1051To Alexander Hamilton from Jonathan Dayton, 20 March 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Your favor dated the 18th. was received this morning. The letter accompanying it for Majr. Ford was immediately sent to the Post office at Newark, from whence a Mail goes this afternoon to Morris. In answer to your enquiry respecting the Major’s character, I can assure you that he has ever been considered a good officer, and that I know him to be perfectly sound, correct & firm in his...
1052To Alexander Hamilton from Jonathan Dayton, 20 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Pursuant to your request I have subjoined a list of articles which will be wanted for the 11th. 12th. & 13th. United States Regts. to enable them to erect huts & provide fuel for the ensuing winter. This estimate is the result not merely of my own reflections, but of a conversation with the Commanding officers of two of the Regts. upon the subject; and I am persuaded that any supply short of...
1053To Alexander Hamilton from Jonathan Lawrence and Jonathan Dayton, 4 March 1803 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, March 4, 1803. “The foregoing are Copies of our letters to Meeker Denman & Co on the subject of Insurance.…” AL , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Lawrence and Dayton were partners in a mercantile firm at 94 Greenwich Street, New York City. Copies, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. This letter and its enclosures, which concern the case of Lawrence and Dayton v Columbian...
1054To Alexander Hamilton from Jonathan Dayton, 1 June 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
[ June 1, 1791. In a letter to Dayton on June 6, 1791, Hamilton referred to “your letter of the first instant.” Letter not found. ] Dayton, a New Jersey lawyer, had been a member of the New Jersey Council in 1789 and speaker of that state’s Assembly in 1790. He was associated with John Cleves Symmes in the Miami Purchase.
1055To Alexander Hamilton from Jonathan Dayton, 26 August 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Having been absent with my family on a visit to Staten Island and to the seashore, I did not receive, so soon as I otherwise should, your letter of the 15th. That Mr. Jefferson proposed to Freneau to repair to Philadelphia, and act in his department as interpreter of the French language, and that, subsequently thereto, a negotiation was had & completed between Mr. Madison and the latter to...
1056To Alexander Hamilton from Jonathan Dayton, 3 June 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
[ June 3, 1790. On June 9, 1790, Hamilton wrote to Dayton : “I duly received your letter of the 3d. of June.” Letter not found. ]
1057To Alexander Hamilton from Jonathan Dayton, 26 June 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
Elizabethtown [ New Jersey ] June 26, 1794 . “Judge Symmes, who left this place yesterday for Philadelphia by the way of Morristown, requested me to acquaint you that in two or three days he should be at your office to obtain the Deed for the Miami lands. The delay of this business, on one account or another, has been so much beyond what was foreseen, as to occasion much uneasiness with many...
1058To Alexander Hamilton from Jonathan Dayton, 27 July 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Elizabethtown, New Jersey, July 27, 1798. On August 6, 1798, Hamilton wrote to Dayton : “I received at Philadelphia your letter of the 27th of July.” Letter not found. ]
1059To Alexander Hamilton from Jonathan Dayton, [7–8 April 1792] (Hamilton Papers)
I herewith enclose a letter which I have received from Messrs. Mackay & Dixey. The subject appears to be of some moment, and the objects may probably be attained, by an alteration in the bill about to be brought forward pursuant to your report on ways & means, if you do not dissaprove of it. I am still confined to my lodgings and shall be happy to speak with you on the subject. Another letter...
1060To Alexander Hamilton from Germain Pierre Decrosses, 16 April 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, April 16, 1796. “j’ai eu l’honneur de me presenter chez vous ce matin, mais je nai pas eu celui de vous y rencontrer. je quitte sous huit-jours cette terre hospitaliére pour aller dans un pays ou se trouvent réunis tous les fléaux qui peuvent affliger l’humanité. des raisons d’une grande importance me font desirer d’être recû citoyen americain. je suis resident ici dans cette ville...
1061To Alexander Hamilton from David C. DeForest, 5 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Lieut. Col. Comg. Rice informs me it was his understanding, that no Officer, appointed to fill a vacancy in the twelve Regiments &c, was to take Rank of any one previously appointed—and that the Rank of his Regiment, had been established on that principle—but, by the establishment of Relative Rank in the 15th. Regiment, as communicated by Col Hunewell, I am superceded by Lieut A. Hunt who was...
1062To Alexander Hamilton from Masahod de La Mar, 1 July 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
Amsterdam, July 1, 1793. States that he had been “appointed by his Imperial Majesty, Muley Isham, Emperor of Morocco, Envoy Extraordinary to their High Mightinesses of ye United Netherlands” and transmits the Emperor’s request that Congress appoint William Sharpe “(an American of Wilmington, Delaware State) to act as their Consul for the American Nation, and fully Empower Said Gentleman by...
