From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Jefferson, 29 June 1792
To Thomas Jefferson
Treasury Department
June 29th 1792
Sir
In consequence of the letter, which you sent me from Mr. Short,1 I find it will be convenient to draw on the Commissioners in Holland2 for the sum which is required pursuant to the third Section of the Act intitled “An Act making certain appropriations therein specified.”3
I therefore propose the following arrangement that the Treasurer draw bills, in your favour, for a sum in guilders equal to fifty thousand dollars; that you give him an acknowlegement for these bills, as a purchase for the use of your department; promising to pay the amount when you shall be furnished with money for that purpose from the Treasury, pursuant to the abovementioned Act.
This will, consistently with the course of the Treasury, put you in possession of the requisite sum, for the next packet; and will avoid the necessity of a loan ’till the occasion for an application of the amount of the bills here shall occur, acording to the destination of that fund.
This arrangement being merely with a view to Treasury convenience and œconomy will not I presume appear liable to any objection. Should it not, it shall be immediately carried into effect.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully Sir Your most Obedient servt
Alexander Hamilton
The Secretary of State
ALS, James Madison Papers, Library of Congress.
2. Willink, Van Staphorst, and Hubbard.
3. Section 3 of this act reads as follows: “And be it further enacted, That a sum of fifty thousand dollars in addition to the provision heretofore made be appropriated to defray any expense which may be incurred in relation to the intercourse between the United States and foreign nations, to be paid out of any monies, which may be in the treasury, not otherwise appropriated, and to be applied under the direction of the President of the United States who, if necessary, is authorized to borrow, on the credit of the United States, the said sum of fifty thousand dollars” ( 285 [May 8, 1792]).