amount of a Loan agreed to be made by the said Bank to the Secretary at War, in pursuance of an Appropriation made by an Act of Congress of the twentieth day of August 1789: for which this shall be your Warrant. Given...
12From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Willing, 13 September 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
You will probably have learned ere this reaches you, my appointment to the Office of Secretary of the Treasury. To the acceptance of this arduous trust, I have been not a little encouraged by the hope that my inviolable attachment to the principles which form the basis of public credit is so well and so generally understood as to insure me the confidence of those who have it most in their...
13From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, [13 September 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
It is with pleasure I am able to inform you that you have been appointed Auditor in the Department of the Treasury. The salary of this office is 1500 Dollars. Your friends having expressed a doubt of your acceptance, I cannot forbear saying, that I shall be happy to find the doubt has been ill founded; as from the character I have received of you, I am persuaded you will be an acquisition to...
14From 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....
15From Alexander Hamilton to Arthur Lee, Walter Livingston, and Samuel Osgood, [14 September 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
Having in consequence of my appointment as Secretary of the Treasury determined on William Duer Esquire as my Assistant, I have concluded from his situation with the late board that a delivery of the books papers and seal belonging to the department should be made to him. If this mode is agreeable to you I need only add that he is authorised on my part to carry it into execution. I have the...
16Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 14 September 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
The exigencies of Government require that I should without delay be informed of the amount of the Duties which have accrued in the several States, and of the Monies which have been already received in payment of them, and the periods at which the remainder will fall due. In this absolute precision is not expected, but a General Statement accurate enough in the main to be relied on. I request...
17Schedule IV: Estimate of the Amount of Pensions for the Invalids, 17 September 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Dol. 90ths Dol. 90ths Taken from Returns, dated March 7, 1789, New-Hampshire 3,170 March 7, 1789, Massachusetts, 7,699 30 May 14, 1789, Connecticut, 7,302 45 Jan. 1st., 1789, New-York, 15,246 Feb. 2, 1789, New-Jersey, 4,733 6 July 5, 1786, Pennsylvania, 11,220 30 For 1787, Virginia, 9,276 60 58,647 81 Conjectural {
18From Alexander Hamilton to Samuel A. Otis, [18 September 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton will be obliged to Mr. Otis for certified extracts from the journals of the Senate respecting his own appointments that of the Door Keep Assistants &c & will be glad to know whether he has any & what Clks & when appointed. He wishes this information without delay. Friday Morning AL , RG 46, First Congress, 1789–1791, Letters Relating to Fiscal Matters, National Archives. Otis was...
19Report on the Estimate of the Expenditure for the Civil List and the War Department to the End of the Present Year, [19 … (Hamilton Papers)
[To the Speaker of the House of Representatives] The Secretary of the Treasury , in obedience to the Order of the House of Representatives of the 17th instant, Respectfully reports, That the schedule No. 1, contains an estimate of the total expenditure of the civil list, for the present year, amounting to two hundred and forty-three thousand three hundred and thirty-three dollars, and 78...
20Schedule I: Estimate of the Expenditure for the Civil List of the United States for the year 1789, 19 September 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
First. In relation to the late Government . For Congress Dol. 90ths. Dol. 90ths. THE annual allowance made by the United States, in Congress assembled, the 23d August 1787, including the salaries of the private Secretary & Steward, house rent, and expences of the household, is thereby fixed at 8,000 dollars per annum; which being estimated to the 3d of March, the time fixed for proceedings to...
21Schedule II: General Estimate of Money requisite for the War Department for the year 1789, 19 September 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Pay of the Troops. Artillery. Dol. 90ths. Dol. 90ths. 1 Major, 12 mo. at 45 dol. pr. mo. 540 4 Captains, 35 1,680 8 Lieutenants, 30 2,880 1 Surgeon’s mate, 30
22Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 22 September 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
In consequence of arrangements lately taken with the Bank of North America, and the Bank of New York, for the accommodation of the Government, I am to inform you that it is my desire, that the Notes of those Banks, payable either on demand, or at no longer period than thirty days after their respective dates; should be received in payment of the duties, as equivalent to Gold and Silver, and...
23From Alexander Hamilton to Sir John Temple, 23 September 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
The Collector of this Port has submitted to me ⟨a ques⟩ tion respecting the propriety of requiring an Entry ⟨at the⟩ Custom house of the British Packets. In order ⟨to a⟩ proper determination of this point, it is necessary ⟨that⟩ I should understand with certainty & precision ⟨the si⟩tuation of those Packets; under what Commissions ⟨they⟩ are Navigated, and what relation, if any, they bear ⟨to...
