51To Alexander Hamilton from Elie Williams, 10 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed herewith you will receive the Contract executed by Mr. Elliot, whom I fortunately met here: and We request that you will be pleased to forward, to us, the duplicate which was executed in New York. You will also receive, duly executed by us and our securities, the bond for our performance of the contract; As we receive no equivalent to this obligation we must rely, Sir, upon your...
52To Alexander Hamilton from Charles Lee, 11 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Alexandria, Virginia, October 11, 1789. On November 3, 1789, Hamilton wrote to Lee : “I observe by your Letter of the 11th. of October.” Letter not found. ] Lee was collector of customs at Alexandria.
53To Alexander Hamilton from Joseph Whipple, 11 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Portsmouth, New Hampshire, October 11, 1789. Encloses an account “of Rects & payts to the 3rd October instant & also for the week ending the 10th Inst.” Copy, RG 56, Letters from the Collector at Portsmouth, National Archives; LC , fragment, RG 36, Collector of Customs at Portsmouth, Letters Sent, 1789–1790, Vol. 1, National Archives.
54To Alexander Hamilton from William Allibone, 12 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, October 12, 1789. Discusses methods of maintaining “the Several Establishments” for aiding navigation “in the Bay and River Deleware.” Asks to be appointed superintendent of that district. ALS , RG 26, Lighthouse Letters Received, Vol. “A,” Pennsylvania and Southern States, National Archives. For background to this document, see Sharp Delany to H, October 6, 1789 .
55To Alexander Hamilton from William Allibone, 12 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, October 12, 1789. “Some of my Friends, on finding I had an Inclination to apply for the appointment of Superintendant of the light house, Beacons Buoys and publick Piers, have put Into my hands A Recommendation … addressed to the president, which I have … Enclosed to him.… I … am at A loss whether to attend at the seat of government in person or not and should consider it as A...
56To Alexander Hamilton from Jacob Wray, 12 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Hampton, Virginia, October 12, 1789. “Your letter of the first Instant came to hand yesterday we have no Lighthouse Beacon or Buoys in this District but if a Lighthouse was fixed on Cape Henry & also Smaller Lights on old point Comfort & New point Comfort it would inlighten the great Chesapeek Bay as the most wild & dangerous part of the Bay it would gain the Blessing of Thousands.…” ALS , RG...
57To Alexander Hamilton from William Allibone, 13 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, October 13, 1789. Asks Hamilton’s approval for payment of a pilot’s claim as reward for salvaging a floating beacon. ALS , RG 26, Lighthouse Letters Received, Vol. “A,” Pennsylvania and Southern States, National Archives.
58To Alexander Hamilton from Jonathan Fitch, 13 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
New Haven [ Connecticut ] October 13, 1789 . Encloses a letter describing the navigational aids in the port of New Haven. ALS , RG 26, Lighthouse Letters Received, Vol. “C,” Connecticut and New York, National Archives. This letter is in reply to “Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs,” October 1, 1789 . Fitch was collector of the customs at New Haven. Elias Shipman to...
59To Alexander Hamilton from Tobias Lear, 13 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
The sum of two thousand five Dollars is necessary to be advanced to take up Notes which were given for money advanced for the household of the President of the United States previous to the organization of the Treasury Department. This sum added to two thousand Dollars which you have already advanced for the purpose of taking up Notes, will compleat the payment of all Monies advanced for the...
60To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Willing, [13 October 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
We received your favor of the 6th. inst. and agreeable to your request we resolved to furnish the Treasury with the 20 000 dollars on Loan. This sum has since been paid to the Treasurer and his receipt taken for the amount the payment has been made 5000 dollars in our Banks notes and the residue in post notes at 30 days from the instant we dont find it prudent at present to Issue the Postnotes...
61To Alexander Hamilton from William Lindsay, 14 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Norfolk [ Virginia ] October 14, 1789 . “In reply to your circular Letter of the 1st Inst respecting Light Houses &c I have to inform you that there is no establishment of the Kind in this District. Inclosed is an Estimate of a Light House intended to be built on Cape Henry prior to the late War.… I observe by the Collection Law, that the Collector is to provide (with the approbation of the...
