101From Alexander Hamilton to Tobias Lear, 21 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, November 21, 1789. “I have received the letter which you enclosed to me in yours of this date.… I shall pay due attention to the information it conveys.…” LC , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
102Treasury Department Circular to the Governors of the States, 21 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Not having received any acknowledgement of my Letter of the 26th Septr, transmitting the Copies of two resolutions of the house of Representatives of the 21st of the Same month; and conceiving the information which relates to the debts of the Several States, and the public securities of the union in their Treasuries, to be an object of a very important nature, I have the honor to inclose...
103From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Smith, 21 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
In Consequence of your Application, I have this day issued a warrant in your Favor on the Treasurer of the United States for 22.250 Dollars in Indents of Interest, which he is directed to forward without Delay. I am, Sir, Your Obedt. & humble Servt. LS , Breckinridge Long Papers, Library of Congress. For background to this letter, see “Treasury Department Circular to the Continental Loan...
104From Alexander Hamilton to Sylvanus Bourne, [22 November 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of November 1st duly came to hand as did your two former letters; though from the peculiarily of my situation, at one time, & my hurry at another, they were not acknowleged. I did however, as Mr. Ames communicated to you, inform him, that nothing then was in my power. The same is the case now; and the rules I prescribe myself with regard to the future will only permit me to assure...
105From Alexander Hamilton to Jedediah Huntington, 24 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
I acknowledge the receipt of your’s of the 11th. instant. The privileges allowed to Vessels under twenty Tons appear to me in the same light in which they do to you. I should be obliged by your ideas of the most proper arrangement with regard to that description of Vessels; as the thing is perhaps not without difficulties. I have no doubt that the Importer must make entry, as well with regard...
106From Alexander Hamilton to Vincent Gray, 25 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
I am favoured with your two letters of the 10th and 11th Instant, the former transmitting a Letter to the Treasurer said to contain One hundred and fifty Dollars in Notes of the Bank of North America, the latter a Letter to the Same Officer Said to contain Two hundred and Seventy Dollars in notes of the Said Bank and that of New york. I am sir Your Obt hble Servt LS , RG 36, Collector of...
107Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 25 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
I request you to procure and send me without delay the revenue laws of your State in force immediately preceding the Act of Congress laying a duty on imports; as well those relating to imports as others: the whole being wanted for information. Should it not be practicable to obtain the Revenue laws distinct from the other laws of the State, you will be pleased to procure and forward the whole,...
108From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 25 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
The last post brought me your letter of the 14th instant. The bill you inclosed will be presented by Mr Meredith for payment. Having drawn upon you for nearly all the Specie in your hands, I should have directed it to be returned, did I not Suppose that this might produce inconvenience to the parties. You are too sensible of the necessity of conformity to general regulations to make it...
109From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, [25 November 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
I write you officially by this post; but there is a passage in your letter about which I cannot forbear saying something in a private letter. After remarking on the occasion which a departure from instructions might give to an inference that the accommodation of private interest might be the inducement, You add, “I should not mention the latter, if intimations of precautions (which are...
110From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Willing, 25 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, November 25, 1789. On November 30, 1789, Willing wrote to Hamilton : “Yours of the 25th did not reach me till yesterday noon.” Letter not found. ]
111From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas FitzSimons, 27 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York ] November 27, 1789 . “With regard to feeling the public pulse about the debt I have several times had an inclination to the measure; but this inclination has given place to the reflection, that bringing on a discussion might be as likely to fix prejudices as to produce good, and that it may be safest to trust to the effect of the Legislative sanction to good measures, and to the...
112From Alexander Hamilton to Robert Hanson Harrison, [27 November 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
After having laboured with you in the common cause of America during the late war and having learnt your value, judge of the pleasure, I felt in the prospect of a reunion of efforts in the same cause for I consider the business of America’s happiness as yet to be done. In proportion to that sentiment has been my disappointment at learning that you had declined a Seat on the Bench of the U....
113From Alexander Hamilton to the Boston Marine Society, 30 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, November 30, 1789. On November 30, 1789, Hamilton wrote to William Smith : “I send you herewith a letter in answer to that … from your Society which I request may be presented.” Letter not found. ]
114From Alexander Hamilton to William Smith, 30 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, November 30, 1789. “I duly received your letter of the 18th. instant.… I send you herewith a letter in answer to that for myself from your Society which I request may be presented.” LS , Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston. The Boston Marine Society. The letter to the society has not been found.
115Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 30 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Having been applied to by the Collectors of several Ports, for my opinion on various points, which are of general concern, and in respect to which it is important that the same rules should be every where observed, I have concluded to make my answers to their inquiries the subject of a Circular letter. Some of those inquiries relate to the allowances to which the officers of the Customs are...
116From Alexander Hamilton to Henry Lee, [1 December 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
I have just received your letter of the 16th instant. I am sure you are sincere when you say, you would not subject me to an impropriety. Nor do I know that there would be any in my answering your queries. But you remember the saying with regard to Caesar’s Wife. I think the spirit of it applicable to every man concerned in the administration of the finances of a Country. With respect to the...
117Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 1 December 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
The Comptroller of the Treasury will forward to you by this or the ensuing post the whole of the forms necessary for making your Returns to this Office, and rendering your Accounts at the Treasury. You will observe that in these general forms it is not required that you should make a Monthly Return of the Duties on Imports, and that in the Weekly return the Cash receipts and Disbursements (and...
118From Alexander Hamilton to Peyton Short, [1 December 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Treasury Department, December 1, 1789. In his “Memd. Book begun the 6th March 1792,” Short stated: “Wrote a Letter in Ansr. to one recd. from the Secy of the Treasy. of the U. S. acquainting him with my resignation & desiring him to acquaint the President therewith, provided he has not recd. my letter to him, to the same effect. The above Letter from the Secy. of the Treasy. dated ‘Treasury...
119From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Willing, 3 December 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, December 3, 1789. On December 9, 1789, Willing wrote to Hamilton : “We Reced your favor of the 3 Inst.” Letter not found. ]
120From Alexander Hamilton to Stephen Smith, 4 December 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the 30th of October came to hand a few days since. Your transmission of the money in your hands to Boston, was influenced by prudent considerations, and corresponds in its general object with my instructions of the 20th ultimo of which I enclose a Copy. Yet, without meaning to censure, what was evidently dictated by proper motives, it is necessary I should remark that every...
121From Alexander Hamilton to Peter Anspach, 5 December 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed you will receive a Letter from Colo. Pickering late Quarter Master General of the Army: in which he desires you to make out a Statement of the Debts intended to have been provided for by the Anticipation made for the use of his Department, by the late Super Intendant of the Finances; and of the Claims remaining Unsatisfied under it. I have to desire that you would furnish me with a...
122From Alexander Hamilton to Jedediah Huntington, 5 December 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, December 5, 1789. Letter listed in dealer’s catalogue. Letter not found. ] LS , sold at Chicago Book and Art Auction, April 27, 1932, Lot 84.
123From Alexander Hamilton to John Davidson, 8 December 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, December 8, 1789. “I have duly received your letter of the 24th of November and thank you for the information it contains.…” Copy, RG 56, Letters to and from the Collectors at Bridgetown and Annapolis, National Archives; copy, RG 56, Letters to Collectors at Small Ports, “Set G,” National Archives. Letter not found.
124From Alexander Hamilton to Nathaniel Gorham, [8 December 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
I am favored with your Letter of the 24th of last Month Enclosing Proposals from yourself and Mr. Oliver Phelps, for the Supply of the Garrisons of West Point, and Springfield for the Ensuing Year; and agreably to your request have to inform you that the Supply has been Undertaken by the former Contractor at Eight Cents, and four tenths of a Cent per Ration. I am, with Sentiments of Esteem, ...
125From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 16 December 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, December 16, 1789. “The Register of the Treasury transmitted to you lately in pursuance of my Directions … Registers for Vessels.… You will oblige me in distributing them with as much dispatch as possible.…” LS , RG 36, Collector of Customs at Boston, Letters from the Treasury, 1790–1817, Vol. 4, National Archives; copy, RG 56, Letters to the Collector at Boston, National...
126From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 17 December 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
You will use your best Exertions to pay into the Bank of north America all the Monies you can collect to the 27th. day of this month inclusive, & transmit to my office, a Certificate from the Cashier purporting the whole Sum which the Bank has received of you as Collector of the Customs of the Port of Philadelphia, to that day: after which you will defer your next payments to Bank till the...
