1List of Papers Given to Nathaniel Pendleton, [19 July 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
There were inclosed under this cover and delivered to me after the death of General Hamilton 1. His will 2. Deed of trust to John B Church, Jno Laurence, & Genl Clarkson 3. State of his Property & Debts with remarks 4 Remarks explanatory of his conduct motives & views in his expected interview 5 Note to myself 6. Letter to Mrs. Hamilton 7. Letter to John B Church inclosing an Assignment of...
2From Alexander Hamilton to Nathaniel Terry, 21 April 1803 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, April 21, 1803. States: “Your letter of the 2d instant found me in the midst of a Circuit Court.” Discusses a case concerning Jeremiah Wadsworth, one of the executors of Nathanael Greene’s estate. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Letter not found. The Circuit Court of the City and County of New York met from March 29 to April 21, 1803. For Greene’s estate, see “Report on...
3To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas H. Cushing, 1 July 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of War has directed me to enquire whether Lieut. Patrick McCarty of the third Regt. of infantry obeyed the order of the War department of the 2nd. of Sepr. 1799, directing all absent Officers of the 1st. Regt. of Artillerists & Engineers and of the first, second, third & fourth Regiments of Infantry to Report themselves to you within four months, and if so, whether any particular...
4Aaron Burr to David Hosack, [12 July 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr Burr’s respectful Compliments. He requests Dr. Hosack to inform him of the present state of Genl. H. and of the hopes which are entertained of his recovery. Mr. Burr begs to know at what hours of the [day] the Dr. may most probably be found at home, that he may repeat his inquiries. He would take it very kind if the Dr. would take the trouble of calling on him as he returns from Mr....
5Description of a Cipher, [23 May 1803] (Hamilton Papers)
Pour se servir de l’Echiquier cy inclus, en place d’un Chiffre, afin d’empecher la decouverte de votre correspondance; employer la maniere suivante. Ayant ecris votre lettre comme de coutume; vous prepárerez le papier sur lequel vous ētes intentioné a coucher votre copie secrete de la meme grandeur que le carré en Echiquier, lequel ētant placé sur le dit papier, vous l’y fixerez par les quatre...
6Coroner’s Inquest, [13 July–2 August 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
City & County of Newyork } ss An Inquisition Indented taken for the People of the State of Newyork At the third Ward of the City of Newyork in the County of Newyork, the thirteenth day of July in the year of Our Lord One thousand Eight hundred and four, and Continued by adjournment until the Second day of August in the year Aforesaid, before me John Burger Coroner for the Said City and County...
7To Alexander Hamilton from Philip Schuyler, 15 [June] 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
On Sunday a letter from Mrs. Church announced the happy delivery of My Dear Eliza, and that She and the child, were in as good health as could be expected and wished for. On this Event, I must Sincerely congratulate you and her. May I soon learn that she is perfectly restored. It is more than probable that soon after my return to albany I shall have the pleasure of seeing [you] at New York....
8To Alexander Hamilton from James A. Bayard, 8 March 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
I left Washington the 5th. and arrived here last evening. The letter which you did me the honor to write the 22d Ult. reached me on the 4th when I was occupied in arrangements for leaving the Seat of government. I remained in Washington on the 4th. thro’ necessity tho not without some curiosity to see the inauguration & to hear the speech. The scene was the same as exhibited upon former...
It is now a considerable length of time since we became with you Trustees for the Creditors of Isaac Moses & Co and Samuel and Moses Meyers; and we feel anxious that the affairs of this trust should be finally closed. We therefore request that you will be good enough to communicate to us the present situation of this business and especially a statement of the funds, if any, which may remain in...
10From Alexander Hamilton to Rufus King, 24 February 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
You will have heared, before this reaches you, of the fluctuations and changes which have taken place in the measures of the reigning party, as to a candidate for Governor; and you will probably have also been informed that pursuant to the opinions professed by our friends, before I left New York, I had taken an open part in favour of Mr. Lansing. It is a fact to be regretted, though...
