1Enclosure: 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,...
2To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Knox, 24 June 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, June 24, 1790. On August 5, 1790, in Schedule B of his “Report on Additional Sums Necessary for the Support of Government,” Hamilton referred to “The Secretary at War in his Letter to the sec’y of the Treasury dated 24 June 1790.” Letter not found. ]
3To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Knox, 23 August 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
The Militia. The pay, $24,012 The subsistence and rations at 16–90ths of a dollar, 31,302 Forage for the field and staff officers, 234 $55,548 The Continental Troops Additional expense of subsistence and rations to the continental troops, during the same period. This expense arises from the contract; the price of the ration at fort Washington is stated at six and a half ninetieths of a...
4Alexander Hamilton, Henry Knox, Tobias Lear, Alexander Macomb, Dominick Lynch, John Watts, and Samuel Bard to Patrick … (Hamilton Papers)
As the removal of the residence of Congress from this city will necessarily dissolve our association for the education of our children under your care, and as those of us who remain, do not see a probability of immediately filling up our former number, we take this method of unitedly expressing the entire confidence we have in your talents, and our approbation of your method of tuition. We...
5To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Knox, 27 September 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Mr Tyler of Deer Island in the Province maine has shewn me a statement of his case drawn up by Judge Sewall which has been transmitted to you. If no inconveniences should result from your postponing your judgemt untill his arrival you can oblige. I am Sir Yr humble Svt ADfS , Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston. George Tyler had been convicted of a violation of the smuggling laws and...
6To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Knox, 24 May 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
War Department, May 24, 1971. “I have the honor to inform you, that Messrs: Smith and Shepherd have completed their contract of clothing for the levies, and that Mr: Hodgdon, the quarter master, has receipted to them for the same.…” Copy, RG 217, Miscellaneous Treasury Accounts, 1790–1894, Account No. 1339, National Archives. The firm of Robert Smith and John Shepherd (Shepard, Sheppard) had...
7To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Knox, 3 November 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, November 3, 1792. In a letter to Anthony Wayne, dated November 24, 1792, Knox referred to “my letter of the 3d. instant to the Secretary of the Treasury.” Letter not found. ] Knopf, Wayne Richard C. Knopf, ed., Anthony Wayne: A Name in Arms; Soldier, Diplomat, Defender of Expansion Westward of a Nation; the Wayne-Knox-Pickering-McHenry Correspondence (Pittsburgh, 1960). , 140....
8Cabinet Meeting. Opinion on Furnishing Three Million Livres Agreeably to the Request of the French Minister, [25 … (Hamilton Papers)
Feb. 25. 1793. The President desires the opinions of the heads of the three departments and of the Attorney General on the following question, to wit. Mr. Ternant having applied for money equivalent to three millions of livres to be furnished on account of our debt to France at the request of the Executive of that country, which sum is to be laid out in provisions within the US. to be sent to...
9Cabinet Meeting. Opinion Respecting the Proposed Treaty with the Indians Northwest of the Ohio, [25 February 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
The President having required the attendance of the heads of the three departments and of the Attorney general at his house on Monday the 25th. of Feb. 1793. the following questions were proposed and answers given. 1. The Governor of Canada having refused to let us obtain provisions from that province or to pass them along the water communication to the place of treaty with the Indians, and...
10Cabinet Meeting. Opinion on the Time, Place, and Manner of the President-Elect Taking the Oath of Office, [1 March 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
It is our opinion, 1. that the President ought to take the oath in public. 2. that the time be on Monday next at 12 o’clock in the forenoon. 3. that the place be the Senate-chamber. 4. that the Marshal of the district inform the Vice-President, that the Senate-chamber, being the usual place of the president’s public acts, is supposed to be the best place for taking the oath; and that it is...
11Cabinet Meeting. Opinion on Proposals Made by William S. Smith Relative to the French Debt, [2 March 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
The President communicated to the Secretary of State, the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of War and the Attorney General of the United States, a letter from William S. Smith Esqr. of the 28th of February past, to the Secretary of the Treasury, with sundry Papers—No. I. II. III & IV. relating to a negotiation for changing the form of the debt to France; and required their opinion what...
