3301From Alexander Hamilton to William C. Rogers, 4 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
In a letter which I have just received from Mr. Swan the P. Mr. Genl. you are spoken of as a person who would Officiate as recommended as qualified to act for the Office of pay master for to the Cavalry. and from the character he gives of you I should be well pleased in the appointment. The regular established mode of a appointment is in the beginning for by a previous nomination by the...
3302From Alexander Hamilton to Angelica Church, 8 December 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
You say I am a politician, and good for nothing. What will you say when you learn that after January next, I shall cease to be a politician at all? So is the fact. I have formally and definitely announced my intention to resign at that period, and have ordered a house to be taken for me at New York. My dear Eliza has been lately very ill. Thank God, she is now quite recovered, except that she...
3303From Alexander Hamilton to Jean Baptiste de Ternant, 1 March 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
I have to assure you, in answer to your letter of the 26th. of February, that fully impressed with the importance to your Object, of speedy advances, it has been my aim to shorten the period of making them; as far as could consist with the general arrangements and prospects of the Treasury; having due regard to other Objects of expenditure which are indispensable. In consequence of your last...
3304From Alexander Hamilton to James Read, 26 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
A Mr. Weed has applied for the discharge of his son, and has offered to procure five good men in his place. As this will be an advantageous bargain for the United States, I shall comply with the request unless there are some special reasons which may render a discharge improper. I am informed that the person is in one of the companies of artillery at present on the island. You will please...
3305From Alexander Hamilton to Gaspard Joseph Amand Ducher, 22 June 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, June 22, 1792. On October 22, 1792, Ducher wrote to Hamilton : “J’ai reçu votre Lettre du 22. juin der.” Letter not found. ] Ducher had been appointed French vice consul ad interim at Portsmouth, New Hampshire, in 1786, and in 1788 he was transferred to Wilmington, North Carolina. He returned to Paris in 1790, and for the next three years he sought to induce the French...
3306From Alexander Hamilton to the Directors of the Society for Establishing Useful Manufactures, May–June 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, May–June, 1794. The minutes for the Society for Establishing Useful Manufactures for July 1, 1794, read as follows: “Upon reading a letter from Alexr Hamilton Esqr stating that a Suit had been commenced against him by Mr J Mort on account of some Engagement that he had entered into on behalf of the Society, Resolved that the Deputy Governour be authorised to defend the said...
3307From Alexander Hamilton to Isaac Ledyard, [18 February 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
I understand you are to have a meeting at this place to morrow on the subject of the ensuing elections and accordingly inclose you to be laid before the meeting an address to the Inhabitants of your Township in regard to the appointment of a Governor. It is much to be wished the meeting may agree with their fellow citizens in New York and come to a resolution on the subject—For in Politics as...
3308From Alexander Hamilton to William C. Bentley, 28 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the nineteenth of this month. You are informed that Some place in the vicinity of Augusta above the but above the falls of the Savannah is contemplated for the winter quarters of the fifth, sixth and seventh regiments. It is possible however that this arrangement may not be made executed. You will therefore draw your men to their Battallion Stations where, you...
3309From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, 7 February 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
I think it will be proper for the reasons in your letter of the 23d. ultimo, that you do not pay into the Providence Bank, for the account of the United States the monies you have in hand, and which you shall receive before the 20th. of May next. It is however my desire that you deposit the same in that institution to be passed to the credit of “the Collector of the district of Providence” and...
3310From Alexander Hamilton to Edward Stevens, 11 November 1769 (Hamilton Papers)
This just serves to acknowledge receipt of yours per Cap Lowndes which was delivered me Yesterday. The truth of Cap Lightbourn & Lowndes information is now verifyd by the Presence of your Father and Sister for whose safe arrival I Pray, and that they may convey that Satisfaction to your Soul that must naturally flow from the sight of Absent Friends in health, and shall for news this way refer...
3311From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Pinckney, 5 February 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed is a packet for Mr. Short which I beg you to forward. I leave it open for your perusal to save me the time it would require to repeat the subject to you. Inclosed is another Copy of the Letter for you. I have the consolation of believing that the attempt will in the end do good to the Government & to myself. Yrs. respectfully & with true esteem ALS , Pinckney Family Papers, Library of...
3312From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 9 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Some ill health joined to much occupation has delayed longer than I wished the preparation of the Bills you desired. Herewith I send you one of them. I regret extremely the dismembrement of the School of the Navy from the rest. Clear I am that all ought to be united under the Director General who might himself be subject to the orders of the Secretary at War in relation to the three first...
