1To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 24 July 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the pleasure to forward the enclosed letter from our Treasurer which will give the best Light I can obtain on the question you submitted to me. Are the people mad! With the highest esteem and the warmest affection I am your friend & ob servant ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. See Lincoln to H, July 10, 1795 .
2To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 10 July 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
I early received your favour respecting the debts paid by this State and immediately applied to the Treasurer of the State as the only person from whom I could receive that information you wished. He has been engaged in settling his acct & paying off the interest now due on our State debt. As soon as that shall be over he will make every exertion to gratify my wishes. With great esteem I am ...
3To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 27 August 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
Boston, August 27, 1794. “I called a few days since for the settlement of a number of Bonds a collection of the money due on which had been suspended as the duties arose on goods which afterwards were exported. Many of the people come and say that they have not yet received their certificates of the landing of the Goods in a foreign port the reason of which arises from the detention the...
4To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 20 August 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
Captain Magee returned here a few days since from a long voyage to the Northwest shores of America Canton &c. He has been absent about three years during which time he has sailed about fourteen thousand leagues. He left Boston in a new ship with two new suits of sails one of Boston manufactured cloth and one foreign. I asked him particular respecting the Boston duck and had for answer that...
5To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 8 July 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Boston, July 8, 1794. On August 19, 1794, Hamilton wrote to Lincoln and referred to “your favor of the 8th July last.” Letter not found. ]
6To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, [5] July 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
I have diligently, directly and indirectly made my enquiries respecting the comparitive value of the duck manufactured in this town with that which has been imported and on the whole after giving the subject a full and I think an impartial discussion must say that the sail cloth manufactured here is to be preferred to that which is foreign. Had this question been put to me two years ago I am...
7To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 4 July 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
The post last evening brought me your letter of the 26th. Ulto. The copy of a letter from the Collector of Ba[r]nstable said to be inclosed has not come to hand. You mention that the letter relates to a request from him for a boat for the use of the inspector at Tarpentine Cove. I cannot find such a place within the district of Barnstable. There are now in the Office two Masters of vessels...
8To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 17 May 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
Boston, May 17, 1794. “… By the inclosed you will see that we have made a different estimate of the value of Livres from the estimate in Philadelphia. This creates discontent among the Merchants here and makes it necessary for me to lay the matter before you for your direction.” LC , Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston; LC , RG 36, Collector of Customs at Boston, Letter Book, 1790–1797,...
9To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 10 April 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
Boston, April 10, 1794. “A number of our Captains, who commanded vessels which have been arrested by the British and are now detained with their Cargoes in the west Indies, are returned without that evidence of their having landed their Cargoes which by law is necessary to their drawing bounties &c. What shall be done in these cases?” LC , Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston; LC , RG 36,...
10To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 3 April 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
Boston, April 3, 1794. “A Vessel has lately arrived here navigated by a number of American masters who say that they purchased her in the British west indies that she was an American Vessel condemned as a lawfull prize. The vessel was undoubtedly owned in this State and is now here without papers. Can she have new ones? If new ones To whom should they be granted?” LC , Massachusetts Historical...
11To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 26 March 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
Boston, March 26, 1794. “Your circular letter of the 17th instant came to hand just now by post. We have not now or have we ever had an idea of relaxing in that part of our duty which required from us a monthly Schedule of Bonds to be returned into your office.… If there have been any omissions towards the close of the last year we can only observe as an apology that one Clerk whose business...
12To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 21 March 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Boston, March 21, 1794. On June 19, 1794, Hamilton wrote to Lincoln and referred to “your letter of the 21st. of march last.” Letter not found. ]
13To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 19 March 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter under the 7th instant just now arrived by post. I hasten to answer it hoping that the conduct of the officers will not appear to you in the same point of light, after an explanation of the business is had, as it did when you received the information to which you refer. By the enclosed Copy you will perceive that you had nearly a state of facts. On the 16th. Ulto. Captain Williams...
