31Assignment of Debts and Grant of Power of Attorney to John B. Church, [9 July 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
Know all Men by these Presents, That I Alexander Hamilton of the City of New York Counsellor at law, in consideration of one Dollar to me in hand paid by John B Church Esquire, (the receipt whereof is hereby acknowleged) have bargained sold assigned and conveyed and hereby do bargain sell assign & convey to the said John B Church all and singular the debts due owing and payable to me: which...
32Enclosure: [List of Debts Assigned to John B. Church], 9 July 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
A Copy of a list of Debts assigned to John B Church Esquire per Deed Dated 9th. July 1804 paid James & William Sterling 75 pd Isaac Clason 160 no William Bell—Robinson & Hartshorne 50 pd Mess. Jenkins (Riggs) 50 pd Pierre Van Cortland } 40 late L. Governor pd P. Jay Monroe paid
33Last Will and Testament of Alexander Hamilton, [9 July 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
In the Name of God Amen! I Alexander Hamilton of the City of New York Counsellor at Law do make this my last Will and Testament as follows. First I appoint John B Church Nicholas Fish and Nathaniel Pendleton of the City aforesaid Esquires to be Executors and Trustees of this my Will and I devise to them their heirs and Assigns, as joint Tenants and not as Tenants in common, All my Estate real...
34William P. Van Ness’s Regulations for the Duel, [9 July 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
1. The parties to leave the City at 5 O Clock A. M Wednesday morning 11th Instant. 2. The distance between the parties to be 10 yards & the Pistols not to exceed 11 Inches in the barrel. The Seconds to determine by lot the choice of Positions and the Giving of the word. 3. The parties being placed at their Stations—The Second who gives the words shall ask them whether they are ready. Being...
35Deed of Trust to John B. Church, John Laurance, and Matthew Clarkson, [6 July 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
This Indenture made the Sixth day of July in the Year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and four Between Alexander Hamilton of the City of New York Counsellor at Law of the one part and John B. Church John Laurance and Matthew Clarkson of the City of New York Esquires of the other part Witnessth That the Said Alexander Hamilton for and in consideration of one Dollar to him in hand paid by...
36From Alexander Hamilton to Wilhelm Schuss, 5 July 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
During Yesterdays Fete, having had occasion to discharge ⟨– –⟩ recently repaired; I must ⟨–⟩ the Barrel now ⟨– – –⟩ in the Opposite Direction. I will expect you ⟨– – –⟩ immedy upon your Return to the City. your Servt Transcript furnished by Mr. Lincoln Diamant, Tarrytown, New York. Schuss was a New York City gunsmith. See “Motion Made at a Meeting of the Society of the Cincinnati,” July 4,...
37From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [4 July 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
This letter, my very dear Eliza, will not be delivered to you, unless I shall first have terminated my earthly career; to begin, as I humbly hope from redeeming grace and divine mercy, a happy immortality. If it had been possible for me to have avoided the interview, my love for you and my precious children would have been alone a decisive motive. But it was not possible, without sacrifices...
38Motion Made at a Meeting of the Society of the Cincinnati, [4 July 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
On the 4th of July, on motion of Hamilton, the Committee were directed, in case of a favorable report upon claims for admission as a member of right (except where there may have been a previous admission in another State Society), to report specifically the ground upon which they conceive the original right of the applicant to stand, and the reason which may have prevented an earlier...
39From Alexander Hamilton to Nathaniel Pendleton, [4 July 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
I thank you My Dear Sir for your friendly offices in this last critical scene, if such it shall be. Excuse me for having inserted your name as Executor. I fear it may not be in your favor to do much good to my family. But I am sure you will do all the good you can. Yrs. truly My most interesting papers in regard to my pecuniary affairs will be found 1 in the upper Apartment of Escrutory or...
