1From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, 29 June 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
The original of your letter of the 9th. of April never came to hand. The copy in that of the 9th. of June arrived here while I was on a circuit, so that I did not receive it till a few days ago. It is the practice on the admission of honorary members to present them with diplomas. But there are no blanks in my possession and very few in that of the officers of the Society of this state. These,...
2From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, 12 August 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
As my eldest son Philip , who lately graduated, will pass through Providence on his way to Boston, I give him this line barely to introduce him to you; since the time I have prescribed for his return will not permit the stay of more than a day at Providence. Yrs. with true regard ALS , Rhode Island Historical Society, Providence. Olney was collector of customs at Providence. Philip Hamilton...
3From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, 22 January 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, January 22, 1795. Encloses “the Copy of a letter from the Attorney General to me on the Subject of the Suits brought against you by Arnold & Dexter … also … the draughts of two Assignments to be signed by yourself and immediately returned to this Office.” LS , Rhode Island Historical Society, Providence; LC , RG 56, Letters to the Collector at Providence, June 17,...
4From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, 27 November 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
I have to request, that you will retain Sufficient funds in your hands to discharge the Allowances to fishing Vessels, which will become due in your District on the 31st of the ensuing Month. You will therefore pay these allowances agreeably to the instructions heretofore given for that purpose. I request however, that you will immediately furnish me with an estimate of the sum, which will be...
5From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, 9 September 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, September 9, 1794. “In answer to your favour of the 11th. of August last on the subject of the Suits brought against you by Arnold & Dexter, I shall just observe, that if an application to the General Assembly for a new Trial, can be effected in time, without precluding the right of ultimately resorting to the Court of the United States, there can be no objection to your...
6From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, 13 August 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, August 13, 1794. “As great inconveniences have arisen from your discontinuing to endorse the name of your Office on your letters of a public nature; as heretofore directed I have to request, that you will in future be more punctual in conforming to a regulation so necessary to the dispatch of business in my Department.” LS , Rhode Island Historical Society, Providence;...
7From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, 19 June 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, June 19, 1794. “I am yet to reply to your letter of the 24th of April last, concerning a certain bond taken for securing the bonding of duties in another District. If no evidence has been since received the Bond ought to be put in suit. If any evidence has been received, other than the law directs, I request that it may be forwarded to the Treasury for consideration.” LS ,...
8From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, 2 June 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
An application has been made to me on behalf of Messrs. Philip & Zach Allen of Providence for some document in lieu of a Register to authenticate their property in the Ship Abigail now in that Port and bound for the East Indies. It is represented that she is a French bottom which has been purchased by them since the commencement of the present war. My answer has been that sea-letters might be...
9From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, 1 May 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
I have to reply to that part of your letter of the 31st. of March relating to certain vessels which escaped the Embargo. The question is whether an indictment generally will lie for disobeying the injunction of the law? This is the only mode of punishment if any exists. The Collector of Newport has been instructed to report these cases to the Attorney of the district in order that what shall...
10From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, 24 April 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
I am informed by your letter of the 14th. instant of the decision of the Court in the case of Messrs Arnold & Dexter. I approve of your intention to take measures for an appeal to the proper Court of the United States. I could wish that you would request the District Attorney to forward to me the pleadings in the cause, and the reasons upon which the Court founded its decision. With great...
11From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, 23 April 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
I have before me your letter of the 3rd inst stating instances in which the law relatively to an Embargo has been transgressed. It is true that no specific penalty is imposed in this particular case but the question is, whether the parties are not indictable generally, for violating a legal prohibition, in the District court. You will please to refer the case to the Attorney of the District...
12From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, 19 March 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, March 19, 1794. “I have to acknowlege the receipt of your letter of the 17th of last month. I approve of the employment of additional counsel in the suits of Messrs Arnold & Dexter.” LS , Rhode Island Historical Society, Providence; LC , RG 56, Letters to Collectors at Small Ports, “Set G,” National Archives; copy, RG 56, Letters to the Collector at Providence, National...
