2791Cabinet Meeting. Opinion on Submission of Thomas Pinckney’s Letters to Congress, [24 April 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of state submits to the Secretaries of the treasury and war, whether the inclosed letters from Mr. Pinckney or either of them shall be sent to congress. E. R. is of opinion, that the letter of the 28th. of Jany, and not the other ought to be sent. April 24, 1794. I am [of] opinion that it is not adviseable to send either. That of the 28th of January contains no new substantive...
2792Conversation with Comte de Moustier, [13 September 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
Projet de M. hamilton, pour liquider les arrérages de la dette tant domestique qu’Etrangére des Etats Unis. Observations de M. de Moustier à ce sujet. Le 13. de ce mois, M. Hamilton à qui j’avois été faire la veille mon compliment sur sa nomination à la place de Secretaire du Departement des Finances, vint chés moi et m’entretint du projet qu’il avoit de proposer que le Congrès fit un emprunt...
2793Report on the Petition of Robert Oliver and Hugh Thompson, [2 February 1795] (Hamilton Papers)
[To the President of the Senate] The Secretary of the Treasury to whom was referred by the Senate, the Memorial of Oliver and Thompson respectfully makes thereupon the following report. It is the object of this Memorial to obtain restitution for a sum of duties alleged to have been overpaid in the district of Baltimore in consequence of certain mistakes. The business of rectifying mistakes in...
2794From Alexander Hamilton to ———, [April 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
I request the favour of you to present for me the inclosed Bill & when paid to remit the amount in bills of the Bank of the UStates. Yrs. ALS , Yale University Library. This letter is undated but is endorsed “April, 1793” in an unidentified handwriting.
2795Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 26 March 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed you will find a resolution of Congress for laying an embargo on all vessels in the ports of the United States bound to any foreign port or place, for the term of thirty days. It is understood that this is not to interfere with any of the usual proceedings in the cases of vessels employed in the coasting trade or Fisheries except that the surrender of a license in order to the...
2796Cabinet Meeting. Opinion Respecting the French Consul at Boston, [31 August 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
At a meeting of the Heads of departments & Attorney General at the President’s on the 31st. day of Aug. 1793. A letter from mr Gore to mr Lear, dated Boston Aug. 24. was read, stating that the Roland, a privateer fitted out at Boston & furnished with a commission under the government of France, had sent a prize into that port, which being arrested by the Marshal of the district by process from...
2797Suggestions for a Commercial Treaty, [April-May 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
To follow the specification of Objects on a Commercial Treaty This enumeration presents generally the objects which it is desireable to comprise in a Commercial Treaty; not that it is expected that one can be effected with so great a latitude of advantages. If to the actual footing of our commerce and Navigation in the British European dominions could be added the privilege of carrying...
2798Opinion on Compensation for Captured Vessels, [22 June 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
I am not willing to give a pretext for not doing us justice by the appearance of carelessness or indifference as to the fulfilment of our engagements. I continue to think that the idea of a special instruction to Mr: Jay is proper, because it is an evidence of our being in earnest, because as Mr: Jay’s mission was produced by circumstances subsequent to the communication to Congress, that...
2799[From Alexander Hamilton to the Citizens of New-York], [13 December 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
The [New York] Argus. Greenleaf’s New Daily Advertiser , December 27, 1796. In reprinting this handbill signed by “A True American,” the Argus stated that on December 13, 1796, “three thousand of the following hand-bill were slily pushed under the knockers and doors of the citizens under cover of the darkness of the night.” The Argus suggests, but does not categorically state, that H wrote...
2800The Defence No. X, [26 August 1795] (Hamilton Papers)
The object of the third article is connected with that of the second. The surrender of the posts naturally drew with it an arrangement with regard to inland Trade and navigation. Such an arrangement convenient in several respects appears to be in some respects necessary. To restrain the Indians on either side of the line from trading with the one party or the other at discretion, besides the...
