1From Alexander Hamilton to Herman LeRoy, William Bayard, and James McEvers, [4 March–18 July 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
I have considered with attention the draft of instructions to Mr. Bayard, which appear to me full and judicious. There are but two points upon which I would submit a reflection or two— I It is prescribed that no money shall be advanced for any quantity of land purchased more than in the proportion of the intire sum to the intire quantity. It is possible that this restriction may be...
2To Alexander Hamilton from William Patterson, 5 March 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Kingston ] Ulster County [ New York ], March 5, 1797 . “As you are the only persen I think I Can with Safty apply too to assist me in giting my Militerie Lot as it is well known I have faithfull Served my Country it gives me the more Confidence to Crave your assistance. I must inform you that I have found my Discharge and have it Now in my Possession. I have found Blanchar the Person who...
3Bill from James Robinson, [7 March 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
1796 Augt: 13th Alexander Hamilton Esqr: To James Robinson for fence 42 boards @ 1/ £2–2. 32 half Do: @ /6d 16. 18 posts @ 2/ and 12 lb Nails @ ½ 2–10. 7 days Labour carpenters @ 11/ 3–17. 4 Loads cartage @ 2/ 8. £9–13 Received New York March 7. 179[7] of Alexander Hamilton the amount of the above account being for the use of the lot of John Barker Church in broad way. DS , Hamilton Papers,...
4To Alexander Hamilton from Rufus King, 8 March 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
On the 28 ulto. the Bank of England stopped payment in Specie. And since every Bank in Great Britain has followed the Example; the Directors say the Bank is more than Solvent, exclusive of their capital Stock invested in the Funds. Committees of the two House of Parliament, which have examined the affairs of the Bank, confirm by their Report the Declaration of the Directors, and Associations...
5To Alexander Hamilton from Robert Morris, 8 March 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
You have herewith the Copy of a letter from Mr Bridgen to me & my reply which you will cause to be delivered, if they will apply to Mr Nicholson the business will be accomplished with him but if they possitively will not, I must request you to adjust the matter on my behalf on the best terms & longest time you can obtain. I am impatiently waiting an Answer to my last letter on the business...
6From Alexander Hamilton to Robert Morris, 8 March 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, March 8, 1797. On March 9, 1797, Morris wrote to Hamilton : “I have this moment received yours of yesterday.” Letter not found. ]
7To Alexander Hamilton from Robert Morris, 9 March 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
I have this moment received yours of yesterday with the deed to Mr Cottringer for which accept my thanks. Mr Ralph Mather the last endorser of the bill on which Mr Bridgon threatens to bring suit, has opened a negotiation here with Mr Nicholson respecting it, and as I hope an arrangement will be made so as to satisfy the owners of sd Bill you will be good enough to prevail on them to wait the...
8To Alexander Hamilton from William Hamilton, 10 March 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Greenock, Scotland, March 10, 1797. On May 2, 1797, Hamilton wrote to William Hamilton : “Some days since I received with great pleasure your letter of the 10th of March.” Letter not found. ] William Hamilton was H’s uncle .
9From Alexander Hamilton to William Tilghman, 10 March 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, March 10, 1797. “… You will oblige me by letting me know what have been the laws & practice of Maryland with regard to naturalization—pointing me to the parts of its Constitution & laws which respect the subject. I have under consideration an important question of Insurance in which this inquiry is necessary.” ALS , Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. Tilghman was born...
10To Alexander Hamilton from William Tilghman, 13 March 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, March 13, 1797. Replies to Hamilton’s letter of March 10, 1797 , and answers questions concerning provisions on naturalization in Maryland’s constitution and statutes. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
11The Warning No. V, [13 March 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
I have asserted, that the conduct of Great-Britain towards us and other neutral powers has been at no period so exceptionable, as that of France at the present juncture. A more distinct view of this truth may be useful, which will be assisted by a retrospect of the principal acts of violation on both sides. Tho the circumstance was cotemporarily disclosed in all of our newspapers, yet so blind...
12To Alexander Hamilton from William Laight, 14 March 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York ] March 14, 1797 . “Had there not been frequent Instances in many respectable Offices in this City where Events of a similar kind have been effected, which I am now solicitous of obtaining, I should deem it presumptuous to address you on the Subject: Let this, in addition to the solicitude of a Parent for the Establishment of a Son in the line of his Profession be my Apology. Edward...
13To Alexander Hamilton from Philip Schuyler, 19 March 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
I shall not fail to call the attention of the senate to the insecure state of the port of New York and to detail the distressing consequences which must result should the Metropolis be laid under contribution, be conflagreated, or possessed by a hostile foreign power: but I apprehend nothing more will be done than Authorizing the Governor to take measures for Its security, If a war with some...
