121To Alexander Hamilton from James Madison, 16 June 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
Yours of the 8th. is just come to hand. I mentioned in my last that Oswald had been here in consultation with the Antifedl. leaders. The contents of your letter confirm the idea that a negotiation for delay is [on] foot between the opposition here & with you. We have conjectured for some days that the policy is to spin out the Session in order to receive overtures from your Convention; or if...
122To Alexander Hamilton from John Chaloner, 15 April 1786 (Hamilton Papers)
Since my last I have concluded the negotiation with Mr. John Wilcox and have reced from him his note payble in nine months for two hundred pounds being in full for ⅛ of the two Ships St. Anne & Two Brothers. Our Assembly has rejected the application of the Citizens to establish the Bank. The Stock holders therefore remain in that uncertain situation that you & Col Wadsworth apprehended prior...
123To Alexander Hamilton from John Chaloner, 25 March 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
Yours of the 22nd Instant I have just now reced and shall attend to your directions. I never charge Mr Church Commissions on receiving Cash because the charge of Commissions on his property in my hands is considerable large but if this transaction is not for him, I ought to have a small Comm[issio]n. I have reced the Package for Mrs Hamilton, & will forward it by the first Vessell to New York....
124To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 11 December 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
I have been favoured with your letter of the 25th. of November by Major Farlie. Sincerely do I wish that the several State Societies had, or would, adopt the alterations that were recommended by the General meeting in May 1784. I then thought, and have had no cause since to change my opinion, that if the Society of the Cincinnati mean to live in peace with the rest of their fellow Citizens,...
125To Alexander Hamilton from Samuel Brailsford, 25 September 1787 (Hamilton Papers)
Charleston, South Carolina, September 25, 1787. “Mr Mullett lately transmited me Copy of your Letter to him of the 22d July, together with his answer, which I approve, tho’ he was mistaken in saying that the terms on which Wooldridge has been liberated, were all that I required; as there was another matter of great importance that I wished to accomplish previous to that event, & on which I...
126To Alexander Hamilton from Robert R. Livingston, 25 December 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
December 25, 1785. “I recd your notes with Mr. Hoffmans Letter. I have no objections to waving any formalities with respect to the return of the writ of error. I should be extremly sorry if any part of my letter strikes you disagreeably. The passage you allude to was inserted as well to contradict an assertion that I had treated Mr. Hoffmans memory with severity, as to express my resentment at...
127To Alexander Hamilton from Murray, Sansom, and Company, [April 1786] (Hamilton Papers)
Murray, Sansom & Co. present their Compliments to Mr. Hamilton and inform him that there is a Vessel that will sail on Sunday next for London, they would be obliged to him if he would have the Commission made out to go by that conveyance. At foot are the names they wish to have nominated as Commissioners. No 1 [Henry] Adams—Attorney at Law 3 Robert Barclay 4 Joseph Woods 5 Effingham...
128To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 6 November 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
The enclosed is a letter which I had written, and was about to dispatch at the date of it; but upon second thoughts, determined to Postpone it, and try, if from the importance of the matter, I could not bring forward the Peace Establishment, previously. I have tryed it, in vain. Congress, after resolving on the of last Month to adjourn upon the 12th. of this, did, equally unexpectedly &...
129To Alexander Hamilton from Samuel Broome, 13 August 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
I have been informed Congress have appointed a Committee to examine into the situation of their Contract made with Mr James Jarvis for the Loan of a quantity of Coined Copper and that said Committee had reported that said Contract Was Void should an action be Commenced against Mr Jarvis for damages. I hope you will be pleased to Consider yourself as his attorney in the suit provided there...
130To Alexander Hamilton from Angelica Church, [2 October 1787] (Hamilton Papers)
You had every right my dear brother to believe that I was very inattentive not to have answered your letter; but I could not relinquish the hopes that you would be tempted to ask the reason of my Silence, which would be a certain means of obtaining the second letter when perhaps had I answered the first, I should have lost all the fine things contained in the Latter. Indeed my dear, Sir if my...
