2251From Alexander Hamilton to Lieutenant Colonel John Laurens, [April 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
Cold in my professions, warm in ⟨my⟩ friendships, I wish, my Dear Laurens, it m⟨ight⟩ be in my power, by action rather than words, ⟨to⟩ convince you that I love you. I shall only tell you that ’till you bade us Adieu, I hardly knew the value you had taught my heart to set upon you. Indeed, my friend, it was not well done. You know the opinion I entertain of mankind, and how much it is my...
2252From Alexander Hamilton to John Wilkins, Jr., 10 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the twenty fourth instant ultimo, and am glad happy to find that the appointment of Col. Ogden as Deputy Quarter Master General is agreeable to you. In mentioning Captain Shaumberg as Brigade Quarter Master I did not advert to the provision of the law which disqualifies Officers of a higher grade than first Lieutenant for each post—The appointment, therefore,...
2253From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 13 September 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Duer my assistant goes to Philadelphia to transact some business with the bank there in which your co-operation will probably be wanted. He will give you the necessary explanations; and I doubt not will have your acquiescence in whatever may be requisite to complete his arrangments. The other principal Officers of the Department not being on the spot some informality may be unavoidable....
2254From Alexander Hamilton to Lewis Tousard, 13 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the fifth instant, and approve the intention which it expresses of coming to this place relative to your journey. You will be pleased to signify to Captain Littlefield that his request of a furlough is granted— With Gr— ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
2255From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 22 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The resignation of Lieut Spring is accepted, and will be considered as taking effect on the 31st of this month. The following is from a letter of the S of War—“Doctor Barron is to be considered as temporary Surgeon’s mate from the time he commenced to render service in the fourteenth regiment. Col. Rice’s letter does not give the date of the commencement of his doing duty. When informed...
2256From Alexander Hamilton to Ebenezer Stevens, 27 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have to request that you will provide — horses for Major Hoops and Captain Stille who are about to leave this place for Niagara. You will likewise be pleased likewise to advance fifty dollars to Capn. Stille and seventy five to Major Hoops to defray the expences of the journey— With great consn I am, Sir &c: &c: ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of...
2257[From Alexander Hamilton to the Gazette of the United States], [23 June 1792] (Hamilton Papers)
[Philadelphia] Gazette of the United States , June 23, 1792. Philip Marsh has written: “On June 23d, [John] Fenno printed, under ‘Original Communications,’ an unsigned but Hamiltonian threat at Republican attacks on his measures” (“Hamilton’s Neglected Essays, 1791–1793,” The New-York Historical Society Quarterly , XXXII [October, 1948], 290). Although this “threat” may be “Hamiltonian” in...
2258From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 22 September 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
A certificate of Registry No 16, granted by you, for the Ship Lucretia, has been delivered up, at the Port of Newbern in north Carolina, and returned to this officer by the Collector of that port. Inclosed you will receive part of the certificate, containing the official Seals and signatures of yourself and the naval Officer; which is transmitted to you, in order that the Bond given agreeable...
2259From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 13 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed is a copy of a letter from Col. Rice relative to an issue of Clothing to the troops under his command previous to the expiration of the year—From the Movements in Congress which indicate a speedy disbandment of the additional regiments I have not thought proper to issue an order in the case without your sanction— Unless it is very certain that the If the troops will should not be...
2260From Alexander Hamilton to John Kean, [28 March 1792] (Hamilton Papers)
I request that you will not draw out from the Bank of N America any further sum without a previous communication to me. Yrs. ALS , Harvard University Library. In PAH Harold C. Syrett, ed., The Papers of Alexander Hamilton (New York and London, 1961– ). , XI, 198, this letter is listed as a “letter not found.” This letter concerns relations between the Bank of the United States and the state...
2261From Alexander Hamilton to John Adams, [5 July 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to inform the Vice President of the United States and to request him to cause an intimation to be given to the Honoble The Members of the Senate that at one oClock to day, an oration will be delivered at St Pauls Church in commemoration of the declaration of Independence by a Member of the Society of the Cincinnati and that seats are provided for his and their accommodation....
2262From Alexander Hamilton to Samuel Hodgdon, [25 September 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton requests Mr. Hodgsdon to be so obliging as to inform him whether he has in his power or eye any horse which would be proper as a riding horse for Mr. Hamilton—easy gated of some blood & capable of rendering service. Mr. Hamilton would mean to purchase him. AL , The Indiana Historical Society Library, Indianapolis.