62To Alexander Hamilton from Stephen Hussey, 15 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Sherbourne [ Massachusetts ] October 15, 1789 . Describes aids to navigation in the waters surrounding Nantucket Island. ALS , RG 26, Lighthouse Letters Received, Vol. “B,” New Hampshire and Massachusetts, National Archives. This letter was in reply to “Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs,” October 1, 1789 . Hussey was collector of the customs at Nantucket and...
63To 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...
64To Alexander Hamilton from Jonathan Lawrence, Junior, 16 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, October 16, 1789. “When I look around me and see distress penury and want stare me in the face with all their horrors and no prospect of Employ, Judge my Dear Sir how dreadfull must be my sensations, such being Actually my Situation … if Sir it is in your power to afford me Employ let me entreat you do it [and] save me and my family from distress.…” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of...
65To Alexander Hamilton from John Rice, 16 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Boston, October 16, 1789. Reports on the maintenance of navigational aids in Boston harbor. ALS , RG 26, Lighthouse Letters Received, Vol. “B,” New Hampshire and Massachusetts, National Archives. This letter is in reply to “Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs,” October 1, 1789 .
66To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Goodhue, 18 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Salem, Massachusetts, October 18, 1789. On October 29, 1789, Hamilton wrote to Goodhue : “I am duly favoured with your letter of the Eighteenth instant.” Letter not found. ] Goodhue, a Salem merchant and a Massachusetts state senator, was elected to the House of Representatives in 1789. As a Congressman, Goodhue played a major role in drawing up the revenue laws.
67To Alexander Hamilton from Philemon Gatewood, 19 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Norfolk, Virginia, October 19, 1789. On November 7, 1789, Hamilton wrote to Gatewood : “I have duly received your letter of the 19th. of October.” Letter not found. ] Gatewood was naval officer at Norfolk and Portsmouth.
68To Alexander Hamilton from Nathaniel Appleton, 20 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Boston, October 20, 1789. “… if any change in this present mode of discharging the Interest on the Domestic Debt should be thought necessary, still I presume some office similar to the present, or somehow aiding the public creditors in obtaining their Interest in an expeditious & cheap manner will be established in the Several States or Districts, in which case I shall hope to be continued in...
69To Alexander Hamilton from William Constable, 20 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
I shall answer your letter with strict accuracy as soon as I am able, which will be next Week at furthest; but I have been confined to my room for a Week past almost, so that I have all that leeway to bring up. If You are in immediate want of the required information the following may be taken as data. Wines Cost & Chgs delivered at N. yk exclusive of Impost Madiera ⅌ G’n of London particular...
70To Alexander Hamilton from William Allibone, 21 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia ] October 21, 1789 . “Your Circular letter of the fifth Instt. came only to my hands this day.… The principal matters requested thereby have been sent forward by me sometime ago particularly the description of the Nature & Extent of the Several Establishments for the safety of the Navigation.…” ALS , RG 26, Lighthouse Letters Received, Vol. “A,” Pennsylvania and Southern States,...
71To Alexander Hamilton from John Barney, [21 October 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Baltimore, October 21, 1789. ] On October 29, 1789, Hamilton wrote to Barney : “I have duly received your letter of the 21 instant.” Letter not found. ] Presumably John Holland Barney, brother of Commodore Joshua Barney of the Revolutionary Navy.
72To Alexander Hamilton from William Constable, [21–31 October 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
Clarett imported in Bottles stands from 3/ to 5/. ⅌ Bottle as in quality—annexed you have Invo. 16 Hhds of French Wines from Bordeaux. ₶ 4 Hhds Palus Wines (Clarett) Vintage 1786 210. 2 Margaux “ 1785 300. 2 Cantenac “ “ 275.
73To Alexander Hamilton from John Rice, 22 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Boston, October 22, 1789. Discusses the acquisition of two small boats for the revenue service. Believes that reducing the number of entry ports would increase rather than prevent smuggling. ADfS , RG 36, Collector of Customs at Boston, Letters from the Treasury and Others, 1789–1818, Vol. 11, National Archives.
