51Appointment as Member of Committee of Correspondence, 11 February 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, February 11, 1789. On this date Hamilton and twelve others were appointed “a committee to correspond with the other counties on the subject” of the election of Robert Yates as governor and Pierre Van Cortlandt as lieutenant governor of New York State. New-York Packet , March 3, 1789. The committee of correspondence was appointed “at a numerous and respectable meeting of citizens at...
52From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas McKean, 10 February 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, February 10, 1789. “I duly received the letter which you did me the honor to write me of the 2d of Decr. last.… With regard to your Bond against Dowdle, when I first received it I made diligent inquiry after him, but I found that his situation and principles were equally desperate & that to make any attempt to recover the money would be to add fruitlessly to your loss.…” ALS ,...
53To Alexander Hamilton from Robert Turnbull, 10 February 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Petersburg, Virginia, February 10, 1789. “I am possessed of a Bill on you … dated the 10th May 1788 for £57 Virga. money, being endorsed … to me.… You will be so obliging as to give me Information, how this matter stands and what probability there is, of any recovery being made.…” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Turnbull was a merchant of Petersburg, Virginia.
54From Alexander Hamilton to John Holker, [29 January 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
I certify that I am willing and do hereby accept the brief reposed in me as a Commissioner by virtue of a certain instrument bearing date the thirty first day of December in the year one thousand seven hundred and Eighty Eight made between Daniel Parker by his Attorney Andrew Craigie John Holker William Duer Samuel Rogers by the said Andrew Craigie Royal Flint and divers Creditors of the...
55From Alexander Hamilton to Theodore Sedgwick, [29 January 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
I thank you for your two letters of the 4th and 7th instant which arrived here during my absence at Albany from which place I have but recently returned. I believe you may be perfectly tranquil on the subject of Mr. Adam’s election. It seems to be certain that all the middle states will vote for him to Delaware inclusively and probably Maryland. In the South there are no candidates thought of...
56To 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...
57From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Wadsworth, [25 January 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, January 25, 1789. ] On February [5–28], 1789, Wadsworth wrote to Hamilton : “Your favor of the 25 Jany came in good time.” Letter not found. ]
58From Alexander Hamilton to James Wilson, [25 January 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
A degree of anxiety about a matter of primary importance to the new government induces me to trouble you with this letter. I mean the election of the President. We all feel of how much moment it is that Washington should be the man; and I own I cannot think there is material room to doubt that this will be the unanimous sense. But as a failure in this object would be attended with the worst...
59To Alexander Hamilton from Tench Coxe, [23 January 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
Our city are about applying to the legislature for an incorporation, and among other lights have availed themselves of the corporation act of your city. As experience points out many defects, wch. do not at first strike the observation, you will very much oblige me by noting such things as you would advise us to avoid. If there are any matters which have been omitted, or if there are any...
60To Alexander Hamilton from William Constable, 22 January 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York ] January 22, 1789 . “… I called at your House to see You but found you surrounded with so many people on Business that I would not interrupt you. I hand you Gouverneur’s power of attorney which authorizes me to mortgage his Estate.…” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Isaac Gouverneur.
61From Alexander Hamilton to Samuel Jones, [21 January 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
As in our conversations on the important subject of a representation in the ensuing Congress I had the pleasure to perceive that you were inclined to pursue a moderate and accommodating line of conduct; and as I have reason to believe that representations will be made of the sense of this city calculated to nourish a spirit of pertinacity in the Majority of the Assembly which may counteract...
62Certificate of Clerkship for Joseph Strong, [20 January 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
I certify that Joseph Strong has served a clerkship of three years in my office in the business of an Attorney and that he is of good moral character. ADS , Pleadings, 1754–1837, S-486, Hall of Records, New York City. Following his clerkship, Strong practiced law first in Cooperstown, New York, and then in Albany. See Strong to H, August 11, 1796 ( PAH Harold C. Syrett, ed., The Papers of...
