7001From 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...
7002Enclosure: [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...
7003From 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...
7004From 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,...
7005From 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...
7006From 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...
7007From Alexander Hamilton to Ann Mitchell, 28 June–10 July 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, June 28–July 10, 1804. Nathaniel Pendleton described the eighth item on a list of ten, which were given to him after Hamilton’s death, as a “Letter to Mrs. Mitchell inclosing 400 dollars as was mentioned on the outside. Sealed.” Letter not found. ] Ann Mitchell, the daughter of James and Ann Lytton, was H’s cousin. Her mother was the sister of H’s mother, Rachel Lavien. In 1759,...
7008From Alexander Hamilton to George Mitchell, 28 June–10 July 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, June 28–July 10, 1804. Nathaniel Pendleton described the ninth item on a list of ten, which were given to him after Hamilton’s death, as a “Letter to Geo: Mitchell inclosing a lottery ticket, as mentioned on the outside. Sealed.” Letter not found. ] Mitchell, the husband of Ann Mitchell, H’s cousin, had died in the spring of 1797. See “List of Papers Given to Nathaniel Pendleton,”...
7009Statement on Impending Duel with Aaron Burr, [28 June–10 July 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
On my expected interview with Col Burr, I think it proper to make some remarks explanatory of my conduct, motives and views. I am certainly desirous of avoiding this interview, for the most cogent reasons. 1 My religious and moral principles are strongly opposed to the practice of Duelling, and it would even give me pain to be obliged to shed the blood of a fellow creature in a private combat...
7010Partition 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...
7011Remarks 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...
7012Alexander 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...
7013From 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...
7014From 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...
7015Motion 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...
7016From 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...
7017From 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,...
7018From Alexander Hamilton to John B. Church, 9 July 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, July 9, 1804. Nathaniel Pendleton described the seventh item on a list of ten, which were given to him after Hamilton’s death, as a “Letter to John B. Church inclosing an assignment of some debts.” Letter not found. ] See “List of Papers Given to Nathaniel Pendleton,” July 19, 1804 . See “Assignment of Debts and Grant of Power of Attorney to John B. Church,” July 9, 1804 .
7019Assignment 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...
7020Last 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...
7021From Alexander Hamilton to John B. Church, 28 June–10 July 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, June 28–July 10, 1804. Nathaniel Pendleton described the seventh item on a list of ten, which were given to him after Hamilton’s death, as a “Letter to John B Church inclosing an assignment of some debts.” Letter not found. ] See “List of Papers Given to Nathaniel Pendleton,” July 19, 1804 . See “Assignment of Debts and Grant of Power of Attorney to John B. Church,” July 9, 1804 .
7022Debts Owed for Services Not Rendered, [10 July 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
These sums having been received since my engagement & no services rendered I consider them as forming part of my debts. Franklin & Robinson 50 James Amory 20 D Ludlow & Co 50 Wilmerding 30 Murdock Masterson & Co 20 Steven Ray & David Dill 25 Scott & Tremaine 20 ADS , New-York Historical Society, New York City. This document is the tenth and final item on the
7023From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [10 July 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
Mrs. Mitchel is the person in the world to whom as a friend I am under the greatest Obligations. I have ⟨not⟩ hitherto done my ⟨duty⟩ to her. But ⟨resolved⟩ to repair my omission as much as ⟨possible,⟩ I have encouraged her to come to ⟨this Country⟩ and intend, if it shall be ⟨in my po⟩wer to render the Evening of her days ⟨c⟩omfortable. But if it shall please God to put this out of my power...
7024From Alexander Hamilton to Theodore Sedgwick, 10 July 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received two letters from you since we last saw each other—that of the latest date being the 24 of May. I have had in hand for some time a long letter to you, explaining my view of the course and tendency of our Politics, and my intentions as to my own future conduct. But my plan embraced so large a range that owing to much avocation, some indifferent health, and a growing distaste for...
7025Statement of my Property and Debts July 1, 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
Real Estate My share of Townships No. 9. 10. 15. 17 and 21 in Scribas Patent in connection with J B Church and John Lawrance viz ¹⁄₆ of the first purchase the whole being 31528 acres & ¼ of an acre & one third of the residuary purchase upon the suit in chancery being together nearly 20000 acres which now stand me in about } 33000 My ¼ of purchase in Nobleborough together with J Laurance Robert...
7026From Alexander Hamilton to ———, [n.p., n.d.] (Hamilton Papers)
The amount due to the Bank does not appear in the papers except in a letter of Butlers in which he states it at 8900 Drs. But this was not the subject of my inquiry. I wanted to know the probable amount here of the Cargo which was assigned for our suit ought to be for that amount. Yrs. with respect ALS , in a grangerized copy of [William Coleman] A Collection of the Facts and Documents,...
7027From Alexander Hamilton to ———, [n.p., n.d.] (Hamilton Papers)
I have perused the declaration & approve it. I presume the 12 of Decr. last was previous to suing out the Writ; if not to avoid cavilling it may [be] well to antedate it. Yrs. ALS , Yale University Library.
7028From Alexander Hamilton to ———, [n.p., n.d.] (Hamilton Papers)
I am mortified at the unseasonable trouble I occasion to you, but if the inclosed is in a state to admit regularly of an authentication by you I shall be glad of two copies under your seal of office. I remain very respectfully & with great regard Yr Obed ser I shall want one copy by tomorrow Eight O Clock ALS , Harvard College Library.