14To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 1 February 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
By this mornings post your letter of the 21st. Ulto. was received As also a letter covering one directed to our Minister at the Court of Great Britain. We have a vessel now loading & will sail in a few days for Amsterdam so that your letter directed to Messrs. Willink & Van Staphorst will go directly to its address in Holland agreeably to your wishes. LC , Massachusetts Historical Society,...
15To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, James Lovell, and Thomas Melville, 31 January 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Boston, January 31, 1794. On February 20, 1794, Hamilton wrote to Lincoln, Lovell, and Melville : “I am to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 31st ultimo.” Letter not found. ] Lincoln was the collector, Lovell the naval officer, and Melville the surveyor of the port of Boston.
16To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 21 January 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
On the receipt of your letter of the 19th. Ulto Not seeing the British Consul I wrote him a note of which No 1 is a copy—No 2 is a copy of His answer. As you have confined my attention, at present, to the Jane—Lovely lass and Prince William Henry which vessels it is said have not been in this district I cannot take any measures with him to ascertain the damages of the Gray hound & Flora of...
17To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, [8 January 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Boston, January 8, 1794 ] “By the 61st: Section of the Act intit⟨led⟩ ‘to provide more effectually for the collection of duties &c’ … it is necessary that the importer should be the exporter to intitle him to the suspension of his bond. A practice is now crept into Existance which creates a vast deal of confusion & delay in doing the business in this office for most of the importers come &...
18To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 31 December 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
Boston, December 31, 1793. “In your circular letter under the date of Decr 20th Instant You request that all my acct to the end of the year should be promptly rendered. Those for the third quarter will be presented herewith, the fourth will follow some time in Jany. The reasons why we are so late with our third quarter arise from the sickness of my Clerks one of which is yet confined and...
19To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 4 March 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
I had too little time with you when in Philadelphia. Your particular engagments forbid my calling on you as often as under different circumstances I should have called. One question in particular was left unsettled the application of Mr. Joseph Blake respecting the quallity of some wines he imported. The Comptroller was in opinion that there could not any consideration be made for its being of...
20To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 15 November 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Boston, November 15, 1792. “Your Circular letter to the Collectors of the Customs under the date of Octr 25 has been received by me. In that letter I am requested to furnish you as early as possible with an estimate of the amount of bounties payable in this district on fishing vessels. It is out of my power to comply with the request with any degree of Exactness as we have not more than ten or...
21To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 20 September 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Our Cutter proves to be a very dull sailer, after various experiments by altering the Standing of the masts the bowsprit and altering the Sails to make her sail better, is consequently a very improper Vessel for the business assigned her. We have now an opportunity to Sell her for a Sum, with the Saving of the pay & rations for the hands, which would build one of fifty odd tons, a Size large...
22To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 14 September 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
My knowledge of your wishes to support the manufactures of your Country will apologize I hope for the trouble of this Letter on the subject of tipes. Mr. Thomas of this State has it in contemplation to print the bible in two different small sizes. To do it on terms which will give him a profit among the importers he is under the [necessity] of importing tipes sufficient for the whole work...
23To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 17 August 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
At the request of Mr. Foster a merchant in this town I in-close his letter to me stating his situation relative to the draw back of some duties due on a quantity of Coffe exported. His confidence that you will direct the payment on the evidence offered makes it necessary that I should lay the matter before you for your decision thereon. I am &c LC , Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston; LC...
24To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, [3 August 1792] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Boston, August 3, 1792. On August 14, 1792, Hamilton wrote to Lincoln and acknowledged receipt “of your letter of the 3rd instant.” Letter not found. ]
25To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 26 July 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Boston ] July 26, 1792 . “A few days since the Brig Sally arrived here from Amsterdam with a quantity of Ginn on board part of which was in Keggs or Anchors as they are called. This was such an open violation of the Law, after full time had passed for the interested to have know their duty & interest if proper attention had been paid to them, that I could not persuade my self that I should...
26To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 3 July 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Notwithstanding our wishes to the contrary, we are too often impelled to call your attention from the more important duties of your Office to circumstances trivial indeed compared therewith. However painful the measure we cannot avoid it & preserve that uniformity in the different Offices so much to be desired, as thereby the general interest is promoted & the minds of the People kept in a...
