27651To Alexander Hamilton from Samuel Broome, 13 August 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
I have been informed Congress have appointed a Committee to examine into the situation of their Contract made with Mr James Jarvis for the Loan of a quantity of Coined Copper and that said Committee had reported that said Contract Was Void should an action be Commenced against Mr Jarvis for damages. I hope you will be pleased to Consider yourself as his attorney in the suit provided there...
27652From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [13 August 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Capt Cochran of the British navy has requested my aid in recovering a family watch worn by his brother, who fell at York Town, (and now in the possession of _____ _____). In compliance with his request I have written the letter herewith (to_____ _____) which I take the liberty to convey through you, in hope that if you see no impropriety in it, you would add your influence to the endeavour to...
27653From Alexander Hamilton to Samuel Broome, [16 August 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
I have this moment received your letter of the thirteenth instant, and am sorry that the rules of propriety in respect to my situation, as a member of Congress, will not permit my acting in the capacity you wish. My situation for some time past has prevented my acknowleging one or two of your favors, which have been duly handed to me. I recollect that one of them contains an inquiry concerning...
27654To Alexander Hamilton from John Chaloner, 20 August 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, August 20, 1788. Sends Hamilton an abstract of John Holker’s “title to lands in N York State offered by him as a substitute to Mr Church & others who have commenced suits against him for protested bills in place of his bail in said suits.” Asks Hamilton about the validity of this title. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Chaloner wrote to H in the latter’s capacity as...
27655To Alexander Hamilton from Ezekiel Forman, 23 August 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, August 23, 1788. Requests information respecting Forman’s claim against the estate of Philip Livingston. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Forman was a former New Jersey Loyalist and at this time was practicing law in Philadelphia.
27656To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 23 August 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
Your favr. of 12th. Inst. I Recd. not ’till yesterday haveing Just then Returned from the Country where I have been attending a Niece of mine who lays Dangerously ill. As your Communications are of a Delicate Nature, be assured Sr. I will hold them in the Fullest Confidence. Mr. A. Will be with you in the Question; Mr. H. I have not Seen. The principle Characters here are not So anxious about...
27657To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 25 August 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
Since I had the Honor to address you 23rd. Inst. on the Subject of——; I have had the pleasure of a Full Conversation with Mr. A. He is Zealous in the matter and assures me he will go forward in one of the New York Packets by the last of this Week. I have wrote Mr. H. on the Subject and Warmly urged the Necessity of his going on with his Colleague Mr. A. and have made him an offer of a Draught...
27658Continental Congress. Report on Slaves Who Had Escaped to East Florida, [26 August 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
The Comittee to whom was referred the report of the Secretary for the Department of foreign affairs of the 14th instant submit the following resolutions That the secretary for the department of foreign affairs be directed to transmit copies of the papers referred to in the said report to the Chargé des affaires of the United States at Madrid and instruct him to represent to his Catholic...
27659From Alexander Hamilton to John Chaloner, 28 August 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, August 28, 1788. Has checked on the validity of John Holker’s title to lands in New York State and finds that “the chain of title appears to be complete.” ALS , Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. See Chaloner to H, August 20, 1788 .
27660From Alexander Hamilton to Ezekiel Forman, 28 August 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, August 28, 1788. On the envelope of the letter that Forman wrote to Hamilton on August 23, 1788 , Hamilton wrote: “Ansd. Aug 28. 88.” Letter not found. ]
27661To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 28 August 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
I have had the pleasure to receive your letter dated the 13th.—accompanied by one addressed to General Morgan. I will forward the letter to Gener[a]l Morgan by the first conveyance, and add my particular wishes that he would comply with the request contained in it. Although I can scarcely imagine how the Watch of a British Officer, killed within their lines, should have fallen into his hands...
27662From Alexander Hamilton to William Livingston, [29 August 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
The Baron De Steuben informs me that he expects to set out this day on a visit to your legislature to endeavour to procure some arrangement respecting the place at Hackensack some time since granted to him by your state upon certain conditions. My anxiety for the Baron’s situation induces me to take the liberty of asking your friendship to him as far as may consist with considerations of...
27663From Alexander Hamilton to Stephen Lush, 31 August 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, August 31, 1788. Writes concerning a litigation between William Duer and John McCrea. Asks Lush to represent Hamilton’s client, William Duer, before the Court of Chancery in Albany. ALS , Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston. Lush was an Albany lawyer.
27664To Alexander Hamilton from Baron von Steuben, 5 September 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
La lettre cy joint de Mr: R: Petters, contienne une preuve, non Equivoque, que dans mes prémieres application & immediatement après la Paix, j’ai appuyer mes pretentions aux E. U. sur une stipulation ou Contract fait en Entrent dans Leurs Service. Comme Vous etiez de cette Même Committe à Philadelphie; je m’en rapporte a Votre Memoire. Dans tout les Committees subsequentes j’ai toujours...
27665To Alexander Hamilton from Nathaniel Chipman, 6 September 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received by Capt. Ville your favour of the 22d of July. Since I wrote you I have had an opportunity of conversing with his Excellency the governor and most of the council on the Subject of Vermonts accession to the confederacy. They generally agree that the terms suggested are good; that it will be highly the interest of Vermont to accede, and that the present is likely to be a...