7029From Alexander Hamilton to ———, [n.p., n.d.] (Hamilton Papers)
I will thank you for your name on the inclosed. Yrs. ALS , New-York Historical Society, New York City.
7030From Alexander Hamilton to ———, 15 March (Hamilton Papers)
I think we must admit the special verdict. If there be any thing in it which they cannot prove otherwise, they may by a bill of discovery obtain the effect of the admission. Yrs. ALS , Mrs. John Jay Pierrepont, Ridgefield, Connecticut.
7031From Alexander Hamilton to Mathew Carey, [n.d.] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr Hamilton’s Compliments to Mr Carey. He would readily comply with Mr Carey’s request if he had any paper containing his speech; but having none he cannot do it unless Mr Carey will furnish him with one. If this can be done Mr H will correct it this evening which indeed he would wish to do, as there are considerable errors. Copy, Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadalphia. Carey, an...
7032Comments on Jews, [n.p., n.d.] (Hamilton Papers)
& progress of the Jews and their from their earliest history to the present time has been & is, intirely out of the ordinary course of human affairs. Is it not then a fair conclusion that the cause also is an extraordinary one —in other words that it is the effect of some great providential plan? The man who will draw this Conclusion will look for the solution in the Bible. He who will not...
7033Draft of an Act Imposing Duties on Carriages and Servants, [n.d.] (Hamilton Papers)
An act imposing Duties on Carriages and servants Be it enacted that every Owner or possessor of any of the carriages hereafter specified shall pay a yearly duty for the same according to the rates following viz For every carriage of the kind now called a coach fifteen Dollars For every carriage of the kind now called a Chariot twelve Dollars For every Post Chaise and other close four wheeled...
7034From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [n.p., n.d.] (Hamilton Papers)
For want of having made application on time The stage waggon has been engaged so as to prevent my going in it. I must therefore take my chance by water which I shall do tomorrow and must content myself with praying for a fair wind to waft me speedily to the bosom of my beloved. Adieu ALS , New York State Library, Albany. On March 15, 1858, John C. Hamilton wrote the date “April 8, 1795” on...
7035From Alexander Hamilton to Richard Harison, [n.p., n.d.] (Hamilton Papers)
I will thank you briefly to assign your reasons with the opinion I have requested. Yrs ALS , Richard Harison Papers, New-York Historical Society, New York City. Harison was United States attorney for the District of New York from 1789 to 1801.
7036From Alexander Hamilton to John Laurance, [n.p., n.d.] (Hamilton Papers)
I have lately made some Cash advances which have run me aground. I will thank you for the loan of a hundred dollars for a few days. Yrs. ALS , New-York Historical Society, New York City.
7037From Alexander Hamilton to John Laurance, [n.p., 28 February] (Hamilton Papers)
I am just now as to the command of Cash as poor as Job: & I do not like to go into the Bank. If you can accomodate me with 100 Dollars for ten days you will oblige Yrs ALS , New-York Historical Society, New York City.
7038From Alexander Hamilton to Henry Lee, [n.p., n.d.] (Hamilton Papers)
[ n.p., n.d. “… Pray resolve my doubts. For a man in my situation ought at least to take care how he fails in his pecuniary duty.…” Letter not found. ] ALS , sold by Sotheby & Company, December 15, 1953, Item 453. Extract taken from dealer’s catalogue.
7039From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, [n.d.] (Hamilton Papers)
I was at Albany when your letter got here. I have snatched the first hour from my avocations to sketch to you my thoughts in a rude shape. Yrs. Affecly ALS , New York State Historical Association, Cooperstown, New York; ALS (photostat), James McHenry Papers, Library of Congress. This letter was presumably written between January 12, 1796, when McHenry was appointed Secretary of War, and May 6,...
7040From Alexander Hamilton to Peter Van Gaasbeck, [n.p., n.d.] (Hamilton Papers)
I learn with great pleasure the intelligence contained in your private letter. I hope the good sense of our state will every day give new triumphs to good men & good measures. With esteem & regard Yr Obed ser ALS , Lloyd W. Smith Collection, Morristown National Historical Park, Morristown, New Jersey. Van Gaasbeck, a merchant in Kingston, New York, was a member of the House of...
7041From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Walker, [n.p., n.d.] (Hamilton Papers)
[ n.p., n.d. “Forward the enclosed with as much expedition and certainty as you can (I don’t mean that an express should be employed) and say nothing about it.” Letter not found. ] ALS , sold by Parke-Bernet Galleries, Inc., December 3, 1963, Lot 2235, Item 112. The dealer’s catalogue dates this letter “Philadelphia, 4 April, 1799.” On April 4, 1799, H was in New York City, not Philadelphia....
7042From Alexander Hamilton to ——— Watts, [n.p., n.d.] (Hamilton Papers)
I would advise you to close with Mr. Hobart on his own terms; only fix what is a reasonable time: say three four five or six months, the longer the better. Let a fair copy of the paper inclosed be signed with a receipt at bottom for the money in specie. This may, if necessary be afterwards put more in form. Yrs. ALS , Mr. A. J. Marino, Weehawken, New Jersey. This letter, which is addressed to...
7043From Alexander Hamilton to ——— Wooster, [n.p., 22 August] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamiltons compliments to Mr Wooster. General Stewart has been under some misapprehension respecting Mr. Hs desire to see Mr. Wooster. AL , United States Military Academy, West Point, New York. H wrote on the outside of this letter “Capt Wooster.” Thomas Wooster of Connecticut was a captain in Webb’s Additional Continental Regiment from February, 1777, to April, 1779. He was an applicant...