27To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 6 June 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Boston, June 6, 1792. “I mentioned to you under the 15 Feby last that we had put our hands on four hogs. N E Rum in old we[s]t India Casks. The matter came to trial yesterday. It was admitted that the rum was distilled in Portland but contended that the duties were duly paid. This being proved the spirits were acquitted. If these things can be practised with impunity a wide door will be opened...
28To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 12 May 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Boston, May 12, 1792. “I have received your Letter of the 2d. instant. The manner in which you have directed the lodgment of the money will obviate all the difficulties which I supposed might take place under your first order.… I wish to know how I shall settle the price of goods imported from France. Their paper seems to be in a depreciated state and the goods charged proportionately high.…”...
29To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 31 March 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
As you have often expressed a wish to establish uniformity among all the officers commissioned in different districts to perform similar duties I am induced to mention an instance wherein from the want of similarity questions arise which leaves us quite at a loss how to determine the length of Vessels from the registers some inserting therein the real length & some the length after the...
30To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 21 [March] 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
I shall pay particular attention to your directions respecting the payment of the drafts of the treasurer in favour of the Loan officer of New Hampshire & Mr Appleton of this State. You will learn by the inclosed return that a large proportion of the money on hand is in the bills of the bank of the united States issued in Philadelphia which are now sold here at a discount of one ⅌ Cent. From...
31To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 14 March 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
By the 7th. section in the act for registering vessels &c it is provided that when an owner resides out of the district where the ship may be at the time a register is required that such owner may take and subscribe the oath before the collector of the district in which he resides. A Gentleman from Baltimore came here a few months since and purchased a vessel, loaded her and wished her to sail...
32To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 15 February 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Your two letters one under the 2d. & the [other] under the fourth instant came to hand this evening by the post. To the directions they contain a strict attention will be paid. In my last I mentioned to you that empty old rum hogs. when the certificates could be obtained with them were in demand. Since, I think, I have discovered the use to be made of them. A few days pass four hogs. as west...
33To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 17 January 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
By the inclosed memorandum you will see the state of the imports into this district from Island of Hispaniole from the first of august 1790 to the end of that year and the state of the imports from the same Island from the first day of August 1791 to first Jany 1792 have not yet felt so sensibly as I expected we had the consequences of the disorders in that Island. From a suggestion given,...
34To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 1 December 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Your favours of the 17th & 18th were received last evening by post. The one referred to in your letter to Capt williams did not come to hand. I wish my opinion had not been asked relative to the present allowance made the keeper of the Light House at Portland as the sum given was named by me and thought to be as much as the public ought to give for keeping it in the best manner. I did not...
35To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 10 November 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed is our tonnage Abstract commencing with July and ending with September. By a late instruction from the Treasury department we are called upon to make return to what port the several vessels entered here are destined, in what Kingdom State or Islands such ports are situated. All are in our return which are not in port have left it for places unknown to us. From the peculiar situation...
36To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 2 November 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
In May 1790 The Schooner Industry arrived in this District from Ireland with no other than an old State Register. The apology was that as she was owned in Virginia & there had not been time for her to renew her papers. This was accepted And the master Mr. Russell, the Ships friend, were informed that their conduct was irregular & that the vessel could not be entitled to the rights of a Ship of...
37To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 20 October 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
When I first received your orders for supplying the Cutter I attempted to bring the men to the established ration fixed by Congress. The moment our design was known a good Crew left the vessel. I was therefore obliged to supply as the Merchants supply or suffer the Cutter to remain in port. The latter I thought would be more difficult for me to justify than given the men the supply generally...
38To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 7[–8] October 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I was very unhappy the last evening on the receipt of your letter by the post to find that the papers I forwarded in April last respecting my purchase of the public securtes had not answered your wishes. Before I forwarded them I examined the law & your instructions and intended fully to comply with both. I therefore was induced in the statement of my account of my transactions in the business...