11To Alexander Hamilton from George Clinton, 29 February 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
This is the first moments leisure I have had to answer your Letter of the 27th Instant which was handed to me yesterday. I have carefully perused the Papers it inclosed under the signature of Mr. James Kane and find the statement of the transaction aluded to as admitted by Judge Purdy to be correct as far as my Name is implicated, and I believe it contains as reduced by Judge Purdy the...
12To Alexander Hamilton from Joaquim L. Steinbach, 23 November 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, November 23, 1801. Requests Hamilton’s opinion on two marine insurance cases involving the ship Zenobia and the sloop Britton of Barrington . ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. No evidence has been found that H served as Steinbach’s counsel in any case involving either of these ships.
13To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 4 December 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
I sincerely condole with Mrs. Hamilton and you on the loss which you have sustained in the death of your beloved son Philip. I can well conceive of the distress this event has occasioned, and the tender recollections that his memory must long continue to excite. I lost my eldest child, a daughter, after she had discovered whatever can promise to flattter parental expectations. Is there ought...
14Assignment 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...
15William P. Van Ness to Nathaniel Pendleton, [26 June 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
The letter which you yesterday delivered me and your subsequent communications, in Col Burrs opinion evince no disposition on the part of Genl Hamilton to come to a satisfactory accomodation. The injury complained of and the reparation expected are so definitely expressed in Col: Burr’s letter of the 21st Instant, that there is not perceived a necessity for further explanation on his part. The...
16Account with John McComb, Junior, [8 December 1802] (Hamilton Papers)
State of acct. between Genl. Hamilton and John McComb Junr. amt. of Contract for finishing the Dwelling House $1875–0 571 ds board as pr. agreement @ 3/ (done Last Year) 214– amt. of Extra work is uncertain Dolls 2089– 1802 Cr June 2d By Cash recd $400 July By Cash 400 Sept. 12th “ Cash 400 Decm. 8th
17To Alexander Hamilton from Baron von Humboldt, [27 June 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
Il aurait été un moment bien interessant pour moi que celui de Vous être présenté personnellement, et de Vous offrir le temoignage respectueux de mon devouement. Une reunion de circonstances et l’obligation que j’ai de ne pas retarder la Publication de mes travaux litteraires me font partir pour Paris sans jouir du plaisir de Vous admirer de près et de voir le Cercle interessant dans lequel...
18Second Version: Speech to Federalist Nominating Convention for the City of New York, [20 April 1803] (Hamilton Papers)
After the business of the evening was completed, the gallant of Mrs. Reynolds addressed the meeting in a speech fraught with misrepresentation and abuse of the State and General Governments. He reiterated all the train that has appeared in the Post . He declared that the federal executive was too feeble to sustain the Government! But this restless & turbulent demagogue, this croaker of a...
19To Alexander Hamilton from Abraham Du Buc de Marentille, 23 May 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
Si, comme je l’espère, vous avez trouvé mon manuscrit, Je vous Serai obligé de vouloir bien le remettre à la personne qui vous délivrera cette lettre Sous mon couvert. J’ai l’honneur d’être avec les Sentimens les plus distingués, Monsieur, Votre très humble et très obeissant serviteur ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Du Buc de Marentille had served in the French army during the...
20From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, 14 October 1803 (Hamilton Papers)
I arrived here this day, in about as good health as I left home though somewhat fatigued. There are some things necessary to be done which I omitted mentioning to you. I wish the Carpenters to make and insert two Chimnies for ventilating the Ice-House, each about two feet Square & four feet long half above and half below the ground—to have a cap on the top sloping downwards so that the rain...
21The Examination Number XIII, [27 February 1802] (Hamilton Papers)
The advocates of the power of Congress to abolish the Judges, endeavor to deduce a presumption of intention favorable to their doctrine, from this argument—The provision concerning the tenure of office (say they) ought to be viewed as a restraint upon the Executive Department, because , to this Department belongs the power of removal; in like manner as the provision concerning the diminution...