1063To Alexander Hamilton from John De Lancey, 9 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I had the honor of communicating to you some time since the desire of my brother Warren De Lancey to raise a troop of horse for the service of his country & he to have the command of them—Mr. De Lancey has served several years in the seventeenth British Dragoons he was respected as an officer & a gentleman Your attention to his application will confer a favor on me & I flatter myself you will...
1064To Alexander Hamilton from Sharp Delany, 1 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, October 1, 1789. “In conformity to what I esteem your instructions, I yesterday paid the Bank of No America Thirteen Thousand Dollars.…” LC , Bureau of Customs, Philadelphia.
1065To Alexander Hamilton from Sharp Delany, 4 October 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia ] October 4, 1790 . “The new Collection Law commen[ce]d on Saturday last. A strict obedience shall in our district be punctually adhered to, although I doubt whether the 2nd secto in to Page 25th can be followed, unless at a considerable expence to the Continent, and as I believe out of the power of the Collector Naval Officer & Inspectors in the first instance to put in force....
1066To Alexander Hamilton from Sharp Delany, 11 July 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, July 11, 1791. On September 8, 1791, Hamilton wrote to Delany : “I have considered the case proposed to me in your letter of the 11th. July.” Letter not found. ]
1067To Alexander Hamilton from Sharp Delany, [3 August 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
It is with no small degree of uneasiness that I so often trouble You, but the solicitations of those concerned oblige & urge me to it. I recd. Your answers respecting the Ship Brigida, and Mr Ingersolls Vessell, in regard to this last I made the objections you notice, but could not get answers sufficiently satisfactory for me to proceed. The Captn is now sent forward to give You information....
1068To Alexander Hamilton from Sharp Delany, 24 July 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, July 24, 1793. At a meeting on August 5, 1793, the cabinet discussed “Mr. Delany’s letter of the 24th of July on the question whether duties are to be paid on prize goods landed for sale.” Letter not found. ] An entry in JPP “Journal of the Proceedings of the President,” George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. for July 26, 1793, reads as follows: “The Secretary of the...
1069To Alexander Hamilton from Sharp Delany, 22 January 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia ] January 22, 1790 . “I inclose you the Exports of flour for the last year & our Inspector informs me he is confident the Quantity not returned to him would make the export not much less than 400,000 barrells.…” LC , Collector of Customs, Philadelphia.
1070To Alexander Hamilton from Sharp Delany, [25 January 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
From the Journals of Congress I see You have reported a Bill to the consideration of the Legislature respecting Duties, which gives me much pleasure even if the Imposts you wish to take place should not carry, as the deficiencies & contrarieties in our collection & Registering Acts may be remedied. The office of Naval officer as a controuling officer is absolutely necessary—but as the...
1071To Alexander Hamilton from Sharp Delany, [13-31 December 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
To save trouble & expence when the Wardens go on a Survey I generally agree to their appointment in behalf of the Office and although they are sworn ex Officio yet I always swear them in behalf of this Office according to Law. I inclose their survey & appraisement, deliverd to me in due time & ever since in my possession. In respect to the lapse of time I imagined this business had been long...
1072To Alexander Hamilton from Sharp Delany, 26 October 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
There are Doubts respecting the payment of Tonnage on new Vessells. The only reason perhaps such payment should follow the granting of a Register is, that on granting a Licence & Enrollement the Tonnage follows. I have now depending four or five cases, and request your opinion for my guide in future & am &c. LC , Bureau of Customs, Philadelphia.
1073To Alexander Hamilton from Sharp Delany, 7 March 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia ] March 7, 1790 . Encloses “weekly Acct of Cash” and a “list of such persons as I have sued.” Has “proceeded in paying the Invalids.” LC , Copies of Letters to the Secretary, 1789–1790, Bureau of Customs, Philadelphia. H’s letter to Delany concerning the payments to invalids has not been found, but see H to Jedediah Huntington, January 30, 1790 ; H to John Haywood, February 2,...
1074To Alexander Hamilton from Sharp Delany, 31 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia ] October 31, 1789 . Proposes the use of boats to prevent smuggling in Delaware Bay. LC , Bureau of Customs, Philadelphia.
1075To Alexander Hamilton from Sharp Delany, [16–31 October 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
My indisposition has prevented me from forwarding such remarks as I thought would have been of some use to you in directing the Revenue System but I hope soon to be able to lay them before you. Your letter of the 2nd Inclosing forms of keeping Accts I recd as also that of the 17th respecting the Bank and one covering a Letter to the Wardens. In respect to the Mode transmitted respecting weekly...