27666From Alexander Hamilton to Elbridge Gerry, [6 September 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
I am a member of a Committee, to whom the Baron De Steuben’s application to Congress founded upon a certain statement supported among other testimonials by a certificate from you, has been referred. Among the papers committed to us is the copy of a written report made by the Committee appointed to confer with the Baron at York Town. As this report is of a nature to create difficulties in the...
27667To Alexander Hamilton from Elbridge Gerry, [8 September 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter requesting “any explanation which may serve to throw further light on the subject” of the Baron de Steuben’s claims, & inclosing an extract of a report lately made thereon. In answer thereto, I must observe, that the distance of the period at which the Baron arrived at York Town is such, as to make it difficult if not impossible for a person to be very particular or...
27668From Alexander Hamilton to Richard Morris, 8 September 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, September 8, 1788. Sends a petition to “The Honorable Richard Morris, Esq., Chief Justice of the State of New York on behalf of the estate of Philip Livingston.” Document not found. ] DS , sold at Parke-Bernet Galleries, April 4, 1939, Lot 241; DS , Columbia University Libraries. This document is printed in Goebel, Law Practice , I, 257-58.
27669To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 10 September 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
I am Sorry to inform you that Mr. H. Cannot be prevailed on to attend Congress till after the Octr. Session of our Genl. Assembly which will be the last of the month, & which he means to attend, as he has been appointed a Representative for Charleston, Since his Return from New York. Mr. H’s Determination I have from a Gentleman in his Neighbourhood & well acquainted with his Politicks. I am...
27670Continental Congress. Report on the Navigation of the Mississippi, [16 September 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
[The Committee to whom was committed the Report of the Secretary for Foreign affairs founded on a referred motion of the Delegates of N. Carolina, stating the uneasiness produced by a Report “that Congress are disposed to meet with Spain for the surrender of their claim to the navigation of the River Mississippi” and proposing a resolution intended to remove such apprehensions, submit the...
27671To Alexander Hamilton from Callohill Minnes, 17 September 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
Fairfield, Virginia, September 17, 1788. Writes concerning “the settlement of Col. Wm. Aylett’s public accounts as deputy commissary general.” Asks Hamilton to block any resolution in Congress that would prevent the settlement of these accounts. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Minnes, who had served as an officer in the Continental Army during the American Revolution, was taken...
27672From Alexander Hamilton to Nathaniel Chipman, [September–December 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Your favour of the 6th of September has been duly handed to me, and I receive great pleasure from the hopes you appear to entertain of a favourable turn of affairs in Vermont in regard to the new Government. It is certainly an object of mutual importance to yourselves and to the Union and well deserves the best endeavours of every discerning and good man. I observe with satisfaction your...
27673From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, September 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
Your Excellency’s friendly and obliging letter of the 28th Ulto. came safely to hand. I thank you for your assurance of seconding my application to General Morgan. The truth of that affair is, that he purchased the watch for a trifle of a British soldier, who plundered Major Cochran at the moment of his fall at York Town. I should be deeply pained my Dear Sir if your scruples in regard to a...
27674To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, [3 October 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
In acknowledging the receipt of your candid and kind letter by the last Post; little more is incumbent upon me, than to thank you sincerely for the frankness with which you communicated your sentiments, and to assure you that the same manly tone of intercourse will always be more than barely wellcome, Indeed it, will be highly acceptable to me. I am particularly glad, in the present instance,...
27675From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, [6 October 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Your different favours have duly come to hand for which I thank you and for the trouble you have so obligingly taken to urge forward your delegation. Happily the affair has terminated to our wishes. But My Dear Sir I cannot refrain from being particularly anxious for the accession of your state to the new system. Tis very important to the whole Union & particularly to the Northern part of it...
27676From Alexander Hamilton to Theodore Sedgwick, [9 October 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
I thank you My Dr. Sir for your obliging congratulations on the event towards effecting which your aid as a joint labourer was so essential. I hope experience may show that while it promotes the interest of this place it will not be incompatible with public good. We are making efforts to prepare handsome accommodations for the session of the new Congress. On the subject of Vice President, my...
27677To Alexander Hamilton from Theodore Sedgwick, 16 October 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
Your favor of the 9th. I have this moment recd. and detain the post while, that I may make a very few observations on a subject I conceive highly interesting to the efficient operations of the future government. Mr. Adams was formerly infinitely more democratical than at present and possessing that jealousy which always accompanies such a character, he was averse to repose such unlimited...
27678To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, [18 October 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
A day or two ago the enclosed letters came to my hands. The watch of Genl. Morgan you have for what it cost him, what he expects for it is also signified. It is a repeater with a chaced outer case with open work in parts. The Inner case is open, nearly in the whole. It is of an old fraction make, and appears to have seen better days; perhaps its chief merits lay in being a family piece,...
