481From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 17 December 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
You will use your best Exertions to pay into the Bank of north America all the Monies you can collect to the 27th. day of this month inclusive, & transmit to my office, a Certificate from the Cashier purporting the whole Sum which the Bank has received of you as Collector of the Customs of the Port of Philadelphia, to that day: after which you will defer your next payments to Bank till the...
482From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 22 January 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
It appears from the Petition of Thomas Elder, owner of the Schooner Eliza, that when you gave a permit to land the Cargo of the said Schooner, you were acquainted with the circumstance of their being a Cask of spirits on board of less capacity than ninety Gallons. I cannot help therefore expressing my disapprobation of the transaction as being both improper & irregular. I am with consideration...
483From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 13 September 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, September 13, 1789. On September 19, 1789, Delany wrote to Hamilton : “I acknowledge the recpt of Yours … of the 13th Inst, one by the Post covering a Letter to the Comptrolle[r].” Letter not found. ] Delany was appointed collector of customs at Philadelphia on August 4, 1789.
484From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 26 May 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
The preceding Circular letter of the 30th of March, having been refered to by the Comptroller of the Treasury, in a letter from him, to you dated yesterday, it is now sent forward, that you may comprehend his meaning; heretofore it has been omitted, on account of the arrangement made for the Loan with the Bank, you will find by the enclosed letter of the 20th Instant my intention that the...
485From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 17 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
As some of the Circular Letters to the Collectors of the Different Ports containing an Instruction to receive Notes of the Bank of New York, as well as of that of North America —may have been sent to you among others, either through hurry, or from its having been blended with other matters which were equally applicable to you—You will be pleased to understand that so much of any such...
486From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 9 May 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
It is suggested to me that some of the officers of the Customs have been concerned in the disorderly proceedings, which lately took place with regard to the schooner Swift Packet. I am therefore to desire that you will make a particular inquiry as to the Persons who were active in the affair, in order that the truth of the above suggestion may be critically ascertained. This is a matter so...
487From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 26 July 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
I have considered the case represented in your letter of the 13. instant respecting the duty on certain Whalebone imported by Mr. Joy. I do not under such circumstances conceive the article to be exempted from the duty; because the evidence of goods of the growth, produce or manufacture of the United States, which are to be exempted, when brought from a foreign port, is prescribed by the 24th...
488From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 2 December 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received this morning your letter in answer to mine of the 19th. ultimo from which I find that Messrs. Willing Morris & Swanwick’s bond given for duties on goods imported from Rhode Island on the 1st. of June, falls due this day. The Legislature having declared that the Section of the act to regulate the Collection of duties, which subjected foreign goods from N. Carolina & Rhode Island...
489From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 30 January 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
You are unfortunate, if a wrong Statement has been made by the party confirmed by your own Certificate and by the report of the district Judge. I could only regret that an error had come to me so Sanctionned. But Coming in such a Shape it was impossible for me not to conclude as I did. I send you a further extract from the Petition (the truth of which you have certified) which follows...
490From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 24 January 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
I return herewith the papers transmitted with your letter of the 22d. of January. I do not consider this as a compliance with the requisition of my letter of the 20th. instant—and after the personal explanation I gave you, I cannot but express my surprise that you have fallen so far short of my intention. My object is to have a report from you concerning the three vessels, including the...
491From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 21 April 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I do not conceive the laws will admit of a Collectors receiving & certifying a Manifest of goods actually at the time without his district; nor could it be deemed safe so to frame a law that the certificates issued under it might be constantly applied to cover goods other than those for which they were intended as passports. I do not therefore deem myself justifiable in giving you the...
492From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 10 October 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
If a vessel bound to a foreign port, is by distress of weather, compelled to put into any port of the united States, where upon due examination such vessel is found to be unfit to proceed on her voyage, so as to render the transferring of her cargo to another vessel necessary, I am of opinion, that the Tonnage duty is not to be demanded. But an entry must be made of the cargo and the duties...
493From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 2 February 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, February 2, 1792. Questions two entries in Delany’s “account with the United States.” States: “The Register of the Ship Blum Hoff Lady has been transmitted to me by the Collector of Burlington. He mentions that this vessel departed from his district without any papers, and that she has since sailed from Philadelphia. I wish to be informed if she brought any goods into your...
