121To Alexander Hamilton from Stephen De Lancey, 27 May 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
Scarsdale [ New York ] May 27, 1785 . Asks for information concerning the progress of various legal actions instituted against De Lancey’s debtors. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. De Lancey was the grandson of Stephen De Lancey, founder of the family in the United States.
122To Alexander Hamilton from John Langdon, [21 June 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
By the Desire of our Mutual Friend Rufus King Esqr. I have the great pleasure and satisfaction of informing you, that this State, has this day Adopted the federal Constitution; this al-important Question, was Carried by a Majority of Eleven 57 Yeas 46 Nays. Excuse hast and Believe me, with the greatest Respect Dr: Sir: Your Mot: Obt: Servant P: S: this letter goes to Springfield by an...
123To Alexander Hamilton from John Lansing, Junior, 28 October 1786 (Hamilton Papers)
Albany, October 28, 1786. States that the sheriff of Montgomery County who “has been attached for a Contempt in proceeding to the Sale of Croghan’s Land,” wishes Hamilton “to take the necessary Steps to defend him.” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
124To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Laurens, 19 April 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
I was yesterday honored by receipt of your very obliging Letter of the 6th. inclosing Mr. Frederic’s Narrative. A tissue of Lies. During the Seige of Charleston, when he pretends he carried arms & to have acted in the Trenches, he was at my Mepkin Plantation, whence some time after the Town fell, he joined the temporary Conquerors; he also seduced his Wife, she thro’ the persuasion of faithful...
125To 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,...
126To Alexander Hamilton from William Leary, 27 December 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, December 27, 1785. “Please … deliver all the papers … [respecting] my father to the bearer my Clark.” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Leary owned a grocery store at 182 Water Street in New York City. At the bottom of this letter, H wrote: “Delivered Bond Mortgage & Certificate of discharge according to the above.”
127To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Lee, [16 June 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
God bless you & your efforts to save me from the manifold ⟨–⟩ misfortunes which have & continue to oppress me, whenever I attempt to aid human nature. You will do what you think best & whatever you do I will confirm. Hazard has acted the part of a decided rascal & if I fail in my right, I may not in personal revenge. Our Convention is in full debate on the great business of Federal...
128To Alexander Hamilton from Robert Livingston, 13 June 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
Your kind & interesting letter of the 25th. April did not come to my hands before the 23 May, when I was at my Iron works endeavouring to git them repaird & to Sett the Furnace going which gave me much trouble & realy exercised my patience & from whence I return’d last Saterday, much fateagu’d, this troublesome Job, am persuaded will appologise for my not answering your polite letter Sooner....
129Conveyance. Isaac Roosevelt and Robert C. Livingston to Thomas Jones, John H. Livingston, Alexander Hamilton, and … (Hamilton Papers)
New York, December 4, 1788. “… By an act of the Legislature of the State of New York Entitled ‘An act for vesting the Estate of Philip Livingston late of the City of New York Esquire deceased in Trustees for the payment of his Debts and other purposes therein mentioned’” the heirs of Philip Livingston convey his entire estate to the trustees “for one whole year bearing date the day before the...
130To Alexander Hamilton from Robert R. Livingston, 25 December 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
December 25, 1785. “I recd your notes with Mr. Hoffmans Letter. I have no objections to waving any formalities with respect to the return of the writ of error. I should be extremly sorry if any part of my letter strikes you disagreeably. The passage you allude to was inserted as well to contradict an assertion that I had treated Mr. Hoffmans memory with severity, as to express my resentment at...
131To 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...
132To Alexander Hamilton from Walter Livingston, 3 September 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, September 3, 1785. “… the House of De Lande and Fynje of Amsterdam have stopt Payment with a Considerable Sum in their hands belonging to the United States. I shall be glad of Your Opinion as Counsel what legal measures I can pursue for securing any Property belonging to that House, which may be in the Hands of Persons in this State.” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress....