2801Cabinet Meeting. Proposed Rules Governing Belligerents, [3 August 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
At a Meeting of the Secretary of State The Secretary of the Treasury The Secretary at War and the Attorney General at the . The following rules were agreed to— I The original arming and equipping of vessels in the Ports of the UStates, by any of the belligerent parties, for Military service offensive or defensive, is deemed unlawful. II Equipments of Merchant vessels by either of the...
2802Report on the Petition of the Executors of Edward Carnes, 28 February 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
[To the Speaker of the House of Representatives] The Secretary of the Treasury, pursuant to an Order of the House of Representatives, of the 5th. of February 1790, referring to him a Memorial of the Executors of Edward Carnes, respectfully submits the following Report. The object of the said Memorial is, to obtain payment of a sum of five hundred and forty four pounds nineteen shillings and...
2803Report on the Petition of Francis Bailey, 23 February 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, February 23, 1790. On this date the Speaker laid before the House of Representatives “a letter and report from the Secretary of the Treasury, on the petition of Francis Bailey.” Letter and report to the House of Representatives not found. ] Journal of the House , I Journal of the House of Representatives of the United States (Washington, 1826). , 162. See H’s “Report on the...
2804Conversation with George Beckwith, 12[–30] July 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Lieutenant Colonel Beckwith. The gazette of the United States, published this morning gives us a detailed account of certain recent proceedings in the Western territory and at Detroit, communicated at Pittsburgh, by a person of the name of Ray, who had been made prisoner by the Savages, and having, as it is stated been purchased by an officer in The King’s Service, obtained his freedom, was...
2805Enclosure: Schedule E, [9 January 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
SCHEDULE E Abstract of the Public Debt of the States Undermentioned, Agreeably to Statements Transmitted in Pursuance of the Resolution of the House of Representatives of the 21st of September, 1789. Massachusetts Dollars. Cents. Principal with interest to the 1st day of Nov. 1789. £. 1,548,040 7 9 Lawful. Due to sundries for which no certificates have yet been issued, 20,000 Total,...
2806Enclosure A: [Emoluments of Surveyors of the Customs for the Year 1790], [5 April 1792] (Hamilton Papers)
Ports Amount received. Clerk hire charged Rent, Fuel, Stationery &c Nett amount of Emoluments. Salary allowed by the Collection law. Additional Salaries proposed. Portsmouth 344.96 60.
2807[Speech by William Loughton Smith], [13 January 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
Annals of Congress The Debates and Proceedings of the Congress of the United States; with an Appendix, Containing Important State Papers and Public Documents, and All the Laws of a Public Nature (Washington, 1834–1849). , IV, 174–209. John C. Hamilton states that Smith’s speech “was from the pen of Hamilton as appears from his autographed draft” ( Hamilton, History John C. Hamilton, Life of...
2808Enclosure (A): [Statement of Expenditures Made], 23 January 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Amount of monies appropriated by an act of the 11th. of February 1791, making appropriations for the support of government during the year 1791, and for other purposes $ 740,232.60 Sum appropriated by an act of the 3d. March 1791, towards effecting a recognition of the treaty with the Emperor of Morocco } 20,000.00 Sum appropriated by an act of the same date, for raising another regiment, and...
2809[A Correspondent], [4 June 1792] (Hamilton Papers)
[Philadelphia] Gazette of the United States , June 4, 1792. Part of the column devoted to correspondence in the June 4, 1792, issue of the Gazette of the United States is attributed to H by Philip Marsh (“Further Attributions to Hamilton’s Pen,” The New-York Historical Society Quarterly , XL [October, 1956], 353–54). No other evidence, however, of H’s authorship has been found.
2810From Alexander Hamilton to Defence No. XX, [23 and 24 October 1795] (Hamilton Papers)
The point next to be examined is the right of confiscation or sequestration, as depending on the opinions of Jurists and on usage. To understand how far these ought to weigh, it is requisite to consider what are the elements, or ingredients, which compose what is called the laws of Nations. The constituent parts of this system are, 1 The necessary or internal law, which is the law of Nature...