3313From Alexander Hamilton to John Haywood, 2 February 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
By an act of the last Session of Congress, provision is made for the payment of pensions to Invalids for the space of one year commencing the fourth of march last, under such regulations as the President should prescribe. The President presuming on your readiness to perform a service in which humanity is interested, has thought fit to name you for the trust of making payment to the Invalids of...
3314From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [5 May 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton presents his respects to The President. Mr. Talleyrand De Perigord formerly Bishop D’Autun, who the President is probably informed, lately arrived here informs Mr. Hamilton that he has a letter of Introduction to The President from Lord Landsdown and asks how & when he can present it. Mr. Hamilton promised him to enquire to day—but on account of the President’s deafness this...
3315From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 22 May 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, May 22, 1790. “You will be pleased to examine and settle the Account, of Mr. Devens for supplying the Light Houses in your District, and for expences since the 15th of August, and so far as found right, & duly Vouched, to pay the same. The acct. & Vouchers you will then be pleased to transmit to this Office. I observe the opinion of the Attorney for the Massachusetts...
3316From Alexander Hamilton to Marquis de Barbé-Marbois, [6 May 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
The day before yesterday I had the honor of your letter of the 29th. of April, transmitting the latest Philadelphia papers. I immediately sent them to the officer commanding on the lines to be exchanged in persuance of the plan which has been preconcerted. The papers expected in return are not yet arrived, the moment they do, they shall be forwarded. ’Tis probable our first experiment may meet...
3317From Alexander Hamilton to John Wilcocks, [10 March 1786] (Hamilton Papers)
Your favour of the fith Inst. duly came to hand. I assure you Sir though the business does not concern myself it gives me pain that you should experience any inconvenience from a diversity in the views of those with whom you are Concerned in the Ships; but you will be sensib⟨le⟩ as mere agent in a Case of this kind I could not with propriety do any thing to engage Mr. Church further than he...
3318From Alexander Hamilton to James Watson, [May 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
The handsome general retainer you have offered me & the handsome manner in which the Offer is made claim my acknowlegement. But it will not consist with any rule of Action to avail myself of it. I have in other instances engaged for Individuals on these terms, to take as a retainer 100£ and afterwards to charge services performed at the established rates. Though it was my intention to avoid...
3319From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [17 January 1792] (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury has the honor to communicate to the President a letter of the 7th. of January 1792. from the Collector of Alexandria, in answer to one written at the direction of the President; and also the Answer of the Collector of Boston to an enquiry in relation to the Keeper of the Lighthouse at Portland. LC , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Letter from...
3320From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Schuyler, [6 September 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
I wrote you My Dear Betsey a long letter or rather two long letters by your father. I have not since received any of yours. I hope I shall not be much longer without thus enjoying this only privilege of our separation. Most people here are groaning under a very disagreeable piece of intelligence just come from the Southward; that Gates has had a total defeat near Cambden in South Carolina....
3321From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 15 March 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have digested some alterations in and additions to the Recruiting Instructions which I now send for consideration and decision. The nature of each will announce its motive so as to render little comment necessary. A few remarks will be seen in the margin of some of the clauses. I shall be glad of a determination as soon as may be in order to the transmission of the instructions that they may...
3322From Alexander Hamilton to Henry Van Schaack, 1 April 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
I am favoured with your letter of the 26. of March. It is curious to learn that in Massachusettes the assumption of the state Debts should be attacked. In the theory of the plan, tis impossible there can be an increase of debt; for the sum assumed for each state was charged to that state in the settlement of accounts and served to diminish the ballance of some states and increase that of...
3323From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Jefferson, [23 December 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury presents his Respects to The Secretary of State requests he will favour him with copies of all his communications to Mr. Genet in answer to applications concerning the Debt. They will be necessary to complete a Report on his last. Mr. Hamilton having acted from his knowlege of them in some instances without having them before him. AL , Thomas Jefferson Papers,...
3324From Alexander Hamilton to Charles Lee, 18 January 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Sufficient time having been given to the owners and commanders of vessels to provide regular manifests, according to the last collection law, I am of opinion that the clauses you refer to should now be enforced. You will do well to let this idea be communicated immediately among the Gentlemen in Trade, as the season admits of their taking measures to make it known. Their possessing the Pilots...
3325From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 6 February 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
In one of your letters you desire me to think of the Distribution of the States into recruiting districts. I have accordingly turned my attention to the subject. But the result is that it will be best to assign to each Regiment its district and to charge its commanding Officer with the arrangement into subdivisions. If you approve this idea you had better write me an official letter, briefly...
