31To John Jay from Alexander Hamilton, 19 August 1800 (Jay Papers)
I have occasion for a public purpose to allude to ^the reprobated^ instructions to our commissioners for making peace with Great Britain obliging them to act under the direction of the French Ministry. But though I have a general recollection of their tenor it is not precise enough for my object—I take it for granted your papers can afford the exact information. You will much oblige me by...
32To John Jay from Alexander Hamilton, 3 September 1792 (Jay Papers)
The proceedings at Pittsburgh, which you will find stated in the enclosed paper and other incidents, in the Western parts of this state, announce so determined and persevering a spirit of opposition to the laws, as in my opinion to render a vigorous exertion of the powers of government indispensable. I have communicated this opinion to the President and I doubt not his impressions will accord...
33Alexander Hamilton and Henry Knox to John Jay, 29 November 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
Notwithstanding the information of this Morning respecting the Insertion in Dunlap’s Paper on Monday, certain reasons determine us rather to return to you the Paper with our certificate. You will find that we have altered nothing material to your purpose. The omission of what concerned the President has proceeded from a scruple about official propriety. We are with respect & esteem Dr Sir ...
34To John Jay from Alexander Hamilton, 4 June 1794 (Jay Papers)
The session of Congress is about to close much better than I expected— All mischievous measures have been prevented and several good ones have been established. Among these additional provisions of revenue & some of force are not the least important. But as more immediately connected with the objects of your mission you will learn with satisfaction that the bill which had passed the senate...
35From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, [25 July 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
Though I have not performed my promise of writing to you, which I made you when you left this country, yet I have not the less interested myself in your welfare and success. I have been witness with pleasure to every event which has had a tendency to advance you in the esteem of your country; and I may assure you with sincerity, that it is as high as you could possibly wish. All have united in...
36To John Jay from Alexander Hamilton, 18 December 1792 (Jay Papers)
Your favours of the 26 of November & 16 instant have duly come to hand— I am ashamed that the former has remained so long unacknowleged; though I am persuaded my friends would easily readily excuse my delinquencies could they appreciate my situation. Tis not the load of ^proper^ official business that alone engrosses me; though this would be enough to occupy any man. Tis not the extra...
Notwithstanding the information of this Morning respecting the Insertion in Dunlap’s Paper on Monday, certain reasons determine us rather to return to you the Paper with our certificate. You will find that we have altered nothing material to your purpose. The omission of what concerned the President has proceeded from a scruple about official propriety. We are with respect & esteem D r Sir...
38From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, 31 December 1775 (Hamilton Papers)
It is hardly necessary to inform you that I received your favour in answer to my letter on the subject of Capt Sear’s Expedition; and that I shall be at all times ready to comply with your request of information concerning the state of the province, or any matters of importance that may arise. Any thing that may conduce to the public service or may serve as a testimony of my respect to you...
39From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, 3 September 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
The proceedings at Pittsburgh, which you will find stated in the in-closed paper and other incidents, in the Western parts of this state, announce so determined and persevering a spirit of opposition to the laws, as in my opinion to render a vigorous exertion of the powers of government indispensable. I have communicated this opinion to the President and I doubt not his impressions will accord...
When we last conversed together on the subject we were both of opinion that the Minister expected from France should be received. Subsequent circumstances have perhaps induced an additional embarrassment on this point and render it adviseable to reconsider the opinion generally and to raise this further question— Whether he ought to be received absolutely or with qualifications ? The King has...
41From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, [13 November 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
I inclose you copies of two resolutions which have passed the house of representatives of Virginia. Others had been proposed and disagreed to. But the war was still going on. A spirited remonstrance to Congress is talked of. This is the first symptom of a spirit which must either be killed or will kill the constitution of the United States. I send the resolutions to you that it may be...
42From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, 24 April 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your two favours of the 19th instant. I feel as I ought the mark of confidence they announce. But I am obliged by my situation to decline the appointment. This situation you are too well acquainted with to render it necessary for me to enter into explanation. There may arrive a crisis when I may conceive myself bound once more to sacrifice the interest of my family to public...
43From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, 30 June 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
The bearer of this is Lt Colonel Toussard, a French Officer, who lost his arm in our service during the late war. He is now Lt Colonel of the Regiment Du Cape , and lately from St Domingo with his family. Being desirous of purchasing some lands in our State, he is setting out on a journey to N York and has requested a line introducing him to you. This I readily comply with, as he is generally...
44From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, 5 December 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the 14th of November duly came to hand. A temporary absence from this place, some ill health, and much occupation have delayed an acknowlegement ’till this time. Aware of the inconveniences, to which you refer, from the want of a proper provision for defraying the expences of the Courts—I inserted in the estimate presented at the beginning of the session a sum for an...