2811Subscription for Promoting the Cultivation of the Vine, [1794] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, 1794. ] Hamilton purchased one share of the one hundred and thirty-nine shares which were sold to sixty-seven persons in 1794 for “promoting the cultivation of the vine.” Copy, Thomas Jefferson Papers, Library of Congress. This document contains a list of names and is entitled “Extract of the Book. Names of the Gentlemen has subscribed in 1794.” It was enclosed in a letter...
2812Statement by Alexander Hamilton and Henry Knox on Edmond Charles Genet’s “Appeal to the People”, 29 November 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
We the subscribers, certify that we did severally communicate to the abovementioned John Jay and Rufus King, the particulars contained in the foregoing statement. That such of them as are therein mentioned to have been reported to Governor Mifflin by Mr. Dallas, were communicated by the Governor to each of us, as having been received by him from Mr. Dallas. That such of them as respect Mr....
2813Enclosure: Probable State of Cash up to the 1. July 1794, [21 March 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
Probable demands on the Treasury to the first of July 1794—vist. For the Departmt. of War by estimation 400,000 For the payment of foreign officers 127,474.75. For sums informally advanced by the bank of the U.S. for the public service for want of appropriation. 99,543.05 For bills purchased & to be purchased to remit to Amsterdam for payments of interest & instalment falling due on the...
2814Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs in Massachusetts, 20 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
I have heretofore directed you to receive in payment of the duties the notes of the Banks of North America and New York. I now desire that you will also receive those of the Bank of Boston, and will exchange whatever specie you may at any time have in your hands for those notes. In order to guard you against Counterfeits in this instance, I shall request the Directors of that Bank to send you...
2815Receipt from George Parkinson, [2 May 1792] (Hamilton Papers)
Received May 2d. 1792 of Alexander Hamilton One hundred Dollars on account of The Society for establishing useful manufactures. D , in the writing of H and signed by Parkinson, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Parkinson had arrived in the United States in 1790. On December 7, 1791, H wrote to the directors of the Society for Establishing Useful Manufactures recommending Parkinson’s...
2816[Proclamation by George Washington], [25 September 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
JCH Transcripts John C. Hamilton Transcripts, Columbia University Libraries. ; JCHW John C. Hamilton, ed., The Works of Alexander Hamilton (New York, 1851–1856). , V, 31–33; HCLW Henry Cabot Lodge, ed., The Works of Alexander Hamilton (New York, 1904). , VI, 442–45; Hamilton, History John C. Hamilton, Life of Alexander Hamilton, a History of the Republic of the United States of America...
2817Report on Imports for the Year Ending September 30, 1790, [18 November 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
In pursuance of the order of the Senate, I have the honor to transmit a return of the Imports of the United States so modified as to convey a considerable portion of the information which I conceive they require. I beg leave to observe that this document is a part of a set of papers relative to imports, exports and tonnage, which have been some time in preparation at the Treasury. Some others...
2818Draft of Resolutions for the Society for Establishing Useful Manufactures, [5 July 1792] (Hamilton Papers)
Resolved—[That the Water of the Passaick be conveyed across the adjacent Gully passing near a point or place distinguished as No. 16 upon the summit of a Wall to be erected for that purpose and preserving the head thereof] Resolved That the sd. Water be conveyed from a station or stake marked No. 1 to a place at or near another stake marked No. 2, from thence to a place at or near another...
2819Note on the Funding System, [August 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
The funding system (says a correspondent) as much abused, as if it were criminal in a Government to provide for the payment of the Debts of a Nation or as if it had created the debt for which it but provides , has not only produced all the advantageous effects which were promised from it (that is) contributed, by an increase of active or negotiable capital, to extend commerce and industry in...