74To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 23 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Your circular letter of the 2d. October Inst came to hand the 20th. and I will observe the contents as timely as possible. The difficulties that have occurred in the Execution of the laws respecting the Customs have been infinite, and present themselves daily. The System itself is the most complicated and embarrassing of anything that has employed my attention and the Want of Official forms...
75To Alexander Hamilton from John Rice, 24 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Boston, October 24, 1789. On November 7, 1789, Hamilton wrote to Rice : “I am favored with your Letter of the 24th. Ultimo.” Letter not found. ]
76To Alexander Hamilton from Samuel Johnston, 25 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Edenton [ North Carolina ] October 25, 1789 . States that “The General Assembly of the State of North Carolina has directed” that $18,136 and 30/90 “be paid on Account of their proportion, of Interest, on the Foreign Debt due from the United States.…” Walter Clark, ed., The State Records of North Carolina (Goldsboro, North Carolina, 1903), XXI, 568; LC , Governor’s Letter Book, North Carolina...
77To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 26 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
In my letter of the 23d. Instant I took the Liberty to inclose a sketch of Journal entries as I now make them in my office for the purpose of keeping the public accounts. As that sketch was done in some haste, a further explanation may be necessary to its recommendation. A thousand causes combine to render the adjustment of the duties on a Cargo of Merchandize imported, immediately after the...
78To Alexander Hamilton from John Witherspoon, 26 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
On Saturday I had the Pleasure of receiving Yours of the 20th. It is very flattering to me that you suppose I can render any Assistance by Advice in the important Duties of your present station. It is true that from the very earliest part of Life It has been a favourite Object with me to attend to the State of Society & the Operation & Influence of political Causes & among the rest Money as a...
79To Alexander Hamilton from Stephen Higginson, 27 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Your Letter of the 9th instant I rec’d; and sensible of the utility of the information you request, I shall give you what Aid I can, and shall readily communicate with you upon the important Subjects you mention, as health and leisure will permit. We have now arrived to that period, as I conceive, when every thing national should assume the appearance of System and Stability; and I am happy to...
80To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 27 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Being obliged to attend our Legislature the first of next month it will be out of my power to collect examine and prepare the necessary facts relative to your queries, at least till after the end of the session; and as a majority of the house of delegates is said to be antifederal I can form no judgement of its duration. Be assured I was not only made exceedingly happy by your appointment but...
81To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 28 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Baltimore, October 28, 1789. Acknowledges receipt of Hamilton’s “letter of the 15th. Instant, inclosing queries respecting the modes of Navigating.” ALS , Office of the Secretary, United States Treasury Department. “Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs,” October 15, 1789 .
82To Alexander Hamilton from Joseph Whipple, 29 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Portsmouth, New Hampshire, October 29, 1789. Describes the safeguards needed to check smuggling in New Hampshire. Presents merchants’ complaints concerning the method used for calculating ships’ tonnage for levying the tonnage tax. LC , RG 36, Collector of Customs at Portsmouth, Letters Sent, 1789–1790, Vol. 1, National Archives; copy, RG 56, Letters from the Collector at Portsmouth, National...
83To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 29 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Baltimore, October 29, 1789. Asks for a ruling on the cases of the British ship Polly and the American ship Sarah . ADfS , RG 53, “Old Correspondence,” Baltimore Collector, National Archives.
84To Alexander Hamilton from Stephen Smith, 30 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Machias, District of Maine, October 30, 1789. On December 4, 1789, Hamilton wrote to Smith : “Your letter of the 30th of October came to hand a few days since.” Letter not found. ] Smith was collector of customs at Machias.
85To 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.
86To Alexander Hamilton from John Rice, 31 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Boston, October 31, 1789. On November 16, 1789, Hamilton wrote to Rice : “Since your Letter of the 31st. of October last.” Letter not found. ]
87To Alexander Hamilton from ———, [October 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
Answer 1st The Ships built in Massachusetts are constructed to combine the two great objects of sailing & carrying, perhaps better than those of either of the Nations mentiond (those of France & G Britain in some instances excepted); whereby altho’ they may not be capable of carrying so much in proportion to their measure they will sail faster, are more safe at Sea; & have an advantage in...
