Report on a Representation from the State of Kentucky, [7 April 1794]
Report on a Representation
from the State of Kentucky
[Philadelphia, April 7, 1794
Communicated on April 8, 1794]1
[To the Speaker of the House of Representatives]
The Secretary of the Treasury to whom was referred, by an order of the House of Representatives of the 24th of January last a Representation from the Legislature of the State of Kentucky concerning the expences of certain expeditions carried on against the Indians, since the 1st. day of January 1785,2 respectfully makes the following Report thereupon.
The general principles of the Settlement of Accounts between the United and Individual States, suppose the adjustment of all similar Matters which originated prior to the Separation of Kentucky with the State of Virginia.3 Accordingly it is understood, that the expences of the above mentioned expeditions were comprised in that Settlement, as a Claim on behalf of the State of Virginia upon the United States and were substantially admitted to the Credit of that State.
The Secretary does not perceive that the desire of the State of Kentucky could be complied with, but upon ground which would demand the entire exoneration of all the States from debts of cotemporary or antecedent date.
Which is respectfully submitted
Alexander Hamilton
Secy. of the Treasury.
April 7th. 1794.
Copy, RG 233, Reports of the Secretary of the Treasury, 1784–1795, Vol. IV, National Archives; copy, RG 233, Reports of the Secretary of the Treasury, Third Congress, National Archives.
1. , II, 115.
2. On this date the House “Ordered, That the letter from the Governor of Kentucky, enclosing a representation from the Legislature of the said State, respecting an adjustment of a claim of that State, against the United States, for the expense of certain expeditions against the Indians, which were laid before the House on the twenty-third day of January, one thousand seven hundred and ninety-three, be referred to the Secretary of the Treasury, with instruction to examine the same, and report his opinion thereupon to the House” (, II, 48).
3. As directed by Congress, the separation of Kentucky from Virginia and the admission of Kentucky into the Union both took place on June 1, 1792 (“An Act declaring the consent of Congress, that a new State be formed within the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and admitted into this Union, by the name of the State of Kentucky” [ 189 (February 4, 1791)]).