151To Alexander Hamilton from Elizabeth Hamilton, 19 October 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, October 19, 1801. On Sunday, October 25, 1801 , Hamilton wrote to his wife: “I was much relieved, My Dear Eliza, by the receipt yesterday morning of your letter of Monday last.” Letter not found. ] See H to Elizabeth Hamilton, October 17–18, 1801 .
152From Alexander Hamilton to Gouverneur Morris, [4 September 1802] (Hamilton Papers)
I fully intended to have dined with you to day but going to Town the two last days & forgetting that I ought to observe a regimen, I have brought back in some degree the complaint which lately annoyed me & which requires to be well watched. This must deprive me of the pleasure of seeing you. I send Schedules of the papers required of Tillier, all which have been put into my hands—the bill to...
153From Alexander Hamilton to William P. Van Ness, 23 June 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
I was in Town to day till half past one. I thank you for the delicacy which dictated your note to me. If it is indispensable the communication should be made before Monday Morning, I must receive it here. But I should think this cannot be important. On monday by Nine I shall be in Town at my house in Cæder Street No 52, where I should be glad to see you. An additional reason for preferring...
154To Alexander Hamilton from Lewis Tousard, 6–9 September 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
Cap-Français [ Santo Domingo ], September 6–9, 1802 . States that he has returned to General Charles Victor Emmanuel Leclerc’s staff in Santo Domingo. Describes Leclerc’s campaign to restore French rule on the island and replies to criticism in the United States of Leclerc’s conduct. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Tousard, a former captain of artillery in the French army, was an...
155Jacob Radcliff to Alexander Hamilton and Josiah Ogden Hoffman, 1 May 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
It being deemed important to obtain an early opinion on some of the points submitted to you, the gent’n associated with me will thank you for an answer, at present to the questions stated on the enclosed paper. The other points concerning the claim of property or Jurisdiction of this state to the land under water require perhaps too much investigation to be immediately disposed of, and are...
156To Alexander Hamilton from Rufus King, 8 April 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
By Dr. Romayne I send you a pamphlet lately written upon the interesting subject of the public credit of this Country. The author is a member of parliament an old & practical Banker, Brother to the president of the Bank of England, and for many years much conversant with the great money operations of the Country. When you have read it I wish the favour of you to send it together with the other...
157From Alexander Hamilton to Charles Wilkes, [26 April 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Grange, New York, April 26, 1804. “I would not pronounce against the power of the Directors to go into the operation you mention; but I think it liable to so much question as hardly to be advisable without the sanction of the stock holders at a general meeting. I should perceive no difficulty in their giving a gross sum out of their profits for the renewal or extention of their charter. The...
158From Alexander Hamilton to James A. Bayard, [16–21] April 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the 12th inst. has relieved me from some apprehension. Yet it is well that it should be perfectly understood by the truly sound part of the Fœderalists, that there do in fact exist intrigues in good earnest, between several individuals not unimportant, of the Fœderal Party, and the person in question; which are bottomed upon motives & views, by no means auspicious to the real...
159To Alexander Hamilton from Louis Le Guen, 2 May 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Morrisville, Pennsylvania, May 2, 1804. On July 12, 1804, Le Guen wrote to Hamilton : “J’ai hier recu Votre Lettre du 6. mai … La quelle m’accuse reception de la Mienne du 2.” Letter not found. ]
160From Alexander Hamilton to Timothy Pickering, 16 September 1803 (Hamilton Papers)
I will make no apology for my delay in answering your inquiry some time since made, because I could offer none which would satisfy myself. I pray you only to believe that it proceeded from any thing rather than want of respect or regard. I shall now comply with your request. The highest toned propositions, which I made in the Convention, were for a President, Senate and Judges during good...