1076To Alexander Hamilton from Sharp Delany, 21 December 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
By the 1st Secto. of the Tonnage Act certain priveleges are granted to Vessells American built & owned, by the fifth Secto. of the Impost Act, by the 1 & 2nd of the Registering Act, certain Qualifications are directed to entitle Vessells to the benefts granted by any Law of the UStates, I have met with no small trouble & difficulty to put a proper construction on this business and indeed am...
1077To Alexander Hamilton from Sharp Delany, October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, October, 1789. Acknowledges receipt of circular letter of October 2, 1789. Complains that method of filing returns requires so much clerical assistance that it imposes a very heavy financial burden on the collectors. LC , Bureau of Customs, Philadelphia.
1078To Alexander Hamilton from Sharp Delany, 6 January 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, January 6, 1795. On January 15, 1795, Edmund Randolph wrote to George Hammond, the British Minister to the United States, “respecting the privateer Les Jumeaux” and enclosed “Jan 6 1795 Copy of a Letter from the Collector of the port of Philadelphia to the Secretary of the Treasury enclosing, Report of the Militia Officers of Delaware, and of Captain Montgomery of the Revenue...
1079To Alexander Hamilton from Sharp Delany, 13 February 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia ] February 13, 1790 . Discusses two objects “intimately connected with your present plan, and also applicable to the present revenue Laws.” The first object “is that of having a Boat in our Bay which … is absolutely necessary to prevent smuggling.” The second “is that of stores” needed for goods deposited by merchants as security. LC , Copies of Letters to the Secretary,...
1080To Alexander Hamilton from Sharp Delany, 15 February 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
On my arrival here, I frequented places where I could hear the Sentiments of our Citizens respecting Your plan of funding the Debts of the Union. I found as I mentioned to you much want of information or in other words a want of real knowledge of your Plan, but I found some very loud in opposition, but to me who knew their connections I was not surprised. Harsh terms they used but on...
1081To Alexander Hamilton from Sharp Delany, [April 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, April, 1790. ] “I forward my Abstract of Duties.… I wish not to be troublesome to you … but I request your attention to my situation for without disguise my Emoluments … are greatly inadequate to my services.” LC , Copies of Letters to the Secretary, 1789–1790, Bureau of Customs, Philadelphia.
1082To Alexander Hamilton from Sharp Delany, 20 December 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia ] December 20, 1790 . “Two ships belonging to Merchants of this City are arrived at the Capes, but on Acct of the Ice cannot proceed to this City their Port of Discharge. The owners have applied to enter their Ships, or if that cannot be done to know what steps they must pursue as the New Duties take place the beginning of next Month.…” LC , Bureau of Customs, Philadelphia. The...
1083To Alexander Hamilton from Sharp Delany, 26 December 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
The Cashier of the Banks receipts for dollars is inclosed, with the opinion of some of our Merchants & Ship Carpenters on the Queries I had the honour of receiving from You. I expect further opinions from others which shall forward next post. In my return of Exports, You will have a thorough view of our Trade, as I shall give each place separate. Mr Bingham says he wrote You largely on the...
1084To Alexander Hamilton from Sharp Delany, 18 January 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia ] January 18, 1790 . “… There is one branch of Revenue which if it did not interfere too much with some of the states would produce 100,000 Dollars ⅌ annm. I mean 2 ⅌ Ct on Sales at public Auction. This has no doubt fell under your knowledge, but if not you will give it a due decision.” LC , Bureau of Customs, Philadelphia.
1085To Alexander Hamilton from Sharp Delany, 11 August 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia ] August 11, 1790 . “I was satisfied respecting the ship Brigada by your first letter, but as I had refused a Register for the Birmingham was the cause of my writing a second time, & pointing out the reason for such refusal.… The Schooner Betsey is rated as foreign and all others without due papers as you may see by my Quartely settlements.…” LC , Copies of Letters to the...
1086To Alexander Hamilton from Sharp Delany, [4 November 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
The Inclosed Memo I transmit for your opinion. The measures to be taken respecting Damaged goods are plainly set forth in Page 27 of the Collection Law. In Addition to what the Memo sets forth I would add that I am assured the Parties erred from Ignorance of the Law and not from any intention of injuring the Revenue. I am Sir with great respect Your Obedt &c LC , Bureau of Customs,...
1087To Alexander Hamilton from Sharp Delany, 4 October 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia ] October 4, 1792 . “Mr Thomas Lea of this City Merchant has informed me of his address to you respecting a quantity of Rum shipped by him for Dublin, and there refused by the Consignee and the whole returned without his knowledge and greatly to his damage. I informed Mr Lea of the necessity of having your opinion & instructions on this subject.… I in-close Mr Lea’s state of the...