63To Alexander Hamilton from Theodore Sedgwick, 7 January 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
[ January 7, 1789. On January 29, 1789, Hamilton wrote to Sedgwick : “I thank you for your two letters of the 4th and 7th instant.” Letter of January 7 not found. ]
64To Alexander Hamilton from Moses Hazen, 6 January 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, January 6, 1789. Solicits Hamilton’s aid as an attorney in a controversy with one of the officers who served under Hazen during the Revolution and who was trying to collect a “Note of hand” from Hazen. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Hazen was brevetted a brigadier general during the Revolution. He settled in Vermont where he owned land.
65To 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...
66To Alexander Hamilton from Theodore Sedgwick, 4 January 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
[ January 4, 1789. On January 29, 1789, Hamilton wrote to Sedgwick : “I thank you for your two letters of the 4th and 7th instant.” Letter of January 4 not found. ]
67To 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...
68To Alexander Hamilton from John Chaloner, [1788] (Hamilton Papers)
[Philadelphia, 1788.] Discusses proposals for the settlement of John Holker’s “protested Bills the property of Mr. Church— amt—£1500 Stg.” LC , Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. This letter concerns the complicated affairs of Daniel Parker and Company in which both John Holker and John B. Church were involved. As the negotiations and litigations for the settlement of Parker’s...
69From Alexander Hamilton to Nathaniel Chipman, [September–December 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Your favour of the 6th of September has been duly handed to me, and I receive great pleasure from the hopes you appear to entertain of a favourable turn of affairs in Vermont in regard to the new Government. It is certainly an object of mutual importance to yourselves and to the Union and well deserves the best endeavours of every discerning and good man. I observe with satisfaction your...
70From Alexander Hamilton to Richard Varick, [31 December 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Commodore Nicholson tells me this evening that they are nearly at a stand for want of funds. I commit the guardianship of my poor bantling to you. Pray dont let it suffer. Another thousand by the corporation will relieve all our difficulties. Yrs. sincerely ALS , MS Division, New York Public Library, New York City. Varick at this time was recorder for New York City. On September 30, 1788, the...
71To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Knox, 28 December 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
As you are going to Albany I beg your assistance in arranging the following business for me. I am a purchaser with you and others in certain Lands on the St Laurence, the patents for which have been taken out of the Land office in the name of Alexr Macomb Esqr. Independent of the purchase of the state, there were certain locations made by Genl Schuyler and others, which were to be paid for by...
72To Alexander Hamilton from William Livingston, 22 December 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
Elizabethtown [ New Jersey ] December 22, 1788 . Discusses the settlement of the estate of Philip Livingston. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
73From Alexander Hamilton to William Livingston, 15 December 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, December 15, 1788. On December 22, 1788, Livingston wrote to Hamilton : “Being favoured with your letter of the 15th instant.” Letter not found. ]
74From Alexander Hamilton to Samuel Ogden, 15 December 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, December 15, 1788. Discusses estate of Philip Ogden. Letter not found. ] ALS , sold at Henkel’s, March 27, 1914, Lot 465.
75From Alexander Hamilton to Henry Banks, 12 December 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, December 12, 1788. On January 1, 1789, Banks wrote to Hamilton : “I recd. your letter of the 12 Ulto.” Letter not found. ] Banks, a Virginian, speculated extensively in western lands.
76Receipt to Baron von Steuben, [12 December 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
I certify that William Constable hath delivered me for the Baron De Steuben by way of loan One Hundred pounds December 12th 1788. ADS , anonymous donor. Constable, a native of Ireland, was a prominent New York City merchant. In 1784 he became a partner with John Rucker of New York in the firm of Constable, Rucker, and Company. Rucker died in 1788, and Constable continued the firm under the...
77Conveyance. 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...
