201To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 18 October 1787 (Hamilton Papers)
Your favor without date came to my hand by the last Post. It is with unfeigned concern I perceive that a political dispute has arisen between Governor Clinton and yourself. For both of you I have the highest esteem and regard. But as you say it is insinuated by some of your political adversaries, and may obtain credit, “that you palmed yourself upon me, and was dismissed from my family;” and...
202To Alexander Hamilton from Theodorus Bailey, 17 January 1786 (Hamilton Papers)
Poughkeepsie [ New York ] January 17, 1786 . Sends information concerning a litigation about which Hamilton had written to Bailey on November 20, 1785. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Letter not found.
203The Federalist No. 1, [27 October 1787] (Hamilton Papers)
To the People of the State of New York. After an unequivocal experience of the inefficacy of the subsisting Fœderal Government, you are called upon to deliberate on a new Constitution for the United States of America. The subject speaks its own importance; comprehending in its consequences, nothing less than the existence of the UNION, the safety and welfare of the parts of which it is...
204From Alexander Hamilton to John B. Church, 1 February 1786 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, February 1, 1786. On April 5, 1786, Church wrote to Hamilton : “I am in your Debt and have to thank you for your Letters of the 24 Novr. 6 Decr. & 1st Feby.” Letter of February 1 not found. ]
205To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas White, 22 March 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, March 22, 1785. “[I enclose] a statement respecting the Rents (of the different Lotts on the Vineyard in dispute with the Beekmans) that we have received since the Death of my Father, which I hope will be sufficient both to you and the other Gentlemen Arbitrators of this disagreeable Business to conclude upon.” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. White was the son of Thomas...
206From Alexander Hamilton to The New-York Packet, [7 April 1785] (Hamilton Papers)
The Subscriber having observed his name included in some of the lists of persons proposed for the ensuing election, and being sincerely desirous of declining public office at the present juncture, thinks it proper to declare his wishes on this head, to prevent the attention of any of his fellow-citizens being diverted from persons, whose convenience and abilities will be better adapted to...
207Report of a Committee of the Trustees of Columbia College, 13 March 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, March 13, 1788. On this date Hamilton and Morgan Lewis, members of a committee to whom was referred an “Application of Messrs. Van Zandt and Kettlelas,” reported that the two men had offered to pay in 1776 the full amount of principal and interest due on their bond to the college in continental currency and that the treasurer of the college had refused the payment. D , signed by H...
208Notes on the History of South America, [December 1786] (Hamilton Papers)
Rob. H of A B 2d P 73— Christopher Columbus, a subject of Genoa , the first discoverer of America. Idem P. 83–84–86 After Different applications to the Genoese, to the King of Portugal, England & various disappointments he at last undertakes the 95 voyage in the service of Spain & in 1492 set out on his voyage. 102 Idem 111. 112— Octr. 12. 1492 discovered land—the Island of San Salvador—&...
209Robert Yates’s Version, [18 June 1787] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton. To deliver my sentiments on so important a subject, when the first characters in the union have gone before me, inspires me with the greatest diffidence, especially when my own ideas are so materially dissimilar to the plans now before the committee. My situation is disagreeable, but it would be criminal not to come forward on a question of such magnitude. I have well considered...
210New York Ratifying Convention. Remarks, [23 July 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Ham[ilton]—thinks we ought to proceed on the report—& if any gent[leman] wishes to introduce an amend[men]t he has a right to do it. Gilbert Livingston MS Notes, MS Division, New York Public Library. For a discussion of the debates on July 23 and of the decisions made by the Convention on that date, see “New York Ratifying Convention. First Speech of July 24 .”
211To Alexander Hamilton from Robert R. Livingston, 3 March 1787 (Hamilton Papers)
I recd. your favor with the Barrons papers in hand, by the post, the letters you mention to have sent by a private hand never reached me. I enclose a letter to the Baron containing my opinion Tho I confess to you that I think that in publishing (as he told me he proposed) he will shew more resentment that prudence. He will provoke replies, he will be called upon to shew what he has lost, the...
212To Alexander Hamilton from Marquis de Lafayette, 26 October [1787] (Hamilton Papers)
As I am writing By a Gentleman Who goes through England and Carries my letter Himself, I shall Content Myself with inclosing the Copy of Some favourable Arrangemens of Commerce —and Reminding You of Your loving, grateful, and devoted am My dear Hamilton Yours for Ever My Best Respects to Mrs Hamilton. ALS , The Sol Feinstone Collection, Library of the American Philosophical Society,...
213To Alexander Hamilton from Marquis de Lafayette, 8 October 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
With all the warmth of my long and tender friendship I Congratulate You Upon the Birth of Your daughter, and Beg leave to present Mrs Hamilton With my most Affectionate Respects. Several delays Have Retarded the Oppening of the treaty and When I was Upon the Ground, it Has Been found that my influence with the Indians Both friendly and Hostile tribes, was much Greater than the Commissioners...