39To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 4 October [1791] (Hamilton Papers)
I received your circular Letter of the 21st. Ulto and your letter respecting a cancelled register by the last post. Knowing sir how anxious you are to œconomise the public money and how just your expectations are that all officers of the revenue will aid you in a measure so important to the general interest I take the liberty to suggest, as the weather will soon be so inclement as to prevent...
40To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 9 September 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
The day before yesterday came on the trial at Salem of Capt Davis & yesterday his mate charged with landing good at tarpaulien cove as mentioned to you July 29. Although the fact was clearly established to the satisfaction of the Court, and so far as I can learn, to every by stander even the defendants Council gave up the matter Yet the Jury did not in either case find a verdict though sent...
41To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 31 August 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
When I reported to you that I had contracted for the Cutter to be built in this State I mentioned that she was to be compleated fit for the sea that is with riging sails boats &c for 1440 dollars. After Captain Williams was appointed master he suggested to me his wishes that there might be some deviation from the plan I had given and on which the agreement was founded. On this I wrote to the...
42To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 25 August 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Your circular letter came to hand by the last post. Very particular attention will be paid to the certificates of Registers you mention. In a few day will be forwarded all the papers due from this office. Inclosed is a copy of the table of fees set up in this office, an exact copy from the law, which is literally followed here as explained by Messrs: Jones and Harison excepting for the entery...
43To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 29 July 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I have been honoured with the receipt of your circular letter of the 8th. instant. I will aim at that discharge of the duties therein required which shall give satisfaction. A few days since I had a hint that a vessel from the Bahama Islands had touched into tarpaulin cove, in one of the Elizabeth Islands, and had there landed a few bags of Cotton. The same vessel came into this port and...
44To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 23 July 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Agreeably to your orders I here send you a description of the Cutter Massachusetts built at Newbury port in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the year 1791. She has on deck two masts her length is sixty feet above her upper deck her depth is seven feet Eight inches her breadth seventeen feet Eight inches she measures seventy tons ⁴³⁄₉₅. She is a square sterned schooner has quarter badges &...
45To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 13 July 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
A short time since we had a vessel entered here with about one hundred quarter chests of tea. It was entered by the importer as Camphu. H since informs me that his papers also describe it as Bohea Congo . As it was entered as a black tea other than Bohea, tho~ it appears to me to be of the same kind, and the importer says it cannot be sold for more, I hardly know what to do with it. If I...
46To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 5 July 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Boston, July 5, 1791. “Your letter covering instructions to Cap Williams has been received. I have caused a copy of them to be made. I will attend particularly to his supplies.…” LC , Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston; LC , RG 36, Letters from the Collector at Boston, Letter Book, 1790–1797, National Archives; two copies, RG 56, Letters from the Collector at Boston, National Archives....
47To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 14 June 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Boston, June 14, 1791. On June 23, 1791, Hamilton wrote to Lincoln : “I have received your letter of the 14th instant.” Letter not found. ]
48To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 25 May 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Boston, May 25, 1791. “By an act made to explain and amend ‘an act making farther provision for the payment of the Debts of the United States’ It is enacted that the duty of 7½ ⅌ Ct ad valorem laid by the act aforesaid on chintses and coloured calicoes shall be deemed and taken to extend to all printed stained & coloured goods, or manufactures of cotton, or of linen, or of both, which...
49To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 17 May 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Boston, May 17, 1791. “Your several favours of the 14th ulto & of the 4 & 6 instant have been received. Your first, the Circular, appears to be intended to those officers who conceive themselves insufficiently compensated. As I am not in that class I conclude no report will be expected from me.… The duck for the four Cutters has been forwarded agreeably to your directions.…” LC , Massachusetts...
50To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 29 April[–3 May] 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
A few days since Captain Codman arrived here from the west indies. In his entery he returned one among other articles one bag of Coffee when the vessel appeared to be unladed all having been delivered agreeable to the entery & permit in consequence thereof. The officer after in examining the Vessel found under the Captains Cabbin four bags of Coffee which had not been entered on this the...