78To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas McKean, 2 December 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, December 2, 1788. On February 10, 1789, Hamilton wrote to McKean : “I duly received the letter which you did me the honor to write me of the 2d of Decr. last.” Letter not found. ] McKean was chief justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and a member of that state’s Ratifying Convention.
79To Alexander Hamilton from Ezekiel Forman, 1 December 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, December 1, 1788. “It is with reluctance I give you the trouble of this Letter, and were it not, that you had promised me every assistance in your power, relative to my Claim upon the Estate of the Late Mr. Livingston, consistant with the trust you had taken upon you, I should have immediate recourse to the Law, without any further or other trial for an amicable Settlement.…” ALS...
80From Alexander Hamilton to John Chaloner, [26 November 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Hurry of business has prevented my complying with the desire of your letter of the 20th. Ulto respecting the arrangement you have entered into with Daniel Parker & Co. &c. Inclosed I send you a power of su[b]stitution which I hope will arrive in time. ⟨With all⟩ the ⟨–⟩ circumstances considered what has been done is prudent so as it does not affect any collateral security which I presume has...
81From Alexander Hamilton to James Madison, [23 November 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
I thank you My Dear Sir for yours of the 20th. The only part of it which surprises me is what you mention respecting Clinton. I cannot however believe that the plan will succeed. Nor indeed do I think that Clinton would be disposed to exchange his present appointment for that office or to risk his popularity by holding both. At the same time the attempt merits attention and ought not to be...
82Power of Attorney to John Chaloner, 22 November 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, November 22, 1788. Appoints John Chaloner “of the City of Philadelphia merchant to be my true and lawful attorney and substitute and the lawful attorney of the said John Barker Church for me and in my name” to settle the affairs of John B. Church and Daniel Parker and Company. DS , Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. The power of attorney was enclosed in H to Chaloner,...
83To Alexander Hamilton from Philip Schuyler, 21 November 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
Albany, November 21, 1788. Encloses the “papers” which he had “promised to prepare” concerning his financial transactions with and for John Bradstreet. ADf , Schuyler Papers, MS Division, New York Public Library. For information concerning this letter, see Benjamin Walker to H, September 3, 1803 (printed in this volume). See also Schuyler to H, September 2, 1788 (printed in this volume).
84Promissory Note to Walter Livingston, 20 November 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, November 20, 1788. On the letter from Hamilton of November 18, 1788 , Livingston made the following notation: “Nov. 20 Col. A. Hamilton sent a note of his to me by Mr. Duer for 3000 Dolls. Specie to endorse which I did and sent the same to the Bank to be discounted for him—W.L.” Document not found. ] William Duer.
85To Alexander Hamilton from James Madison, 20 November 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, November 20, 1788. On November 23, 1788, Hamilton wrote to Madison : “I thank you My Dear Sir for yours of the 20th.” Letter not found. ]
86From Alexander Hamilton to the Agents of the State of New York for Managing the Controversy with the Commonwealth of … (Hamilton Papers)
The Agents of the State of New York } for managing the controversy with the Commonwealth of Massachusettes 1785 For my services in examining the controversy collecting testimony and drawing brief for the hearing. The time spent in this business I cannot precisely determine but to the best of my recollection and Judgment it must have exceeded in the whole five weeks say however 35 days at £3.4...
87From Alexander Hamilton to Daniel Morgan, 18 November 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, November 18, 1788. On November 18, 1788, Hamilton wrote to George Washington : “I will make no apology for asking you to take the additional trouble of forwarding the inclosed to … General” Daniel Morgan. Letter not found. ]
88From Alexander Hamilton to Walter Livingston, [18 November 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton requests the favour of Mr W Livingston to lend his name to the enclosed. AL , New-York Historical Society, New York City. Livingston, a New York City lawyer, served as Commissioner of the Treasury from 1785 to 1789. The enclosure has not been found, but at the bottom of H’s letter Livingston wrote: “Nov. 18–88 The note enclosed was for £300 payable in 30 days drawn by himself in...
