From Alexander Hamilton to John Thomas, [22 June 1786]
To John Thomas1
[New York, June 22, 1786]
Sir
I think it necessary to apprise you that in my opinion you will not be safe in taking paper money2 on Executions without the consent of the parties: and in those which I have sent to you that consent I believe can not be obtained This is a matter however which I mention to you in confidence for your own safety. I would not wish to have much said about it, till you should be under a necessity of explaining yourself lest it should injure the Credit of the paper on its first appearance, to which (whatever be my opinion of the measure itself since its has been adopted) I would not wish to be accessory.
I am Sir Your obd. Servant.
John Thomas Esquire
Sheriff of Westchester
Copy, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
1. Thomas, the sheriff of Westchester County, before the Revolution was a deputy to the Provincial Assembly and a county judge.
2. By a law passed on April 18, 1786, the New York legislature provided for the issue of £200,000 in bills of credit.