12To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Knox, 8 March 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, March 8, 1793. On March 18, 1793, Hamilton wrote to Knox : “I have before me your letter of the 8th. instant.” Letter not found. ]
13To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Knox, [15 April 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, April 15, 1793. On April 18, 1793, Hamilton wrote to Knox : “The requests contained in your letter of the 15 of April have been complied with.” Letter not found. ]
14Alexander Hamilton and Henry Knox to George Washington, 2 May 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
A conformity of opinion, and upon the same grounds, enables us to submit to you a joint Answer to the third of the Questions, which you were pleased to propose on the 18th. of April to the Heads of Departments and the Attorney General. We have concluded that this mode would be more agreeable to you than a repetition of the same ideas and arguments in seperate answers. With perfect respect &...
15Enclosure: Answer to Question the 3d. Proposed by the President of the UStates, 2 May 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
“If received” meaning a Minister from the Republic of France “shall it be absolutely or with qualifications, and if with qualifications of what kind”? It is conceived to be adviseable, that the reception of the expected Minister from the Republic of France should be qualified by a previous declaration substantially to this effect—“that the Government of the United States uniformly entertaining...
16To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Knox, 13 May 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
War Department, May 13, 1793. Approves payment of a bill “drawn by Israel Ludlow on William Duer 29 January 1792.” LS , RG 217, Miscellaneous Treasury Accounts, 1790–1894, Account No. 4118, National Archives. Duer had served as contractor for the Army for the campaign against the Indians in the Northwest Territory in 1791, and Ludlow had acted as his agent in purchasing supplies and services...
17Cabinet Meeting. Opinion on Sending an Agent to the Choctaw, 1 [–5] June 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
That an Agent be sent to the Choctaw nation to endeavor secretly to engage them to support the Chickasaws in their present war with the Creeks, giving them for that purpose arms and ammunition sufficient: and that it be kept in view that if we settle our differences amicably with the Creeks, we at the same time mediate effectually the peace of the Chickasaws & Choctaws, so as to rescue the...
18Cabinet Meeting. Opinion Respecting the Measures to Be Taken Relative to a Sloop Fitted Out as a Privateer, 12 June 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
The President having required the opinions of the heads of the three departments on a letter from Governor Clinton of the 9th. inst. stating that he had taken possession of the sloop Polly, now called the Republican, which was arming, equipping & manning by French & other citizens to cruize against some of the belligerent powers, and desiring to know what further was to be done, and they...
19Cabinet Meeting. Opinion Respecting French Privateers, 17 June 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
At a meeting of the heads of departments at the President’s this day, on summons from him, a letter from mr Genet of the 15th. inst. addressed to the Secretary of state on the subject of the seizure of a vessel by the Govr. of New York as having been armed, equipped & manned in that port with a design to cruize on the enemies of France, was read, as also the draught of an answer prepared by...
20Cabinet Meeting. Opinion Respecting a Communication from the Spanish Commissioners, 20 June 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
At a meeting this day of the heads of departments at the President’s on summons from him, a letter from Messrs. Viar & Jaudenes dated June 18. & addressed to the Secretary of state, was read: whereupon it is the opinion that a full detail of the proceedings of the US. with respect to the Southern Indians, & the Spaniards be prepared, and a justification as to the particular matters charged in...
21Reasons for the Opinion of the Secretary of the Treasury and the Secretary at War Respecting the Brigantine Little … (Hamilton Papers)
I. Because there can be no doubt, either upon principle or authority that the permitting or suffering or what is equivalent the not taking effectual measures to prevent, when known, the fitting out of privateers , in our ports, by one of the belligerent powers, to cruise against any of the others is an unequivocal breach of neutrality. II Because the President in conformity with an...
