1501From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, 10 March 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
I had the honor duely to receive Your Excellency’s letter of the 4th instant. I did not immediately answer it from an indistinct and confused recollection that a state of things existed in reference to the opposite party which did not permit my being concerned for the State. It now appears that I was not mistaken, and that I cannot with propriety execute Your Excellency’s desire. With perfect...
1502To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 12 December 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I have very lately received a letter which has a reference to your circular of the 5th. of August; and upon reperusing the latter I discover that I have been very remiss, but I hope not censurable, for not replying to some parts of it sooner. My attention to the previous parts, and a supposition that I was not immediately concerned in the latter, produced in my mind, a temperory suspension of...
1503To Alexander Hamilton from William Allibone, 28 September 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, September 28, 1791. Encloses estimates for “the Present quarter” and for “one year comencing the 15th of August.” Reports that the navigational aids in the Delaware River “are now in good order.” ALS , RG 26, Lighthouse Letters Received, Vol. “A,” Pennsylvania and Southern States, National Archives. Allibone was superintendent of lighthouses, beacons, buoys, public piers, and...
1504To Alexander Hamilton from Elisha Boudinot, 16 August 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
I had just returned from the Circuit when I received your letter by yesterday’s post, and had not then read the pieces you alluded to. Judge Bradford was with me, and relating the affair—especially the affidavit—he said he was very much mistaken, if he had not the relation from Freneau’s own mouth. “This I know,” says he, “that at the time I was in New-York, and was informed of Mr. J.’s...
1505From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 1 November 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
The Post of to day brought me your letter of the 29th of October, which I immediately communicated to the President, and hasten to make known to you his consent to your undertaking the voyage recommended to you. It is not doubted that due care will previously be taken to secure the proper management of the public business in your absence. My most sincere and cordial wishes for the restoration...
1506To Alexander Hamilton from Robert Liston, 30 September 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
Mr Bond has communicated to me a letter written by you to him on the 15th of this month, on the Subject of the Ship Eliza, captured by Captain Cochrane, and afterwards retaken by the Master and carried into New York. The letter signed by Captain Cochrane and enclosing a declaration of David Wilson and Thomas Marshall, which you received under a Blank Cover, was in fact intended for you, though...
1507Philo Pacificus, [5 August 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Dunlap Your correspondent the old Soldier has given us a long string of quotations from Vatel & Burlamqui —to prove what? Why, that the keeping of promises is of great importance to Nations and to Individuals . That real Treaties are binding upon Nations notwithstanding changes in the form of Government. And this parade of authorities is offered against something that Pacificus is...
1508To Alexander Hamilton from Jonathan Lawrence, Junior, 4 May 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
The father of his Country being now Invested with the full powers of his Office, I presume he will therefore very soon make the necessary Arrangements in the Revenue, let me entreat you therefore my Dear friend to exert yourself for me, with the President, the Number of Applicants I find are so very many, that it will be necessary to be early for fear of disappointments. Excuse me my Dear Coll...
1509To Alexander Hamilton from John Jay, 28 September 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
On Monday the 17th. inst. I set out for Sussex in New Jersey with design after dispatching some private business I had there to proceed from thence on my Circuit. On the 19th. I found myself with a slight inflamation on one eye & some flying Rheumatic pains, to which not suspecting any thing serious I paid little attention. By the 25th. my Eyes were so much inflamed that it was with difficulty...
1510To Alexander Hamilton from Tench Coxe, 8 October 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to enclose to you the eight following contracts. Vizt. 1. Mathew Spillard for the supply of Rations at Philada. fm. 1st April 1794 2. John Tinsley for 5000 Cartridge Boxes 3. Samuel Hughes of Maryland for Cannon. 5. James Byers of Massachusts. for ten Brass
1511To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Jefferson, [29 December 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his respectful compliments to the Secretary of the treasury, and his condolences on the accident of the other evening, which he hopes has produced no serious loss. He incloses to the Secretary of the Treasury a report of a committee of the National assembly of France, on the subject of Billon, containing more particular information as to that species of coin than he had...
1512From Alexander Hamilton to Frederick A. C. Muhlenberg, 30 January 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
I beg leave, through you, to inform the House of Representatives, that pursuant to the duty enjoined by law upon the head of this department, I have prepared a report, containing Some suggestions for the improvement and better management of the Several branches of the actual revenues of the United States, which is ready to be communicated, as the House may please to direct. With perfect...