13From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, 7 November 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, November 7, 1793. “… It is of importance to the public service that the suit of Messrs Arnold & Dexter should be well and effectually defended. You will therefore engage such counsel as you can intirely confide in for the purpose.” LS , Rhode Island Historical Society, Providence; LC , RG 56, Letters to Collectors at Small Ports, “Set G,” National Archives; copy, RG 56,...
14From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, 19 August 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
I have to reply to your letter of the 26th ultimo. I take it for granted the parties alluded to will not on reflection do what is expected; because it is not certain that they will find the judicial construction as favourable as that of the Treasury, with which it is a rule, in a doubtful case, to lean in favour of the Merchants and because also, they might be sensible that the most convenient...
15From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, 24 July 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, July 24, 1793. Acknowledges receipt of Olney’s letter “of the 26th ultimo” and states: “From the special circumstances growing out of a new law, I rather forbear to recommend the enforcement of Penalties in this case.” LS , Rhode Island Historical Society, Providence; copy, RG 56, Letters to the Collector at Providence, National Archives; LC , RG 56, Letters to Collectors...
16From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, 22 July 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, July 22, 1793. On August 7, 1793, Olney wrote to Hamilton : “I have received your Letters of the 22nd. 24th. and 27th of July.” Letter of July 22 not found. ]
17From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, 2 May 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, May 2, 1793. “Your letter of the 18th of April was duly received. The practice which obtains in your District with respect to Exportation permits … appears to me to be right.” LS , Rhode Island Historical Society, Providence.
18From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, 4 April 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, April 4, 1793. “Your letter of the 28th of February has been … received. The forms of oaths you allude to were transmitted from the Comptroller’s Office… on the 23rd Ultimo. A Circular letter from this, of the 29th of the same month … contains an answer to your other enquiry.” LS , Rhode Island Historical Society, Providence; copy, RG 56, Letters to the Collector at...
19From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, 2 April 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
You will receive by this opportunity an official Letter. The present you will consider as a private and friendly one. You will readily believe me, when I assure you, that all my prepossessions are in your favour, and that if there have been any faults on your side, I am ready to ascribe them to the excesses of virtues and good qualities, rather than to their opposites . But you will, I am...
20From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, [2 April 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, April 2, 1793. On April 2, 1793, Hamilton wrote to Olney : “You will receive by this opportunity an official Letter.” Letter not found. ]
21From Alexander Hamilton to William Channing, Jeremiah Olney, and John S. Dexter, 12 December 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
I have yet to reply to your letter of the 3d. ultimo, and to acknowledge with approbation the attention which you have paid to the subject communicated in my letter of the 22d. Octr. I do not clearly understand whether the Stock which was deposited with the Commissioner of Loans, remains still in pledge, or not. If it does, I request that it may be released, and restored to the Bank. With...
22From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, 27 November 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the 15th instant has been duly received. Under the circumstances stated, I am pleased with the conduct which you have observed, in relation to the Brig Neptune, from Surinam. Should Mr. Arnold (as you say he threatens) commence a prosecution in the State Court, care must be taken so to conduct your defence as to admit of an appeal to the proper federal one. It will be of course...
23From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Bourne, William Channing, John S. Dexter, and Jeremiah Olney, 25 October 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Since mine to you of the 22d. I have reason to believe that the information which gave occasion to that letter was a misapprehension of the party from whom I received it; but whose general accuracy left me no suspicion of such a possibility at the time. I hasten to give this intimation, that no inconveniences may ensue from my first communication. With perfect esteem I have the honor to be ...
24From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Bourne, William Channing, John S. Dexter, and Jeremiah Olney, 22 October 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
A report has reached this place, through a channel so respectable as to claim notice, that the affairs of the Bank of Providence are in considerable disorder. On this occasion I take the liberty to commit to your care the interests of the United States and to request your aid. It is probably known to all of you that the Bank of Providence has been made a place of deposit for all the public...
25From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, 12 October 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
In answer to your letter of the 4th instant I cannot but express my regret and disappointment, that you should have considered my letter of the 19th Ultimo as not sufficiently explicit to induce you to receive entries in case of collusive transfer. I have revised my letter, and to me it appears very explicit and very decisive. What more could I do, than give my opinion, that the appearances...