22Receipt to Benjamin Tallmadge, [6 May 1803] (Hamilton Papers)
I Alexander Hamilton of New York acknowledge to have received of Benjamin Tallmadge , Treasurer of the OHIO COMPANY, ninety seven Dollars five cents being the third dividend payable on five Shares in said Company, in the agency of Winthrop Sargent. Dated at New York this sixth Day of May 1803. DS , Princeton University Library; DS (photostat), Benjamin Tallmadge Scrapbook, Library of Congress....
23Bond to Richard Harison and Aaron Ogden, [1 July 1801] (Hamilton Papers)
Know all Men by These Presents that I Alexander Hamilton of the City of New York Counsellor at Law am held and firmly bound to Richard Harrison of the same City and Aaron Ogden of Elizabeth Town in New Jersey Counsellors at law in the sum of Ten thousand Dollars lawful money of the United States of America to be paid to them as Trustees for Louis and Mary LeGuen according to their Antenuptial...
24Benjamin Moore to William Coleman, 12 July 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
The public mind being extremely agitated by the melancholy fate of that great man, Alexander Hamilton , I have thought it would be grateful to my fellow-citizens, would provide against misrepresentation, and, perhaps, be conducive to the advancement of the cause of religion, were I to give a narrative of some facts which have fallen under my own observation, during the time which elapsed...
25To Alexander Hamilton from Ernst Frederich von Walterstorff, 31 May 1803 (Hamilton Papers)
I will now according to my promise when I left St: Croix acquaint You of my safe arrival at Portsmouth the 27th. instant and write You a few lines about the present state of politics. You may think of our surprize, Sir, when we learned from an English Brig of war in the Channel that England had declared war against France and that hostilities had actually commenced. Who can foretell what will...
26Nathaniel Pendleton to William P. Van Ness, [15 July 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
Having thought it expedient on consideration to make a small addition to the statement which I had the honor of communicating to you on Friday last, I wished to have given you an opportunity of seeing it previous to its publication; and for that purpose I called at your house in town this evening supposing you had been prevented from calling upon me at five oClock this afternoon according to...
27To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Truxtun, 10 July 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
I pray you to accept a Copy of the medal voted me by Congress as a Small token of the great Respect and esteem with which I have the honor to be Dear Sir Your very obt. st. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Truxtun was appointed a captain in the United States Navy in 1794 and ranked fifth among the six captains appointed at that time. During the undeclared war with France, he...
28To Alexander Hamilton from Rufus King, 23 July 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
[ London, July 23, 1802. King’s description of this letter reads: “General Hamilton. Determination to return home &c.” Letter not found. ] Rufus King’s “Memorandum of private Letters, &c., dates & persons from 1796 to Augt 1802,” owned by Mr. James G. King, New York City.
29To Alexander Hamilton from John Johnston, 1 June 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
June 1, 1804. “You may recollect that previous to Mr Caines marriage with my sister Mrs Verplanck, I applied to you and Mr Charles Wilkes to become trustees together with Mr Keese in a marriage settlement.… I am induced to request you to take such steps as you may think necessary to secure the property vested in you by the settlement.” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. George Caines,...
30From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [9 March 1801] (Hamilton Papers)
Yesterday, My beloved Eliza, I wrote you by water to the care of a Capt Boyed. I in that letter informed you of my painful detention here by the slow progress of the Court and of my extreme anxiety to be with you. Your Sister Peggy had a better night last night than for three weeks past and is much easier this morning. Yet her situation is such as only to authorise a glimmering of hope. Adieu...
31To Alexander Hamilton from Rufus King, 1 March 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
Since my letter of the 24th. I have recd. yrs. of the same date; and after maturely reflecting upon the subject, and consulting one or two of our friends here I am confirmed in the Sentiment that I ought not to consent to be a candidate for the Govr. shd. the federalists think of offering me. This being my determination, it is right that I shd apprize you of it, in order that our friends may...
