From Alexander Hamilton to Philip Schuyler, [9 February 1788]
To Philip Schuyler1
[New York, February 9, 1788]
My Dear Sir
An application will be made to the Council of appointment2 by Mr. Nicholas Carmer3 of this city; an ancient and respectable inhabitant; for the appointment of an Inspector of Mahogany and other lumber for this City. I recommend him, on every account, to your patronage.
The mail of this Evening I am informed brings the most favourable accounts from Massachusettes.4 I am inclined to consider the favourable issue of things there as reduced to a certainty.
I remain Most Affecty D Sir Yr. Obed ser
Alx Hamilton
ALS, Mr. George T. Bowdoin, New York City.
1. The name of the addressee does not appear on this letter. The first line suggests that it was sent to a member of the New York Council of Appointment. Schuyler, H’s father-in-law, was a member of the council and the letter presumably was addressed to him.
2. The Council of Appointment consisted of four senators, one from each district in the state, and the governor ex officio as its presiding officer. The council had full powers of appointment. In 1788, it consisted of John Vanderbilt, Anthony Hoffman, David Hopkins, and Schuyler.
3. Carmer was active in the politics of New York City. He later became assistant alderman of the third and fourth wards.
4. H is referring to the Massachusetts Ratifying Convention which, on February 6, had accepted the Constitution by a vote of 187 to 168.