161To Alexander Hamilton from William Henderson, 15 January 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
The Committee which has been appointed here, to act on behalf of the Sufferrers by French Captures , have requested me to write to you, for the draft of such a memorial as you think would be proper to present to Congress on the subject of their claims. it is probable that similar applications for relief, will be made from all the trading Towns in the Union; & perhaps from an united effort some...
162To Alexander Hamilton from Oliver Phelps and Robert Gilchrist, 28 April 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, April 28, 1801. Encloses “a Deed of conveyance bearing equal date with this Letter, made by Oliver Phelps to Robert Gilchrist for three equal undivided Eighth parts of a tract of Land containing nine thousand and Six hundred acres, by the award or appointment of Alexander Hamilton, David A. Ogden and Thomas Cooper.” States: “This conveyance you will hold as Escrow to be returned to...
163Account of Louis Le Guen, [1 April 1803] (Hamilton Papers)
Louis Le Guen Esqr. To A Hamilton Dr For retainer to Van Vechten & Spencer 100 Cr By interest received from J L from the 13 of May 1802 to the 1 of April 1803 185.50 Ballance due from L L Guen Ds — 85.50 AD , signed by Le Guen, Yale University Library. This document concerns the management of the funds established under the terms of Louis Le Guen’s antenuptial contract. For background to...
164To Alexander Hamilton from James Madison, 26 May 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the 20th enclosing one from Paris of March 23d. The Cession of Louisiana by Spain to the French Republic, referred to in the letter, had been previously signified to this Department from several sources, as an event believed to have taken place. Supposing you might wish to repossess the letter from Mr. C I herein return it. I have the honor to remain, Sir, Your...
165From Alexander Hamilton to John B. Church, 9 July 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, July 9, 1804. Nathaniel Pendleton described the seventh item on a list of ten, which were given to him after Hamilton’s death, as a “Letter to John B. Church inclosing an assignment of some debts.” Letter not found. ] See “List of Papers Given to Nathaniel Pendleton,” July 19, 1804 . See “Assignment of Debts and Grant of Power of Attorney to John B. Church,” July 9, 1804 .
166Articles of Association of the Merchants’ Bank, [7 April 1803] (Hamilton Papers)
To all to whom these Presents shall come, or in any wise concern. Be it known and made manifest, that we, the Subscribers, have formed a Company or limited Partnership, and do hereby associate and agree with each other, to conduct business in the manner hereinafter specified and described, by and under the name and style of the “Merchants’ Bank,” and we do hereby mutually covenant, declare and...
167Debts Owed for Services Not Rendered, [10 July 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
These sums having been received since my engagement & no services rendered I consider them as forming part of my debts. Franklin & Robinson 50 James Amory 20 D Ludlow & Co 50 Wilmerding 30 Murdock Masterson & Co 20 Steven Ray & David Dill 25 Scott & Tremaine 20 ADS , New-York Historical Society, New York City. This document is the tenth and final item on the
168From Alexander Hamilton to Louis André Pichon, 10 May 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
The inclosed was put into my hands by Capt Du Buisson, when lately I was about to make a journey to the City of Washington, with the suggestion that you had desired it as a voucher for his right to receive 3000 francs from the Armateurs of the Peggy and which sum he informed me you would be willing to pay out of funds in deposit with you on account of that Vessel and her Cargo. The...
169From Alexander Hamilton to James M. Hughes, [3 June 1802] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hughes will please to execute the above order as follows—After deducting the Costs he will pay their proportions to the respective parties except that to Joseph Caste which I will receive. ALS , Emmett Collection, MS Division, New York Public Library. Hughes, a New York City lawyer, was a master of the New York Court of Chancery. This letter concerns the case of Benjamin Taylor v Charles...
170Remarks on the Repeal of the Judiciary Act, Second Version, [11 February 1802] (Hamilton Papers)
He [Hamilton] confessed with seeming sincerity, he felt little zeal on the present occasion. He could prove that to repeal the judiciary law and to with-hold the salaries of the judges, would be an infringement of the constitution. He did not intend, however, to dwell on the constitutionality of the question. He allowed that gentlemen might have different opinions concerning it. His primary...