1513From Alexander Hamilton to Wilhem and Jan Willink, Nicholaas and Jacob Van Staphorst, and Nicholas Hubbard, 12 March … (Hamilton Papers)
This serves to desire, that the interest, which will become payable on the Dutch loans, upon the first day of June next, may be discharged out of the funds, which will remain in your hands, of the last loan of three millions of Florins. I am &c. Copy, RG 233, Reports of the Treasury Department, 1792–1793, Vol. III, National Archives. This letter was enclosed in H’s “Report on Foreign Loans,”...
1514From Alexander Hamilton to ———, [20] November 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
Some embarrassment has arisen on the subject of a fit person for District Attorney of Rhode Island. Mr. Howel has been strongly recommended on the one hand and positively objected to on another—and Mr. has been proposed in opposition. Your opinion does not appear on either side. The President is desirous of further information and I have undertaken to procure it for him. In addressing myself...
1515From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Wadsworth, [12–14 November 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
November 12. 1789 The above is a copy of a letter transmitted you some days since. I am just favoured with your’s of the 6th instant; and have informed Mr. Butler of the train in which the business has been put and referred him to you. I did not think it adviseable to take arrangements with him here, as I could not be certain, but that in consequence of my letter you would commence operations....
1516The Defence No. I, [22 July 1795] (Hamilton Papers)
IT was to have been foreseen, that the treaty which Mr. Jay was charged to negociate with Great Britain, whenever it should appear, would have to contend with many perverse dispositions and some honest prejudices. That there was no measure in which the government could engage so little likely to be viewed according to its intrinsic merits—so very likely to encountre misconception, jealousy,...
1517To Alexander Hamilton from Tench Coxe, 26 December 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, Revenue Office, December 26, 1794. “Enclosed is a copy of a letter from T: Francis Esqr: of this date, concerning advances for Fort Mifflin &ca. You will be pleased to cause such order to be taken on it as the necessity of the case shall appear to require.” LC , RG 75, Letters of Tench Coxe, Commissioner of the Revenue, Relating to the Procurement of Military, Naval, and...
1518From Alexander Hamilton to the Governor and Directors of the Society for Establishing Useful Manufactures, 16 August … (Hamilton Papers)
The bearer of this Mr. Trenet is a person whom Col Duer entered into a speculation with for the establishment of a manufacture of brass and iron Wire. He is just returned from France, from which place he has brought tools and one or two hands. And he now with Mr Duers consent offers himself to the Society. There is no doubt that the manufacture of iron & brass Wire would be an extremely useful...
1519From Alexander Hamilton to Jedediah Huntington, 7 June 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
The case of the Brig Maria has been stated substantially in Conformity with your letter by Captain Stephenson. The following are my Ideas on the subject The Cap⟨t.⟩ Stephenson on entering the Vessel deposited his Register with you as usual, and if he clears out & applies to you for the Register again in order to depart, it is in the ordinary Course of business that you deliver it to him, with...
1520Treasury Department Circular to the Commissioners of Loans, 7 October 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
It is necessary to inform you that the late Loan Officers Certificates for Interest due on the public Debt are to be received only at the New Loan Office for the State wherein such Interest Certificates were issued. The Certificates contemplated, are those given in lieu of the Indents or facilities signed by M. Hillegas Josh. Hardy or Henry Kuhl. As there will probably be presented to you...
1521To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 7 August 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
Providence, August 7, 1793. Acknowledges receipt of Hamilton’s “Letters of the 22nd. 24th. and 27th of July.” ADfS , Rhode Island Historical Society, Providence. Letter not found. “Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs,” July 27, 1793 .
1522From Alexander Hamilton to Walter Livingston, 18 May 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
The interview between us yesterday was altogether unexpected. I thought it proper to be candid. But I trust you will consider what I said as confidential. I mean to consult mutual friends; and to act agreeably to the most scrupulous delicacy. My final determination shall be communicated. If Whatever may be the issue it shall not be my fault, if it causes any interruption of that friendly...
1523To Alexander Hamilton from Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, [30 March 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Charleston, South Carolina, March 30, 1793. Letter listed in dealer’s catalogue. Letter not found. ] ALS , sold by C. F. Libbie and Company, Boston, December 12, 1875, Item 537. Pinckney, a leading South Carolina Federalist and lawyer, had been a member of the South Carolina Provincial Assembly, a brigade commander and aide to George Washington during the American Revolution, a member of the...
1524From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 8 October 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Carlisle, Pennsylvania, October 8, 1794. On October 11, 1794, Wolcott wrote to Hamilton : “I have recd. your favour dated 7: & 8: inst.” Letter of October 8 not found. ]
1525To Alexander Hamilton from James Pearson, 30 December 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, December 30, 1790. Submit a bid for the contract to build the lighthouse at Cape Henry. ALS , RG 26, Lighthouse Letters Received, Vol. “A,” Pennsylvania and Southern States, National Archives. Pearson was a Philadelphia carpenter.
