To Alexander Hamilton from Robert Morris, 1 November 1797
From Robert Morris1
Hills [near Philadelphia] Novr. 1st. 1797
Dear Sir
I wrote to you some days ago,2 but have not yet heard in reply. I take the liberty to enclose herein a letter for Mr. Church and to ask your interference. If it is only his Money that he is Seeking I will get it for him, and I would fain hope that he does not wish to take advantage of my Necessities and obtain my property at less than its worth.
I am willing to Sell it at a fair price to him if he chooses, but if he really does not wish to have the Land, procure for me a little time and I will do him ample justice.
If he were pressed by Necessity I could not think hard of his pressure, but as that is not the case and I am willing to pay for indulgence I hope he will grant it, and you will oblige me by letting Mr Rd. Harison3 and myself know what to expect. I hope I am not imposing a disagreable task on you, but that you will do the needfull for a real Friend.
Your hble servt.
Robt Morris
Alexr. Hamilton Esqr
ALS, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress; LC, Robert Morris Papers, Library of Congress.
1. This letter and its enclosure concern a debt which Morris owed to John B. Church, Morris’s efforts to pay this debt, and Church’s suit in Chancery to secure the payment of interest on this debt. For information on these matters, see the introductory note to Morris to H, June 7, 1795. See also Morris to H, July 20, November 16, December 18, 1795, January 15, March 6, 12, 14, 30, April 27, May 3, 10, 17, 18, 31, 1796, March 3, 27, May 20, 23, June 2, 10, July 2, 1797; William Lewis to H, May 4, 1796; H to Charles Williamson, May 17–30, 1796.
3. Morris had retained Richard Harison of New York as his attorney in the suit brought by Church. On November 1, 1797, Morris wrote to Harison: “… I have this day written to Mr Church asking his forbearance a little while, as I am going to renew a negotiation for raising his money which was broken of[f] in consequence of the Yellow fever dispersing our Citizens. If he means only to get his money I shall expect his compliance but if he means to acquire plunder out of my distress it will be in vain to look for money. I will enclose the letter for him to Colo Hamilton and ask his interference and to let you know the effect. In the mean time I will thank you to inform me how soon he can bring the matter to a close. If he will not grant my request and what delay will be obtained by filing an answer; If that is done I cannot go to N York and of course a commission will be necessary & say how much money for I have but little at present” (LC, Robert Morris Papers, Library of Congress).