45From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, 19 November 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the 5 of November has recently reached me at this place and found me amongst avocations that scarcely leave me a moment to spare. You will probably have learnt from General Clarkson that the survey of the Port has been completed. But I do not recollect that I have had any answer to a suggestion in one of my letters respecting the employment of Engineers to assist in forming the...
46From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, 28 April 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed are communications from the Collector of this Port & from Mr. Seton of New York respecting a vessel for your accommodation. Mr. Trumbal at my request has visited the vessels here & thinks there is none but the Andriana (American) which will answer your purpose. Will you be so good as to decide as shall appear to you best upon the vessel you would like & if at New York Mr. Seton is...
47To John Jay from Alexander Hamilton, January 1776 (Jay Papers)
The inclosed was intended by the last post, but I was disappointed in sending it— You will find by the papers, that a proclamation has been issued for dissolving the old Assembly; writs are making out for the election of a new— The tories seem to give out that there will be no opposition, but I Suspect this as an artifice to throw the people off their guard: I doubt not however the Whig...
48To John Jay from Alexander Hamilton, 13 November 1790 (Jay Papers)
I inclose you copies of two resolutions which have passed the house of representatives of Virginia. Others had been proposed and disagreed to. But the war was still going on. A spirited remonstrance to Congress is talked of. This is the first symptom of a spirit which must either be killed or will kill the constitution of the United States. I send the resolutions to you that it may be...
49From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, 13 July 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
I received your favour and one from Mr. Morris last night by express. The stroke at Ticonderoga is heavy, unexpected and unaccountable. If the place was untenable why not discovered to be so before the Continent had been put to such an amazing expence, in furnishing it with the means of defence? If it was tenable, what, in the name of common sense could have induced the evacuation? I would...
50To John Jay from Alexander Hamilton, 27 August 1798 (Jay Papers)
I was very sorry when at Albany not to have seen You. I called the day after my arrival but you were then indisposed or abroad & the rest of my stay I was very unwell. An apprehension is excited here that in consequence of the Petitions of the Militia Officers the persons named to the new Companies will not be appointed. I take it for granted that this must be a groundless apprehension as far...
51From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, 17 September 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
The death of Mr. Remsen presents a vacancy of Notary which will be sought. Two applications are made to me—one by James Inglis Junr. who has just finished a Clerkship with me & taken a license as Atty in the Supreme Court—the other William Coleman lately connected in law business with Col Burr. Inglis is a young man of handsome abilities, of application & of irreproacheable conduct. He is a...
52Alexander Hamilton and Henry Knox to John Jay and Rufus King, 27 November 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
We have received your Letter of the 26th instant. We take to day to revise it and tomorrow or the day after we expect to hand it to some Printer for publication with our Certificate. We are with respect and esteem Your obedient servants John Jay } Esquires. Rufus King LS , in the handwriting of H, Columbia University Libraries. For background to this letter, see the introductory note to H to...
53From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, 9 April 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
When we last conversed together on the subject we were both of opinion that the Minister expected from France should be received. Subsequent circumstances have perhaps induced an additional embarrassment on this point and render it adviseable to reconsider the opinion generally and to raise this further question—Whether he ought to be received absolutely or with qualifications? The King has...
54To John Jay from Alexander Hamilton, 2 June 1777 (Jay Papers)
I received your favour per express, and as the absence of my former respectable correspondents has made a change necessary, I am happy that you have been substituted in their room.— Except a body of Militia at and about Pumpton, and a few detachments of observation, our whole army is now collected at two points;—the main body here and a division under General Sullivan at Princeton. Though this...
55To John Jay from Alexander Hamilton, 26 November 1775 (Jay Papers)
I take the liberty to trouble you with some remarks on a matter which to me appears of not a little importance; doubting not that you will use your influence in Congress to procure a remedy for the evil I shall mention, if you think the considerations I shall urge are of that weight they seem in my judgment to possess. You will probably ere this reaches you have heard of the late incursion...
56From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, 27 August 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
I was very sorry when at Albany not to have seen you. I called the day after my arrival but you were then indisposed or abroad & the rest of my stay I was very unwell. An apprehension is excited here that in consequence of the Petitions of the Militia Officers the persons named to the new Companies will not be appointed. I take it for granted that this must be a groundless apprehension as far...
57To John Jay from Alexander Hamilton, 6 May 1794 (Jay Papers)
I send you herewith sundry papers and documents, in which you will find material information with regard to the which contain information that may be of use ^not useless^ to you in the course of ^ regard to ^ your mission. Our conversations have anticipated so much that I could say little here which would not be repetitive. I will nevertheless add a few observations *[ illegible ] ^[ in margin...