24From Alexander Hamilton to James Duane, 24 September 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, September 24, 1789. On September 24, 1789, Duane wrote to Hamilton : “I called upon you within the time limited to give you my answer on the Communication which … you was pleased to make me this morning.” Letter not found. ] Duane was mayor of New York City.
25From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, [24 September 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
As I shall have occasion to draw on the several Collectors it is necessary that you should be acquainted with my Signature which you have here below I am Sir Your most humb Servt. L[S] , RG 36, Collector of Customs at Boston, Letters from the Treasury, 1789–1807, Vol. 4, National Archives. Lincoln was collector of customs at Boston.
26From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 25 September 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
⟨Here⟩ with is a circular letter, the ⟨principal object of⟩ which relates to an arrangement with the ⟨Banks⟩ of North America and New York, founded upon an immediate accommodation to the public. I am not sufficiently acquainted with the constitution and operations of your Bank to determine posstively how far the receipt of their Notes in payment of the Duties would be a measure of prudence....
27Report on a Particular Statement of the Warrants Issued by the Late Superintendent of Finance, and by the Board of … (Hamilton Papers)
[To the Speaker of the House of Representatives] The Secretary of the Treasury, in obedience to the order of the House of the 23d Sept. 1789, respectfully submits the settlement therein required, together with one of the whole anticipation on the taxes made by the late superintendant of Finance, at the time of resigning his office; on which a balance appears due of 93,463 20/90ths. dollars....
28From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Willing, 25 September 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, September 25, 1789. On October 1, 1789, Willing wrote to Hamilton : “Your Favor of the 25th Ult was received on the 29.” Letter not found. ]
29From Alexander Hamilton to Richard Harison, [26 September 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
Taking it for granted that you will be appointed Atty General of the district I request your opinion as to the Bond required to be taken by the Collectors respecting the certificate of Registry of Vessels. Can it be taken directly to “The United States of America” or must it be in the name of the Collector? Will any bond to the United States of America be valid? The Question arises on the act...
30Treasury Department Circular to the Governors of the States, 26 September 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
In obedience to an order of the House of Representatives of the 21st. Instant (Copy of which I have the honor to enclose) it becomes my duty to request your Excellency to procure and transmit to this Office the Documents and Information therein required. As the next Session of the Legislature will be on the first monday of January ensuing, it is greatly to be wished that the whole of the above...
31From Alexander Hamilton to John B. Church, [28 September 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, September 28, 1789. On November 4, 1789, John Rutledge, wrote to William Short : “Church read me a letter from Hamilton dated the 28th of Septr—he says ‘Mr Jay is appointed chief Justice, Mr Osgood Post Master—Wilson one of the 5 circuit Judges & Mr Jefferson will have offered him the foreign department.’” Letter not found. ] ALS , William Short Papers, Library of Congress....
32From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 29 September 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
It may happen that the Treasurer will draw upon you for the Compensation to the Senators and Representatives of New Hampshire as well as those of your State. The direction given to you with respect to the latter, is to extend to the former. I am Sir Your obedient Servant L[S] , RG 36, Collector of Customs at Boston, Letters from the Treasury, 1790–1810, Vol. 2, National Archives. Samuel...
33Conversation with George Beckwith, [October 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
Seventh. I have requested to see you on this occasion from a Wish to Explain Certain points, relative to our situation, and from a desire to suggest a measure, which I conceive to be both for the interest of Great Britain, and of this Country to adopt. We have lately Established a Government upon principles, that in my opinion render it safe for any Nation to Enter into Treaties with us,...
34Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 1 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
The United States in Congress having by their Act of the 7th. of August last Ordained “That all expences for the necessary support and maintenance of Light-houses, Beacons, Buoys &ca. within any Port or Harbour of the United States, should after the 15th. of August last, be defrayed out of the Treasury of the United States”; You will be pleased to transmit forthwith to this Office, as...
35From Alexander Hamilton to Joseph Clay, 2 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, October 2, 1789. On December 30, 1789 , Clay wrote to Hamilton: “I received your very obliging favour of the 2d Octr.” Letter not found. ] Clay was a Savannah merchant and planter who had served as paymaster general of the Continental Army in the Southern Department.
36Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 2 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
As in the first establishiment of Revenue systems, imperfections and inconveniencies will naturally present themselves in practice, which could not have been foreseen in their formation; it is of the greatest moment, that the best information should be collected for the use of the Government as to the operation of those, which may have been adopted. To the obtaining this information, as it...