171To Alexander Hamilton from Abraham Ellery, 7 January 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
Deer Park, near Natchez [ Mississippi Territory ], January 7, 1804 . “Having it in contemplation to establish myself in the law line at New Orleans, I conceive that it would very much assist me in my debut to be made known to the Governor of that province. I have already written for letters of recommendation to him to … some others of my friends in the Atlantic States—will you suffer me, Sir,...
172From Alexander Hamilton to Louis Le Guen, 24 January 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, January 24, 1804. On July 12, 1804, Le Guen wrote to Hamilton : “Le 24 Janvier aussy dernier, Vous maves fait la remise.” Letter not found. ]
173To Alexander Hamilton from Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 10 October 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
I have this moment recd. you favour of Septr. 25th. but being oblidged to set out on my Tour to Vermont in a few Hours, I cannot consult my papers, nor reply as particularly as would otherwise be in my power. I do not know Campbell & till after the publication of Colo. Pickerings accounts in the Aurora, I did not know that such a person was employed in the Treasury. I have since been informed...
174From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [25 October 1801] (Hamilton Papers)
I was much relieved, My Dear Eliza by the receipt yesterday morning of your letter of Monday last. How it came to be so long delayed, I am unable to conjecture. But the delay gave much uneasiness in consequence of the imperfect state of health in which I had left you. Thank God you were better—for indeed my Eliza you are very essential to me. Your virtues more and more endear you to me and...
175From Alexander Hamilton to Herman LeRoy, 19 September 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
Grange [ New York ], September 19, 1802 . Informs LeRoy of an arrangement he has concluded with Henry Sands to assign Sands’s mortgage on lots in Brooklyn to the Bank of New York, which, in turn, would sell the mortgaged property and use the proceeds to discharge Comfort Sands’s debts. States: “Going tomorrow morning to attend the W Chester Circuit which may occasion an absence of three or...
176To Alexander Hamilton from David Gelston, 14 April 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, April 14, 1802. Directs Hamilton to proceed on behalf of the United States attorney for the District of New York against the Brig Triton , which had arrived in the port of New York from Bristol, England, “with a Cargo of Porter in cases of less capacity than forty gallons beer measure contrary to the laws of the United States.” ALS , RG 21, District Court for the Southern District of...
177To Alexander Hamilton from Abraham Van Vechten, [30 April 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
In Consequence of a Letter from Mr. Jac. R. Van Rensselaer I have been with the Chancellor in order to have a guardian appointed for ⟨Mr.⟩ Kane’s Daughter, but on acct. of Mr. Kanes absence nothing can be done. The Chancellor requires a Petition from himself or an Atty in fact regularly constituted by him. He however suggests that as there are two Children you may procure a petition including...
178To Alexander Hamilton from James A. Bayard, 25 April 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
I have considered with a great deal of Attention the project recommended in your last letter of connected associations in the different States for the support of our Constitution & religion. The plan is marked with great ingenuity, but I am not inclined to think that it is applicable to the state of things in this Country. Such an association must be bottomed upon a stronger & more active...
179From Alexander Hamilton to Louis Le Guen, [6 May 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, May 6, 1804. On July 12, 1804, Le Guen wrote to Hamilton : “J’ai hier recu Votre Lettre du 6. mai.” Letter not found. ]
180To Alexander Hamilton from Pierre Jean François Turpin, 22 September 1803 (Hamilton Papers)
Profitant, monsieur, de la permission que vous m’avez donnée, et encouragé par vos bontés, je vais vous instruire de ce qui s’est passé depuis mon arrivée. j’ai vu monsieur Stevens à la quarantaine, il m’a parlé du désir qu’avait monsieur william hamilton de m’employer d’abord à faire la flore de Son jardin Celle des environs de philadelphie, et Successivement celle des états-unis en Générale...