89From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [18 November 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Your two last letters have duly come to hand & the Count De Moustier has delivered me the watch you committed to his charge. Your obliging attention to this matter claims my particular acknowlegements. I will make no apology for asking you to take the additional trouble of forwarding the inclosed to the General. I take the liberty of passing it through you that you may by perusing the contents...
90To Alexander Hamilton from Theodore Sedgwick, [12 November 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Boston, November 12, 1788. Letter not found. ] “Letters from T. S. [Theodore Sedgwick] to Genl. A. Hamilton,” William Livingston Papers, Book 3, Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston. Sedgwick, a lawyer in Berkshire County, Massachusetts, was a member of the state legislature in 1780, 1782, 1783, 1787, and 1788, a delegate to the Continental Congress from 1785 to 1788, and speaker of the...
91From Alexander Hamilton to Theodore Sedgwick, [9 November 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Your last letter but one met me at Albany attending Court; from whence I am but just returned. Yours of the 2d. instant is this moment handed me. I am very sorry for the scism you hint at among the Foederalists; but I have so much confidence in the good management of the fast friends of the constitution that I hope no ill consequences will ensue from that disagreement. It will however be...
92To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 6 November 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
The Count de Moustier affording a very favourable conveyance for Captn. Cochrans Watch, I have requested the favor of him to take charge of it—and he will deliver it to you accordingly with Mrs. Washington’s & my best wishes for you & Mrs. Hamilton I am Dr Sir Your Obedt. & affe Servt AL[S] , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. The Comte de Moustier, French Minister to the United States,...
93To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 3 November 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
Your favr. of 6th. Ulto. was duly Received. I thought proper to postpone Replying to it (till after the Session of the Genl. Assembly Should be over which Terminated on Saturday night last) in order that I might have it in my power to give you with more Certainty the proceedings of the Legislature on the Subject of the New Constitution; the Minority both in & out of the House took unwearied...
94To Alexander Hamilton from Theodore Sedgwick, 2 November 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
In my last hasty letter, I engaged to write you soon after my arrival in this town. Various questions will be agitated in the legislature (of considerable magnitude) which respect the orginization of the government. There is a party of federalists, who are of opinion that the electors should ⟨be chosen⟩ by the people, and the rep⟨resentatives⟩ not in districts but at large. These ⟨will⟩ be...
95To Alexander Hamilton from John Chaloner, 20 October 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, October 20, 1788. On November 26 Hamilton wrote to Chaloner : “Hurry of business has prevented my complying with the desire of your letter of the 20th. Ulto.” Letter not found ].
96Account with James Robinson, 22 February 1788–October 19, 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, February 22, 1788–October 19, 1790. An account of carpentry work done by Robinson for Hamilton. The bill totals £51.4.1. D , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
97To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, [18 October 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
A day or two ago the enclosed letters came to my hands. The watch of Genl. Morgan you have for what it cost him, what he expects for it is also signified. It is a repeater with a chaced outer case with open work in parts. The Inner case is open, nearly in the whole. It is of an old fraction make, and appears to have seen better days; perhaps its chief merits lay in being a family piece,...
98To 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...
99From Alexander Hamilton to Theodore Sedgwick, [9 October 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
I thank you My Dr. Sir for your obliging congratulations on the event towards effecting which your aid as a joint labourer was so essential. I hope experience may show that while it promotes the interest of this place it will not be incompatible with public good. We are making efforts to prepare handsome accommodations for the session of the new Congress. On the subject of Vice President, my...
100From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, [6 October 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Your different favours have duly come to hand for which I thank you and for the trouble you have so obligingly taken to urge forward your delegation. Happily the affair has terminated to our wishes. But My Dear Sir I cannot refrain from being particularly anxious for the accession of your state to the new system. Tis very important to the whole Union & particularly to the Northern part of it...