3326From Alexander Hamilton to Joseph Willard, 6 September 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
The honor, which has been done me, by the Overseers of the antient and justly celebrated institution, over which you preside, is appreciated by me, as it merits, and receives my most cordial acknowlegements. To You, Sir, I am also indebted, for the very obliging manner, in which it is communicated. Amidst the many painful circumstances, that surround a station like mine—this flattering mark of...
3327From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 18 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
It is urgent that arms for the troops to be raised be at the respective Regimental rendezvouses as speedily as possible. Military pride is to be excited and kept up by military parade. No time ought to be lost in teaching the Recruits the use of arms. Guards are necessary as soon as there are soldiers and these require arms. When I came to see the hats furnished for the Twelveth Regiment, I...
3328From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [25 October 1801] (Hamilton Papers)
I was much relieved, My Dear Eliza by the receipt yesterday morning of your letter of Monday last. How it came to be so long delayed, I am unable to conjecture. But the delay gave much uneasiness in consequence of the imperfect state of health in which I had left you. Thank God you were better—for indeed my Eliza you are very essential to me. Your virtues more and more endear you to me and...
3329From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Wadsworth, [16 April 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
As I intend in a day or two to take lodgings for Mrs. Hamilton, I take the liberty to request you will do me the favour to procure and send me by the earliest opportunity a pound of good green tea & a dozen knives and forks such as you purchased for Mrs. Jacob Cuyler at Albany, for which I will thankfully send you the cost by the first conveyance. I am Dr. Sir truly Yr. friend & servant The...
3330From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Bourne, William Channing, John S. Dexter, and Jeremiah Olney, 25 October 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Since mine to you of the 22d. I have reason to believe that the information which gave occasion to that letter was a misapprehension of the party from whom I received it; but whose general accuracy left me no suspicion of such a possibility at the time. I hasten to give this intimation, that no inconveniences may ensue from my first communication. With perfect esteem I have the honor to be ...
3331From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 27 November 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
I have found it necessary, in order to provide for the punctual payment of the Allowances to fishing Vessels , which will become due on the 31st of the ensuing month to authorise the Collectors of the several Districts in Massachusetts to draw on you, when the funds in their hands shall be inadequate to discharge the demands upon them. The Collectors who may have occasion to resort to this...
3332From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Willing, 5 April 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Henry Kuhl Principal Clerk in the Comptrollers office has informed me that he is a candidate for the place of Assistant Cashier to the Bank of the UStates and has requested a testimonial of my opinion of his qualifications. I without scruple give it and in the strongest manner: I cannot imagine a man better qualified for such a place than he is. A thorough knowlege of accounts—a very clear...
3333From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 23 December 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury has the honor to submit to the consideration of the President a communication from the Commissioner of the revenue, dated the 18th of December respecting Mr. James Collins, Inspector of the Revenue for Survey No: 2 of the District of Pennsylvania. It has at length become certain (what has been for some time feared) that Mr. Collins is incapable of executing the...
3334From Alexander Hamilton to Théophile Cazenove, [26 April 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
The minute of questions you have been so obliging as to prepare (and which is return’d) comprises all the points about which I was desirous of information, and adds others; eclaircissements concerning which cannot fail to be useful. I will thank you to have the inquiry pursued, and any expense, which may attend the making of assays &ca will with pleasure be reimbursed. I learn with...
3335From Alexander Hamilton to Ebenezer Stevens, 18 February 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the 5th. instant has been received— It is my wish that the houses at present occupied as Offices, and Quarters for the Officers attached to me, and to the Adjutant and D. Paymaster Generals be retained for the ensuing year—you will take measures accordingly— With great consideration I am Sir yr. ob Servt. ( LS , New-York Historical Society, New York City; copy, in the...
3336From Alexander Hamilton to James Monroe, 5 July 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
In a pamphlet lately published entitled “No V of the History of the United States for 1796 &c” are sundry papers respecting the affair of Reynolds , in which you once had an agency, accompanied with these among other comments—“They (certain attacks on Mr Monroe) are ungrateful, because he displayed on an occasion that will be mentioned immediately, the greatest lenity to Mr. Alexander...
3337From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 19 January 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
I am favored with your letter of the 16th. of last month; which I would have replied to sooner if my time had not been engrossed of late in preparing business for the consideration of the Legislature. The case of Mr. Jefferies (as stated by himself) appears a hard one; but I take the Construction of the law to include the Articles you mention; and there is no authority in any of the Executive...