40Nathaniel Pendleton’s First Statement of the Regulations for the Duel, [4 July 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
1. To leave this Island from different points in two boats precisely at five Oclock on Saturday P M and to proceed to the place proposed. The party first arriving will wait the landing of the other; each boat shall be rowed by four confidential persons only, who shall remain in their respective boats untill called for. These persons are not to be armed in any manner whatever. There will be but...
41William P. Van Ness to Nathaniel Pendleton, [4 July 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
I have engaged two gentlemen to dine with me tomorrow. If it be perfectly immaterial to you, I should prefer taking our ride on some subsequent day. I have the honor to be Your most obt & very hum Sert ALS , New York State Historical Association, Cooperstown, New York.
42To Alexander Hamilton from John C. Kunze, 3 July 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
In a conversation, my esteemed friend Dr. Livingston had with Judge Benson, this gentleman received an information of the injustice, the Lutheran church-trustees in Albany intend to do to me and the Lutheran church in general in America. As he intends to go up to Albany, where he is to Stay a considerable time, he generously promised Dr. Livingston, to look into this matter & endeavour to...
43From Alexander Hamilton to William Short, [3 July 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
General Hamilton waited on Mr. Short to pay his respects & to request the pleasure of his Company at a Family Dinner in the Country on Saturday next three oClock. ALS , Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. Short, who had been Thomas Jefferson’s secretary when Jefferson was Minister to France during the Confederation period, became chargé d’affaires at Paris in 1789. In 1792 he was...
44Alexander Hamilton’s Explanation of His Financial Situation, [1 July 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
Herewith is a general statement of my pecuniary affairs; in which there can be no material error. The result is that calculating my property at what it stands me in, I am now worth about Ten thousand pounds, and that estimating according to what my lands are now selling for and are likely to fetch, the surplus beyond my debts may fairly be stated at nearly double that sum. Yet I am pained to...
45[Draft of “An Act to incorporate ‘the Associates of the Jersey Company’”], [May–June 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
Although William H. Richardson, Jersey City: A Study of Its Beginning, Its Growth, and Its Destiny (Jersey City, New Jersey, 1927), 26, and Winfield, Jersey City Charles H. Winfield, A Monograph on the Founding of Jersey City (New York, 1891). , 59, attribute the draft of the bill of this act to H, no evidence has been found that H wrote it. For the text of the act, see New Jersey Laws , 29th...
46From Alexander Hamilton to James A. Hamilton, [June 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
I have prepared for you a Thesis on Discretion. You may need it. God bless you. Your affectionate father. Hamilton, Reminiscences James A. Hamilton, Reminiscences of James A. Hamilton: or Men and Events, at Home and Abroad, During Three Quarters of a Century (New York, 1869). , 40. In describing this letter and its enclosure, James A. Hamilton wrote: “In 1804 a student in Columbia College...
47Enclosure: [Thesis on Discretion], [June 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
The celebrated Dean Swift calls discretion an Aldermanly virtue. With all his great and estimable qualities he possessed very little of it himself; and thus was disposed to turn it into derision. But his own experience should have taught him, that if not a splendid it is at least a very useful virtue, and ought on that account to be cultivated and cherished. Sayings of ⟨this⟩ kind by...
48Partition Deed among John Laurance, John B. Church, and Alexander Hamilton, 28 June 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, June 28, 1804. Describes the lots in the townships in Scriba’s Patent which Hamilton, Church, and Laurance had drawn by lot from land which they had purchased from Jacob Mark and Company in 1796 and from Robert Gilchrist and Theodosius Fowler in 1802. Copy, Oneida County Clerk’s Office, Deeds, Vol. X, 499–502, Utica, New York. For background to this document, see “Mortgage by John...
49Remarks on the Letter of June 27, 1804, [28 June 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
Whether the observations in this letter are designed merely to justify the result, which is indicated in the close of the letter, or may be intended to give an opening for rendering any thing explicit which may have been deemed vague heretofore can only be judged of by the sequel. At any rate it appears to me necessary not to be misunderstood. Mr. Pendleton is therefore authorised to say that...