494From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, [December 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
I have considered the case of the two vessels belonging to the port of Philadelphia which have arrived at the Capes of Delaware. The law does not authorize the receiving in any custom house, reports and entries of vessels that are not within the district to which it appertains. The only method therefore, as it appears to me, by which the owners can effect an entry in this or any other case is...
495From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 14 December 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, December 14, 1792. “The Revenue Cutter of Georgia being to be provided with Sail Cloth, I have to request that you will purchase upon the most reasonable terms, 9 Bolts equal to No 1 and 3 Bolts equal to No 8 of Boston Manufacture.…” LS , Bureau of Customs, Philadelphia; copy, RG 56, Letters to the Collector at Philadelphia, National Archives; LC , RG 26, Revenue Cutter...
496From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 20 January 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, January 20, 1795. “I have not received from you agreeably to my request a particular Statement in writing of all the circumstances which have attending the fitting out & Sailing of Three Vessels which have been armed in this Port in whole or in part as Cruisers in the service of France. It is essential, that I receive it this Week & that it be very particular & correct....
497From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 12 July 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
The practice of demanding Tonnage of a licensed vessel, when clearing out on a foreign voyage, and delivering up her license, as mentioned in your letter of the 10th instant, is conceived not to be conformable with law. A vessel cannot be liable to the Tonnage Duty whilst trading under a legal license. The practice must therefore be discontinued, and the Tonnage, charged in such cases, ought...
498From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 19 May 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
The establishment of Custom house boat⟨s is⟩ as you are informed, under the consideration of Congress ⟨at⟩ this time. But the circumstances which led to the tem⟨porary⟩ arrangement in your district appears still to be of so ⟨much⟩ weight, as to induce to a continuance of the measure ⟨till⟩ the proposed establishment shall be completed. I am with respect Sir Your obedt. Servt. LS , United...
499From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 22 January 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, January 22, 1791. The dealer’s catalogue description of this letter reads: “Authorizing a cutter to be built for the Delaware station under the supervision of Captain Montgomery.” Letter not found. ] LS , sold at Parke-Bernet Galleries, March 28, 1940, Lot 302. James Montgomery of Pennsylvania.
500From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 24 March 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, March 24, 1790. On April 30, 1790, Hamilton wrote to Delany “I refer you to my Letter of the 24th march.” Letter not found. ]
501From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 21 December 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
The duties upon Hemp and cotton which took place the 1st. instant being included in the same clause —and there having been no duty before upon cotton it appears probable that it was not the intention of the legislature to make the 60 cents an additional duty. It is also observable that although Hemp was left among the articles subject to five per centum, this is not termed a further or...
502From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 4 November 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
It will be necessary to the perfect understanding of the case you referred to me this morning, to know the day on which the goods of the Betsey from Liverpool were entered and whether they are now in a situation to be exhibited. It will be agreable to me also to see such papers, relative to this case, as may be in your hands. When you possess me of these things, I will give the subject due...
503From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 8 September 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I have considered the case proposed to me in your letter of the 11th. July, and do not find myself authorised to instruct you to set off the drawback against the bond of the importer Mr. Telles. The legislature had not seen fit to make any provision of this nature in the first collection law, and in the existing act they have only extended it to the importer , and not to the purchasers from...
504From Alexander Hamilton to Lewis F. Delesdernier, 15 June 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
I find by a remark, subjoined to one of your accounts, that you leave the monies, falling due on Bonds, in the hands of the Obligors, until a safe opportunity offers for Boston. This practice being against the express letter of the law must be forborn in future. It involves a responsibility, on your part, in as much as motives of safety would less exonerate you in cases where parties should...
505From Alexander Hamilton to Daniel Delozier, 1 May 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
I duly received your letter of the 13th of April containing an extract of a Letter from General Williams to you. When any instructions are addressed to the Collector and he is not in a condition to execute it personally on account of absence or sickness, it is understood that the person who acts in his stead as Collector will take up the business and execute it. I request that this idea may be...
506From Alexander Hamilton to Daniel Delozier, 2 May 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
I received your letter of the 15th ultimo with sundry communications relatively to the Revenue Cutter. The rate of 2/2d per man proposed by Captn Porter in his letter of the 5th. of April is excessive beyond toleration & it appears to me from the nature of the case and what exists in every other port that it is impossible that rate can be a reasonable one for a reasonable supply of the seamen....
