To Alexander Hamilton from John Patterson, 12 January 1796
From John Patterson1
Lansingburgh [New York] January 12, 1796. “A Journey to Kinderhook on particular business prevented my receiving the pleasure of your letter2 untill my return two days ago.… I enclose this to my oldest son3 who will wait upon you with it and receive your commands for his Brother John.4 Having said so much I must beg to add a few words more as to your intended Pupil.… I must request you will please to order Indentures to be drawn and he will forward them to me to perfect and at the same time send you my Bond for the money.…”
ALS, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
1. Patterson was married to Catharine Livingston, the fourth daughter of Robert Livingston, third lord of Livingston Manor. In 1795 and 1796 he was involved in litigation over the estate of his deceased father-in-law.
2. Letter not found.
3. Robert Patterson.
4. John W. Patterson. A note in H’s Law Register, 1795–1804, states that on January 22, 1796, “John W Patterson commenced his Clerkship” (D, partially in H’s handwriting, New York Law Institute, New York City).
On January 22, 1799, the New York Supreme Court read and filed “the certificate of Alexander Hamilton Esqr. of the Clerkship and moral character of John W. Patterson,” and the Court “Ordered that the said John W. Patterson be examined as to his Learning and Ability to practice as an Attorney of this Court.” Patterson was admitted to practice in the Supreme Court on January 26 (MS Minutes of the New York Supreme Court, 1797–1802 [Court of Appeals, Albany]).