50William P. Van Ness to Nathaniel Pendleton, [27 June 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
The letter which I had the honor to receive from you under date of yesterday, states among other things, that in Genl Hamilton’s opinion, Col: Burr has taken a very indefinite ground, in which he evinces nothing short of predetermined hostility; and that Genl Hamilton thinks it inadmissable that the enquiry should extend to his confidential as well as other conversations. To this Col. Burr can...
51To Alexander Hamilton from Baron von Humboldt, [27 June 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
Il aurait été un moment bien interessant pour moi que celui de Vous être présenté personnellement, et de Vous offrir le temoignage respectueux de mon devouement. Une reunion de circonstances et l’obligation que j’ai de ne pas retarder la Publication de mes travaux litteraires me font partir pour Paris sans jouir du plaisir de Vous admirer de près et de voir le Cercle interessant dans lequel...
52Aaron Burr to William P. Van Ness, [26 June 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
The last propn. of gen H. is a worse libel than even the letter of Dr C & throughout manifests a disposition to evade. A “letter properly adapted”—Who is to judge of this—Mr B. will judge for himself & thinks his two letters very properly adapted & having expressed himself definitively on that point he is surprized to find it again brought in question. “any particular instance of dishonorable...
53William P. Van Ness to Nathaniel Pendleton, [26 June 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
The letter which you yesterday delivered me and your subsequent communications, in Col Burrs opinion evince no disposition on the part of Genl Hamilton to come to a satisfactory accomodation. The injury complained of and the reparation expected are so definitely expressed in Col: Burr’s letter of the 21st Instant, that there is not perceived a necessity for further explanation on his part. The...
54Nathaniel Pendleton to William P. Van Ness, 26 June 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
I have communicated to General Hamilton the letter you did me the honor to write me of this date. The expectations now disclosed as on the part of Colo. Burr, appear to him to have greatly changed and extended the original ground of inquiry, and instead of presenting a particular and definite case for explanation, seem to aim at nothing less than an inquisition into his most confidential, as...
55From Alexander Hamilton to Peter Gerard Stuyvesant, [26 June 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
I should like to see you on the subject of a poor fellow Peter Dunken who says, you have been employed for him & appears unfortunate which is his title to my attention. Yrs. truly ALS , The Rutherford B. Hayes Library, Fremont, Ohio; copy, Columbia University Libraries. Stuyvesant was a New York City landowner. On February 17, 1841, Stuyvesant wrote to John Church Hamilton: “Near forty years...
56Nathaniel Pendleton’s First Account of Alexander Hamilton’s Conversation at John Tayler’s House, [25 June 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
General Hamilton says he cannot imagine to what Doctr. Cooper may have alluded unless it were to a conversation at Mr. Taylors in Albany last winter, (at which Mr. Taylor he & General H—— were present). Genl H—— cannot recollect distinctly the particulars of that conversation so as to undertake to repeat them, without runing the risk of varying or omitting what might be deemed important...
57Nathaniel Pendleton’s Second Account of Alexander Hamilton’s Conversation at John Tayler’s House, [25 June 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
In answer to a letter properly adapted to obtain from General Hamilton a declaration whether he had charged Colo Burr with any particular instance of dishonorable conduct, or had impeached his private character, either in the conversation alluded to by Doctr. Cooper, or any other particular instance to be specified. He would be able to answer consistently with his Honor, and the truth, in...
58Aaron Burr to William P. Van Ness, [25 June 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
I am disappointed of my ride. If xxx should propose to charge you with any verbal message, you may reply, that being authorised for a particular purpose, you cannot so far exceed your power and assume upon your self as to present to your principal an overture for negociation on a new basis—that you consider the negociation in which you engaged, as concluded and that it would be highly improper...
59Disclaimer for Alexander Hamilton Prepared by William P. Van Ness, [25 June 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
Being apprised that expressions are ascribed to me impeaching the honor and affecting the private reputation of Col. Burr, and perceiving that reports to this effect have been widely disseminated, I feel it due to my own honor, as also to that of a gentleman thus traduced under the sanction of my name, to remove such injurious impressions. I therefore frankly and explicitly disclaim and...