507From Alexander Hamilton to Simeon DeWitt, 25 June 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, June 25, 1795. Asks DeWitt to forward the deed to the lands formerly owned by George Croghan. ALS , The Royal Library, MS Department, Stockholm, Sweden. For background to this letter, see Richard Peters to H, February 18 , March 24, 1795 .
508From Alexander Hamilton to Tjerck C. DeWitt, 2 April 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
Albany, April 2, 1795. Accepts DeWitt’s offer to serve as counsel for the town of Kingston, New York, except for two cases in which he has been retained by other clients. ADf , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. H wrote this draft on the back of DeWitt’s letter to him of March 16, 1795 .
509From Alexander Hamilton to the Directors of the Bank of New York, 25 January 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
You were so obliging as to cause it to be intimated that the payment of the loan of two hundred thousand dollars had of your Institution might be deferred if the service of the United States should require it. It will be a great convenience to this Department to avail itself of the permission, so as to defer the reimbursement of the principal of that sum to a year from its commencement. The...
510From Alexander Hamilton to the Directors of the Society for Establishing Useful Manufactures, [12 October 1792] (Hamilton Papers)
Minute of Matters which appear to require the attention of the Directors of the Society for establishing useful Manufactures. I The appointment of a Superintendant, if an unexceptionable person should present; but if none such should occur it may be still most adviseable to defer till the buildings shall be erected and the works in operation. II An Application to the Legislature to remove...
511From 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...
512From Alexander Hamilton to the Directors of the Society for Establishing Useful Manufactures, [16 January 1792] (Hamilton Papers)
I certify that Mr. Mort and Mr. Hall who have been engaged on behalf of the Society for establishing useful Manufactures, informed me, while the Subscriptions were pending, that they wished to become Subscribers, the One in the sum of Eight, the other of six thousand Dollars; but that it would probably not be convenient to advance the first payment, at the time required: To which I answered,...
513From Alexander Hamilton to the Directors of the Society for Establishing Useful Manufactures, 7 December 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
In consequence of powers vested in me by the Agents named in the instrument of Subscription towards the Society for establishing useful Manufactures, I have made Contracts on behalf of the Society with William Hall, as Superintendent of the printing Business; with Joseph Mort, as an Assistant in the Manufactory, in such way as his Services may be thought most useful. This Gentleman I...
514Treasury Department Circular to the District Attorneys, 31 August 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
A confidence in your disposition to promote the public interests, has induced me to trouble you on a subject in which the safety of Government is concerned. The 12th. section of the Act of the Legislature of the 4th instant “making provision for the debt of the United States” subjects the quantum and sufficiency of the Security to be given by the Commissioners of the New Loans to my judgment...
515Treasury Department Circular to the District Judges, 17 October 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
A question has occurred whether upon a Petition being presented in order to the mitigation or remission of any forfeiture, which may have been incurred, the Judge to whom it is presented may release the Vessel or goods forfieted, upon taking some proper surety to abide the event. I deem it not proper to give an opinion respecting the construction of the law in this particular; but I think it...
516From Alexander Hamilton to James Duane, 4 August 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I find myself obliged to remit the proceedings on the Petition of John Osborn in order that a further inquiry be had. Having had occasion heretofore to consult the British Acts of Parliament respecting the admeasurement of vessels, I am satisfied that there must be some incorrectness in the evidence from which it has been stated that the Tonnage, according to the rule prescribed by the British...
517From Alexander Hamilton to James Duane, 5 April 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
I return herewith the statement sent me in the case of Lemuel Toby and the Ship Lydia, in order that a further enquiry & statement may be had. I am not at present satisfied of the innocence of the transaction, as it respects all the parties, who may be concerned, and as it is a shape in which fraud may present itself with great success, I am solicitous for a pretty strict scrutiny. A Hogshead...
518From Alexander Hamilton to James Duane, 24 September 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, September 24, 1789. On September 24, 1789, Duane wrote to Hamilton : “I called upon you within the time limited to give you my answer on the Communication which … you was pleased to make me this morning.” Letter not found. ] Duane was mayor of New York City.
