To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 23 August 1790
From William Ellery
Newport [Rhode Island] August 23, 1790. “The arrival of the President of the U. S.1 the last Tuesday morning prevented my sending the returns last week. I send them this.… The Person appointed to collect Light Money2 by the Govr. of this State3 continues to do it, and the trade complains of being obliged to pay tonnage to the United States and Light money to the State.4 I wish for your directions respecting the Light-House.…”
LC, Newport Historical Society, Newport, Rhode Island.
1. For a description of George Washington’s visit to Newport, see the Newport [Rhode Island] Mercury, August 23, 1790.
2. Robert Crooke.
3. Arthur Fenner was governor of Rhode Island from 1790 to 1805.
4. The question concerning the payment to the state for the maintenance of the lighthouse at Newport arose because Rhode Island had not ratified the Constitution until May 29, 1790, and the lighthouse was still under the state’s jurisdiction. For the resolution of this problem, see Ellery to H, September 14, 1790, notes 1 and 2 (printed in this volume).