60Aaron Burr’s Instructions to William P. Van Ness, [22–23 June 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
⟨–⟩ of withdrawing the Letter. Impossible unless in lieu of it I should send a Challenge vid. the Hypothesis the defiance a. b. so uncommunicative that p. s. did not till now know his impressions of a H. letter, except by Conjecture. No 7 a. b. far from conceiving that rivalship authorises a latitude not otherwise justifiable, always feels greater delicacy in such cases & would think it...
61To Alexander Hamilton from William P. Van Ness, 23 June 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, June 23, 1804. In describing the events of this day in his narrative, Van Ness wrote: “I sent a Note to Genl Hamilton’s Office and also to his house.” Notes not found. ] “Van Ness’s Narrative,” AD , New York State Historical Association, Cooperstown, New York; ADf , New York State Historical Association, Cooperstown, New York.
62To Alexander Hamilton from William P. Van Ness, 23 June 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
In the afternoon of yesterday I reported to Col. Burr the result of my last interveiw with you, and appointed the evening to receive his further instructions. Some private engagements however prevented me from calling on him ’till this morning. On my return to the City I found upon enquiry both at your office and house, that you had returned to your residence in the Country. Least an interveiw...
63From Alexander Hamilton to William P. Van Ness, 23 June 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
I was in Town to day till half past one. I thank you for the delicacy which dictated your note to me. If it is indispensable the communication should be made before Monday Morning, I must receive it here. But I should think this cannot be important. On monday by Nine I shall be in Town at my house in Cæder Street No 52, where I should be glad to see you. An additional reason for preferring...
64From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Burr, 22 June 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
Your first letter, in a style too peremptory, made a demand, in my opinion, unprecedented and unwarrantable. My answer, pointing out the embarrassment, gave you an opportunity to take a less exceptionable course. You have not chosen to do it, but by your last letter, received this day, containing expressions indecorous and improper, you have increased the difficulties to explanation,...
65To Alexander Hamilton from Aaron Burr, 22 June 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. V Ness has this evening reported to me Verbally that you refuse to answer my last letter, that you consider the course I have taken as intemperate and unnecessary and some other conversation which it is improper that I should notice. My request to you was in the first instance proposed in a form the most simple in order that you might give to the affair that course to which you might be...
66To Alexander Hamilton from Aaron Burr, 21 June 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the 20th. inst. has been this day received. Having Considered it attentively I regret to find in it nothing of that sincerity and delicacy which you profess to Value. Political opposition can never absolve Gentlemen from the necessity of a rigid adherence to the laws of honor and the rules of decorum: I neither claim such priviledge nor indulge it in others. The Common sense of...
67From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Burr, 20 June 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
I have maturely reflected on the subject of your letter of the 18th instant; and the more I have reflected the more I have become convinced, that I could not, without manifest impropriety, make the avowal or disavowal which you seem to think necessary. The clause pointed out by Mr. Van Ness is in these terms “I could detail to you a still more despicable opinion , which General Hamilton has...
68To Alexander Hamilton from Aaron Burr, 18 June 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
I send for your perusal a letter signed Ch. D. Cooper which, though apparently published some time ago, has but very recently come to my knowledge. Mr Van Ness who does me the favor to deliver this, will point out to you that Clause of the letter to which I particularly request your attention. You might perceive, Sir, the necessity of a prompt and unqualified acknowledgment or denial of the...
69To Alexander Hamilton from John Johnston, 1 June 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
June 1, 1804. “You may recollect that previous to Mr Caines marriage with my sister Mrs Verplanck, I applied to you and Mr Charles Wilkes to become trustees together with Mr Keese in a marriage settlement.… I am induced to request you to take such steps as you may think necessary to secure the property vested in you by the settlement.” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. George Caines,...