127From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Willing, 17 December 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, December 17, 1789. On December 24, 1789, Willing wrote to Hamilton : “I reced by the last post yours of the 17th Inst.” Letter not found. ]
128From Alexander Hamilton to Charles Lee, 18 December 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, December 18, 1789 . “I have received your Letter of the 6th instant, with the laws of Virginia accompanying it.…” LS , RG 36, Collector of Customs at Alexandria, Letters Received from the Secretary, 1789–1795, National Archives. Letter not found. H had requested the revenue laws of each state in “Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs,” November 25,...
129Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 18 December 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
As one of the periods for the payment of Bonds taken for Duties is arrived, it is proper that the respective Collectors should be apprised of my expectation with regard to the conduct to be observed by them. It is, that if the Bonds are not paid, as they fall due they be immediately put in Suit. On this point, the most exact punctuality will be considered as indispensable . And accordingly it...
130From Alexander Hamilton to William Allibone, 21 December 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, December 21, 1789. On January 7, 1790, Allibone wrote to Hamilton : “I had the Honor of receiving your letter of the 21st. of December last.” Letter not found. ]
131From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 21 December 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, December 21, 1789. “An application has been lately made to me by the Board of wardens of the Port of Philadelphia for the reimbursement of a Sum of money by them expended for the maintenance and Support of the Light house, Beacons &ca in the Bay and River Delaware.… As it is necessary that these Establishments Should be properly Supported, you will advance to Wm Allibone...
132Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 23 December 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
My opinion having been several times asked on the following points, I think it proper in order to produce uniformity of practice to convey it in a Circular Instruction. First—Whether the tonnage of foreign vessels ought to be taken from the Registers, or ascertained by admeasurement according to the principles of the third Section of the act for registering &c. I am of opinion that the latter...
133From Alexander Hamilton to Tench Coxe, 24 December 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Your obliging favours of the 30th of November, and 16th instant, with the communications accompanying them, have been duly received. Accept my best acknowledgments for the attention you have paid to my request; and believe that I mean not a mere compliment, when I say that your compliance with it has procured me much useful information, and many valuable observations. I have not leisure to add...
134From Alexander Hamilton to Beverley Randolph, 24 December 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
I have been duly honored with your favors of the 28th. of November & 5th. of December, with their inclosures. And I beg leave to make my acknowledgments for the attention which has been paid to their early transmission. I presume in the account transmitted the arrears of Interest have been added to the principal. Should the contrary be the case, permit me to request, that a statement of those...
135Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 30 December 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
In my Circular letter of the 31st. of October last I directed you to claim the duties which had arisen on Imports since the first day of August last, and prior to the organisation of the Customhouses in the respective districts, and if the same was controverted by the parties liable thereto to prosecute this claim to a legal determination. As the decision in one case will probably form a rule...
136From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Mifflin, 31 December 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor of your letter of the 28th instant, inclosing one to you from the Comptroller General of your State. I can only regret, that my delay has accrued, and take it for granted, that the business will receive all the dispatch which may be practicable. I shall be sorry if any inconvenience results to the public Creditors of your state from the cessation of the payment of Indents...
137Enclosure: Schedule B, [31 December 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
SCHEDULE B A General Statement of the Foreign Loans, Shewing in Abstract, the Capital Sums Borrowed, and the Arrearages of Interest to the 31st December, 1789. Capital sums borrowed Livres. Dollars. Cts. Of the Royal French Treasury, on Interest at 5 per cent. 24,000,000 In Holland, guaranteed by the French Court, at 4 per cent. 10,000,000 Livres , 4,000,000 6,296,296 Of the Royal Spanish...
138From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Goodhue, [1790] (Hamilton Papers)
As the subject of the inclosed letter is of consequence to the Whale Fishery I send it to you to read & will be glad to converse with you about it tomorrow. Yr Obed serv ALS , New York Society Library, New York City. Goodhue, a merchant in Salem, Massachusetts, was elected to the House of Representatives in 1789. J. C. Hamilton ( JCHW John C. Hamilton, ed., The Works of Alexander Hamilton (New...