37From Alexander Hamilton to John Davidson, 3 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, October 3, 1789. Acknowledges receipt of Davidson’s “letter of the 24th of last month.” Sends directions for filing of surety bond. States that privileges to ships of the United States are to be extended to Rhode Island and North Carolina vessels until January 15, 1790. Copy, RG 56, Letters to Collectors at Small Ports, “Set G,” National Archives; copy, RG 56, Letters to...
38Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 3 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed is the copy of an Act for amending the “Act for registering and Clearing Vessels, regulating the Coasting Trade, and for other purposes,” which I transmit you for your Government. I am Sir Your humble servt. LS , to Charles Lee, Charles Lee Papers, Library of Congress; LS , to John Scott, Harvard College Library; LS , to William Webb, Princeton University Library; L[S] , to Otho...
39From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Wadsworth, 3 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
From some returns which have already come to me I am led to fear that smuggling has already began in some parts of our eastern extremity. I have under consideration the business of establishing Guard boats, and will be much obliged to you for you[r] ideas on this subject—the usefulness of the thing, the kind of boats the plan upon which they ought to be established and the probable expence....
40From Alexander Hamilton to John Rice, 5 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the 20th of September has duly come to hand. In regard to the enquiry you make, I am of opinion that the Law does not intend to allow a Vessel to proceed from one District to another, without paying or securing the Duties in the first; except when originally bound to another, and obliged from necessity to put into the Port at which she arrives as provided for in the twelvth...
41Treasury Department Circular to the Wardens of the Ports, 5 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
If any arrangement has been made at the Port where you reside for the support Maintenance and repairs of Light-houses, Beacons, Buoys &c. under your direction; you will be pleased to continue the charge and superintendence of the same in the usual manner, ’till you receive further Instructions from me on this subject, taking care that your expenditures for those objects be conducted with...
42From Alexander Hamilton to Marquis de Lafayette, 6 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
I have seen with a mixture of Pleasure and apprehension the Progress of the events which have lately taken Place in your Country. As a friend to mankind and to liberty I rejoice in the efforts which you are making to establish it while I fear much for the final success of the attempts, for the fate of those I esteem who are engaged in it, and for the danger in case of success of innovations...
43Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 6 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
I have reason to know, that some of the Collectors have conceived themselves authorised to make ye discount allowed by Law for prompt payment, after Bonds were given for securing the Duties. This is not in my opinion, the true construction of the Act. You will therefore under such circumstances avoid making the above discount. I am Sir Your Obedient Servant LS , to Jedediah Huntington, MS...
44From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Willing, 6 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, October 6, 1789. On October 13, 1789, Willing wrote to Hamilton : “We received your favor of the 6th inst.” Letter not found. ]
45From Alexander Hamilton to William Short, 7 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
I think it probable you will have learnt, through other channels, before this reaches you, my appointment as Secretary of the Treasury of the United States. In this capacity the debt due from us to France will of course constitute one of the objects of my attention. Except with regard to a few laws of immediate urgency, respecting commercial imposts, and navigation, the late session of...
46From Alexander Hamilton to Comte de Moustier, 7–8 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, October 7–8, 1789 In a letter to the Comte de Montmorin on October 30, 1789, Louis G. Otto wrote: “Mr hamilton, secretaire du Tresor, avoit remis confidentiellement à M. le Cte. de Moustier une notte pour l’informer que l’objet principal de la prochaine session du Congrès seroit l’arrangement des finances et pour le sonder si sa Majesté etoit disposée à donner aux Americains une...
47From Alexander Hamilton to Stephen Higginson, 9 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, October 9, 1789. On October 27, 1789, Higginson wrote to Hamilton : “Your Letter of the 9th instant I rec’d.” Letter not found. ] Higginson was a Boston merchant and Federalist.
48From Alexander Hamilton to William Bingham, 10 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
There is a species of information highly requisite to the Government in adjusting the policy of its Treaties and Laws respecting Navigation for obtaining which with proper accuracy and detail no regular plan has ever yet been persued in this Country. It relates to the comparative advantages with which the Navigation of the United States and that of other Nations with whom they trade is or can...
49From Alexander Hamilton to John Fitzgerald, 10 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, October 10, 1789. Asks Fitzgerald for information concerning foreign and domestic commerce. LS , United States Coast Guard Academy, New London, Connecticut. The letter is a duplicate of that sent to William Bingham on the same date. Fitzgerald was an Irish-born Virginia planter who had been one of George Washington’s aides-de-camp.
50Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 10 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
I observe that by the 24th. Section of the Act for Registering and Clearing vessels &c. it is provided, that Vessels bound to foreign parts should deliver manifests of their Cargoes to the Collectors of the Ports from which they are to sail. The object of this provision doubtless was to obtain a knowledge of the exports of the Country: to carry which into effect I am to desire that a regular...