26From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, 29 September 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
I am to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 18th of August last, relative to seven Puncheons of Foreign Spirits entered at the Custom House in Providence by Arnold Rhodes, Master of the Sloop Bacon from Washington in North Carolina. I have therefore to request, that you will concur with the Supervisor of Rhode Island (who has been instructed for that purpose by the Commissioner of...
27From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, 29 September 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
The Attorney for the District of Massachusetts will prosecute in the case of the Sloop Polly of Sandwich, which, as I learn from your letter of the 18th Ultimo, was licensed at your Office. It is probable he will have occasion for the license bond, which I request you will forward to him upon his application. I am, Sir, Your Obedt Servant. LS , Rhode Island Historical Society, Providence;...
28From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, 24 September 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose you duplicate of my letter of the 19th instant, to which I refer you in answer to yours of the 13th. I shall only add, that it interests the merchants as much as the Public to discountenance such a species of evasion. For could it long succeed, it would render credits for the duties inadmissible. It will be well to let this idea get into circulation among the merchants. I am Sir Your...
29From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, 19 September 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
I have considered the case which is stated in your letter of the 8th instant concerning Welcome Arnold. If appearances of the kind continue, I am of opinion that the presumption of a design to evade the law will be sufficiently strong to justify an Officer in refusing the credit. If an action should be brought against the Officer for such refusal, means must be taken to examine all the parties...
30From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, 13 September 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, September 13, 1792. “I have this day decided upon the case of Thomas Hazard junr. The interest of the United States and of all others in the forfeiture is remitted to him; and he is to pay fifty Dollars to parties, other than the United States, together with costs and charges.…” LS , Rhode Island Historical Society, Providence; copy, RG 56, Letters to Collectors at Small...
31From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, 25 August 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
I have considered the seventh Section of the Act, “concerning the Duties on Spirits distilled within the United States &c,” and agree with you in the opinion, given in your letter of the 14th instant, that the abatement of two per Cent for leakage is to be made, on securing the Duty at the end of the quarter, from the whole quantity distilled during the preceding three months. The Supervisor...
32From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, 24 August 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, August 24, 1792. “I have to reply to your letter of the 24th Ultimo, concerning the Renewal of licenses in certain cases. I incline to the opinion that regularly new licenses cannot be granted (except in the cases in which licenses are required to be surrendered previous to the going on foreign voyages) until the expiration of the term of the preceding ones; even though...
33From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, 18 August 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
The Collector of Salem has communicated to me that a small quantity of goods were imported there from France by Mr. Cutts of Ports-mouth in April last, upon which the Duties were paid agreeably to the original Invoice, said to have been made out according to the depreciated state of Assignats. A like importation is said to have been made at the same time into Providence by the same Gentleman,...
34From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, 13 August 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
That part of my letter of the 25th. Ultimo, which says that “the drawback cannot be allowed, unless the proof required of its having been actually landed at a foreign port is produced” is a mistake, arising from my not having at the moment adverted to the difference of the regulations concerning drawbacks, as applied to distilled Spirits, from those relating to other articles. The drawback may...
35From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, 31 July 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, July 31, 1792. “The Collector of Barnstable has informed me of a seizure made by him of one Hogshead of Rum, three Hogsheads of Molasses, one barrel of Sugar and two hundred and forty bushels of Salt, said to have been fraudulently landed out of the Sloop Polly of Sandwich. It is stated that the Vessel had left the District of Barnstable before the Collector had any...
36From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, 25 July 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
I have before me your letter of the 16th instant, concerning certain Brandy, intended to be exported by Messrs Clark and Nightingale. There can be no doubt that the Brandy, being a foreign article, will be liable, as the law stands, to duty on its return. The drawback cannot be allowed, unless the proof required, of its having been actually landed at a foreign port, is produced. I am, Sir, ...
37From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, 19 July 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, July 19, 1792. On July 27, 1792, Olney wrote to Hamilton : “I have recd. your Letter of the 19th Inst.” Letter not found. ]
38From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, 26 June 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
In answer to your letter of the 19th ultimo I have to inform you that the instruction with regard to the Notice to be given to other Collectors in cases where Bonds are put in Suit, is meant to be general, within the Limits of my Circular letter of the 6th of February last. I am Sir Your obedt Servant LS , Rhode Island Historical Society, Providence; copy, RG 56, Letters to the Collector at...