214The Federalist No. 72, [19 March 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
To the People of the State of New-York. THE Administration of government, in its largest sense, comprehends all the operations of the body politic, whether legislative, executive or judiciary, but in its most usual and perhaps in its most precise signification, it is limited to executive details, and falls peculiarly within the province of the executive department. The actual conduct of...
215To Alexander Hamilton from Peter Van Schaack, 25 October 1786 (Hamilton Papers)
Kinderhook [ New York ] October 25, 1786 . “I enclose you a Case for your Opinion, with a Fee. Tis a confused Business but I hope you will hit upon a clue to lead us through the Labyrinth. I have it also in Charge to retain you on Behalf of the Vandenberghs and Van Vechtens.” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. For information on Van Schaack, see H to Angelica Church, August 3, 1785,...
216Thomas Mifflin to Alexander Hamilton, John Laurance, and Richard Varick, 17 December 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
Yesterday I received the letter you did me the honor to write to me on the 10th: instant, and laid it before Congress; but as seven States only have met, the Subject of it cannot be taken up so soon as its Importance requires. I will transmit to you an authenticated copy of the Ratification of the definitive Treaty the moment that Congress shall put it into my power. I am with much Respect &...
217From Alexander Hamilton to Nicholas Low, [6 May 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
I send you the questions answered. Yrs. ALS , Mr. Cyril Clemens, Kirkwood, Missouri. Low, a prominent New York merchant, for whom H had on various occasions served as attorney, was seeking election as a delegate to the New York State convention to ratify the Constitution of the United States. See H to Gouverneur Morris, May 19, 1788 ( PAH Harold C. Syrett, ed., The Papers of Alexander Hamilton...
218From Alexander Hamilton to James Madison, [25 June 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
I am very sorry to find by your letter of the 13th that your prospects are so critical. Our chance of success here is infinitely slender, and none at all if you go wrong. The leaders of the Antifederalists finding their part seems somewhat squeamish about rejection, are obliged at present to recur to the project of conditional amendments. We are going on very deliberately in the discussion and...
219H. G. Letter VII, 28 February 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
The embarrassments experienced in carrying through the first plan, the increase of the national debt, and other circumstances induced Congress to devise a new system of impost, which was finally agreed upon on the 18th of April 1783. In this system, the appointment of the officers, to collect the duties, was referred to the several states, which it was supposed would remove the principal...
220New York Ratifying Convention. Remarks, [26 June 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr Hamilton—This matter was fully debated in the Convention and left ⟨–⟩. It will not be strenuously insisted on either side. John McKesson MS Notes, New-York Historical Society, New York City. There is no record of this statement by H in any of the other accounts of the debates of June 26. H’s statement followed these remarks by John Lansing, Jr.: “It appears that this Clause was intended to...
221The Federalist No. 30, [28 December 1787] (Hamilton Papers)
To the People of the State of New-York. IT has been already observed, that the Fœderal Government ought to possess the power of providing for the support of the national forces; in which proposition was intended to be included the expence of raising troops, of building and equiping fleets, and all other expences in any wise connected with military arrangements and operations. But these are not...
222To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 28 August 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
I have had the pleasure to receive your letter dated the 13th.—accompanied by one addressed to General Morgan. I will forward the letter to Gener[a]l Morgan by the first conveyance, and add my particular wishes that he would comply with the request contained in it. Although I can scarcely imagine how the Watch of a British Officer, killed within their lines, should have fallen into his hands...
223From Alexander Hamilton to John Chaloner, [11 December 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
As it now draws towards the time for declaring a dividend of the bank, and I am authorized by Mr. Carter to receive his share I shall wish to be informed in what manner the bank will choose to have an acknowlegement of the receipt of the money from me, when time of payment comes—whether an order from me in favour of yourself—or a bill drawn payable to myself, or a receipt from me will be...
224The Federalist No. 34, [5 January 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
To the People of the State of New-York. I FLATTER myself it has been clearly shewn in my last number, that the particular States, under the proposed Constitution, would have CO-EQUAL authority with the Union in the article of revenue, except as to duties on imports. As this leaves open to the States far the greatest part of the resources of the community, there can be no color for the...
225From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Mullett, 23 July 1787 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York ] July 23, 1787 . “The want of Some original papers which Mr. Brailsford was to have Sent me, puts it out of my power to proceed to a trial of his Cause with Wooldridge.… Mr. Wooldridge is willing, if I will let him out on Common bail, to give me a Bond in any Sum … that he will not go out of this State … and that he will not give any impedment or delay to the attachments now...