519From Alexander Hamilton to James Duane, [7 May 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
The form of the bill has been changed to day. He is to be paid 7000 Dollars & an annuity for life but the blank is not filled up. Nobody talks of less than 1500 Dollars. The Baron says his contract or nothing; but you & all his friends must join me in telling him that to act upon this would be to act like a boy. This must be done before you leave town. Yr affect & Obling ALS , New-York...
520From 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...
521From Alexander Hamilton to William Duer, [23 March 1792] (Hamilton Papers)
Five minutes ago, I received your Letter of yesterday. I hasten to express to you my thoughts; as your situation does not permit delay. I am of opinion that those friends, who have lent you their money or security from personal confidence in your honor, and without being interested in the operation in which you may have been engaged, ought to be taken care of absolutely and preferably to all...
522From Alexander Hamilton to William Duer, 22 April 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
I hoped ere this to have seen you, to have afforded you whatever of aid could have resulted from my advice after knowing your real situation. But the session protracts itself & I can scarcely say when it will finish. Lest the information contained in my last should induce you to postpone any arrangement with your Creditors, in the hope of speedily having an opportunity of consulting me I have...
523From Alexander Hamilton to William Duer, [20 April 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
I send you herewith a plan for a manufacturing Society in conformity to the Ideas we have several times conversed about. It has occurred to me that Mr. Cazenove might be willing to adventure in the project. The good sense and discernment, which he possesses, assure me that he will readily appreciate whatever of good there may be in the plan, and there has appeared to me in him a disposition...
524From Alexander Hamilton to William Duer, 14 March 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the 11th. got to hand this day. I am affected beyond measure at its contents; especially as it was too late to have any influence upon the event you were apprehensive of—Mr. Woolcott’s instructions having gone off yesterday. I trust however the alternative which they present to the Attorney of the and the discretion he will use in managing the affair will enable you to avoid any...
525From Alexander Hamilton to William Duer, 17 August 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your two letters of the 12th and 16th. The Subscription Book for the manufacturing Society did not remain with me nor with either of the two Gentlemen who came on with me. Is it with neither of those who accompanied you? If it is not, it must have been left at Brunswick & you will do well to write to some trusty person there to look it up & send it to you. I am impatient for...
526From Alexander Hamilton to William Duer, [4–7 April 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
While I truly regret, my dear friend, that the necessity of your situation compels you to relinquish a station in which public and personal considerations combine to induce me to wish your continuance, I cannot but be sensible of the force of the motives by which you are determined. And I interest myself in your happiness too sincerely not to acquiesce in whatever may redound to your...
527From Alexander Hamilton to William Duer, 7 April 179[1] (Hamilton Papers)
In consideration of the moderate terms of Mr Fowler’s contract with the public and from a disposition to give all requisite aid to the Contractor in order that the public service may be effectually & certainly performed, I accede to the requests contained in your letter, as explained in conversation—that is to say—I will advance immediately to you as Agent to Mr Fowler thirty thousand Dollars,...
528From Alexander Hamilton to Andrew Dunscomb, 17 January 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, January 17, 1794. On January 26, 1794, Dunscomb wrote to Hamilton : “Your friendly favor of the 17th Inst. I recd. ⅌ last post.” Letter not found. ] Dunscomb, a former resident of New York City, had moved to Richmond in the winter of 1791. He had served the government in several clerical capacities during the American Revolution. After the Revolution he was a clerk in the...
529From Alexander Hamilton to Etienne Dutilh and John G. Wachsmuth, 19 August 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
I am to acknowlege the receipt of your letter of the 2nd instant informing me that you are the holders of the following bills of Exchange drawn by the Administration of St Domingo on the late Consul General of France; and which remain unpaid. Dolls Vizt. No 377 for 3540 “ 378 “ 4290 “ 359 “ 800 “ 371 “
530From Alexander Hamilton to William Edgar, 17 January 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
This will be handed you by General Hull, whom I have charged with a Commission to be executed in Upper Canada, that is the contracting for supplies for an Indian Treaty expected to be held at Au Glaise the Ensuing Spring. I wish him to be possessed of Letters of Introduction to respectable Merchants of the Country to which he is going and believing that no one can answer this purpose better...