22Cabinet Meeting. Opinion on Vessels Arming and Arriving in United States Ports, [12 July 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
July 12, 1793. At a meeting of the heads of the departments at the President’s on summons from him, and on consideration of various representations from the Ministers Plenipotentiary of France & Great Britain on the subject of vessels arming & arriving in our ports, and of prizes it is their opinion that letters be written to the said Ministers informing them that the Executive of the US.,...
23Cabinet Meetings. Proposals Concerning the Conduct of the French Minister, [1–23 August 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
At meetings of the heads of departments & the Attorney General at the President’s on the 1st. & 2d. of Aug. 1793. On a review of the whole of mr Genet’s correspondence & conduct, it was unanimously agreed that a letter should be written to the Minister of the US. at Paris, stating the same to him, resuming the points of difference which had arisen between the government of the US. & mr Genet,...
24Cabinet Meeting. Opinion Respecting Certain French Vessels and Their Prizes, [5 August 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
At a meeting of the heads of departments & the Attorney general at the Secretary of state’s office Aug. 5. 1793. The case of the Swallow letter of marque at New York, desired to be sent out of our ports, as being a privateer. It is the opinion that there is no ground to make any order on the subject. The Polly or Republican, in the hands of the Marshal at New York, on a charge of having been...
25Cabinet Meeting. Opinion Respecting the French Consul at Boston, [31 August 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
At a meeting of the Heads of departments & Attorney General at the President’s on the 31st. day of Aug. 1793. A letter from mr Gore to mr Lear, dated Boston Aug. 24. was read, stating that the Roland, a privateer fitted out at Boston & furnished with a commission under the government of France, had sent a prize into that port, which being arrested by the Marshal of the district by process from...
26Cabinet Meetings. Opinions Concerning the Relations of the United States with Several European Countries, [1–22 November … (Hamilton Papers)
At sundry meetings of the heads of departments & attorney general from the 1st. to the 21st. of Nov. 1793. at the President’s several matters were agreed upon as stated in the following letters from the Secretary of state. to wit. Nov. 8. Circular letter to the representatives of France, Gr. Brit. Spain & the U. Netherlands, fixing provisonily the extent of our jurisdiction into the sea at a...
27Alexander Hamilton and Henry Knox to John Jay and Rufus King, 27 November 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
We have received your Letter of the 26th instant. We take to day to revise it and tomorrow or the day after we expect to hand it to some Printer for publication with our Certificate. We are with respect and esteem Your obedient servants John Jay } Esquires. Rufus King LS , in the handwriting of H, Columbia University Libraries. For background to this letter, see the introductory note to H to...
28Statement by Alexander Hamilton and Henry Knox on Edmond Charles Genet’s “Appeal to the People”, 29 November 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
We the subscribers, certify that we did severally communicate to the abovementioned John Jay and Rufus King, the particulars contained in the foregoing statement. That such of them as are therein mentioned to have been reported to Governor Mifflin by Mr. Dallas, were communicated by the Governor to each of us, as having been received by him from Mr. Dallas. That such of them as respect Mr....
29Alexander Hamilton and Henry Knox to John Jay, 29 November 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
Notwithstanding the information of this Morning respecting the Insertion in Dunlap’s Paper on Monday, certain reasons determine us rather to return to you the Paper with our certificate. You will find that we have altered nothing material to your purpose. The omission of what concerned the President has proceeded from a scruple about official propriety. We are with respect & esteem Dr Sir ...
30Cabinet Meeting. Opinions on Relations with France and Great Britain, [7 December 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
At a meeting of the heads of departments & Atty genl. at the President’s on the 7th. of Dec. 1793. Mr. Genet’s ltre of Dec. 3. questioning the right of requiring the address of Consular commissions to the President was read. It is the opinion that the address may be either to the US. or to the President of the US. but that one of these should be insisted on. A letter from James King was read,...