226To Alexander Hamilton from Peter Silvester, 24 September 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
September 24, 1785. Discusses pending litigation between Captain Phillips and Colonel Van Rensselaer concerning a debt contracted by Phillips in 1776. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Silvester was a lawyer who practiced in the area which, in 1786, became Columbia County.
227[Elegy on the Death of the Honorable Samuel Hardy, Esq.], [20 October 1785] (Hamilton Papers)
The New-York Journal, or Weekly Register , October 20, 1785. For a discussion of H’s possible authorship of this poem, see Burnett, Letters Edmund C. Burnett, ed., Letters of Members of the Continental Congress (Washington, 1921–1938). , VIII, 239. According to a correspondent of Burnett, tradition ascribes the poem to H. There is no other evidence that he wrote it. Samuel Hardy was a former...
228New York Ratifying Convention. Circular Letter to the Governors of the Several States, 26 July 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
Poughkeepsie, New York, July 26, 1788. “We the members of the Convention of this State, have deliberately & maturely considered the Constitution proposed for the united States. Several articles in it appear so exceptionable [to a majority of us], that nothing but the fullest confidence of obtaining a Revision of them by a general convention, and an invincible Reluctance to separating from our...
229To Alexander Hamilton from Mary Bryant, 23 April 1787 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, April 23, 1787. Asks Hamilton’s assistance in securing a disputed legacy left to her by her husband. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Mary Bryant was the widow of Dr. William Bryant of Trenton, New Jersey.
230From Alexander Hamilton to Samuel Breese, William Malcom, and Aaron Burr, April 1787 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, April, 1787 ] “Mrs. Bayard Widow of Mr Samuel Bayard deceased has applied to me to arrange with you some provision for her in persuance of the Will of her husband representing her situation as distressed in the extreme, and assuring me that she is willing to do whatever I shall advise towards a fair adjustment of matters between you and her.…” Copy, Hamilton Papers, Library of...
231From Alexander Hamilton to the Electors of the City and County of New York, [3 March 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
Having been appointed by two different, and very numerous meetings of the inhabitants of this city, among other purposes, for that of forwarding the election of John Lawrence, Esq. as the representative of this district in Congress, we think it our duty to state to such of you as may not have been present at those meetings, what we understand to have been the motives to his nomination, and the...
232New York Assembly. Remarks on an Act for Regulating Elections, [23 January 1787] (Hamilton Papers)
The house then resolved itself into a committee of the whole, on the election bill, on the paragraph enabling the inspectors to take aside any ignorant person, and to examine him privately touching his ballot. A small debate arose. Mr. Hamilton, thought it was very apparent, if the clause prevailed in the house, that it would tend to increase rather than prevent an improper influence. For...
233To Alexander Hamilton from John Chaloner, 1 May 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed you have Captn Wades recet for the Box I reced of the Consul of france which I hope will come safe to hand. I shall write you on the Subject of the Bank as soon as I am well informd of the business transacted Yesterday at a meeting of the Stockholders. I have not a doubt but that the money can be better employed & with equal security. I am Sir Your most Obdt Servt LC , Historical...
234From Alexander Hamilton to Robert R. Livingston, [23 May 1786] (Hamilton Papers)
We have talked over the Question. Who of the Commissioners are to go to the Southward? And it seems to be decided that you and myself are to be of the number and that a third must be either Mr. R. C. Livingston or Mr Ganseevort, as they may arrange it between themselves. I understand the meeting is to be sometime in September. I remain with sincere esteem Sir Your obed & hum ser ALS ,...
235To Alexander Hamilton from John Kelly, 14 July 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Tinmouth, Vermont, July 14, 1788. On this date Nathaniel Chipman wrote Hamilton that Kelly “writes by the same opportunity.” Letter not found. ]
236New York Assembly. Remarks on an Act for Regulating Elections, [27 January 1787] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton observed they were going on dangerous ground. The best rule the committee could follow was that held out in the constitution; which it would be safest to adhere to without alteration or addition. If we once depart from this rule, there is no saying where it will end. To-day, a majority of the persons sitting here from a particular mode of thinking disqualify one description of...
237From Alexander Hamilton to Hugh Knox, 17 May 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, May 17, 1784. On July 28, 1784, Knox wrote to Hamilton : “After a long long Chasm in Our Epistolary Intercourse, I received your favour of the 17th. of May last.” Letter not found. ]
238To Alexander Hamilton from Lawrence and Morris, 31 May 1786 (Hamilton Papers)
We are much concerned, that the matter has been so long delayed, respecting the return of the money, you have been so very obliging as to lend us. Every moment since the Receipt of your Note of the other day, we have been expecting to receive the money, from different Persons indebted to us in this City, under their most solemn assurances of payment, & it would have been more agreeable to us,...