181To Alexander Hamilton from Barent Gardenier, 6 October 1803 (Hamilton Papers)
Kingston [ New York ], October 6, 1803 . “In the course of our political wr⟨angling⟩ I have engaged in a Controversy with Gen. Ar⟨mstrong.⟩ Perhaps I have touched a little too hard on ⟨the judge⟩ who presided at Lt. Croswells Trial.… I enclose ‘a View of the whole ground’, confident that in a Case of this Kind you will give us all Aid in your power.…” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of...
182The Examination Number X, [19 January 1802] (Hamilton Papers)
The same Subject continued. As to Holland being the second power which acknowledged our Independence, and made a treaty with us, a step which involved her in war with Great Britain, it was deemed proper to treat her with a marked respect. Besides this, from the time of our revolution to the present, we have had large money concerns with her people. A trusty and skilful public agent was for a...
183The Examination Number XI, [3 February 1802] (Hamilton Papers)
The Message observes that “in our care of the public contributions entrusted to our direction, it would be prudent to multiply barriers against the dissipation of public money, appropriating specific sums to every specific purpose, susceptible of definition; by disallowing all applications of money varying from the appropriation in object, or transcending it in amount by reducing the undefined...
184From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, 11 June 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Davies, who appreciates your character as he ought, having expressed a desire to be personally acquainted with you, I promised him a letter of introduction. I comply with this promise with the greater pleasure, as the impressions which this Gentleman has made upon me induce me to believe that you will be glad of the opportunity of making his acquaintance. He is Attorney of the UStates for...
185Last Will and Testament of Alexander Hamilton, [9 July 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
In the Name of God Amen! I Alexander Hamilton of the City of New York Counsellor at Law do make this my last Will and Testament as follows. First I appoint John B Church Nicholas Fish and Nathaniel Pendleton of the City aforesaid Esquires to be Executors and Trustees of this my Will and I devise to them their heirs and Assigns, as joint Tenants and not as Tenants in common, All my Estate real...
186To Alexander Hamilton from Philip Schuyler, 16 April 1803 (Hamilton Papers)
Every letter of yours affords a mean of consolation, and I am well aware that nothing lends so much [to] the alleviation of distress, as the personal intercourse with a sincere friend, and the endearing Attentions of children. I shall therefore delay no longer than is indispensibly necessary my visit to you—my trial has been severe. I have attempted to sustain it with fortitude. I have I hope...
187Nathaniel Pendleton’s Second Statement of the Regulations for the Duel, [10 July 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
1. The parties will leave town tomorrow morning about five o Clock, and meet at the place agreed on. The party arriving first shall wait for the other. 2. The weapons shall be pistols not exceeding eleven inches in the barrel. The distance ten paces. 3. The Choice of positions to be determined by lot. 4. The parties having taken their positions one of the seconds to be determined by lot (after...
188To Alexander Hamilton from Louis André Pichon, 21 May 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Washington, May 21, 1802. The endorsement on Hamilton to Pichon, May 10, 1802 , reads: “Repue Le 21 mai.” Letter not found. ]
189Account with Louis Le Guen, [6 June 1802] (Hamilton Papers)
Dr. Louis Le Guen To Alexander Hamilton one of the Trustees &c Cr. 1802 To Cash paid Mr. Bruerton amount of two Bills of Cost } 331 1802 By Cash received of Manhattan Bank being the Ballance of the Trustees account } 175 June 4. To Cash (Check on Office of D & Deposit) } 800 Ballance due Louis Le Guen 427.72 June 4 do. received of N Prime for interest of 7000 Dollars to the 13 of May last }
190Speech at a Meeting of Federalists in Albany, [10 February 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
Reasons why it is desirable that Mr. Lansing rather than Col. Burr should succeed. 1. Col Burr has steadily pursued the ⟨track⟩ of democratic policies. This he has done either from principle or from calculation . If the former he is not likely now to change his plan, when the fœderalists are prostrate and their enemies predominent. If the latter, he will certainly not at this time relinquish...
