51To 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...
52To 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...
53To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Glen, 21 March 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
Albany, March 21, 1801. Repeats earlier requests to Hamilton. States: “I wrote you twice from the City of Washington but mist you going to Alby. & yesterday I came down to this City on purpose But you had Saild. about 2-Hours.” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Glen to H, January 27, 1801 . The other letter from Glen has not been found. H had been in Albany attending the New York...
54To Alexander Hamilton from Archibald Gracie, [23 March 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose a newspaper in which you will find a Copy of the Bill before the Legislature for restraining unincorporated Institutions from Banking. It has occured to me & several Gentlemen with whom I have conversed upon the subject of this bill that it goes much farther than probably the Committee intended it should, and if pass’d into a Law, will prevent Individuals or Partnerships receiving...
55To Alexander Hamilton from John B. Graves, 8 June 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, June 8, 1802. Requests Hamilton’s opinion concerning his claim for reimbursement on a premium that he had paid to insure his cargo aboard the schooner Alert . ALS , Montague Collection, MS Division, New York Public Library. Graves was a New York City merchant. For the full text of this letter, related documents, and an explanation of their contents, see Goebel, Law Practice Julius...
56To Alexander Hamilton from John B. Graves, 31 May 1803 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, May 31, 1803. States that he is acting on behalf of George Scriba who wishes to procure a mortgage in Europe on land in New York State. Requests Hamilton’s opinion on “whether European citizens can hold in their own right a mortgage on real Estate and likewise in case of purchase, if they can hold real Estate in their own name and dispose of it.” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of...
57To Alexander Hamilton from Vincent Gray, 26 April 1803 (Hamilton Papers)
The Ship Aspasia being about to depart for new york, I take leave to present to you this my friend Mr. Walden a small Turtle which I beg your acceptance as a small memento of my grateful recollection of your politeness while acting at the head of the Treasury Department. I have resided here some time as agent of the United States, and shall in consequence of having many debts to collect for...
58To Alexander Hamilton from Vincent Gray, [28 April 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
Baron Humboldt Supreme counseller of Mines in the service of His Prussian Majesty and Member of the Royal Academy of Science at Berlin, Travelling for the purpose of Advancing the progress of Natural History, being on his return from South America and New Spain, to the Dominions of his Prussian Majesty, by way of the United States, I take leave to recommend him to your particular friendship...
59To Alexander Hamilton from John Guillemard, 22 February 1803 (Hamilton Papers)
I take the liberty of introducing to your acquaintance and recommending to your attentions the Earl of Selkirk a young Nobleman whose merits you will soon be able to appreciate and respect. I shall be excused for my motive’s sake, which is not only to render him Service but to assure you that neither time nor distance have diminished the high sense I entertain of the attentions with which you...
60From 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...
61From 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...
62Assignment 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...
63Second 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...
64From 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...
65Receipt 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....
66From 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...
67From 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...
68From 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...
69From 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...
70From 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...
71Campaign 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...
72Statement on Impending Duel with Aaron Burr, [28 June–10 July 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
On my expected interview with Col Burr, I think it proper to make some remarks explanatory of my conduct, motives and views. I am certainly desirous of avoiding this interview, for the most cogent reasons. 1 My religious and moral principles are strongly opposed to the practice of Duelling, and it would even give me pain to be obliged to shed the blood of a fellow creature in a private combat...
73From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, October [1803] (Hamilton Papers)
This morning my b⟨e⟩loved Eliza I leave Albany for C⟨lav⟩erack, my health greatly mended ⟨a⟩nd I hope to make but a short stay there. My plan is to go to Poughkepsie and there embark. I shall be glad to find that my dear little Philip is weaned, if circumstances have rendered it prudent. It is of importance to me to rest quietly in your bosom. Adieu my beloved. Kiss all the Children for me....
74From Alexander Hamilton to Rufus King, 28 July 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
You are, I believe, acquainted with The Reverend Mr. Mason who will deliver you this. I could not let him depart without placing him under the protection of your friendship. He is in every sense a man of rare merit . Yrs. Affect. ALS , New-York Historical Society, New York City. John Mitchell Mason became pastor of the Scotch Presbyterian Church on Cedar Street in New York City in 1793. It...
75From Alexander Hamilton to Albert Gallatin, 6 August 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, August 6, 1802. On August 13, 1802, Gallatin wrote to Hamilton : “I had the honor to receive your letter of the 6th instt.” Letter not found. ]
76From Alexander Hamilton to George Clinton, 7 March 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
On Saturday last I sent you a letter of which the foregoing is a copy, to which I have as yet received no reply. Intending to leave this place for New York on Saturday next, it is important that I should receive an answer before that day. I have the honor to be Your Excelly’s Obed servt ADf , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. H to Clinton, March 2, 1804 .
77From Alexander Hamilton to Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, [15 March 1802] (Hamilton Papers)
You will probably have learned before this reaches you that the act of last Session for the better organization of the Judiciary Department has been repealed, and I take it for granted, that you will with me view this measure as a vital blow to the Constitution. In my opinion, it demands a systematic and persevering effort by all Constitutional means to produce a revocation of the precedent,...