239From Alexander Hamilton to James Bowne, 17 June 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York ] June 17, 1784 . “Let me know if you please Whether Philip Palmer and Joseph Palmer are both alive or not, and whether Mr. Leonard Lawrence is Executor or Administrator to his father, if the former whether there are any other Executors named in his will and now alive.…” ALS , Mr. Samuel A. Mehlman, New York City. In PAH Harold C. Syrett, ed., The Papers of Alexander Hamilton (New...
240From Alexander Hamilton to Richard Varick, [31 December 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Commodore Nicholson tells me this evening that they are nearly at a stand for want of funds. I commit the guardianship of my poor bantling to you. Pray dont let it suffer. Another thousand by the corporation will relieve all our difficulties. Yrs. sincerely ALS , MS Division, New York Public Library, New York City. Varick at this time was recorder for New York City. On September 30, 1788, the...
241From Alexander Hamilton to James Madison, [October 1787–March 4, 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
If Mr. Madison should be disengaged this Evening Mr. Hamilton would be obliged by an opportunity of conversing with him at his lodgings for half an hour. If engaged this Evening he will thank him to say whether tomorrow Evening will suit. AL , James Madison Papers, Library of Congress. H’s note is undated. It probably was written between October, 1787, and March 4, 1788, a period during which...
242To Alexander Hamilton from Robert Milligan, 18 February 1786 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, February 18, 1786. “I am much obliged by your polite favour of the 4th. instant. Not thinking myself authorized to transfer discretionary powers … in Mr. Lillys affair, I have wrote to him, signifying my inability to act for him further; and recommending … to send a special Agent for the purpose of securing his interests.” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Letter not found.
243Enclosure L: [Agreement between John Banks and Neucomen & Collect], [1 May 1786] (Hamilton Papers)
Know all men by these presents, That We, John Banks, for Hunter, Banks and Company, merchants, Richmond, Virginia, and Nathaniel Greene, are held and firmly bound unto Neucomen and Collett, merchants, Charleston, in the sum of seventeen thousand four hundred and eighty seven pounds, eleven shillings, sterling money of Great Britain, for the faithful payment of which, we bind ourselves, our...
244To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Wadsworth, 3 April 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received very unfavorable accounts respecting Isaac Moses & Co House in Holland. As you have the recet for our Monies I wish you inquire of him if our concerns are so involved in his matters that we shall be liable to any loss in case of his ruine by this misfortune in holland. I am Dear Sir Your very Hum Servant Have you any news from Church by ye last Packet? I have not a line. ALS ,...
245From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Wadsworth, 7 April 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
In mine to you of the first instant I informed you that the house of Samuel and Moses Myers of Amsterdam had stopped payment in consequence of which an assignment of property had there taken place for the benefit of the English and Dutch Creditors. How far this assignment will operate cannot now be determined; as we are not sufficiently acquainted with the circumstances. It happened the Mr....
246Rufus King’s Version, [18 June 1787] (Hamilton Papers)
Federal is an association of distinct Govt: into one—these fed. Govt. in some instances legislate on collective bodies, in others on individuals. The Confederation partakes of both—Piracies are cognizable by the Congress—&c. Our powers have this object—the Freedom & Happiness of our Country—we must go all lengths to accomplish this Object—if the Legislatures have no powers to ratify because...
247New York Assembly. Remarks on Several Petitions from Columbia County, [5 March 1787] (Hamilton Papers)
On motion of Mr. Sickles, the house went into a committee of the whole on the different petitions from Columbia county, respecting the place of holding courts, &c. Mr. Bancker in the chair. After reading several petitions and affidavits, Mr. James Livingston moved that the committee should rise, he did not see, he said, what the committee could do with the petitions. Mr. Jones thought it was...
248Baron von Steuben to James Duane, [11 October 1784] (Hamilton Papers)
The flattering token of their regard with which the Mayor Recorder & Alderman of the metropolis of a state distinguished for its exertions in the late revolution have honored me, derives additional value from the characters of the respectable individuals who compose that body and from the very obliging manner in which it is conferred. The degree of my zeal for the common cause of America will...
249From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Wadsworth, [23 March 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
I have reflected on the subject of our conversation respecting the property belonging to Mr. Church and yourself now in the City of Philadelphia and agree in opinion with you that it will be altogether adviseable to remove it from that place to this City or Connecticut or both, so as to have it more immediately under your eye. I would therefore by all means advise the step. I remain Yr....
250From Alexander Hamilton to William Wickham, 28 October 1786 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York City ] October 28, 1786 . “I shall in a very short time have an urgent call for a sum of money to make up which I shall be glad to receive the amount of my account for services in the controversy between Cheesecocks and Wawayanda, or a considerable part of it.” ALS , Goshen Library and Historical Society, Goshen, New York. This letter is addressed to “The Agents for managing the...