2820The Defence No. XI, [28 August 1795] (Hamilton Papers)
The foregoing analysis of the third article, by fixing its true meaning, enables us to detect some gross errors which have been principal sources of prejudice against it. One of these is that the article gives to the other party a right of access to all our ports, while it excludes us from the ports of Nova Scotia and Canada. It has been clearly shewn that it gives no right of access to any...
2821Report on the Memorial of Baron von Steuben, 29 March 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
[To the Speaker of the House of Representatives] The Secretary of the Treasury, on the Memorial of Baron De Steuben, referred to him by an Order of the House of Representatives of the 25th. September last: Respectfully reports, That it appears from the papers accompanying the said Memorial, that the Memorialist grounds his present claim on the United States, upon a Contract, which he alledges...
2822Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 2 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
As in the first establishiment of Revenue systems, imperfections and inconveniencies will naturally present themselves in practice, which could not have been foreseen in their formation; it is of the greatest moment, that the best information should be collected for the use of the Government as to the operation of those, which may have been adopted. To the obtaining this information, as it...
2823Enclosure: [State of the Nail Manufacture in This Commonwealth], [13 October 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
The State of the Nail Manufacture in this Commonwealth is rather discouraging, at present, than otherways, as there is not sufficient brought to the Market to answer the Demand, owing in some measure to ye increas’d cultivation of their farms, as most of the workmen in that Business are Farmers, and attend to the Nail making, only in the Winter season, except in the Towns of Bridgwater, Norton...
2824Cabinet Meeting. Opinion on a Proclamation of Neutrality and on Receiving the French Minister, [19 April 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
At a meeting of the heads of departments & the Attorney general at the President’s Apr. 19. 1793. by special summons to consider of several questions previously communicated to them in writing by the President. Qu. I. Shall a Proclamation issue &c.? (see the questions) agreed by all that a Proclamation shall issue, forbidding our citizens to take part in any hostilities on the seas with or...
2825Account with Denis F. Donnant, [23 May 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton Dr. to Denis f Donnant from the 17th february 1794. Philadelphia. 2 monts & better tuition of the french language } 6 dol. DS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. At the bottom of this bill is written: “May 23d 1794 Received payment of J Meyer. D. f. Donnant.” John Meyer was a clerk in the Treasury Department.
2826Report on the Petition of Eliphalet Ladd, [19 April 1792] (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury to whom was referred the Memorial of Eliphalet Ladd, respectfully makes the following Report thereupon. It has been made a question, whether under the laws of the United States, as they now stand, duties are payable on goods imported in vessels which have suffered shipwreck in the act of transportation. A suit, in which this question is involved, is depending in...
2827Enclosure: [Emoluments of Naval Officers for the Year 1790], [5 April 1792] (Hamilton Papers)
Ports Amount received. Clerk Hire charged. Rent, Fuel Stationery &c. Nett amot of Emoluments. Annual Salary allowed by the Collection law. Annual Salary proposed. Portsmouth 378.28 61.68
2828Report on the Petition of Comfort Sands and Others, 24 February 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury, pursuant to the order of the House of Representatives of the 20th. of January last, referring to him, among other things, a petition of Comfort Sands, and others, Respectfully reports, That it is true, as represented by the said petitioners, that sometime in the year 1782, they contracted with the Superintendant of the Finances for the supply of rations for the...
2829Enclosure (C): [Estimate of Annual Expenditures], 23 January 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Dollars Cents For the support of the civil establishments of the government, including 40,000 dollars for foreign affairs 368,653.56 Stated expenditure of the War department including 25,000 for Indian affairs 382,731.61 Pensions to Invalids 87,463.60 Interest on the public debt, foreign and domestic 838,848.77 including the amount of the State debts assumed 2,849,194.73 Total annual...
2830Alexander Hamilton, Richard Peters, and William Rawle to David Lenox, 11 November 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
Altho’ we have uniformly during the present Operation received perfect Satisfaction from your Firmness & Exertion in the Duties of your Office, yet we have, with sincere Sympathy, observed the Torture of your Mind, agitated between a Sense of public Duty & your private Affections, owing to the unpleasant Accounts you have received repeatedly of Mrs. Lenox’s Illness. We cannot withold longer...