133To Alexander Hamilton from William Livingston, 22 December 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
Elizabethtown [ New Jersey ] December 22, 1788 . Discusses the settlement of the estate of Philip Livingston. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
134To Alexander Hamilton from John Lowell, 9 November 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
Boston, November 9, 1785. States that there is no bankruptcy act in Massachusetts and sends information concerning the transfer of property by a citizen of Massachusetts to a New York creditor. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. This letter is in reply to H to Lowell, October 30, 1785 .
135To Alexander Hamilton from John Lowell, 19 October 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Boston, October 19, 1785. On October 30, 1785, Hamilton wrote to Lowell : “Mr. Lowe has delivered me your letter of the 19th. Instant.” Letter not found. ] Lowell, a judge of the Massachusetts Court of Appeals, was serving as a member of the New York-Massachusetts commission to settle the boundary dispute between those states.
136To Alexander Hamilton from Alexander Macaulay, 1 August 1786 (Hamilton Papers)
Yorktown, Virginia, August 1, 1786. Has “of this date drawed on you at Ten days sight for … One Hundred pounds currency of New York in favour of Colo. John Jameson.” Requests Hamilton to pay this sum “out of the money arising from Harts Debt.” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Malcolm Hart.
137To Alexander Hamilton from Alexander Macaulay, 24 October 1786 (Hamilton Papers)
Alexandria, Virginia, October 24, 1786. Is detained at Alexandria. Asks Hamilton’s assistance in settling various financial affairs in New York City. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
138To Alexander Hamilton from James Madison, [30 June 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed is the final result of our conventional deliberations. The intended address of the minority proved to be of a nature apprehended by me. It was rejected by the party themselves when proposed to them, and produced an auspicious conclusion to the business. As I shall set out in a few days for N. York, I postpone further explanations. I have this instant the communications from N....
139To Alexander Hamilton from James Madison, 13 June 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Richmond, June 13, 1788. On June 25, 1788, Hamilton wrote to Madison: “I am very sorry to find by your letter of the 13th that your prospects are so critical.” Letter not found. ]
140To Alexander Hamilton from James Madison, [20 July 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Yours of yesterday is this instant come to hand & I have but a few minutes to answer it. I am sorry that your situation obliges you to listen to propositions of the nature you describe. My opinion is that a reservation of a right to withdraw if amendments be not decided on under the form of the Constitution within a certain time, is a conditional ratification, that it does not make N. York a...
141To Alexander Hamilton from James Madison, 16 June 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
Yours of the 8th. is just come to hand. I mentioned in my last that Oswald had been here in consultation with the Antifedl. leaders. The contents of your letter confirm the idea that a negotiation for delay is [on] foot between the opposition here & with you. We have conjectured for some days that the policy is to spin out the Session in order to receive overtures from your Convention; or if...
142To Alexander Hamilton from James Madison, 22 June 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
The Judiciary Department has been on the anvil for several days; and I presume will still be a further subject of disquisition. The attacks on it have apparently made less impression than was feared. But they may be secretly felt by particular interests that would not make the acknowledgement, and wd. chuse to ground their vote agst. the Constitution on other motives. In the course of this...
143To Alexander Hamilton from James Madison, 27 June [1788] (Hamilton Papers)
This day put an end to the existence of our Convention. The inclosed is a copy of the Act of Ratification. It has been followed by a number of recomendatory alterations; many of them highly objectionable. One of the most so is an article prohibiting direct taxes where effectual laws shall be passed by the States for the purpose. It was impossible to prevent this error. The minority will sign...
144To Alexander Hamilton from James Madison, 20 June 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
Our debates have advanced as far as the Judiciary Department against which a great effort is making. The appellate congnizance of fact, and an extension of the power to causes between Citizens of different States, with some lesser objections are the topics chiefly dwelt on. The retrospection to cases antecedent to the Constitution, such as British debts, and an apprehended revival of the...
145To Alexander Hamilton from James Madison, 9 June [1788] (Hamilton Papers)
The Heat of the weather &c. has laid me up with a bilious attack; I am not able therefore to say more than a few words. No material indications have taken place since my last. The chance at present seems to be in our favor. But it is possible things may take another turn. Oswald in Phila. came here on Saturday; and has closet interviews with the leaders of the opposition. Yours affcy. ALS ,...