1526From Alexander Hamilton to the President and Directors of the Bank of the United States, 31 January 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
Being arrived at the day some time since fixed for my resignation, I cannot forbear, among the last acts of my administration, to repeat to the President and Directors of the Bank of the United States the very deep sense I entertain of that prompt, decided, and uniform, Support which they have given to my Administration, and to the Public service connected with the Department under my...
1527To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 15 March 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
This will be accompanied by a weekly return of Cash, and by a Certificate of Registry No. 5 dated Jany. 22. 1790, granted by the Collector of Dighton, and delivered up on account of the transfer of property, and also the copy of an Endorsment of an Enrollment of the change of Master said Enrollment being No. 11 and issued from this office. Yesterday arrived here a Schooner named the Charming...
1528To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 14 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Baltimore, November 14, 1789. “Herewith I will transmit you my Weekly Return, in which you will notice that I have, in part of monies received, One thousand dollars in bank Notes; having exchanged Twenty three dollars, and forty-four Cents Specie to make the sum nett. The Notes are all small and their number makes it a business of too much hurry, and subjection to error to prepare them on...
1529To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 5 March 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Newport [ Rhode Island ] March 5, 1792. “I have received a Letter from the Assist. Secry of the Treasy. in which he informs me that … two Thermometers will be forwarded … and mentions that it appears proper that you should be informed, in what cases I would find an Hydrostatic balance useful.… I have written to the Surveyor of Pawcatuck to send me his broken Thermometer, as soon as I receive I...
1530Enclosure: John Treadwell to John Chester, 21 September 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Pursuant to your request I wrote to a Gentleman in each of the towns of Southington Berlin and Bristol for the necessary information on the subject manufactures in those towns, but have received no answer except from Mr Andrews of Southington. The account he has given and the estimates he has made I have reason to conclude are pretty correct, and with very little variation, as to common...
1531From Alexander Hamilton to Nathaniel Appleton, 27 February 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, February 27, 1793. Has directed the treasurer of the United States to furnish Appleton with a draft for fifty-five thousand dollars to be applied “towards discharging the Interest which will become due the 31st of the ensuing month, on the several Species of Stock standing on your books.” LS , The Huntington Library, San Marino, California. Appleton was commissioner of...
1532To Alexander Hamilton from Charles Williamson, [22 April 1792] (Hamilton Papers)
I beg pardon for the trouble I am giving but I trust when you consider the object you will excuse me. In the Course of many applications I have lately had for Lands in the Genesee I have before me a Letter from a friend of mine who is to embark in the first ship for Britain to bring out a considerable number of Highlanders from Scotland probably 3. or 4 ship load. Mr Steuart informs me that he...
1533To Alexander Hamilton from John Daves, 12 April 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
New Bern [ North Carolina ] April 12, 1794 . “I acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 25th Ulto. enclosing a Copy of one from Mr. John Easton Surveyor of the Port of Beaufort, stating the seizure of Schooner Delight made by him on the 20th November last. As I never considered the Vessel liable to seizure under any law that I am acquainted with, was the reason I did not make known the...
1534From Alexander Hamilton to Tench Coxe, 10 August 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia ] August 10, 1794 . “Mr. Hamilton wishes to see Mr. Coxe at his house tomorrow Morning as early as may be not exceeding 9 oClock.” AL , RG 58, General Records, 1791–1803, National Archives.
1535To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 8 September 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Boston, September 8, 1790. “I find in the 36 page of the new collection act that no drawback of the duties paid on any goods wares & merchandize imported shall be received on the exportation of such goods unless they shall be reshipped in the same casks, cases, chests, boxes or other packages in which they were originally imported.… Among goods wares & Merchandises there are some articles...
1536To Alexander Hamilton from Rufus King, 24 April 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
Averse to any connexion with the war beyound what may be permitted by the laws of strict neutrality, we are pleased to see the Proclamation. I have no precedents with which to compare it, but I could have wished to have seen in some part of it the word “Neutrality,” which every one would have understood and felt the force of. Having anxiously considered the point respecting which we conversed...
1537To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 19 June 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your circular Letter of the 4th Instant. I will endeavor to comply with your Instructions in estimating the value of ad Valorem Goods which may be imported into this District from France; but I foresee difficulties in practicing the Third criterion, preferred by you, which appears to me essentially to involve the Fourth; for to ascertain the Prices of similar Articles prior to...