31Cabinet Meeting. Opinion on Writing to the King of Prussia Concerning the Marquis de Lafayette, [14 January 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
At a meeting of the heads of departments at the President’s, on the fourteenth day of January 1794. It was propounded by the President, whether in consideration of the eminent services of M. de la Fayette, to the U. S. and his present sufferings, it be not adviseable for the President, in a private , and unofficial character, to address to the King of Prussia a letter, requesting his release...
32Cabinet Meeting. Opinion on a Presidential Message to Congress on the Recall of Edmond Charles Genet, [19 January 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
For the correction of Colo. H. & Genl K. Having already laid before you a letter of the 16th. of August 1793, from the secretary of State to our minister at Paris, stating the conduct, and urging the recal of the minister plenipotentiary of the republic of France; I now communicate to you, that his conduct has been unequivocally disapproved; and that the strongest assurances have been given,...
33Cabinet Meeting. Opinion on Communicating to the Senate the Dispatches of Gouverneur Morris, [28 January 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
At a meeting of the heads of departments January 28, 1794. Upon consideration of the resolution of the Senate, of January 24, 1794, calling for the correspondences, therein mentioned: General Knox is of opinion, that no part of the correspondences should be sent to the Senate. Colo. Hamilton, that the correct mode of proceeding is to do, what General Knox advises; but that the principle is...
34Cabinet Meeting. Opinion on Expeditions Being Planned in Kentucky for the Invasion of the Spanish Dominions, [10 March … (Hamilton Papers)
At a meeting of the heads of departments, and the attorney general at the President’s on the 10th. day of March 1794. The intelligence from Kentucky, and the territory no. West of the Ohio, was laid before them; whereupon it was advised 1. that a proclamation issue against the expeditions, understood to be prepared in Kentucky, for the invasion of the Spanish dominions. 2. that a...
35Cabinet Meeting. Opinion on a Request for Payment of Installments on the French Debt, [11 March 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
At a meeting of the heads of departments and the attorney general, on the 11th. of March 1794. It is advised unanimously, that Mr. Fauchet be informed, that He shall be supplied with the instalments, due in September and November next, according to the manner, expressed in the report of the Secretary of the treasury to the President on this subject. It is proposed by the Secretary of the...
36Cabinet Meeting. Opinion on the Best Mode of Executing the Embargo, [26 March 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
At a meeting of the heads of departments, and the Attorney general of the U. S. at the President’s, on the twenty sixth day of march 1794. The resolution of congress, of this date being submitted to them by the President for their opinion as to the best Mode of executing the same; It is advised unanimously, that the governors of the several States ought to be called upon to enforce the said...
37Cabinet Meeting. Opinion on Restoring the Brigs Conyngham and Pilgrim to the British, [27 March 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
At a meeting of the heads of departments and Attorney general. March 27. 1794. The Secretary of War, the attorney general and the Secretary of State advise, that the Conyngham be not delivered up to the British owners; the secretary of the treasury dissenting. The Secretary of the treasury, the Secretary of war, and the attorney general advise, that the Pilgrim be delivered up to the British...
38To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Knox, 29 March 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
The estimates herein enclosed relatively to the fortifications is a Copy of the one present’d to the Committe of Congress, and is presumed to have been contemplated in the Law making the appropriations upon the Subject —some places however are mentioned in the Law which are not contained in the estimate. It will be necessary to appoint some man of character, for integrity and intelligence in...
39Cabinet Meeting. Opinion on a Request for a Passport, [31 March 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
I am of opinion that a passport ought to be granted, under the restrictions, proposed by the petitioners, [(viz) the vessel to be American in ballast & to have passports from the several foreign Ministers.] I am inclined to think that the Embargo extends to all vessels which are not in some degree or other considered as under the direction of the President of the U.S. D , in the handwriting of...
40Cabinet Meeting Opinion on a Request for a Passport, 2 April 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
We are of opinion, that a passport ought to be granted for a vessel under the above restrictions. Edm: Randolph. Alex Hamilton I am inclined to think the vessel ought [to] sail not only by the permission , but in consequence of the directions of the President. D , in the handwriting of Edmund Randolph, William Bradford, and Henry Knox, and signed by Randolph, Bradford, H, and Knox, RG 59,...