146To Alexander Hamilton from James Madison, 16 October 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
Your favor of the 6th. of July by some singular ill luck never found its way to my hands till yesterday evening. The only part that now needs attention is a request that I will answer the following Question “What appeared to be my idea and disposition respecting the removal of Congress—did I appear to wish to hasten it, or did I not rather show a strong disposition to procrastinate it?” If...
147To Alexander Hamilton from James Madison, 20 November 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, November 20, 1788. On November 23, 1788, Hamilton wrote to Madison : “I thank you My Dear Sir for yours of the 20th.” Letter not found. ]
148To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 22[–23] October 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
I obey you. The homilies you delivered in Congress are still recollected with pleasure. The impressions they made are in favor of your integrity and no one but believes you a man of honor and republican principles. Were you ten years older and twenty thousand pounds richer, there is no doubt but that you might obtain the suffrages of Congress for the highest office in their gift. You are...
149To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas McKean, 2 December 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, December 2, 1788. On February 10, 1789, Hamilton wrote to McKean : “I duly received the letter which you did me the honor to write me of the 2d of Decr. last.” Letter not found. ] McKean was chief justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and a member of that state’s Ratifying Convention.
150To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas McKean, 26 December 1786 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, December 26, 1786. Requests Hamilton to collect a debt of £50 owed McKean by Richard Dowdle. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. McKean was chief justice of Pennsylvania.
151Thomas 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 &...
152To Alexander Hamilton from Nathan Miller, 1 September 1786 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, September 1, 1786. Will pay a bill drawn on Miller by Samuel Broome in Hamilton’s favor in about three weeks. AL , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Miller was a delegate to Congress from Rhode Island. See Samuel Broome to H, August 18, 1786 .
153To Alexander Hamilton from Robert Milligan, 1 October 1786 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, October 1, 1786. “I have your favour of the 26th Septr. Your objection to taking Mr Seixas’s bond is conclusive; his base acknowlegement of the amount of our claim I cannot consent to accept. Let an amicable suit be instituted and judgment confessed by Mr Seixas for the balance, with stay till 1st October 1789.” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Letter not found.
154To 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.
155To Alexander Hamilton from Robert Milligan, 15 January 1786 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, January 15, 1786. Encloses documents necessary for instituting a suit to recover money owed by a client. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Milligan was a Philadelphia attorney.
156To Alexander Hamilton from Callohill Minnes, 17 September 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
Fairfield, Virginia, September 17, 1788. Writes concerning “the settlement of Col. Wm. Aylett’s public accounts as deputy commissary general.” Asks Hamilton to block any resolution in Congress that would prevent the settlement of these accounts. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Minnes, who had served as an officer in the Continental Army during the American Revolution, was taken...
157To Alexander Hamilton from P. I. More, 12 May 1787 (Hamilton Papers)
Charleston, South Carolina, May 12, 1787. Requests Hamilton to collect a debt owed More by “Mr. John Tayleur formerly Merchant in this Place, now keeping a Jeweller’s Shop in Queen Street near the Coffee house in New York.” LS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. More was a Charleston physician.
158To Alexander Hamilton from Gouverneur Morris, 30 June 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
This is rather a late Period to acknowlege yours of the seventh of April. I have lived in the constant Intention to answer it & I now execute my Purpose. But why not sooner? Procrastination is the Thief of Time says Doctor Young. I meant to have written fully on the Subject of the Gold. But I waited some Informations from Annapolis on the Probability of a Mint. I afterwards intended a long...
159To Alexander Hamilton from Gouverneur Morris, 13 June 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
I am to acknowlege yours of the 19th. of May which reached me a few Days since. Matters are not going so well in this State as the Friends of America could wish. If indeed the Debates in Convention were alone attended to a contrary Inference would be drawn for altho Mr. Henry is most warm and powerful in Declamation being perfectly Master of Action Utterance and the Power of Speech to stir...