131To Alexander Hamilton from James Madison, 22 June 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
The Judiciary Department has been on the anvil for several days; and I presume will still be a further subject of disquisition. The attacks on it have apparently made less impression than was feared. But they may be secretly felt by particular interests that would not make the acknowledgement, and wd. chuse to ground their vote agst. the Constitution on other motives. In the course of this...
132To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 25 August 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
Since I had the Honor to address you 23rd. Inst. on the Subject of——; I have had the pleasure of a Full Conversation with Mr. A. He is Zealous in the matter and assures me he will go forward in one of the New York Packets by the last of this Week. I have wrote Mr. H. on the Subject and Warmly urged the Necessity of his going on with his Colleague Mr. A. and have made him an offer of a Draught...
133To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 10 July 1787 (Hamilton Papers)
I thank you for your communication of the 3d. When I refer you to the State of the Councils which prevailed at the period you left this City—and add, that they are now, if possible, in a worse train than ever; you willfind that little ground on which the hope of a good establishment can be formed. In a word, I almost dispair of seeing a favourable issue to the proceedings of the Convention,...
134To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Wadsworth, 9 January 178[6] (Hamilton Papers)
Previous to the meeting of the Stock Holders of the Bank, I had several conf⟨erences⟩ with Mr R Morris and he softended down much. He consented to our Propositions, & this day in a very great meeting of the Stock Holders it was unanimously voted to have a legal decision as soon as possible—agreeable to ye instructions I recd from ye Gentlemen at N York. Mr Wilson then observed that the other...
135To Alexander Hamilton from John Campbell, 10 May 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
I am happy to have the Satisfaction to Inform you that If I could by any means find a Safe Opportunity at Present I have in my power to remit you the Cash to pay those people that you was my Security too. As I only arrived here the 29th. of last Month, I beg you may not think it Strange you not Recd. the mony by this. I hope you’ll rest assured that when ever I can with any Safety Send it to...
136To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 18 October 1787 (Hamilton Papers)
Your favor without date came to my hand by the last Post. It is with unfeigned concern I perceive that a political dispute has arisen between Governor Clinton and yourself. For both of you I have the highest esteem and regard. But as you say it is insinuated by some of your political adversaries, and may obtain credit, “that you palmed yourself upon me, and was dismissed from my family;” and...
137To Alexander Hamilton from Marquis de Lafayette, 26 October [1787] (Hamilton Papers)
As I am writing By a Gentleman Who goes through England and Carries my letter Himself, I shall Content Myself with inclosing the Copy of Some favourable Arrangemens of Commerce —and Reminding You of Your loving, grateful, and devoted am My dear Hamilton Yours for Ever My Best Respects to Mrs Hamilton. ALS , The Sol Feinstone Collection, Library of the American Philosophical Society,...
138To Alexander Hamilton from Marquis de Lafayette, 8 October 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
With all the warmth of my long and tender friendship I Congratulate You Upon the Birth of Your daughter, and Beg leave to present Mrs Hamilton With my most Affectionate Respects. Several delays Have Retarded the Oppening of the treaty and When I was Upon the Ground, it Has Been found that my influence with the Indians Both friendly and Hostile tribes, was much Greater than the Commissioners...
139Thomas Mifflin to Alexander Hamilton, John Laurance, and Richard Varick, 17 December 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
Yesterday I received the letter you did me the honor to write to me on the 10th: instant, and laid it before Congress; but as seven States only have met, the Subject of it cannot be taken up so soon as its Importance requires. I will transmit to you an authenticated copy of the Ratification of the definitive Treaty the moment that Congress shall put it into my power. I am with much Respect &...
140To Alexander Hamilton from John Chaloner, 1 May 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed you have Captn Wades recet for the Box I reced of the Consul of france which I hope will come safe to hand. I shall write you on the Subject of the Bank as soon as I am well informd of the business transacted Yesterday at a meeting of the Stockholders. I have not a doubt but that the money can be better employed & with equal security. I am Sir Your most Obdt Servt LC , Historical...