41To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Knox, 12 April 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, April 12, 1794. On May 14, 1794, Tench Coxe wrote to Hamilton and referred to “the two Estimates No 1 & 2 of the Secrety of War, contained in his letter to you of the 12th. of April last.” Letter not found. ] Henry Knox had submitted these estimates to George Washington on April 10, 1794 ( LC , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress). The estimates deal with the...
42To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Knox, 21 April 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to transmit you an estimate of the quantity and quality of Timber, Plank, Scantling and Copper &c. which will be required for each of the four largest frigates contemplated by the Act entitled “An Act to provide a naval armament” nearly the same quantity will also be wanted for each of the thirty six gunships mentioned in the said Act. It has been decided by the President of...
43Cabinet Meeting. Opinion on the Application of Money Given by Law to the Indigent of Santo Domingo, [22 April 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
We do ourselves the honor of advising the President of the U. S. to apply the remainder of the money, given by law to the indigent of St. Domingo, resident here, to the furnishing of them with the means of going thither, it being known, that several vessels are now bound thither from different parts of the U. S. with passports for the purpose of conveying them. DS , in the writing of Edmund...
44Cabinet Meeting. Opinion on Submission of Thomas Pinckney’s Letters to Congress, [24 April 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of state submits to the Secretaries of the treasury and war, whether the inclosed letters from Mr. Pinckney or either of them shall be sent to congress. E. R. is of opinion, that the letter of the 28th. of Jany, and not the other ought to be sent. April 24, 1794. I am [of] opinion that it is not adviseable to send either. That of the 28th of January contains no new substantive...
45To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Knox, 1 May 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to transmit you the enclosed extract of a letter, received this day, from Major General Wayne, dated the 10th of March 1794 complaining, in a pointed manner of the very inferior quality of the Hats and Shoes furnished by the contractors of Clothing for the last year. The President of the United States to whom this subject has been submitted is of opinion that the Contractors...
46To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Knox, 6 May 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to transmit you the general dimensions of the heavy cannon which are required for the fortifications and for the frigates; the proof which will be required of each piece, by persons who shall be appointed by me for that purpose, and the time within which they ought to be delivered. ASP American State Papers, Documents, Legislative and Executive, of the Congress of the United...
47To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Knox, 12 May 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
War Department, May 12, 1794. “I have the honor to transmit you as a matter of information the opinion of Mr Joshua Humphreys on the mode of procuring the white oak plank and timber.” LC , RG 45, Letters Sent Concerning Naval Matters, National Archives. This letter concerns provisions for the naval armament authorized by Congress. See Knox to H, April 21, 1794 . On June 28, 1794, Knox...
48Cabinet Meeting. Opinion on Call for Volunteers from Kentucky, 13 May 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
At a meeting of the heads of the departments and the attorney General, at the house of the President of the United States, the subject of affording an auxiliary force to Major General Wayne for the purpose of enabling him to make a vigorous and offensive campaign against the hostile Indians being considered, it was advised, that he be authorised, to call for two thousand mounted volunteers...
49List of Names From Whence to Take a Minister for France, [19 May 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
Georgia Nathaniel Pendleton (District Judge) Baldwin S Carolina J Rutlege E Rutlege CC Pinkney Pinkney (late Governor) North Carolina Virginia T. Jefferson J Madison Mc. Clurgh } Principles as to FR unknown J Marshall E Randolph Henry Lee Maryland
50Cabinet Meeting. Opinion on Drafting of Militia by Governor Thomas Mifflin, 24 May 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
Upon consideration of the letter of Governor Mifflin to the President of the US of this date respecting his drafting one thousand men of the Western militia of this state, for the purpose of supporting a detachment directed to take possession of Presque Isle it was advised That an answer of the following purport be given. “That on mature reflection the President is of opinion that it is...