2263From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Arnold, 13 December 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the 29th. October has been received. It will be proper for you to make application on the subject of fees to the Collector of your District. It is his duty, both as it regards the persons who hold the employment of surveyor and the public service, to pay to the several surveyors the lawful portion of the compensations, according to their several services. And I presume if any...
2264From Alexander Hamilton to Nicholas Cruger, 4 November 1771 (Hamilton Papers)
I wrote you a few days ago by Capt Codwise to which refer you & should send you Copys by this opportunity but I am so unwell that it is with difficulty I make out to write these few lines. Every thing remains as then advisd. I have sold about 30 bbls flour more & Collectd a little more money from different people. The Major lies so ill that no one expects he’ll live till night. I receiv’d a...
2265From Alexander Hamilton to Samuel Hodgdon, 18 December 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
I am to acknowledge the receipt of your favor of yesterday. That the amount of the Monies received by you for Arms &c. sold to the State of South Carolina, may be ascertained according to the established usage of the Treasury Department, it will be necessary that you present an account thereof with the proper documents at the Auditors Office. A warrant will then issue upon you in favor of the...
2266From Alexander Hamilton to Caleb Swan, 13 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
There have been pressing Applications to me from various quarters for supplies of recruiting money. The service is at a stand from the want of this article, and thus the most favorable portion of the year is suffered to pass away. I have made early and pressing applications on the subject. Had these been properly attended to, there would have been no ground of complaint. Should subsequent...
2267From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Willing, 5 February 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
I request that the Bank will advance to Messrs. Young & Dannaker Five hundred Dollars on account of their Cloathing with the Public on the same principles as the advances heretofore made. With respectful consideration I have the honor to be Sir Your most Obed ser ALS , Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. See “Contract with George Dannacker and William Young,” October 22, 1792 .
2268From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 25 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
It is my wish that you would look among the officers of the thirteenth regiment for some character qualified to fill the office station of Brigade Inspector — Quarter Master. Captain Meigs has been highly spoken of to me by his Colonel. I mention this mainly to draw call your attention to this Gentleman, ———— his merits, confiding however that you will have an equal eye to those of other...
2269From Alexander Hamilton to John Daves, 25 March 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, March 25, 1794. “The enclosed is a Copy of a letter which has been received from the Surveyor of Beaufort in the District of New Bern. I request to be informed what steps have been taken in regard to the seizure alluded to by the Surveyor.” Copy, RG 56, Letters to the Collector at New Bern, National Archives; LC , RG 56, Letters to Collectors at Small Ports, “Set G,”...
2270From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, 4 February 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, February 4, 1790. Announces that Olney has been selected by the President to pay “pensions to Invalids for the Space of one year.” LS , Rhode Island Historical Society, Providence. On June 14, 1790, the Senate confirmed Olney’s appointment as collector of customs at Providence. This letter, except for the sums specified as owed to the “invalids,” is the same as the one...
2271From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 27 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
A letter from Major Toussard of the 19 instant has the following paragraph “The commissioners at Fort Wolcott and Fort Adams have received by the last mail the copy of your general Order, transmitted to them from Boston by Major Jackson which lessens the allowance fixed by the regulation to be observed in the delivery & Distribution of fuel and Straw to the Garrisons on the Sea Coast. The...
2272From Alexander Hamilton to Theodore Sedgwick, 27 February 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
When will Congress probably adjourn? Will any thing be settled as to a certain Election? Will my presence be requisite as to this or any other purpose and when? I observe more and more that by the jealousy and envy of some, the miserlyness of others and the concurring influence of all foreign powers , America, if she attains to greatness, must creep to it. Well be it so. Slow and sure is no...
2273From Alexander Hamilton to William Gardner, [22 January 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
I duly received your letter of the 9th inst. on the subject of your salary as Commissioner of Loans. I am fully sensible of the inadequateness of your compensation, and I assure you that it will not be for want of my exertion if something is not added in the course of the present session of Congress. With great consideration, I am, Sir Your obedient servant, [New York] Argus. Greenleaf’s...
2274From Alexander Hamilton to Caleb Swan, [14 October 1799] (Hamilton Papers)
I send you an account of pay &c due to myself my Secy and Assistant Secretary down to the last of September inclusively which I request you to put in a Train of Adjustment without delay in order that the money which is wanted may be received. The last item not being within the establishment may require the sanction of the Secy of War to whom I have written on the subject. It may be proper to...
2275From Alexander Hamilton to William C. Bentley, 13 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the twenty sixth of August has been delivered to me. The contents have been duly attended to, and the result when known will be communicated. I have just received your letter of the fifth of this month, and am satisfied with the explanation which that it contains. The desire which you express to cultivate harmony is highly praiseworthy, and I hope the present which the last — it...
