101[To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Truxtun], [22 March 1802] (Hamilton Papers)
Copy, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress; JCH Transcripts John C. Hamilton Transcripts, Columbia University Libraries. , Columbia University Libraries. In JCHW John C. Hamilton, ed., The Works of Alexander Hamilton (New York, 1851–1856). , XI, 533, this letter is incorrectly addressed to H. Actually, it is a copy in Truxtun’s handwriting of a letter which Truxtun wrote to Aaron Burr and...
102To Alexander Hamilton from James Wilkinson, 26 March 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your Testimonials in favor of Mr. Ellery & Mr. Alexander, which flatter my pride & gratify my affections, because they bring me Evidence of your remembrance, & inform me that you repose some confidence in the assurance, by which I am bound to receive your Commands, & to Honor your recommendation. The merited repute of this Interesting portal, to worlds known & unexplored, is...
103From Alexander Hamilton to John Dickinson, 29 March 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
I was not, My Dear Sir, insensible to the kind attention shewn me by your letter of the 30th. of November last. But till very lately the subject has been so extremely painful to me, that I have been under a necessity of flying from it as much as possible. Time and effort and occupation have at length restored the tranquillity of my mind, sufficiently to permit me to acknowlege the kindness of...
104Receipt from John Laurance, [16 April 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
Recd april 16 1804 from A Hamilton Esqr Eighty Eight Dollars and Eighty Eight Cents two third parts of Mr Bogerts Bill in the Chancery Cause for the Lands of Mark. 88 88 100 DS ADS , Yale University Library. This document is a receipt for John B. Church’s and H’s share of the complainant’s costs in the Chancery suit of Robert Gilchrist v Jacob Mark, John Laurance, and others . For information...
105To Alexander Hamilton from William R. Putnam, 1 August 1803 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Marietta, Ohio, August 1, 1803. On September 19, 1803 , Hamilton wrote to Putnam: “I have to thank you for your letter of the 1st of August.” Letter not found. ]
106From Alexander Hamilton to Jonathan Dayton, 30 March 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, March 30, 1802. Seeks Dayton’s aid for client soliciting “the interposition of our Government with the Court of Spain for obtaining restitution of a vessel & Cargo seized in South America.” ALS , Joseph Hopkinson Papers, Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.
107To Alexander Hamilton from Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, 6 March 1803 (Hamilton Papers)
I wrote you a few lines yesterday, and sent you some water melon seeds & musk melon seeds by the brig Charleston packett Samuel Wasson master which sails this morning. I intend sending you some more by the Sloop Industry Capt: Mattocks who will sail on tuesday next. I formerly sent some to Mrs: Washington at Mount Vernon; but she told me they did not answer so well as some she got in the...
108To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 9 April 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Providence, April 9, 1801. On June 9, 1801, Olney wrote to Hamilton : “I addressed you on the 9 April last.” Letter not found. ]
109From Alexander Hamilton to Philip Schuyler, 16–17 March 1803 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, March 16–17, 1803. On March 16–17, 1803, Hamilton wrote to Elizabeth Hamilton : “I write your father by this oppy.” Letter not found. ]
110Nathaniel Pendleton’s First Statement of the Regulations for the Duel, [4 July 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
1. To leave this Island from different points in two boats precisely at five Oclock on Saturday P M and to proceed to the place proposed. The party first arriving will wait the landing of the other; each boat shall be rowed by four confidential persons only, who shall remain in their respective boats untill called for. These persons are not to be armed in any manner whatever. There will be but...
111To Alexander Hamilton from Louis Le Guen, [22 November 1803] (Hamilton Papers)
Je Vous Prie Cher General de transferer à Mr. Prime Les Shares Colombia insurance Compe. qui etoient en vos mains Pour Securité des Sept milles d’ollars Laquelle Somme Jai recu dudit Mr Prime. Votre Obnt Serviteur ALS , Yale University Library. See Le Guen to H, January 15, 1801 ; “Account with Louis Le Guen,” June 6, 1802 ; “Description of Account with Louis Le Guen,” June 8, 1802 .