3338From Alexander Hamilton to James Duane, [14 September 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
The enclosed was delivered me by Doctr. Schuyler with a request to transmit it to one of the delegates of the state for patronage. He assures me that what he asks has been done in similar cases; particularly for some Hospital surgeons belonging to the State of Pensylvania. If so there will prob⟨ably⟩ be no difficulty in the case. I beg l⟨eave⟩ to recommend it to your attention. Doctor Schuyler...
3339From Alexander Hamilton to Joseph Elliott, 5 March 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The letter of which the inclosed is a duplicate was some time since transmitted forwarded; but remains unacknowleged. As it went by post under cover to the Secretary at War, I am at a loss to account for its miscarriage; but that this has been the case I have no cannot doubt, since it has continued been so long without an answer. A General Court Martial, of which Col Moore has been appointed...
3340From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, 26 January [1800] (Hamilton Papers)
I was quite disappointed and pained, My Dear Eliza, when I found, that the Post of Saturday had brought me no letter from you; especially as I was very anxious to hear of the health of my little Betsey. But I was consoled in the Evening by your affectionate letter of which Mr. Leguen was the bearer. It is absolutely necessary to me when absent to hear frequently of you and my dear Children....
3341From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 26 December 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
I do not know what is the practice in nominations, as to annexing Counties to names; but I do know that to annex them to the military nominations about to be made will be likely to lead to error. In several cases it was somewhat uncertain what County was the place of residence, and if I recollect rightly there is certainly a mistake in this respect in at least one instance in the state of New...
3342From Alexander Hamilton to Caleb Swan, 26 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have just received your letter of the twenty fourth instant. The new mode of negotiation in the disbursement of public money is matter of Executive arrangement. It is therefore clearly within the Executive Competency to alter the mode where To alter the mode is therefore clearly within the Competency of the Executive. It might have been a question with the persons who took the Bills whether...
3343From Alexander Hamilton to Herman LeRoy, 19 September 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
Grange [ New York ], September 19, 1802 . Informs LeRoy of an arrangement he has concluded with Henry Sands to assign Sands’s mortgage on lots in Brooklyn to the Bank of New York, which, in turn, would sell the mortgaged property and use the proceeds to discharge Comfort Sands’s debts. States: “Going tomorrow morning to attend the W Chester Circuit which may occasion an absence of three or...
3344From Alexander Hamilton to James Monroe, 20 July 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
In my last letter to you I proposed a simple and direct question, to which I had hoped an answer equally simple and direct. That which I have received, though amounting, if I understand it, to an answer in the negative, is conceived in such circuitous terms as may leave an obscurity upon the point which ought not to have remained. In this situation, I feel it proper to tell you frankly my...
3345From Alexander Hamilton to Daniel Bradley, 14 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letters of the third and fourth of October. There must, I think, have been some mistake in the order to Lieutenant Lewis to repair to Wilmington, but not having my papers before me, I can not exactly tell how the matter is situated. I am content however that he and his party and his recruits should remain, for the present, where he now is they are. I have requested the Pay...
3346From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 3 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I thank you very much for your attention to my request respecting a Secretary. The testimony of Mr Stockdon & yourself would be decisive as to Mr Howe had not information from other quarters prepossessed me extremely in his favour. The enclosed letter offers him the place; have the goodness to forward it without delay. How would the idea suit you and him of an appointment to a second...
3347From Alexander Hamilton to Samuel Hodgdon, 18 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have just received a Copy of a letter from Colonel Hamtramck to General Wilkinson, containing the enclosed paragraph. Col: Stevens is, at present, absent from this City, but, I presume, he has communicated the matter to you. I would thank you to inform me whether this has been done, and what measures have been taken in the case. It is very unpleasant that execution of requisitions of this...
3348From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 20 January 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
A Petition from Christopher Sadler, with a Letter from you to Mr. Ames, has been referred to me by the House of Representatives for examination and Opinion. The face of the thing and your Letter leave me no doubt, that the case is such an one as to require relief. Yet I could not report in favor of it on the present evidence, without making a precedent that might in other circumstances be...
3349From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [30 September 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
I think I may address the subject of this letter to Your Excellency with more propriety than to any other person, as it is purely of a military nature, as you are best acquainted with my services as an officer, and as you are now engaged in assisting to form the arrangements for the future peace establishment. Your Excellency knows that in March 82, I relinquished all claim to any future...
3350From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 23 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I had the pleasure of receiving in due time your letter of the 15th. instant. The suggestions it contains will be maturely weighed. I postpone any thing definitive, till the return of General Wilkinson which is momently expected. The other Documents, besides No. 8, which accompanied this letter, were not material to the consideration of its contents, or they would have been forwarded. Even...