2276From Alexander Hamilton to John Laurance, 23 March 1786 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York ] March 23, 1786 . Plans to bring the cause of Benjamin Paine, et al. v. Peter Mesier, Jr. and Jacob Van Voorhees to trial at the next term of the Supreme Court. Copy, Mr. Otto Madlener, Hubbard Woods, Illinois.
2277From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 4 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Col Ogden has written to m requested me to have appoint ed bridgetown as a Company Rendezvous in the place of Woodbury to which I have consented. I will thank you to instruct Colonel Rhea to make the a contract for the former place, if so requested by Col Ogden with consideration I am Sir Your obed servt. ( Df , in the handwriting of Philip Church, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
2278From Alexander Hamilton to William Ellery, 11 February 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, February 11, 1792. On February 27, 1792, Ellery wrote to Hamilton and referred to “Your letter of the 11th of this month in answer to mine of the 16th of Jany.” Letter not found. ]
2279From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Ashburner, 20 November 1771 (Hamilton Papers)
Above is triplicate of mine to you ⅌ Capt Henton to which have receivd no answer. I have now to beg the favour of you to pay Mess[rs.] Fraser Grant & Baillie of St Christophers on Mr Crugers Account as soon as convenient £13.4.10 Windward Currency for which Mr. Thomas shall have Credit. I am Sir Your Respectful hum Serv LC , in writing of H, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. In the MS of...
2280From Alexander Hamilton to Daniel Jackson, 25 February 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Your two letters of the twelfth and twenty first of January have been received. I have wri mentioned Mr. Hunnewell to the Sy of War as a Candidate for the office of Surgeon’s Mate, and have given him the usual support. With respect to the Deserter Edward Gorman you will have him tried by a Court Martial, this being a general Rule in such cases—The Court will take all the circumstances into...
2281From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 16 June 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Seeing the terrible delays which take place is it not adviseable immediately to authorise your Agents at New York & Boston to take prompt measures for increasing your supply of Cloathing tents and such other articles as are in Arrear? Considering past experience can you possibly depend on the present plan for the future supply? If blue Cloath cannot be found for the whole, better to take some...
2282From Alexander Hamilton to James O’Hara, 18 December 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, December 18, 1792. On January 10, 1793, O’Hara wrote to Hamilton : “Being absent on Special business, I had not the honor to answer your letter of the 18th ulto. sooner.” Letter not found. ] O’Hara, who had emigrated from Ireland to the United States before the American Revolution, had served during the war in the quartermaster’s department. In the seventeen-eighties he settled...
2283From Alexander Hamilton to Alexander J. Dallas, 8 February 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
It is regretted that the pressing business of this Department has not till this time permitted a reply to the questions stated in Mr. Gallatin’s letter of the 14th: of January respecting the new loan certificates of the State of Pennsylvania. It has been the uniform construction of the act making provision for the debt of the United States, that to render any certificates receivable on the...
2284From Alexander Hamilton to John Rice, 7 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, November 7, 1789. “I am favord with your Letter of the 24th. Ultimo Enclosing your Weekly Return.… The mode you practise in taking Bonds to secure the Duties on Goods … is certainly proper.… The Harbour Boats you mention in your Letter of the 22d. I have no Objection to, but wish as soon as possible to have an Estimate of their Expence.” L[S] , RG 36, Collector of Customs...
2285From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 25 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed are I have the honor to transmit the proceedings of the Court Martial in the case of Lt. Leybourne I have strongly disapproved the sentence of the Court W— ( Df , in the handwriting of Ethan Brown, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress), enclosing the proceedings of John Leybourne’s court-martial, February 22, 1800, signed by James Read ( DS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
2286From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 8 February 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Hurry of business has prevented my answering till now your favours of the 21st of December and 9th of January. I am of opinion that in strictness after the passing of the Registering Act, nothing but the Register or Enrollment could be evidence of an American bottom, or entitle a vessel to the privileges of one. Yet where from absence it was impossible for a vessel (“evidently and bona fide”...
2287Constitution of the Bank of New York, [23 February–15 March 1784] (Hamilton Papers)
Constitution Article 1st. That the Bank shall be called by the Name and Title of the Bank of New York. –2– That the Capital Stock consist of Five Hundred Thousand Dollars in Gold or Silver, divided into One Thousand Shares of Five Hundred Dollars each Share and that a Majority of all the Directors may at their discretion open new Subscriptions for encreasing the Capital Stock, when they shall...