1088To Alexander Hamilton from Sharp Delany, 23 February 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
In this Season when so great a Scarcity of Cash is so sensibly felt I dread to think of the Sums due on my books, within a Month they amount to better than 70,000 dollars. To prepare the parties I send notices fifteen days before the day of payment, and am in great hopes notwithstanding the times, I shall have few delinquents. My reason for mentioning this is to solicit your attention to the...
1089To Alexander Hamilton from Sharp Delany, [4 November 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
The Betsey enterd the 25th Ulto and her cargo permitted in the course of 6 or 7 days. The goods as far as I have been informed have been sold at Auction on Acct of the Underwriters, had they been in Possession of the Merchant, I could have proceeded agreeably to Law. I have no documents or papers respecting the Claim other than the Memo transmitted for your decision. I was fully aware of the...
1090To Alexander Hamilton from Sharp Delany, 20 September 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, September 20, 1790. On September 24, 1790, Hamilton wrote to Delany : “I have received your letter of the 20th instant.” Letter not found. ] Delany was collector of customs at Philadelphia.
1091To Alexander Hamilton from Sharp Delany, [November 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, November, 1790 ] “… if the report of the appraisers should be that the Goods did not receive damage on ship board, but were damaged before they were shipped, is it in the power of the Collector, to make any allowance in the duties? I do not state this as a case that may occur, but that now actually offers. Teas are imported from Lisbon in the ship , and I believe it will appear...
1092To Alexander Hamilton from Sharp Delany, [November 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
In obedience to Your Letter respecting Messrs. Willing Morris & Swanwicks Duties on goods from Rhode Island I give the following information. That when the Vessell enterd from Rhode Island in which said goods were imported we had no information of that state adopting the Federal Constitution, and therefore was esteemed by me as foreign, in respect to my Office. The reasons why these Gentlemen...
1093To Alexander Hamilton from Sharp Delany, 20 August 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia ] August 20, 1790 . “My last Quarters Accounts I forward for settlement by this Post—with receipts of the Bank June 26th 9,000 Dollars & July 31, for 35,000. I took the Liberty of mentioning to you before the necessity of having a similarity of Papers throughout the different Custom houses of the Union. I beg leave to lay it before you again.…” LC , Copies of Letters to the...
1094To Alexander Hamilton from Sharp Delany, 3 March 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia ] March 3, 1790 . Acknowledges receipt of $8,300 for payment of invalid pensions. LC , Bureau of Customs, Philadelphia.
1095To Alexander Hamilton from Sharp Delany, [19 September 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
I acknowledge the recpt of Yours by Mr. Duer of the 13th Inst— one by the Post covering a Letter to the Comptrolle[r]—and another directing a return of the Duties in my office. The Letter to Mr Eveleigh shall be forwarded by the first Vessel and in respect to the Amt of Duties, I would beg leave to mention I furnished Your Assistant Secy Mr Duer with an Account therof in order to promote the...
1096To Alexander Hamilton from Sharp Delany, [10 July 1792] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, July 10, 1792. On July 12, 1792, Hamilton wrote to Delany and referred to “your letter of the 10th instant.” Letter not found. ]
1097To Alexander Hamilton from Sharp Delany, 9 January 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia ] January 9, 1790 . “By this post I forward my Cash Acct for the last week.… A Vessell enters—and pays tonnage or does not pay—she is sold, or intends for another Port in the United States, and demands a License. Quere, should another Tonnage for the Year be demanded & paid?” LC , Bureau of Customs, Philadelphia.
1098To Alexander Hamilton from Sharp Delany, 21 December 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia ] December 21, 1789. “… I have recd the different forms from the Comptroller and shall proceed immediately as therein directed, I would remark on two of them, that of the Tonnage Abstract directed to be countersigned by the N officer which I imagine was intended to be the Surveyor, for the N: O: has no documents to warrant him. In the weekly returns of Cash it is directed to...
1099To Alexander Hamilton from Sharp Delany, 7 October 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, October 7, 1790. “Your two letters of the 30th Sept & 1st Inst. I recd respecting your directions for the Cutter or Revenue Boat for this Bay, & the forms of the official Papers of this office. As to the first I believe though I give it only on my own knowledge that the Sum of 1000 dollers for the building and outfit , is much too little, but as I shall do every thing my duty...
1100To Alexander Hamilton from Sharp Delany, 6 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, October 6, 1789. Discusses maintenance and improvement of facilities for aiding navigation in the port of Philadelphia. Recommends that William Allibone be appointed superintendent. LS , RG 26, Lighthouse Letters Received, Vol. “A,” Pennsylvania and Southern States, National Archives; LC , Bureau of Customs, Philadelphia. This letter is in reply to “Treasury Department Circular...