39From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, 28 May 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
I am to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 10th Instant. Whatever constructions may have been put upon the Act for regulating the coasting trade, it is very certain that the law makes no provision for a second registry in the case as stated by you. It will be a natural conclusion therefore to suppose, that if any Ship or Vessel has been once registered agreeably to the forms...
40From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, 25 April 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
On application to the Supervisor of the Revenue for Rhode Island he will furnish your Office on a temporary loan with the Sum of two thousand eight hundred & seven Dollars for the purpose of discharging the drawbacks &c as ⅌ the statement transmitted to me. You will receipt for this money as to be returned by you & pay it accordingly out of the Duties of import & tonnage. It will be necessary...
41From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, 29 March 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, March 29, 1792 . “There is due to William Peck, Marshall for the District of Rhode Island upon a settlement made at the Treasury, the sum of two thousand, one hundred & five Dollars and twelve Cents, which sum I request you will pay to the said Marshall.… This transaction is of course not to be brought into your accounts, but merely to be noted at foot of your weekly...
42From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, 7 February 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
I think it will be proper for the reasons in your letter of the 23d. ultimo, that you do not pay into the Providence Bank, for the account of the United States the monies you have in hand, and which you shall receive before the 20th. of May next. It is however my desire that you deposit the same in that institution to be passed to the credit of “the Collector of the district of Providence” and...
43From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, 4 February 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, February 4, 1792. “I request that You will advance to the Supervisor of the District of Rhode Island the Sum of Two hundred Dollars, to be repaid to You by the said Supervisor, as soon as he shall be in cash.…” LS , Rhode Island Historical Society, Providence; copy, RG 56, Letters to the Collector at Providence, National Archives; copy, RG 56, Letters to Collectors at...
44From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, 8 January 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter relative to the case of the Brig Polly from Cape Francois and Charleston. There is no doubt that under the existing collection law, goods of the growth and manufacture of the United States can be relanded after exportation and they are not chargeable with duty on their importation into the United States as you will perceive by the 24th Section of the Act. I...
45From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, 14 December 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I do not think you will be justifiable in making a deduction from the legal rate of duty on Coffee, on account of its being broken, nor on cocoa, because of an inferiority of quality, they being in each instance as I presume the unmixed article, on which the Legislature has imposed an uniform impost, without providing a variation of duty in case of differences of quality. The shells of Coffee...
46From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, 8 December 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
The monies which shall be deposited by you in the Bank of Providence, pursuant to my direction, will upon your forwarding to the Treasury a duplicate receipt of such deposits, be considered as payments made to the United States, and for which you will receive credit by regular warrants which will issue to cover such payments. I am Sir Your Obedt. Servant LS , Rhode Island Historical Society,...
47From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, 23 November 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the 11th October has been duly received. Although, if it had occurred to you to forbear the institution of a suit, until application could have been made in due course for a remission of the forfeiture incurred, I should under the circumstances, of the case have approved of your conduct, yet it is certain, that you were strictly in order in every step you took and have furnished...
48From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, 11 November 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the 31st Ultimo relative to the Schooner Alice, Jabez Andrus Master, has been received. The question, therein stated, turns upon the following points; whether the vessel belongs in the whole or in part to a Citizen or inhabitant of the United States; and if she was within four leagues of the coast, or within the limits of any district of the United States when the manifest was...
49From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, 10 November 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I have, on consideration, deemed it expedient to authorize you to receive, in payment of duties, the notes of the Bank of Providence, payable in specie on demand. For the greater safety in so doing I have requested the President of that institution to furnish you with his signature, that of the Cashier and such Checks as may be sufficient to enable you to detect Counterfeits. It is my wish...
50From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, 7 October 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
The remark made by you on the additional two columns in the return of Tonnage appears to be just. Some other mode of obtaining the end must be devised, of which you will be informed. In the mean time you will insert the destination of vessels which appear in your return, so far as your knowledge of the fact renders it practicable. It would certainly have been preferable that you suffered the...