2288From Alexander Hamilton to William Ellery, 23 January 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, January 23, 1794. On February 10, 1794, Ellery wrote to Hamilton and referred to “Your letter … of the 23d. of Jany. last.” Letter not found. ]
2289From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Nathanael Greene, [16 May 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
When you ask my opinion as a friend, I must always act the part of a true friend, however frequently the advice I give may happen to clash with your feelings justly irritated by injuries which you have not merited. Considering the Board of treasury as so many individuals, the complexion of their letter to you would abundantly justify the asperity of your reply; but considering them as a public...
2290From Alexander Hamilton to William Ellery, [25 July 1792] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, July 25, 1792. On August 6, 1792, Ellery wrote to Hamilton : “I have recd. your … letters of the 21. 25. & 26 of the last month.” Letter of July 25 not found. ]
2291From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 9 June 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
I called at your house the morning of my departure but you was not then up. While I was in the City we had a little conversation concerning an affair of an arrangement with Swan for effecting a remittance to Holland. I intended to have resumed it for two reasons, one because it has been represented to the disadvantage of the Conduct of the Treasury, another because Swan who lodged at the same...
2292From Alexander Hamilton to Lieutenant Colonel Richard Varick, 12 September 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
The following is the address which the Marquis thinks will best answer the purpose—The Right Honorable The Marquis de la Fayette, Marechal de camp of the armies of His Most Christian Majesty and Major General in the Service of the United States. ALS , sold at the Parke-Bernet Galleries, January 20, 1947, Lot 346. Varick was at this time aide-de-camp to Benedict Arnold at West Point. Varick’s...
2293From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 7 September 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
On the 28. June 1791 the Collector of New York was instructed to furnish each of the Revenue Cutters with Ten Musquets and Bayonets, Twenty Pistols, one broad axe, one Chissel of the large and one of the smallest size, and two Lanthorns. I am informed by the Collector of Norfolk that those articles were not received by him; though Mr. Lamb of New York states to me, they were shipped in the...
2294Circular to the Commandants of Regiments, 22 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, May 22, 1799. “It has happened in one instance which has come to my knowledge that the hats sent on for the Recruits have been destitute of Cockades and Loops. In a similar case I authorise you to procure the deficiencies to be supplied and I will take care that the expence be defrayed. Where there is an Agent of the war Department, you will first apply to him to have what is...
2295From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 12 January 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
For a considerable time past the Commissioner of Loans for New York, has laboured under a degree of bodily infirmity little suited to the arduous duties of his station. A belief that his demise would speedily have terminated the embarrassment, united with other considerations, has hitherto prevented me from officially representing his situation to you, & the possible inconvenience to the...
2296From Alexander Hamilton to William Short, 25 July 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letters of the 25th of April and 14th of May have duly reached me; since the receipt of that of the 22nd of April which was acknowleged in mine of the 30th of June. In consequence of your letter of the 14th of May I have directed drafts on the Commissioners for five hundred thousand Guilders, and as soon as these are sold, I shall cause further drafts to be made to the extent of [five...
2297From Alexander Hamilton to Robert Troup, 13 April 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
I should want feeling & friendship were I not penetrated by the affectionate concern you so repeatedly manifest for my interest. Without knowing the particulars of the plan to which you refer I ought not to decide finally against it. But I very much believe that it will not comport with my general system which is to avoid large or complicated speculations especially where foreigners are...
2298From Alexander Hamilton to Philip Schuyler, 26 December 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
It being intended to establish immediately a recruiting rendezvous at Albany, I take the liberty to request you, to engage a Person who will furnish the necessary Supplies; informing me of what has been done. The rations to be supplied are to consist of the following Articles Vizt— 1 lb of Bread or flour 1 lb of beef or ¾ lb of pork ½ jill of Rum, brandy or Whiskey 1 Quart of Salt { per...
2299From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, 25 July 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
I have before me your letter of the 16th instant, concerning certain Brandy, intended to be exported by Messrs Clark and Nightingale. There can be no doubt that the Brandy, being a foreign article, will be liable, as the law stands, to duty on its return. The drawback cannot be allowed, unless the proof required, of its having been actually landed at a foreign port, is produced. I am, Sir, ...
2300From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Jefferson, [10 July 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury presents his Compliments to the Secretary of State. He has signed the Counterpart; but for the present leaves in the words as a privateer to consider jointly of some substitute the kind of vessel not being wholly indifferent & there being a doubt whether the general words would be descriptive enough. The letter supposed to have been received from the Commissioner...