14From Alexander Hamilton to Timothy Pickering, [22 March 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
It is now ascertained that Mr Pinckney has been refused and with circumstances of indignity. What is to be done? The share I have had in the public administration added to my interest as a Citizen make me extremely anxious that at this delicate Crisis a course of conduct exactly proper may be adopted. I offer to your consideration without ceremony what appears to me such a course. First. I...
15To Alexander Hamilton from Uriah Tracy, 23[–24] March 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
You will probably remember, I applied to you for James Johnson of Salisbury in Connecticut, for the purchase of a tract of Land lying in that Town, of which you had the care & disposal. Johnson has lately written me, that the sale is not yet completed & wishes me to pursue the business, as he is still very desirous of purchasing the Land. You will recollect how far the negociation has...
16To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 26 March 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
On the 25th I was favoured with your letter of the 22d. The first measure of calling Congress together had been determined on by the President the preceding evening; and I had the draught of the proclamation inclosed, in my hand, to present to him, when I received your letter. Some other of the measures suggested had been contemplated; and all will receive attention from me & my colleagues. I...
17To Alexander Hamilton from Robert Morris, 27 March 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
I wrote a few lines from Mr Nicholsons house on Saturday whilst waiting to see Mr Mather; he did not come there untill I was obliged to come away, but Mr Nicholson informs me he came afterwards and that they are likely to effect an Arrangement for the Bill of Exchange and that Mr Mather has written to stay any proceedings in New York untill they hear again from him. This being a debt of Mr...
18The Warning No. VI, [27 March 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
It has been seen that the Governt of France has an indisputable title to the culpable preeminence of having taken the lead in the violation of neutral rights; and that the first instance on the part of the British Government is nearly a month posterior to the commencement of the evil by France. But it was not only posterior—it was also less comprehensive. That of France extended to all...
19From Alexander Hamilton to Timothy Pickering, 29 March 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
The post of yesterday brought me your letter of the day before. I regret that the idea of a Commission extraordinary appears of doubtful propriety. For after very mature reflection I am intirely convinced of its expediency. I do not understand the passage you cite as excluding the reception of a special extraordinary Minister but of an ordinary resident Minister. It seems impossible that the...
20To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 30 March 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
I believe I mentioned in my last, that I was going to sketch a state of facts relative to Mr. Pinckney’s mission for publication. I now inclose it. That the facts should be known to our citizens was deemed important. I thought it highly important that the Representatives should come together impressed with the sentiments of their constituents on the reprehensible conduct of the French...
21Enclosure: A Statement of Facts Relative to General Pinckney’s Mission to France, [30 March 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
General Pinckney, appointed minister plenipotentiary from the United States to the French Republic, left Philadelphia near the end of September, and arrived at Paris the 5th of December last, in the evening. On the 6th, he sent, by his secretary, to Mr. Monroe his letters of recall; and immediately afterwards waited on Mr. Monroe, who shewed him a letter from M. Delacroix, the French Minister...
22From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, [30 March 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
Every one who can properly appreciate the situation of our Affairs at this moment, in all the extent of possible circumstances, must be extremely anxious for such a course of conduct in our Government which will unite the utmost prudence with energy. It has been a considerable time my wish that a Commission extraordinary Madison Pinkney Cabot should be constituted to go to France to explain...
23To Alexander Hamilton from Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 31 March 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
I have recd. your Letter of March 30th. and I consider it as a great acquisition. It developes the origin of a circumstance which came to my knowledge at the close of the last session which filled my mind with inexpressible surprize. To you I will say but in the most perfect confidence that the President had determined on instituting a Commission, but it would not have been composed as you now...
24To Alexander Hamilton from Francisco de Miranda, 1 April 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
C’est depuis quatre ans que je reprends la plume pour vous dire que je suis encore au Nombre des vivans qui restent en france depuis la tyrannie. Voici un Livre qui vient de paraitre sur la Révolution française pas Desodoards . Il contient tous les faits principaux, et indique les Causes, avec Connaissances, Impartialité, et modération à mon avis. Et tous Ceux qui Connaissent à fonds la...
25Enclosure: John B. Prevost to Francisco de Miranda, [27 March 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
I have called several times at your lodgings in the rue florentin, but have hitherto been so unfortunate as to find you abroad, may I therefore request you to name Some moment when your leisure will permit you to See me in Paris. I am, Sir, your humble servant Two copies, in Miranda’s handwriting, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
26Enclosure: Francisco de Miranda to John B. Prevost, [1 April 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
Le General Miranda fait bien des Complimens à M. Prevost. Il a reçu Sa note d’hier, et ne trouvant pas Sur celle ci aucun motif qui exige une Entrevue particuliére, Se trouvant d’ailleurs fort occupé, et ne se rappellant pas d’avoir eu l’avantage de Connaitre M. Prevost de New York, il le prie de vouloir bien remettre la Conférence à des mom⟨ents⟩ plus tranquilles. Two copies, in Miranda’s...