112From Alexander Hamilton to Herman LeRoy, 12 December 1803 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, December 12, 1803. Discusses the contents of a letter “this morning received from Mr. Pendleton” concerning an agreement made between Henry Sands and the Bank of New York which provided for the sale of mortgaged property owned by Sands in order to pay Sands’s creditors. AL [S], Bank of New York, New York City. For background to this letter, see H to LeRoy, September 19, 1802 . The...
113To Alexander Hamilton from Philip Schuyler, 9 September 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
Mrs. Schuyler Catherine & myself arrived here on Sunday, in good health, Mrs. Church and her Children we left at My Son Rensselaers. They will be here today, and were all well. A frenchman at Quebec trod on my lame leg and bruised it greatly. It has been exceedingly painful but is now healing and the wound appears so favorable that It will probably be healed in a week or two. On the 29th of...
114From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, [25 September 1801] (Hamilton Papers)
I send you some extracts from a pamphlet lately published, in reply to one written by a Gentleman of my acquaintance ( not by me as has been by some conjectured) from which I have taken out some leaves which I send you. At the request of this Gentleman I trouble you to give me some explanation respecting the suggestions which are made particularly in respect to Col Pickering, General Miller...
115Promissory Note to Theodosius Fowler, 21 August 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, August 21, 1802. “… Alexander Hamilton … shall pay to … Theodosius Fowler … the sum of One thousand four hundred and fifty one Dollars lawful Money aforesaid on or before the eighteenth day of May next with lawful Interest for the same from the eighteenth day of May last then the Obligation to be Void.…” DS , New-York Historical Society, New York City. For information on the contents...
116To Alexander Hamilton from William P. Van Ness, 23 June 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, June 23, 1804. In describing the events of this day in his narrative, Van Ness wrote: “I sent a Note to Genl Hamilton’s Office and also to his house.” Notes not found. ] “Van Ness’s Narrative,” AD , New York State Historical Association, Cooperstown, New York; ADf , New York State Historical Association, Cooperstown, New York.
117From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 3 October 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
I lately received a letter from you, transmitting a pamphlet. The latter, I have read with much pleasure. If party spirit admitted of candor, I should say that it was calculated to satisfy candid men of whatever party. Pains will be taken to disseminate it. You may remember that when you were last in this City, I spoke to you about some lands which I owned in the Ohio Company tracts. Inclosed...
118To Alexander Hamilton from Philip Schuyler, 28 March 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
In a letter from Mrs. Church of tuesday last she mentions that my dear Eliza had been very much indisposed, but was better. as no mention is made of the disorder with which she has been afflicted, we apprehend that she has miscarryed, we are extremely anxious for further Accounts and pray they may be such as shall do away our apprehensions. The Regents of the university have directed their...
119From Alexander Hamilton to Robert R. Livingston, [10 April 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
You were probably acquainted in this Country with Colonel Toussard who will have the honor of delivering you this letter. He has filled several stations in our Military service at different periods and always with much credit to himself and advantage to the service. During our revolutionary war he lost an arm in an action in which he displayed much zeal and bravery, and to my knowlege was...
120From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Burr, [1 April 1802] (Hamilton Papers)
Your Protegé Buisson has addressed to me the inclosed letter. Why he did not immediately write to you I cannot tell unless it be that he is conscious he has used your politeness sufficiently, and imagines an intermediary to be hereafter necessary. Perhaps you may be able to decipher his wishes from the letter; which I confess is beyond my skill. But I understand from him in conversation that...