1538To Alexander Hamilton from William Seton, 27 May 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, May 27, 1794. On June 16, 1794, Seton wrote to Hamilton : “On the 27 & 28th of last month I took the liberty of writing you an official and private Letter.” Letter of May 27 not found. ]
1539To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 23 June 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Since my Return to Providence I have made enquiry Respecting fit persons to be Surveyors for Warren, Bristol & Pawcatuck River—but I cannot find but one person for the Port of Bri[s]tol, a Mr. Samuel Bozworth who is, as I am informed a very Good Character, & held the office under the State. Mr. Ellery probably may inform you of Suitable persons for the other Two ports. Danl. Updike as mention...
1540From Alexander Hamilton to Samuel Smith, 19 September 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
I have had the pleasure of receiving your two letters of the 16th: instant. The circumstances they announce are upon the whole satisfactory. The zeal which has been called forth by the threatened attack upon the magazine at Frederick is in the highest degree commendable and is an earnest of the ultimate reliance which may be placed on the principles of good Order in our Country. As...
1541From Alexander Hamilton to Tench Coxe, [15 April 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
I send you 800 Dollars in Bank bills & my note for 1500 to be presented to the Bank. You may either send it yourself or I will as you think best. Yrs. ALS , Papers of Tench Coxe in the Coxe Family Papers at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. For an explanation of the contents of this letter, see the introductory note to Coxe to H, February 13, 1795 ( PAH Harold C. Syrett,...
1542From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, 10 November 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I have, on consideration, deemed it expedient to authorize you to receive, in payment of duties, the notes of the Bank of Providence, payable in specie on demand. For the greater safety in so doing I have requested the President of that institution to furnish you with his signature, that of the Cashier and such Checks as may be sufficient to enable you to detect Counterfeits. It is my wish...
1543To Alexander Hamilton from William Heth, 6 July 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
Accept, I pray you, my dear friend, of my sincerest congratulations, on your second, and complete triumph, over the invidious persecutions of a base faction. The report of the Committee of Congress, has turned out precisely, as your friends here, had predicted —“The more you probe , examine, & investigate Hamiltons conduct; rely upon it, the greater he will appear.” But it was a cruel thing in...
1544To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 5 March 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Baltimore, March 5, 1792. “The misfortunes which have attended the arms of the U States against the Savages very naturally engage attention.… there are perhaps a few who, instead of sympathising, as they ought, in the public concern, find for themselves, consolation in the opportunity of censuring the measures of the Executive.… The Secretary of War, whose friendship I have no reason to doubt,...
1545Enclosure: Aaron Elliott to Hezekiah Lane, 14 September 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Agreeable to your request of information, respecting the Steel Furnace, from the Supervisor of Middlesex County; for the information of the Secretary, of Congress; I would Observe The Furnace, was built by My Father Colo Aaron Elliot, about Fivety, Yeares past, for the purpose of Manufacturing Blistered Steel. It was at first but small, for the sake of Experiment: afterwards inlargd, so as to...
1546Cabinet Meeting. Opinion on the Time, Place, and Manner of the President-Elect Taking the Oath of Office, [28 February … (Hamilton Papers)
If the qualification is to be in private, T.J, A.H H.K and E.R, are of opinion, that Mr. Cushing should administer the oath to the President at his own house, where such officers, or others, as he may notify, will attend. T.J. and A.H. think, that it ought to be in private. H.K. and E.R. on the other hand think, that the qualification ought to be in public: and that the Marshal of the district...
1547From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 24 April 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, April 24, 1792 . “The Secretary of the Treasury has the honor respectfully to submit to the President of the United States, a Contract lately made between the Superintendant of the Delaware Lighthouse, and Joseph Anthony & Son of Philadelphia, for a quantity of Oil.…” LC , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. William Allibone.
1548Report on the Petitions of William Mumford, Samuel Armstrong, and the Weighers, Measurers, and Gaugers of Portland and … (Hamilton Papers)
[To the Speaker of the House of Representatives] The Secretary of the Treasury, on the petitions of William Mumford, and Samuel Armstrong, and of the Weighers, Measurers and Gaugers of the District of Portland and Falmouth in the State of Massachusetts, referred to him by an Order of the House of Representatives of the twenty sixth of February past, Respectfully Reports, That the claim of...
1549From Alexander Hamilton to Tench Coxe, 12 August 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia ] August 12, 1794 . “Mr. Hamilton requests Mr Coxe to call at his house as soon as he comes in this Morning.” AL , RG 58, General Records, 1791–1803, National Archives.
1550From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 10 September 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, September 10, 1790. On September 17, 1790, Lincoln wrote to Hamilton : “Your private letter of the 10th came by the post the last evening.” Letter not found. ]