27Enclosure: John B. Prevost to Francisco de Miranda, [1 April 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
M. Prevost does not conceive a conference to be absolutely necessary and has therefore adopted this mode of Communication as the one most agreable to M. Miranda. The papers alluded to in the within note are those which respect a Negotiation with M. Pitt confided to M. Miranda some time Since by Messieurs hamilton and Knox, the object of which was to adopt Some effectual Measure to liberate...
28Enclosure: James Monroe to Francisco de Miranda, 17 March 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
I was informed by M. Paine that you had some papers of Importance to our governement which you Sometime Since expressed a wish to deposit in my hands. Being on the point of departing for the U. States, I have thought proper to notify you of it, and to assure you that I Shall be happy to take charge of Such papers. M. Prevost who will have the pleasure to deliver you this, will explain to you...
29Enclosure: Francisco de Miranda to John B. Prevost, 2 April 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
Le général Miranda S’empresse d’envoyer à monsieur Prevost la résponse à la lettre de M. Monroe, que M. Prevost lui a adressée—en le priant de vouloir bien la lui faire parvenir. Two copies, in Miranda’s handwriting, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
30Enclosure: Francisco de Miranda to James Monroe, 2 April 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
Ce n’est que dans le moment que je reçois Votre lettre du 17 mars. Mr. Prévost qui me l’envoie m’explique ainsi l’objet de Votre sollicitude: “the papers alluded to in the within note (votre lettre) are those which respect a negotiation with Mr. Pitt; confided to Mr. Miranda Some time Since by Messieurs hamilton and Knox, the object of which was to adopt Some effectual measure to liberate...
31From Alexander Hamilton to Timothy Pickering, [1 April 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the 30th. with the statement inclosed. I do not believe that its publication would have any influence upon the question of a rupture with France; but yet, as it seems that those who surround the President are not agreed in the matter—as an opinion is industriously circulated that too much fuel has been added by the publications of the Government—as it is...
32From Alexander Hamilton to Uriah Tracy, 1 April 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, April 1, 1797. On April 6, 1797, Tracy wrote to Hamilton : “I thank you for your Letter of the 1st. inst.” Letter not found. ] Tracy was United States Senator from Connecticut and the state’s attorney for Litchfield County.
33To Alexander Hamilton from Rufus King, 2 April 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
As Mr. Church is the bearer, I refer you to him for what it would take many Pages to relate, and will only say that notwithstanding the injuries we continue to receive from France I still hope, the same policy that has hitherto kept us out of the war, will continue to influence and decide our Government. How the new President will conduct himself in a situation thorny and embarrassing remains...
34To Alexander Hamilton from William Loughton Smith, [2 April 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, April 2, 1797. On April 5, 1797, Hamilton wrote to Smith : “I have received … Your letter of the 2d April (97).” Letter not found. ] Smith was a Federalist member of the House of Representatives from South Carolina, a close friend of H, and one of the leading advocates in the House of the policies which H had introduced as Secretary of the Treasury.
35To Alexander Hamilton from Philip Schuyler, 3 April 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
I took my leave of the senate on friday, And as Mr. Abm. V. Vechten has consented to be nominated a candidate for a seat in senate and will probably be Elected, I am more at ease than I should have been, If a less able man than he had been proposed, for Spencer, Gold and Tillotson have already combined to divest Mr. Jones of his seal under pretence that the comptroller ought not to be of the...
36Deed from Peter Goelet, Robert Morris, and William Popham, [4 April 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
Peter Goelet Robert Morris & William Popham Trustees for all the Creditors of Peter Hassenclever and others under an Attachment &c To Alexander Hamilton } Deed dated the fourth day of April An: Dom 1797. in Consideration of two thousand four hundred and twenty two pounds thirteen shillings and ten pence for a Tract of Land situate lying and being in the Manor of Cosby, on the North side of...
37From Alexander Hamilton to Barent Bleecker, [5 April 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
The fourth & last installment of the purchase money of the Cosby Manor Lands has become due. It is 1655 Dollars & 50 Cents of which your ¼ is 413. Dollars & 87 Cents. I beg the favour of you to lose no time in forwarding this Sum to me. With esteem Yr very hum ser ALS , Detroit Public Library. For an explanation of the contents of this letter, see the introductory note to Philip Schuyler to...