32To Alexander Hamilton from John Dickinson, [30 November 1801] (Hamilton Papers)
A sense of thy services to our Country, and the satisfaction I have received from our acquaintance, cause me to take an Interest in every Thing that importantly concerns thy Happiness. This Disposition compells me with a heart-felt love, most deeply to sympathize with thee and thy family in your present affliction. Could I add to this regretful Testimony any Arguments to soothe your Minds,...
33To Alexander Hamilton from Nicholas Olive, [15 December 1801] (Hamilton Papers)
J’ai eû l’honneur de vous écrire d’Angleterre, et de vous faire part de ce qui nous est arrivé, Vous aurez pensé peutêtre qu’aigri par le malheur j’avois chargé le tableau; Le tems vous apprendra que j’aurois pû le rendre plus sombre, et ce tems sera celui où le Capitaine et le Maître du bâtiment pris arriveront dans les Etats-unis; Ils vous diront ce qu’ils ont vû & avec qu’elle inhumanité...
34From Alexander Hamilton to Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, 29 December 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
A garden, you know, is a very usual refuge of a disappointed politician. Accordingly, I have purchased a few acres about 9 Miles from Town, have built a house and am cultivating a Garden. The melons in your country are very fine. Will you have the goodness to send me some seed both of the Water & Muss Melons? My daughter adds another request, which is for three or four of your peroquets. She...
35To Alexander Hamilton from Theodore Sedgwick, 27 January 1803 (Hamilton Papers)
This will be handed to you by a Mr. Thomas Fitch; and, at his desire, is addressed to his case. He wishes for the honor of being known to you, and he hopes for the aid of your patronage, in the persuit of some object, of which I have no distinct knowledge. He is of an obscure, tho’ respectable family in this neighbourhood. The President of the college where he was educated, a good &...
36[Draft of “An Act to incorporate ‘the Associates of the Jersey Company’”], [May–June 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
Although William H. Richardson, Jersey City: A Study of Its Beginning, Its Growth, and Its Destiny (Jersey City, New Jersey, 1927), 26, and Winfield, Jersey City Charles H. Winfield, A Monograph on the Founding of Jersey City (New York, 1891). , 59, attribute the draft of the bill of this act to H, no evidence has been found that H wrote it. For the text of the act, see New Jersey Laws , 29th...
37To Alexander Hamilton from Samuel Jones, Junior, 19 October 1803 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York ] October 19, 1803 . “Mr S. Jones Junior begs leave to remind Gen Hamilton of the case of Mr Remsen adm the corporation of the City of New york respecting the water lots at Burling Slip, which the Gen. has under his consideration.…” AL , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Jones was a New York City lawyer and the second son of Samuel Jones, first comptroller of New York State....
38From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [27 October 1803] (Hamilton Papers)
It is with great pleasure, I am able to inform my beloved Eliza that I continue to progress in convalescence; so that I propose to go to day from your Uncles where I have been to claverack where the Arbitrators are. But I do not mean to take any other part than that of Chamber Counsel in the business, till I am quite strong, for it will be my careful endeavour not to hazard another relapse. I...
39The Examination Number XIV, [2 March 1802] (Hamilton Papers)
In the course of the debate in the Senate, much verbal criticism has been indulged; many important inferences have been attempted to be drawn from distinctions between the words shall and may . This species of discussion will not be imitated, because it is seldom very instructive or satisfactory. These terms, in particular cases, are frequently synonymous, and are imperative or permissive,...
40To Alexander Hamilton from William Bingham, 21 July 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
Having a Packet of Papers which by your Desire were deposited with me, & which have long laid dormant in my Possession, & being about embarking in a Short time for Europe, permit me to return them to you. You will gratify me exceedingly, by furnishing me with an opportunity of rendering you any services during my Stay in Europe. I request you to make my respectfull Complements acceptable to...
41From Alexander Hamilton to John B. Graves, 9 June 1803 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, June 9, 1803. Gives his opinion concerning Graves’s legal questions and states: “Having myself lands in the vicinity of those of Mr. Scriba, I have occasionally received some information concerning the latter.… Some of my lands are now selling to settlers at the rate of three Dollars per acre.” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. This letter was written in reply to Graves to...