141To Alexander Hamilton from Lawrence and Morris, 31 May 1786 (Hamilton Papers)
We are much concerned, that the matter has been so long delayed, respecting the return of the money, you have been so very obliging as to lend us. Every moment since the Receipt of your Note of the other day, we have been expecting to receive the money, from different Persons indebted to us in this City, under their most solemn assurances of payment, & it would have been more agreeable to us,...
142To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Wadsworth, 3 April 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received very unfavorable accounts respecting Isaac Moses & Co House in Holland. As you have the recet for our Monies I wish you inquire of him if our concerns are so involved in his matters that we shall be liable to any loss in case of his ruine by this misfortune in holland. I am Dear Sir Your very Hum Servant Have you any news from Church by ye last Packet? I have not a line. ALS ,...
143To Alexander Hamilton from James Madison, 27 June [1788] (Hamilton Papers)
This day put an end to the existence of our Convention. The inclosed is a copy of the Act of Ratification. It has been followed by a number of recomendatory alterations; many of them highly objectionable. One of the most so is an article prohibiting direct taxes where effectual laws shall be passed by the States for the purpose. It was impossible to prevent this error. The minority will sign...
144To Alexander Hamilton from Elbridge Gerry, [8 September 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter requesting “any explanation which may serve to throw further light on the subject” of the Baron de Steuben’s claims, & inclosing an extract of a report lately made thereon. In answer thereto, I must observe, that the distance of the period at which the Baron arrived at York Town is such, as to make it difficult if not impossible for a person to be very particular or...
145To Alexander Hamilton from John Adams, 19 October 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
At the Instance of Mr. Hartley in behalf of his Friend Mr Francis Upton, I advised Mr Upton to apply to some Councillor in New York and particularly to Mr Hamilton, whose Reputation was known to me although his Person was not. Mr Hartley now requests for Mr Upton a Letter of Introduction. As a total Stranger but by Character, it would be very difficult to find a Pretence to excuse the Liberty...
146To Alexander Hamilton from Marinus Willett, [24 May 1786] (Hamilton Papers)
I do hereby Certify that on Casting up the Votes in the several Poll lists returned to me by the Inspectors of the General Election held in the several Wards of the City and County in April last it appears that Alexander Hamilton Esqr. was by plurality of Voices duly Elected one of the Representatives of the General Assembly for the City and County of New York. Given under my hand at New York...
147To Alexander Hamilton from John Chaloner, 26 May 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
Yours of the 18 Inst came duly to hand I have expectation of a bill on your City for the amt of your first payment or thereabouts. I shall certainly receive it in a day or two & will forward it immediately. The Present situation of the Bank is unknown to any but the directors thereof. What has occasioned the late embarrassments is also unknown. They are so far surmounted as to enable them to...
148To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Banks, 1 January 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Richmond, January 1, 1789. “I recd. your letter of the 12 Ulto.… I suppose I shall be entitled to Costs of Suit with Foltz & Lorenz for the recovery of which ’tis my wish that you either take or cause measures to be taken.… Mr. Constable has a mercantile Reputation.… I shall at present leave him cloak’d under that Reputation until I see a fit oppy to attack him and it more seriously than to...
149To Alexander Hamilton from John Chaloner, 21 January 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
I have before me yours of the 8th. & 15th Instt. Yesterday I waited on the President of the Bank with your power of Attorney. He thought it sufficient had Mr Carters to you accompanied it, but for want thereof they could not pay me his divident. You must therefore send me Mr Carters original Power of Attorney to you. Your draft favour of Mr Hoffman I will take up. A Mr P Thompson applied to me...
150To Alexander Hamilton from Nathaniel Chipman, 6 September 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received by Capt. Ville your favour of the 22d of July. Since I wrote you I have had an opportunity of conversing with his Excellency the governor and most of the council on the Subject of Vermonts accession to the confederacy. They generally agree that the terms suggested are good; that it will be highly the interest of Vermont to accede, and that the present is likely to be a...
