To Alexander Hamilton from Ebenezer Stevens, 23 February 1799
From Ebenezer Stevens1
New York 23rd February 1799
Dear General
I promised you to commit to writing what I think ought to be done, for the compleating the Defence of this City, and the neighbouring Islands; with some other observations incident thereon—and submit them herein, for your government.
I submit the above for your consideration, and respectfully remain Dear General Yours affectionately
Ebenr Stevens.
P.S. I would earnestly recommend, your making application to His Excellency Governor Jay, for money to pay off the Balances due to sundry persons for the Erection of the fortifications and mounting of Cannon &c. &c—for the defence of this Island last summer, under the immediate direction of the military Committee,2 which alderman Furman3 cannot settle, for want of the means—and then, that all those accompts be audited by the military Committee.
Major Genl. Hamilton.
ALS, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress; copy, New-York Historical Society, New York City.
1. For background to this letter, see the introductory note to H to James McHenry, June 1, 1798. See also Stevens to H, November 17, 23, 29, December 18, 1798; H to Stevens, November 19, 1798; and “Report of the Committee of the Corporation and the Military Committee to the Common Council of New York,” December 31, 1798.
2. The Military Committee consisted of Aaron Burr, H, and Ebenezer Stevens. See “Call for a Meeting,” June 4, 1798, note 2.
3. Gabriel Furman.