38To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 5 April 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
I received your letter of the and accord with your opinion that the proposed publication of the intelligence from Genl. Pinckney should be omitted. The “emigrant” we conclude to be Perigord, formerly bishop of Autun. Sometime since, I was informed that he left this country with signs of enmity towards it; and the Directory would naturally place great confidence in his opinion: and yet it is so...
39From Alexander Hamilton to William Loughton Smith, 5 April 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received My Dear Sir Your letter of the with your little work accompanying it, which I shall read with the interest I take in the author, the first leisure hour. I have cast my eye over it and like very much the plan. Our affairs are indeed very critical. But I am sorry to find that I do not agree with several of my friends. I am clearly of opinion for an extraordinary mission and as...
40From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, [5 April 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of March 31. I hope nothing in my last was misunderstood. Could it be necessary I would assure you that no one has a stronger convinction than myself of the purity of the motives which direct your public Conduct or of the good sense and judgment by which it is guided. If I have a fear (you will excuse my frankness), it is lest the strength of your feelings, the...
41To Alexander Hamilton from Uriah Tracy, 6 April 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
I thank you for your Letter of the 1st inst. —but as Johnson of Salisbury teazes to purchase for him the Land, which lies in that Town, in your care, I will thank you to write me or him, whether you mean he should have it. Your plan you say respecting our public affairs is to move together till common danger rouse to common Action. I am perfectly in sentiment with you—provided we can rouse...
42From Alexander Hamilton to Rufus King, [8 April 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
I thank you, My Dear Sir, for your letter of the 6th. of February. The intelligence that the Directory have ordered away our Minister is every way unpleasant. It portends too much a formal Rupture as the only alternative to an ignominious submission. Much public feeling has been excited. But the Government, I trust and believe, will continue prudent and do every thing that honor permits...
43To Alexander Hamilton from Elisha Boudinot, 10 April 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
New Ark [ New Jersey ] April 10, 1797 . “I have considered your propositions in the business of Col. Fays and reflected on the situation of his partner, and would rather sacrifice what is my right—then bare hard on him.… If he will take up two Notes which I have given, and are lodged in Mr. Seatons hands the one for two hundred & thirty four dollars payble 10 May—the other for seven hundred &...
44To Alexander Hamilton from Philip Schuyler, 10 April 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
The Governor left this on the day of the date of your letter covering one for him —which as it is now useless I do not return to you. I am so much in disposed that I apprehend I shall not be able to attend Congress at the opening of the session, If it all. In the present posture of our affairs, France seems to have left us no Alternative but a mean and Ignominous submission to her despotic...
45From Alexander Hamilton to William Loughton Smith, [10 April 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
Since my last to you I have perused with great satisfaction your little work on our Governments. I like the execution no less than the plan. If my health & leisure should permit, I would make some notes, but you cannot depend on it, as I am not only extremely occupied but in feeble health. I send you My ideas of the course of Conduct proper in our present situation. It is unpleasant to me to...
46Enclosure: [Notes on Conduct with Great Britain], [10 April 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
It must be acknowleged by all who can comprehend the subject that the present situation of the UStates is in an extreme degree critical, demanding in our public councils a union of the greatest prudence with the greatest firmness. To appreciate rightly the course which ought to be pursued it is an essential preliminary to take an accurate view of the situation. That the preservation of peace...
47To Alexander Hamilton from Oliver Wolcott, Junior, [12 April 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
I thank you for your Letter of April 5th. & enclose Mr. Kings Letter. I presume that the British Comrs. under the 6th. Article (for Debts) will contend for a similar construction respecting cases determined in our Courts. Is there any ground on which the principle can be opposed? Are we to consider the British Credit as at an end, if so what effects, will it probably produce here? Your further...
48To Alexander Hamilton from Nicholas Romayne, [13 April 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose you, my dear Sir, the letter I mentioned to you last evening that I had recd. from the other side of the Ocean on the subject of our conversation. I presume it may eventually be necessary for me to go over, but there is much reason to apprehend that I hazard more in going than most ordinary persons, and which merits some consideration on my part as well as my friends. I know what I...
49From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, [13 April 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
The post of today brought me a letter from you. I am just informed that an order is come to the Custom House not to clear out any Vessel if armed , unless destined for the East Indies. Under the present circumstances I very much doubt the expediency of this measure. The excesses of France justify passiveness in the Government and its inability to protect the Merchants required that it should...
50To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 14 April 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
The letter you sent me has been confined to myself; but the other letters you have written on the same subject, has in your successor at least created some unpleasant feelings. Where opinions clash, and where superiority is made too apparent something a little like envy will come into play especially should a suspicion take place that pains are used to gain proselites. I have this moment...