151To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 10 September 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
I am Sorry to inform you that Mr. H. Cannot be prevailed on to attend Congress till after the Octr. Session of our Genl. Assembly which will be the last of the month, & which he means to attend, as he has been appointed a Representative for Charleston, Since his Return from New York. Mr. H’s Determination I have from a Gentleman in his Neighbourhood & well acquainted with his Politicks. I am...
152To Alexander Hamilton from Egbert Benson, 28 May 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
May 28, 1784. “There is an Ejectment depending in the Supreme Court for Lands in this County for the Family of the Rooseboom’s agt: Pearsall Brown, in which the Lessors of the Plf: request You will consider Yourself retained as Council on their Behalf.… I have a similar Request to you from the Devisees of Catharine Brett, who claim a considerable Tract in the Rumbout Precinct in this County...
153To Alexander Hamilton from John B. Church, 15 June 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
I arrived here three Days since, and cannot let slip the Opportunity which the Departure of the Marquis de la Fayette offers me to drop you a Line. I cannot say how long I shall remain here, but I shall not exceed next week, unless a Treaty that Wadsworth and myself are about entering on with the Farmers General to supply them with Tobacco should take Place in which Case I may be detained here...
154To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Rush [5 January 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
A worthy friend of mine, & formerly my pupil Dr Rodgers has lately removed from our city to New York. Permit me to solicit a small share of your extensive influence in his favor. I do not expect that former medical connections should be given up to serve him. It will be eno’ from you—if when his name is mentioned in company you bear a testimony from his old preceptor that he is a gentleman of...
155To Alexander Hamilton from John Witherspoon, 16 November 1787 (Hamilton Papers)
I have just received your Letter inclosing Baron Steubens Printed Paper In answer please to knew that Nothing passed between me & the Committee that can be constructed as the least Contradiction to which I certified formerly. They asked now whether there was an actual or explicit Contract with Baron Steuben verbally though not written I answerd that there was not any proper formal Contract...
156Conveyance. Isaac Roosevelt and Robert C. Livingston to Thomas Jones, John H. Livingston, Alexander Hamilton, and … (Hamilton Papers)
New York, December 4, 1788. “… By an act of the Legislature of the State of New York Entitled ‘An act for vesting the Estate of Philip Livingston late of the City of New York Esquire deceased in Trustees for the payment of his Debts and other purposes therein mentioned’” the heirs of Philip Livingston convey his entire estate to the trustees “for one whole year bearing date the day before the...
157To Alexander Hamilton from John Chaloner, 13 December 1786 (Hamilton Papers)
Yours of the 1st Inst covering Mr Whites Bill & Protest I reced the 10th Inst since which no Oppo has offerd by which I could send you the money. I shall embrace the first. Did the money I sent you by Mr Lawry come safe to hand? Our Assembly is now on the subject of the Bank & a proposition before them to restore the old Charter. Mr Morris is opposed to any alteration least it should...
158To Alexander Hamilton from John De Ponthieu Wilkes, 8 November 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
I received just now a Note from Mr. Atkinson which you had written to him for Mr. Hearts obligations to Mr. Mc.Cauley and which I suppose was occasioned by my Message to you yesterday. I am very glad at any rate that the creditors are likely to obtain some settlement But I think at the same time that you have adopted a strange and injurious line of Conduct to me. It is now near six months...
159To Alexander Hamilton from James Madison, 20 June 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
Our debates have advanced as far as the Judiciary Department against which a great effort is making. The appellate congnizance of fact, and an extension of the power to causes between Citizens of different States, with some lesser objections are the topics chiefly dwelt on. The retrospection to cases antecedent to the Constitution, such as British debts, and an apprehended revival of the...
160To Alexander Hamilton from John Jay, 15 May 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Richard Laurence of Staten Island has complained to Congress, and to the King of Great Britain, that Judgments have been obtained and executed against him in certain Actions of Trespass, which he says were commenced and prosecuted in Violation of the Treaty of Peace. In these Actions I understand you was concerned for him, and as it is important that the Facts which concern the Merits of...