160To Alexander Hamilton from Gouverneur Morris, 27 January 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
I arrived here on Thursday Evening, after a mighty disagreable Ride, and a mighty whimsical Accident in crossing the Delaware, the Particulars of which I shall reserve till we meet. As I promised to write you the Politics and News of Philadelphia, I will do it this Day; for the Snow Storm rages so incessantly that I can’t go abroad. This you will say bodes a long Letter, and I fear you will...
161To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Mullett, 23 July 1787 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, July 23, 1787. Advises Hamilton to accept the settlement which has been arranged in a cause pending between Samuel Brailsford and Thomas Wooldrige. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
162To Alexander Hamilton from Hercules Mulligan, 7 January 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, January 7, 1785. At the bottom of an itemized account of money owed Mulligan by Philip Schuyler, Mulligan signed the following receipt: “Recd payment (by the hands of Col. Hammelton) in full.” ADS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Despite the reliance by H’s biographers on Hercules Mulligan’s narrative of the life of H (written sometime between 1810 and 1815), this receipt and...
163To Alexander Hamilton from Murray, Sansom, and Company, [April 1786] (Hamilton Papers)
Murray, Sansom & Co. present their Compliments to Mr. Hamilton and inform him that there is a Vessel that will sail on Sunday next for London, they would be obliged to him if he would have the Commission made out to go by that conveyance. At foot are the names they wish to have nominated as Commissioners. No 1 [Henry] Adams—Attorney at Law 3 Robert Barclay 4 Joseph Woods 5 Effingham...
164Moses Myers to Nicholas Low, Daniel Ludlow, and Alexander Hamilton, 23 November 1786 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, November 23, 1786. Describes his efforts in Baltimore and Philadelphia to collect money to cover his firm’s debts. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. For background to this letter, see “Conveyance. Isaac Moses, Nicholas Low, Daniel Ludlow, and Alexander Hamilton to Alexander Macomb,” February 15, 1786, note 1 (printed in this volume).
165To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 25 August 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
Since I had the Honor to address you 23rd. Inst. on the Subject of——; I have had the pleasure of a Full Conversation with Mr. A. He is Zealous in the matter and assures me he will go forward in one of the New York Packets by the last of this Week. I have wrote Mr. H. on the Subject and Warmly urged the Necessity of his going on with his Colleague Mr. A. and have made him an offer of a Draught...
166To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 10 September 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
I am Sorry to inform you that Mr. H. Cannot be prevailed on to attend Congress till after the Octr. Session of our Genl. Assembly which will be the last of the month, & which he means to attend, as he has been appointed a Representative for Charleston, Since his Return from New York. Mr. H’s Determination I have from a Gentleman in his Neighbourhood & well acquainted with his Politicks. I am...
167To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 3 November 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
Your favr. of 6th. Ulto. was duly Received. I thought proper to postpone Replying to it (till after the Session of the Genl. Assembly Should be over which Terminated on Saturday night last) in order that I might have it in my power to give you with more Certainty the proceedings of the Legislature on the Subject of the New Constitution; the Minority both in & out of the House took unwearied...
168To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 23 August 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
Your favr. of 12th. Inst. I Recd. not ’till yesterday haveing Just then Returned from the Country where I have been attending a Niece of mine who lays Dangerously ill. As your Communications are of a Delicate Nature, be assured Sr. I will hold them in the Fullest Confidence. Mr. A. Will be with you in the Question; Mr. H. I have not Seen. The principle Characters here are not So anxious about...
169To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Pearsall, 16 March 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, March 16, 1785. “I have thy Letter of this date. I recollect thy Application to me with a Copy of Oliver Arnolds Judgment obtained against me in Rhode Island for the Outfit of my Quarter of Sloop Diana. My present Determination is … not to pay it, as … I never gave Orders either in Writing or Verbally for the outfit.” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Pearsall was a partner...
170To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 30 September 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, September 30, 1784. Encloses legal papers to be used by Hamilton in “execution of the will of … John Holt, late of New-York printer deceased.” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. After the war Pickering, a native of Massachusetts, settled in Philadelphia where he became a merchant.