121Associates of the Jersey Company to Alexander Hamilton and Josiah Ogden Hoffman, [20 April 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
[ April 20, 1804. “Probably it will be wholly out of our power to induce Mr. Van Vorst, from whom we purchased, to accept to any other property instead of a mortgage of the premises to secure his annuity, and he will certainly not allow it to be extinguished by accepting any equivalent. We are therefore obliged to provide the best security to purchasers which the case will admit, and we are...
122To Alexander Hamilton from John Nicholas, 4 August 1803 (Hamilton Papers)
Although we have no personal acquaintance with each other; yet, as we have long had the same principles & cause, I believe, equally at heart, I take the liberty to address you on what ought to be dear to every virtuous and honest man—to every real and hearty well-wisher to the true interests & prosperity of this country. Sir, it is a melancholy & undeniable truth, that the principles, the...
123To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Walker, 3 September 1803 (Hamilton Papers)
Utica [ New York ], September 3, 1803 . “It unfortunately falls to my Lot to have the principal charge of the Estate of the late Mrs. Francis Bainbridge who in right of her Mother, Agatha Evans, was entitled to ⅔ of the Bradstreet Estate. From some of the papers and from some information I have reced it would appear that you have in your hands some Deeds or property belonging to this Estate....
124The Examination Number VI, [2 January 1802] (Hamilton Papers)
In answer to the observations in the last number it may perhaps be said that the Message meant nothing more than to condemn the recent multiplication of Federal Courts, and to bring them back to their original organization: considering it as adequate to all the purposes of the Constitution; to all the ends of justice and policy. Towards forming a right judgment on this subject, it may be...
125To Alexander Hamilton from Nicholas Evertson, 12 January 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, January 12, 1802. “The within case is considered … as noticed for the next Term.… As no order has been obtained to stay proceedings in the cause… would it not be prudent to procure one? …” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Evertson was a New York City attorney. The enclosure was Richard S. Hallett v William Burrell, William Houstoun, Paul Skidmore, and Gamaliel Skidmore ,...
126Notes for Speech by Samuel Miles Hopkins to the Electors of the Middle District, [17–24 April 1801] (Hamilton Papers)
They call the Navy Useless. They detest it because it protected our Commerce against the depredations of France; because in place of resistance we did not sue for mercy & pay tribute? Has it not protected our Commerce, saved our merchants from ruin & enabled them to send to foreign markets with advantage the productions? Is not a navy the natural safeguard of our Country &c & Standing Army...
127Motion Made at a Meeting of the Society of the Cincinnati, [4 July 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
On the 4th of July, on motion of Hamilton, the Committee were directed, in case of a favorable report upon claims for admission as a member of right (except where there may have been a previous admission in another State Society), to report specifically the ground upon which they conceive the original right of the applicant to stand, and the reason which may have prevented an earlier...
128From Alexander Hamilton to John V. Henry, 20 March 1803 (Hamilton Papers)
I am afraid the frequency of my requests may induce you to think me troublesome; but I do not know any one to whom I can with more confidence address myself; and if I trespass too much on your politeness I beg you will retaliate by commanding me freely in any matter in which I can render you service. When I was last at Albany, I applied to The Comptroller, Mr. Jenkins, to ascertain the amount...
129From Alexander Hamilton to Wilhelm Schuss, 5 July 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
During Yesterdays Fete, having had occasion to discharge ⟨– –⟩ recently repaired; I must ⟨–⟩ the Barrel now ⟨– – –⟩ in the Opposite Direction. I will expect you ⟨– – –⟩ immedy upon your Return to the City. your Servt Transcript furnished by Mr. Lincoln Diamant, Tarrytown, New York. Schuss was a New York City gunsmith. See “Motion Made at a Meeting of the Society of the Cincinnati,” July 4,...
130Election by the Triennial General Meeting of the Society of the Cincinnati, 3 May 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
Washington, May 3, 1802. “A Ballot was accordingly had; and on counting the Votes it appeared that the following Gentlemen were unanimously Elected to fill the Offices annexed to their names, respectively. Major General Alexander Hamilton, President General.…” “Journals of the Cincinnati, 1784–1787, Vol. I,” 105, Library of Congress. See William Jackson to H, March 12, 1802 . H, who was not...