58From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, 26 November 1775 (Hamilton Papers)
I take the liberty to trouble you with some remarks on a matter which to me appears of not a little importance; doubting not that you will use your influence in Congress to procure a remedy for the evil I shall mention, if you think the considerations I shall urge are of that weight they seem in my judgment to possess. You will probably ere this reaches you have heard of the late incursion...
59From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, [29 September 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
I am honored with your letter of the 18th which I received with all the pleasure that is inspired by a sincere respect and esteem. I must beg leave to repeat my assurances to you, that whenever I have occasion to trouble you in the epistolary way, unless where the subject should require a return, I shall be sorry, you should think yourself bound by the rules of ceremony; and I shall always...
60To John Jay from Alexander Hamilton, 14 March 1779 (Jay Papers)
Col Laurens who will have the honor of delivering you this letter, is on his way to South Carolina, on a project, which I think, in the present situation of affairs there, is a very good one and deserves every Kind of support and encouragement. This is to raise two three or four batalions of negroes, with the assistance of the government of that state, by contributions from the owners in...
61From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, 2 June 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
I received your favour per express, and as the absence of my former respectable correspondents has made a change necessary, I am happy that you have been substituted in their room. Except a body of Militia at and about Pumpton and a few detachments of observation, our whole army is now collected at two points; the main body here, and a division under General Sullivan at Princeton. Though this...
62From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, [14 March 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
Col Laurens, who will have the honor of delivering you this letter, is on his way to South Carolina, on a project, which I think, in the present situation of affairs there, is a very good one and deserves every kind of support and encouragement. This is to raise two three or four batalions of negroes; with the assistance of the government of that state, by contributions from the owners in...
63From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, [3 May 1787] (Hamilton Papers)
I this morning received your letter of yesterday. I have seen with pain the progress of the transactions, which have excited irritations between Mr. Livingston and yourself, and as my dispositions to both, in whatever I have had to do with the matter, have been friendly, I should with reluctance do any thing, that might affect either, further than a regard to truth and propriety should make it...
64To John Jay from Alexander Hamilton, 7 December 1784 (Jay Papers)
The Baron De Steuben has informed me that he is about to set out for Trenton, where he expects to make application to Congress for a final settlement of his pretensions. I feel myself so much interested in the success of his intended application, that I cannot forbear taking the liberty to recommend his case to your particular patronage. I have been an eye-witness to the services he has...
65From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, 6 May 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
I send you herewith sundry papers and documents, which contain information that may be not useless to you in your mission. I had wished to have found liesure to say many things to you but my occupations permit me to offer only a few loose observations. We are both impressed equally strongly with the great importance of a right adjustment of all matters of past controversy and future good...
66To John Jay from Alexander Hamilton, 25 July 1783 (Jay Papers)
Though I have not performed my promise of writing to you, which I made you when you left this country, yet I have not the less interested myself in your welfare and success. I have been witness with pleasure to every event which has had a tendency to advance you in the esteem of your country; and I may assure you with sincerity, that it is as high as you could possibly wished. All have united...
67From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, [26 June 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
I beg leave to trouble you with two matters, which if your ideas correspond with mine I doubt not you will employ your influence to effect. One respects Col Malcolm and perhaps may be conducive to the interest of the public—the other respects Mr De Neuville and is only interesting to the feelings of an individual, who if I am not mistaken, with proper allowances for the peculiarities of his...
68To John Jay from Alexander Hamilton, 7 May 1800 (Jay Papers)
You have been informed of the loss of our Election in this City. It is also known that we have been unfortunate throughout Long Island & in West Chester— According to the Returns hitherto, it is too probable that we lose our Senators for this District. The moral certainty therefore is that there will be an Antifœderal Majority in the Ensuing Legislature, and the very high probability is that...
69From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, 7 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
You have been informed of the loss of our Election in this City. It is also known that we have been unfortunate throughout Long Island & in West Chester. According to the Returns hitherto, it is too probable that we lose our Senators for this District. The moral certainty therefore is that there will be an Anti-fœderal Majority in the Ensuing Legislature, and this very high probability is that...
70To John Jay from Alexander Hamilton, 29 September 1779 (Jay Papers)
I am honored with your letter of the 18th which I received with all the pleasure that is inspired by a sincere respect and esteem. I must beg leave to repeat my assurances to you, that whenever I have occasion to trouble you in the epistolary way, unless where the subject should require a return, I shall be sorry, you should think yourself bound by the rules of ceremony; and I shall always...