139Draft of An Act Making Further Provision for the Payment of the Debts of the United States, [January–12 July 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
An Act making further provision for the Payment of the Debts of the United States Whereas by an Act intitled “An Act for laying a duty on goods wares and merchandizes imported into the United States” divers duties were laid on goods wares and merchandize so imported for the discharge of the debts of the United States and the encouragement and protection of Manufactures: And whereas the support...
140From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [3 January 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury having, in consequence of the Act for the Establishment and support of Light houses, directed his Enquiries to that object begs leave most respectfully to submit the result to The President of the United States of America New Hampshire. In this State is only one Light house situated on a point of land on the Island of New-Castle, three miles from Portsmouth,...
141From Alexander Hamilton to Angelica Church, [7 January 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed My Dear friend is a letter from your sister; which she has written to supply my deficiency. Tomorrow I open the budget & you may imagine that today I am very busy and not a little anxious. I could not however let the Packet sail without giving you a proof, that no degree of occupation can make me forget you. We hope to hear shortly that you are safe arrived & that every thing is to...
142From Alexander Hamilton to John Holker, [8 January 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
You will naturally imagine, that as well on public, as personal accounts, I must be anxious that Mr. Duer should be extricated from the embarrassments, with which he is perplexed, from the unsettled state of his affairs. The nature of Our connection will apologise to you for my interference in a matter, which is purely of private concern between you and him—so far as to express a wish that you...
143Enclosure: Schedule E, [9 January 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
SCHEDULE E Abstract of the Public Debt of the States Undermentioned, Agreeably to Statements Transmitted in Pursuance of the Resolution of the House of Representatives of the 21st of September, 1789. Massachusetts Dollars. Cents. Principal with interest to the 1st day of Nov. 1789. £. 1,548,040 7 9 Lawful. Due to sundries for which no certificates have yet been issued, 20,000 Total,...
144Enclosure: Schedule K, [9 January 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
SCHEDULE K Estimate of the Probable Product of the Funds Proposed for Funding the Debt and Providing for the Current Service of the United States, Including the Present Duties on Imports and Tonnage. Dollars , Probable product of the duties on imports and tonnage, according to the acts of the last session, Including the State of North-Carolina, this estimate may be said to correspond with the...
145Draft of an Act Imposing Certain Inland Duties on Foreign Wines, [9 January 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
An act imposing certain Inland duties on foreign Wines. A A Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled That in addition to the duties heretofore laid—on Wines imported into the United States from any foreign Port or Place there shall be paid for the use of the U States upon all Wines which shall be so imported after the last...
146From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 19 January 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
I am favored with your letter of the 16th. of last month; which I would have replied to sooner if my time had not been engrossed of late in preparing business for the consideration of the Legislature. The case of Mr. Jefferies (as stated by himself) appears a hard one; but I take the Construction of the law to include the Articles you mention; and there is no authority in any of the Executive...
147Report on the Petition of Christopher Saddler, 19 January 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
[To the Speaker of the House of Representatives] In obedience to the order of the House of Representatives of the eleventh Instant. referring to the Secretary of the Treasury, the petition of Christopher Sadler, The said Secretary Most respectfully reports: That except the letter from the Collector of the District of Boston and Charlestown accompanying the petition, there is no evidence...
148From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 20 January 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
A Petition from Christopher Sadler, with a Letter from you to Mr. Ames, has been referred to me by the House of Representatives for examination and Opinion. The face of the thing and your Letter leave me no doubt, that the case is such an one as to require relief. Yet I could not report in favor of it on the present evidence, without making a precedent that might in other circumstances be...
149From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 20 January 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, January 20, 1790. Instructs Lincoln to reimburse John Coffin Jones “for Oil supplied the Lighthouses” in Massachusetts. LS , RG 36, Collector of Customs at Boston, Letters and Papers re Lighthouses, Buoys, and Piers, 1789–1819, Vol. 3, National Archives. Jones was a stockholder and director of the Massachusetts Bank, 1785–1786.
150Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 20 January 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Motives friendly to the Interests of the Officers of the Customs, as well as to the advancement of the public service, induce me to desire that I may be as soon as possible furnished with a Statement of the amount of the emoluments which have accrued to them respectively under the existing regulations, up to the first of January. As this letter will only be addressed to the Collector of each...