70To Alexander Hamilton from Theodore Sedgwick, [24 May 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Stockbridge, Massachusetts, May 24, 1804. On July 10, 1804, Hamilton wrote to Sedgwick : “I have received two letters from you … that of the latest date being the 24 of May.” Letter not found. ]
71To Alexander Hamilton from Abraham Du Buc de Marentille, 23 May 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
Si, comme je l’espère, vous avez trouvé mon manuscrit, Je vous Serai obligé de vouloir bien le remettre à la personne qui vous délivrera cette lettre Sous mon couvert. J’ai l’honneur d’être avec les Sentimens les plus distingués, Monsieur, Votre très humble et très obeissant serviteur ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Du Buc de Marentille had served in the French army during the...
72To Alexander Hamilton from Samuel Jones, 21 May 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York ] May 21, 1804 . Asks Hamilton to answer questions concerning David Lydig’s “rights to the Bronx River, and how far those rights are affected by the Lease to Doctor J. Brown.…” ALS , anonymous donor; LS , New York State Library, Albany. Jones, who lived in Oyster Bay, New York, was comptroller of New York State from 1797 to 1800. He had been a member of the Continental Congress, the...
73From Alexander Hamilton to Victor Marie Du Pont de Nemours, 12 May 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
I now send you my bond with condition for the payment of One thousand & Twenty seven Dollars & seventy Eight Cents; which sum is thus composed— Ballance of principal and interest beyond my notes Ds. 60.23 Difference between simple & compound Interest 967.55 Ds 1027.78 The statement delivered to you some time since will explain this result. The Bond bears interest only from the first of...
74From Alexander Hamilton to Gouverneur Morris, [7–11 May 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, May 7–11, 1804. On May 7–11, 1804, H wrote to Elizabeth Hamilton : “… if Morris will come. Send him the enclosed note.” Letter not found. ]
75From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [7–11 May 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
On Sunday Bonaparte & wife with the Judges will dine with you. We shall be 16 in number if Morris will come. Send him the enclosed note on horseback, this Evening, that James may bring me an answer in the morning. He is promised the little horse to return. If not prevented by the cleaning of your house I hope the pleasure of seeing you tomorrow. Let the waggon as well as the Coachee come in on...
76From Alexander Hamilton to Louis Le Guen, [6 May 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, May 6, 1804. On July 12, 1804, Le Guen wrote to Hamilton : “J’ai hier recu Votre Lettre du 6. mai.” Letter not found. ]
77Alexander Hamilton and Josiah Ogden Hoffman to Richard Varick, Jacob Radcliff, and Anthony Dey, 3 May 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
Having attentively considered the subject of your letter of the 19th April last, and the questions submitted to us, we shall now communicate the result of our reflections on the several questions in the order they are stated. Question 1. Have the Corporation of New York any title to the land under the water of Hudson’s River opposite to and adjoining Powles Hook? Answer. Comparing the...
78To Alexander Hamilton from Louis Le Guen, 2 May 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Morrisville, Pennsylvania, May 2, 1804. On July 12, 1804, Le Guen wrote to Hamilton : “J’ai hier recu Votre Lettre du 6. mai … La quelle m’accuse reception de la Mienne du 2.” Letter not found. ]
79Jacob Radcliff to Alexander Hamilton and Josiah Ogden Hoffman, 1 May 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
It being deemed important to obtain an early opinion on some of the points submitted to you, the gent’n associated with me will thank you for an answer, at present to the questions stated on the enclosed paper. The other points concerning the claim of property or Jurisdiction of this state to the land under water require perhaps too much investigation to be immediately disposed of, and are...
80Enclosure: Questions Submitted to Mr. Hamilton and Mr. Hoffman, [1 May 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
Questions submitted to Mr. Hamilton and Mr. Hoffman, in the foregoing letter: 1. Have the Corporation of New York any title to the land under the water of Hudson River opposite to and adjoining Powles Hook? 2. Have not Congress the power to make Powles Hook a Port of Entry? 3. Are the covenants contained in the draft submitted and marked No. I proper on the part of the proprietors and valid in...