131To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Truxtun, 15 December 1803 (Hamilton Papers)
In a conversation we had at new York on the Subject of the threatened invasion of England by Bonaparte—you expressed a wish that oppertunity had offered So that you could have had the map of England and France &c before you. I now do myself the honor of transmitting my opinion as then Stated to you in a letter to Mr Pickering and after you have examined it with the map, I shall be greatly...
132From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [2 October 1801] (Hamilton Papers)
I was extremely disappointed, My Dear Eliza, that the Mondays post did not bring me a letter from you. You used to keep your promises better. And you know that I should be anxious to hear of your health. If the succeeding post does not rectify the omission of the former I shall be dissatisfied and pained. I am chagrined at the prospect of being detained considerably longer than I expected. Our...
133To Alexander Hamilton from Gouverneur Morris, 31 August 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed you have a Letter for you I have this Instant received from Leray. I must add a word respecting that same Bill of Exchange. I have agreed to pay to Mr. Tillier whatever the Company shall owe him and Thereby confirm what I have said to you upon that Subject but it is upon the express Condition that the Bill in Question be deposited, in your Hands if you please, so that I may be possest...
134To Alexander Hamilton from William P. Van Ness, 23 June 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
In the afternoon of yesterday I reported to Col. Burr the result of my last interveiw with you, and appointed the evening to receive his further instructions. Some private engagements however prevented me from calling on him ’till this morning. On my return to the City I found upon enquiry both at your office and house, that you had returned to your residence in the Country. Least an interveiw...
135From Alexander Hamilton to William Cooper, 6 September 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
I congratulate you and myself on your victory over Brockholst. Whether your interest is much promoted by it or not is of small consequence—In the triumph of vanquishing such an enemy. That you know was your principal inducement and I know that you will be willing to pay well for it. I have been deliberating whether to charge you 200 or 100 pounds for my services in this cause. In fixing upon...
136Nathaniel Pendleton’s First Account of Alexander Hamilton’s Conversation at John Tayler’s House, [25 June 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
General Hamilton says he cannot imagine to what Doctr. Cooper may have alluded unless it were to a conversation at Mr. Taylors in Albany last winter, (at which Mr. Taylor he & General H—— were present). Genl H—— cannot recollect distinctly the particulars of that conversation so as to undertake to repeat them, without runing the risk of varying or omitting what might be deemed important...
137From Alexander Hamilton to James A. Bayard, 6 April 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
Amidst the humiliating circumstances which attend our country, all the sound part of the community must find cause of triumph in the brilliant display of talents which have been employed though without success, in resisting the follies of an infatuated administration. And your personal friends will not have much reason for mortification on account of the part you have performed in the...
138Jacob Radcliff to Alexander Hamilton and Josiah Ogden Hoffman, 20 April 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
[ April 20, 1804. “As to any right of property claimed by the corporation of this City to the land under water we have ourselves no doubt that it is wholly unfounded, and if you should be of the same opinion we wish it to be expressed. This will in the first instance depend on the Charter of this City. With respect to the claim of jurisdiction by this State we at present wish your opinion only...
139From Alexander Hamilton to Jonas Platt, 16 August 1803 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, August 16, 1803. “The enclosed is pursuant to an arrangement between Judge Thompson & Mr. Troupe. The parties trust and hope, that you will by all means have the goodness to attend.…” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Platt, Smith Thompson, and Robert Troup had been appointed arbitrators and commissioners to settle the dispute over lands in Claverack, Columbia County, New...
140To Alexander Hamilton from Elisha Williams, 11 September 1803 (Hamilton Papers)
Hudson [ New York ], September 11, 1803 . “I took the liberty of Stating a Case & inclosing it to you about the 20th of August for your opinion. Not hearing from you I fear the Letter has been intercepted. You will oblige me by informing whether you received that Letter and if you have by forwarding your Answer.…” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Letter not found.