78From Alexander Hamilton to George Mitchell, 28 June–10 July 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, June 28–July 10, 1804. Nathaniel Pendleton described the ninth item on a list of ten, which were given to him after Hamilton’s death, as a “Letter to Geo: Mitchell inclosing a lottery ticket, as mentioned on the outside. Sealed.” Letter not found. ] Mitchell, the husband of Ann Mitchell, H’s cousin, had died in the spring of 1797. See “List of Papers Given to Nathaniel Pendleton,”...
79Statement of my Property and Debts July 1, 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
Real Estate My share of Townships No. 9. 10. 15. 17 and 21 in Scribas Patent in connection with J B Church and John Lawrance viz ¹⁄₆ of the first purchase the whole being 31528 acres & ¼ of an acre & one third of the residuary purchase upon the suit in chancery being together nearly 20000 acres which now stand me in about } 33000 My ¼ of purchase in Nobleborough together with J Laurance Robert...
80From Alexander Hamilton to Harrison Gray Otis, 12 November 1803 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, November 12, 1803. Urges “the utmost caution and care” in preparing John B. Church’s case for hearing before the Supreme Court. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. This letter concerns the case of John B. Church, Jr. v Tuthill Hubbart . See H to Theophilus Parsons, December 31, 1801 ; H to Otis, October 8, 1803 .
81From Alexander Hamilton to William Rawle, 26 June 1803 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, June 26, 1803. On June 27–July 29, 1803, Rawle wrote to Hamilton : “This morning I received your favor of the 26th. inst.” Letter not found. ] A native of Philadelphia, Rawle studied law in England at the Middle Temple from 1781 to 1782. In 1782 he returned to America, and in 1789 he was elected to the Pennsylvania Assembly. He was United States attorney for the District of...
82From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Burr, 22 June 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
Your first letter, in a style too peremptory, made a demand, in my opinion, unprecedented and unwarrantable. My answer, pointing out the embarrassment, gave you an opportunity to take a less exceptionable course. You have not chosen to do it, but by your last letter, received this day, containing expressions indecorous and improper, you have increased the difficulties to explanation,...
83From Alexander Hamilton to Philip Schuyler, 22 March 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
We did not leave Albany till near twelve on Friday and the next day about one, I arrived here —where I found the two families in good health. The darkness of the night obliged us to come to Anchor in Haverstraw Bay. About mid-night we were alarmed with the cry of “All hands upon Deck.” You will imagine we were not slow in our obedience. No sooner were we on Deck than we perceived by a flame...
84From Alexander Hamilton to Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord, [25 March 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
Presuming on the acquaintance, from which I derived so much pleasure during your stay in this Country, I am going to take a very great liberty. It concerns a near relation of mine, Mr. Alexander Hamilton, now a prisoner of war on parol, at Paris. His brother, from whom I have just received a letter informs me, that being upon a visit to the Continent as a Traveller, he was overtaken by the war...
85From Alexander Hamilton to Theophilus Parsons, 31 December 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, December 31, 1801. Sends depositions to Parsons, who is “of Counsel for the Underwriters in a case of Insurance in which my Brother in law Mr. Church is concerned.” Proposes that “these depositions … be used in evidence in any suit which may be instituted between him and your Clients.” ALS , Boston Public Library. Parsons, a Federalist lawyer from Newburyport, Massachusetts, had an...
86From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Wadsworth, 25 March 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, March 25, 1801. Gives opinion concerning the right of Nathanael Greene’s executors to sell lands in his estate in New York State. ALS , The Sol Feinstone Collection, Library of the American Philosophical Society, Philadelphia. For background to this letter, see Wadsworth to H, August 23, 1800 .
87From Alexander Hamilton to Philip Schuyler, 13 March 1803 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, March 13, 1803. On March 13, 1803, Hamilton wrote to Elizabeth Hamilton : “I write your father by this opportunity.” Letter not found. ]
88From Alexander Hamilton to Samuel Gouverneur, 9 December 1803 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, December 9, 1803. Gives opinion concerning the effect of the French arrêt of June 20, 1803, on neutral shipping. ALS , The Huntington Library, San Marino, California. Gouverneur was a New York City merchant. For the full text of this letter and a discussion of its contents, see Goebel, Law Practice Julius Goebel, Jr., and Joseph H. Smith, eds., The Law Practice of Alexander Hamilton:...
89From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [23 September 1801] (Hamilton Papers)
I am vexed and chagrined, My beloved Eliza, that I cannot come out to day as I intended. I had requested a Meeting of the Manumission Society for this forenoon; but for some reason unknown to me, it is called for this Evening seven oClock. I cannot of course help attending and I have little hope that it will break up in time to make the journey this Evening. To indemnify myself, in some sort,...
90From Alexander Hamilton to the Editor of the Evening Post, 10 August 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
Finding that a story long since propagated under circumstances, which it was expected would soon consign it to oblivion, (and by which I have been complimented at the expence of Generals Washington and La Fayette) has of late been revived and has acquired a degree of importance by being repeated in different publications as well as in Europe as America—it becomes a duty to counteract its...
91From 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...
92From 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.
93From 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. ]
94From 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...
95From 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...
96Promissory 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...
97From 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...
98From 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...
99From 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...
100Notes 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...