191To Alexander Hamilton from Robert Smith, 20 November 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
Your application to me in favor of Capt Du Buisson was highly acceptable and required no kind of apology. His case has had all the attention which under existing Circumstances could consistently be given to it. I have given him a sum of Money which will accomodate him for the present. Be persuaded, sir, I shall at all times be happy in receiving from you any Communications with which you may...
192From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, 16 October [1802] (Hamilton Papers)
I have just arrived here and shall stay till tomorrow. It has always appeared to me that the ground on which our Orchard stands is much too moist. To cure this a ditch round it would be useful, perhaps with a sunken fence as a guard. But this last may be considered at a future time. If you can obtain one or two more labourers, it may be adviseable to cut a ditch round the Orchard—three feet...
193Disclaimer for Alexander Hamilton Prepared by William P. Van Ness, [25 June 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
Being apprised that expressions are ascribed to me impeaching the honor and affecting the private reputation of Col. Burr, and perceiving that reports to this effect have been widely disseminated, I feel it due to my own honor, as also to that of a gentleman thus traduced under the sanction of my name, to remove such injurious impressions. I therefore frankly and explicitly disclaim and...
194From Alexander Hamilton to John V. Henry, 31 October 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
I left with a Watchmaker at Albany my watch to be put in order & forgot it when I came away. I believe the name of the Watchmaker is Howal . He lives near the Court House, obliquely SouthWest. Do me the favour to get it from him and send it to me by a safe opportunity; paying the expence. Yrs. with much esteem ALS , Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston. Henry, an Albany lawyer, was...
195Nathaniel Pendleton to William P. Van Ness, 26 June 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
I have communicated to General Hamilton the letter you did me the honor to write me of this date. The expectations now disclosed as on the part of Colo. Burr, appear to him to have greatly changed and extended the original ground of inquiry, and instead of presenting a particular and definite case for explanation, seem to aim at nothing less than an inquisition into his most confidential, as...
196From Alexander Hamilton to Gouverneur Morris, [7–11 May 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, May 7–11, 1804. On May 7–11, 1804, H wrote to Elizabeth Hamilton : “… if Morris will come. Send him the enclosed note.” Letter not found. ]
197From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, [September] 1803 (Hamilton Papers)
The necessity of purchasing a quantity of land, which I did not intend, in consequence of a mortgage that comprehended a tract I had before purchased, has so far disconcerted my pecuniary arrangements as to require that I should obtain some further Bank accommodations, instead of gradually extinguishing those I had already procured. It is therefore my wish to obtain from the Merchants Bank a...
198From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Burr, 10 October 1803 (Hamilton Papers)
I distinctly recollect (as was once before verbally explained between us) that just before you made a payment of Two thousand Dollars on your Bond, Winships Mortgage was returned to you, as the mean by which the money was to be procured. I think it was sent to you by Le Guen himself. It is to be presumed, that Winship has had since some intimation from the possessor of his mortgage, and that...
199Draft of a Resolution for the Legislature of New York for the Amendment of the Constitution of the United States, [29 … (Hamilton Papers)
Resolved , as the sense of the Legislature, that the following amendments ought to be incorporated into the Constitution of the United States as a necessary safeguard in the choice of a President and Vice President against pernicious dissensions as the most eligible mode of obtaining a full and fair expression of the public will in such election. 1st. That Congress shall from time to time...
200To Alexander Hamilton from Gouverneur Morris, 22 February 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
You Must pardon me for telling you I am sorry that you opposed sending a Petition to Congress against the Repeal of the Law of last Session for amending the judicial System. It will stop I suppose any such actions which might have come on from the Eastward and thus leave our Enemies to conclude against us from the Silence of our friends. Moreover it will enable your personal Enemies to say...