161To Alexander Hamilton from Theodore Sedgwick, 16 October 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
Your favor of the 9th. I have this moment recd. and detain the post while, that I may make a very few observations on a subject I conceive highly interesting to the efficient operations of the future government. Mr. Adams was formerly infinitely more democratical than at present and possessing that jealousy which always accompanies such a character, he was averse to repose such unlimited...
162To Alexander Hamilton from George Webb, 28 January 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Richmond, January 28, 1789. “Some discoveries which I have made since my return from New York respecting the conduct of Mr. Simon Nathan, in the Business confided to his management by Mr. Foster Webb junr and myself, enduces me to trouble you.… The discoveries … fully evince the fraudulent Intentions and Practices of Mr. Nathan, and at the same time afford evidence which will substantiate a...
163To Alexander Hamilton from James Madison, 9 June [1788] (Hamilton Papers)
The Heat of the weather &c. has laid me up with a bilious attack; I am not able therefore to say more than a few words. No material indications have taken place since my last. The chance at present seems to be in our favor. But it is possible things may take another turn. Oswald in Phila. came here on Saturday; and has closet interviews with the leaders of the opposition. Yours affcy. ALS ,...
164To Alexander Hamilton from James Madison, 16 October 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
Your favor of the 6th. of July by some singular ill luck never found its way to my hands till yesterday evening. The only part that now needs attention is a request that I will answer the following Question “What appeared to be my idea and disposition respecting the removal of Congress—did I appear to wish to hasten it, or did I not rather show a strong disposition to procrastinate it?” If...
165To Alexander Hamilton from Gouverneur Morris, 30 June 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
This is rather a late Period to acknowlege yours of the seventh of April. I have lived in the constant Intention to answer it & I now execute my Purpose. But why not sooner? Procrastination is the Thief of Time says Doctor Young. I meant to have written fully on the Subject of the Gold. But I waited some Informations from Annapolis on the Probability of a Mint. I afterwards intended a long...
166To Alexander Hamilton from John B. Church, 24 July 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
I wrote you last from France by M de la Fayette two Days since Coll Clarkson arrived and brought me your Favor of the 18th June. I am glad to find by him that your violent Party in New York begins to moderate. I hope shortly that Humanity and good Policy will replace Violence and Folly. If the Bank is not solidly established I do not wish to be concerned in it. Wadsworth is gone to Ireland...
167To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Lee, [16 June 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
God bless you & your efforts to save me from the manifold ⟨–⟩ misfortunes which have & continue to oppress me, whenever I attempt to aid human nature. You will do what you think best & whatever you do I will confirm. Hazard has acted the part of a decided rascal & if I fail in my right, I may not in personal revenge. Our Convention is in full debate on the great business of Federal...
168To Alexander Hamilton from Anthony Wayne, 6 April 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Permit me to introduce to your acquaintance Brigr General James Jackson, (a representative from Georgia to Congress) he is my particular friend, who in the Campaign of 1782 Commanded the State Legion which composed my Vanguard. I know him to be A Valuable Citizen a good soldier & an honest man, & as such I wish you to introduce him to your Military & other acquaintances, & whatever Civilities...
169To Alexander Hamilton from John Chaloner, 14 July 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed you have Mr Peter Whiteside’s draft on Messrs. James Buckannan & Co. for One thousand Dollars at six days Sight, Mr Thomas Irwin on Captn Geo Geddes at 5 days sight for twenty three pounds 9/2, & James Bowne on William Bowne at twenty days for seventy five dollars, making on the whole four hundred twenty six pounds 11/8 which I doubt not will meet due honour. This I have charg’d to Mr...
170To Alexander Hamilton from John Langdon, [21 June 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
By the Desire of our Mutual Friend Rufus King Esqr. I have the great pleasure and satisfaction of informing you, that this State, has this day Adopted the federal Constitution; this al-important Question, was Carried by a Majority of Eleven 57 Yeas 46 Nays. Excuse hast and Believe me, with the greatest Respect Dr: Sir: Your Mot: Obt: Servant P: S: this letter goes to Springfield by an...