88To Alexander Hamilton from ———, [October 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
Answers. 1st The construction upon which vessels are built in this State, admits of their carrying as many tons in weight as their tonage; and may be said to sail well. The vessels that trade here from the Netherlands, Russia, Denmark and Sweden are at present few or none. Those from Great Britain do not materially differ in their construction for carrying from those built in this State, and...
89To 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.
90To Alexander Hamilton from Sharp Delany, October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia ] October, 1789 . Acknowledges receipt of 150 ship registers. LC , Bureau of Customs, Philadelphia.
91To Alexander Hamilton from John Fitzgerald, [October 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
Vessels built in our State for the Tobo. Business are generally constructed for the Stowage of that article & a Ship of 200 Tons ought to carry 400 Hogshead. Vessels of foreign Nations are not always so constructed as to stow in proportion which must depend in a great measure on the trade intended when they are framed but the English French Dutch & Scot[c]h Ships in generally carry in...
92To Alexander Hamilton from Tobias Lear, October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York ] October, 1789 . Transmits several letters relating to Samuel Caldwell. ALS , Applications for Office under George Washington, Library of Congress. Caldwell had been state tonnage inspector at Philadelphia up to 1789. Although he asked for a Federal appointment for the same job in April, 1789, applied for the surveyorship of the port in July, and asked for the post of lighthouse...
93To Alexander Hamilton from Sylvanus Bourne, 1 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Boston, November 1, 1789. Asks Hamilton to “Give me leave Dr Sir to request the favr of being in your remembrance should any situation in the Treasury Department occur in which my abilities may be equal to rendering my Country service.” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Bourne applied for several posts in the government in 1789 and 1790. In June, 1790, George Washington appointed him...
94To Alexander Hamilton from Gaspard Joseph Amand Ducher, 1 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
je félicite très sincèrement les états unis de l’amérique d’avoir publius pour leur comptrôlleur général des finances; je vous prie de lui recommander un homme qui je Crois peut être employé utilement, le capitaine jocelin très connu de notre ami le Colonel Wadsworth qui vous donnera a son égard tous les renseignements que vour pouvez désirer. je n’entends pas que publius soit tellement occupé...
95To Alexander Hamilton from Sharp Delany, 2 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, November 2, 1789. “The sum paid to the Bank for last month was 12,871 Dollars.…” LC , Bureau of Customs, Philadelphia.
96Receipt from Van Horne and Clarkson, [2 November 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
Received New york, November 2d. 1789 from Alexander Hamilton Esqr. Three hundred & Seventy dollars Sixty Six Cents for Passage of Mrs. Church & three Servants, on board the Ship Sandwich for Falmouth: John Harris Esq Commander. DS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. David M. Clarkson and Garritt Van Horne were merchants located at 13 Hanover Square, New York City. Angelica Church, wife of...
97To Alexander Hamilton from Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 2 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
In examining the Accounts of Monsr. Le Ray de Chaumont with the United States, it appears to me to be important that the powers of the American Ministers and agents at the Court of versailles relative to procuring monies and supplies, and settling accounts on the part of the United States should be ascertained. If these sentiments should receive your approbation, I beg leave to submit to your...
98To Alexander Hamilton from Jedediah Huntington, 4 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New London, Connecticut, November 4, 1789. On November 17, 1789, Hamilton wrote to Huntington : “I perceive by your Letter of the 4th instant.” Letter not found. ]
99To Alexander Hamilton from Israel Ludlow, 4 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
[ November 4, 1789. On May 13, 1790, Hamilton wrote to Ludlow : “Your letter of the 4th. of November … has some time since been received.” Letter not found. ] Ludlow was a New Jersey surveyor and land speculator. When he wrote this letter, he was in what is now the state of Ohio where he was serving as the chief surveyor for the Miami Purchase.
100To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Wadsworth, 4 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Hartford, November 4, 1789. On November 8, 1789, Hamilton wrote to Wadsworth : “Mr Pomeroy has delivered me your Letter of the 4th Instant.” Letter not found. ]