141To Alexander Hamilton from Chevalier de Colbert, 4 January 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
Paris, January 4, 1802. Expresses condolences on the death of Philip Hamilton. Requests Hamilton, as his attorney, to take action to secure for him the lands in Georgia granted to Comte d’Estaing. Also requests Hamilton to settle his accounts with Robert Morris to whom he had advanced money that was secured by some of Morris’s holdings in the Genesee country. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of...
142To Alexander Hamilton from Rufus King, 12 January 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
Both as a friend and a father I do most unfeignibly participate and condole with you in the heavy affliction that has fallen upon your family. It would be altogether vain for me to have recourse to the usual Topics of consolation, in so severe a Calamity: it must be sought for among the treasures of your own Mind, which nature has so eminently endowed; and after a while, it will likewise be...
143To Alexander Hamilton from Ambrose Spencer, 21 April 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
Hudson [ New York ] April 21, 1801 . “I enclose you the case, in the cause of Staats & others vs Cary.…” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Spencer, a Hudson, New York, lawyer, was appointed district attorney for the third district in 1796, and in 1797 he was a member of the Council of Appointment of New York. From 1796 to 1802 he was a member of the New York Senate. The case of...
144To Alexander Hamilton from John V. Henry, 29 March 1803 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Albany, March 29, 1803. Henry’s endorsement on Hamilton’s letter to him of March 20, 1803 , reads: “Recd 26 ⟨ansd⟩ 29 ⅌ mail.” Letter not found. ]
145From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Wadsworth, 8 May 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, May 8, 1801. Gives opinion on the conditions that the executors of Nathanael Greene’s estate wish to impose on the conveyance of his New York State lands. ALS , The Sol Feinstone Collection, Library of the American Philosophical Society, Philadelphia. For information concerning the contents of this letter, see Wadsworth to H, August 23, 1800 ; H to Wadsworth, March 25, 1801 .
146To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 5 April 1803 (Hamilton Papers)
The assertion of the Jacobins, that you are an aristocrat & a Monarchist, is not new: But at a late meeting of the sect in this town, one of their leaders declared “That General Hamilton proposed (&, it was understood, advocated) in the general Convention, That the President of the United States, and the Senators, should be chosen for life: That this was intended as an introduction to...
147From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [1803] (Hamilton Papers)
I arrived here, my beloved, about five this afternoon. According to my first day’s journey, I ought now to be much further advanced. But some how Riddle sprained the ancle of one of his hind legs, which very much retarded my progress to day. By care and indulgence, he is much better this Evening; so that I count upon being able to reach Albany with him early on Wednesday morning. I have...
148From Alexander Hamilton to Louis Le Guen, 11 January 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, January 11, 1804. On January 18, 1804, Le Guen wrote to Hamilton : “Je n’ai recu que Ce matin, La Lettre dont Vous mavés favorisé Le 11.” Letter not found. ]
149From Alexander Hamilton to James A. Hamilton, [June 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
I have prepared for you a Thesis on Discretion. You may need it. God bless you. Your affectionate father. Hamilton, Reminiscences James A. Hamilton, Reminiscences of James A. Hamilton: or Men and Events, at Home and Abroad, During Three Quarters of a Century (New York, 1869). , 40. In describing this letter and its enclosure, James A. Hamilton wrote: “In 1804 a student in Columbia College...
150From Alexander Hamilton to Rensselaer Schuyler, 4 October 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Albany, October 4, 1801. Gives directions for a shipment of trees. Letter not found. ] ALS , sold by Merwin-Clayton Sales Company, January 12, 1906, Item 55. For background to this letter, see H to Elizabeth Hamilton, October 4, 1801 . Description taken from the dealer’s catalogue.