2831Final Version of an Opinion on the Constitutionality of an Act to Establish a Bank, [23 February 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury having perused with attention the papers containing the opinions of the Secretary of State and Attorney General concerning the constitutionality of the bill for establishing a National Bank proceeds according to the order of the President to submit the reasons which have induced him to entertain a different opinion. It will naturally have been anticipated that, in...
2832Tully No. I, [23 August 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
For the American Daily Advertiser. To the People of the United States . Letter I. It has from the first establishment of your present constitution been predicted, that every occasion of serious embarrassment which should occur in the affairs of the government—every misfortune which it should experience, whether produced from its own faults or mistakes, or from other causes, would be the signal...
2833[“C”], [10 November 1792] (Hamilton Papers)
[Philadelphia] Gazette of the United States , November 10, 1792. Philip Marsh has written: “In November, ‘C.’ taunted Freneau, the translator-editor, for publishing a French poem without translating it. Hamilton, who as ‘T. L.’ and ‘An American’ had called attention to Freneau’s lack of translating ability, may well have taken this opportunity to point out the editor’s awkward situation”...
2834[Detector No. II], [23 August 1792] (Hamilton Papers)
[Philadelphia] Dunlap’s American Daily Advertiser, August 24, 1792. The first letter by “Detector” is dated July 28, 1792 . Philip Marsh has written: “A second letter by ‘Detector’ and in the typical style of Hamilton appeared in The American Daily Advertiser for August 24th, addressed ‘To the Mechanics and Manufacturers ,’ defending the report on manufactures” (“Hamilton’s Neglected Essays,...
2835The French Revolution, [1794] (Hamilton Papers)
In the early periods of the French Revolution, a warm zeal for its success was in this Country a sentiment truly universal . The love of Liberty is here the ruling passion of the Citizens of the UStates pervading every class animating every bosom. As long therefore as the Revolution of France bore the marks of being the cause of liberty it united all hearts concentered all opinions. But this...
2836Draft of a Resolution for the Society for Establishing Useful Manufactures, [6 July 1792] (Hamilton Papers)
[Resolved that 50 Houses be built for the accommodation of the Workmen to be employed in the service of the Society] and of other Mechanics who may choose to settle at the Town of Patterson [and that the materials thereof be Stone & Clay & Pointed ] unless [the expence of such materials] shall [exceed] by [Thirty per Cent the expence of a House of the same Dimensions of Wood] in which case...
2837Report on Money Received from, or Paid to, the States, [11 May 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
[To the Speaker of the House of Representatives] The Secretary of the Treasury, in obedience to the order of the House of Representatives of the 23d of April, respectfully submits the several statements, in the schedules herewith transmitted, marked A and B, and Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. Upon these statements, the Register of the Treasury, in his report to the said Secretary, makes the following...
2838Defense of the President’s Neutrality Proclamation, [May 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
1. It is a melancholy truth, which every new political occurrence more and more unfolds, that there is a discription of men in this country, irreconcileably adverse to the government of the United States; whose exertions, whatever be the springs of them, whether infatuation or depravity or both, tend to disturb the tranquillity order and prosperity of this now peaceable flourishing and truly...
2839Report on the Petition of George Webb, [12 December 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury, to whom was referred the petition of George Webb, by an order of the House of Representatives, of the 24th. of February 1791, respectfully submits the following report thereupon. The prayer of the said petition has reference to two objects. One, a farther compensation for services rendered, while the petitioner acted in the capacity of Receiver of Continental...
2840Account with John Meyer, [5 July 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
1794 Dollars. Cents April 19 To Cash paid Mr Young for period. music No 5 & 6 2.—. May 3 “ Do Mr Tangue 6 months Journal Etoile A. 4.— ” 23 “ Do Mr Donnant 2 months teaching 6.— ”