42To Alexander Hamilton from Richard Riker, 18 August 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, August 18, 1801. Encloses £100 as a retainer from Robert and Hamilton Stewart. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Riker was a New York City lawyer. The Stewarts were brokers with offices at 54 Maiden Lane in New York City. This letter concerns the case of Robert and Hamilton Stewart v Martha Eden, Executrix, and Joseph and Medcef Eden, Executors of Medcef Eden, Sr. , which...
43Nathaniel Pendleton to William P. Van Ness, 16 July 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
It will not be possible for me to give you another opportunity of seeing the Statement, before it is printed. Arrangements were made to have it appear this day, reserving a few lines of addition for your examination until after the hour you mentioned; as to which too we had before conversed. I have added in explicit terms the reason assigned by you for not having received the last paper I...
44Account with Ezra Weeks, [16 July 1802] (Hamilton Papers)
Dr Genl. Alexander Hamilton in Account with E Weeks Cr 1802 1802 To Balance of Acct. of work & Materials rend. up to 15th. may £158.14. 1 May 27th. By Cash £120. “ Acct. of work & Materials up to July 3d 197.13.11 July 3 Balance 276. 3. 6 “ Danl. Hitchock Bill of Boards 3.13. “ Aymar & Prides
45From Alexander Hamilton to Ernst Frederich von Walterstorff, 5 August 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, August 5, 1802. On April 20, 1803, Walterstorff wrote to Hamilton and referred to “Your favr. of the 5th. August.” Letter not found. ] Walterstorff was governor general of the Danish West Indies from 1787 to July 25, 1794. On leaving office he went to the United States where he remained until 1796, at which time he returned to Denmark. He served again as governor general from...
46Campaign Speech, Second Version, [10 April 1801] (Hamilton Papers)
“… General Hamilton at one of the largest & most respectable election meetings ever witnessed here made an election speech that electrified the whole federal mass. It was one of the chef d’ouvres of this great man! For strength of reasoning & at the same time for impressive & sublime eloquence it surpassed what in all probab[il]ty has ever been delivered in this city. He began with the...
47To Alexander Hamilton from Abraham Van Vechten, [13–21 March 1801] (Hamilton Papers)
I am enjoined by the genl. Committee to tax your Goodness to prepare a short, temperate & pertinent supplementary Address by way of reply to that of our Opponents. This tax will be levied & collected without communicating whence it is derived. Yours &c. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Van Vechten, an Albany lawyer and Federalist, served in the New York Senate from 1798 to 1805. In...
48To Alexander Hamilton from George Clinton, 6 March 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
I have had the honor to receive your Letter of the 2d. Instant. I cannot conceive it possible that Inferences can be drawn from any Circumstance attending the transaction alluded to repugnant to the explicit declaration contained in my Letter to you of the 29th. of last Month without calling in question the truth of them, and this I trust will not be attempted. It was not to be expected that I...
49To Alexander Hamilton from Gouverneur Morris, 11 March 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
I have your two Letters of the 27th. of Feby. and the 4th. Instant. I thank you for them. In Reply to what you tell me in the Close of the former I can only say that your Talents if not your Birth entitle you to the Rank of an American Citizen. To be born in America seems to be a Matter of Indifference at New York, an advantage in New England, a Disadvantage in Pensilvania. You say I am not....
50Indenture: Alexander Hamilton and Elizabeth Hamilton to Catherine Bleecker, John R. Bleecker, Elizabeth Brinckerhoff … (Hamilton Papers)
Albany, March 10, 1804. Convey to the heirs of Rutger Bleecker the land in Cosby Manor which Hamilton had purchased in trust for them in 1797. DS , Oneida County Clerk’s Office, Utica, New York. Bleecker had been an Albany merchant. See “Deed from Peter Goelet, Robert Morris, and William Popham,” April 4, 1797 . See also the introductory note to Philip Schuyler to H, August 31, 1795 , and...