27679To Alexander Hamilton from John Chaloner, 20 October 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, October 20, 1788. On November 26 Hamilton wrote to Chaloner : “Hurry of business has prevented my complying with the desire of your letter of the 20th. Ulto.” Letter not found ].
27680To Alexander Hamilton from Theodore Sedgwick, 2 November 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
In my last hasty letter, I engaged to write you soon after my arrival in this town. Various questions will be agitated in the legislature (of considerable magnitude) which respect the orginization of the government. There is a party of federalists, who are of opinion that the electors should ⟨be chosen⟩ by the people, and the rep⟨resentatives⟩ not in districts but at large. These ⟨will⟩ be...
27681To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 3 November 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
Your favr. of 6th. Ulto. was duly Received. I thought proper to postpone Replying to it (till after the Session of the Genl. Assembly Should be over which Terminated on Saturday night last) in order that I might have it in my power to give you with more Certainty the proceedings of the Legislature on the Subject of the New Constitution; the Minority both in & out of the House took unwearied...
27682To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 6 November 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
The Count de Moustier affording a very favourable conveyance for Captn. Cochrans Watch, I have requested the favor of him to take charge of it—and he will deliver it to you accordingly with Mrs. Washington’s & my best wishes for you & Mrs. Hamilton I am Dr Sir Your Obedt. & affe Servt AL[S] , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. The Comte de Moustier, French Minister to the United States,...
27683From Alexander Hamilton to Theodore Sedgwick, [9 November 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Your last letter but one met me at Albany attending Court; from whence I am but just returned. Yours of the 2d. instant is this moment handed me. I am very sorry for the scism you hint at among the Foederalists; but I have so much confidence in the good management of the fast friends of the constitution that I hope no ill consequences will ensue from that disagreement. It will however be...
27684From Alexander Hamilton to the Agents of the State of New York for Managing the Controversy with the Commonwealth of … (Hamilton Papers)
The Agents of the State of New York } for managing the controversy with the Commonwealth of Massachusettes 1785 For my services in examining the controversy collecting testimony and drawing brief for the hearing. The time spent in this business I cannot precisely determine but to the best of my recollection and Judgment it must have exceeded in the whole five weeks say however 35 days at £3.4...
27685From Alexander Hamilton to Daniel Morgan, 18 November 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, November 18, 1788. On November 18, 1788, Hamilton wrote to George Washington : “I will make no apology for asking you to take the additional trouble of forwarding the inclosed to … General” Daniel Morgan. Letter not found. ]
27686From Alexander Hamilton to Walter Livingston, [18 November 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton requests the favour of Mr W Livingston to lend his name to the enclosed. AL , New-York Historical Society, New York City. Livingston, a New York City lawyer, served as Commissioner of the Treasury from 1785 to 1789. The enclosure has not been found, but at the bottom of H’s letter Livingston wrote: “Nov. 18–88 The note enclosed was for £300 payable in 30 days drawn by himself in...
27687From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [18 November 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Your two last letters have duly come to hand & the Count De Moustier has delivered me the watch you committed to his charge. Your obliging attention to this matter claims my particular acknowlegements. I will make no apology for asking you to take the additional trouble of forwarding the inclosed to the General. I take the liberty of passing it through you that you may by perusing the contents...
27688Promissory Note to Walter Livingston, 20 November 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, November 20, 1788. On the letter from Hamilton of November 18, 1788 , Livingston made the following notation: “Nov. 20 Col. A. Hamilton sent a note of his to me by Mr. Duer for 3000 Dolls. Specie to endorse which I did and sent the same to the Bank to be discounted for him—W.L.” Document not found. ] William Duer.
27689To Alexander Hamilton from James Madison, 20 November 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, November 20, 1788. On November 23, 1788, Hamilton wrote to Madison : “I thank you My Dear Sir for yours of the 20th.” Letter not found. ]
27690Power of Attorney to John Chaloner, 22 November 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, November 22, 1788. Appoints John Chaloner “of the City of Philadelphia merchant to be my true and lawful attorney and substitute and the lawful attorney of the said John Barker Church for me and in my name” to settle the affairs of John B. Church and Daniel Parker and Company. DS , Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. The power of attorney was enclosed in H to Chaloner,...
27691From Alexander Hamilton to James Madison, [23 November 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
I thank you My Dear Sir for yours of the 20th. The only part of it which surprises me is what you mention respecting Clinton. I cannot however believe that the plan will succeed. Nor indeed do I think that Clinton would be disposed to exchange his present appointment for that office or to risk his popularity by holding both. At the same time the attempt merits attention and ought not to be...
27692From Alexander Hamilton to John Chaloner, [26 November 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Hurry of business has prevented my complying with the desire of your letter of the 20th. Ulto respecting the arrangement you have entered into with Daniel Parker & Co. &c. Inclosed I send you a power of su[b]stitution which I hope will arrive in time. ⟨With all⟩ the ⟨–⟩ circumstances considered what has been done is prudent so as it does not affect any collateral security which I presume has...
27693To Alexander Hamilton from Ezekiel Forman, 1 December 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, December 1, 1788. “It is with reluctance I give you the trouble of this Letter, and were it not, that you had promised me every assistance in your power, relative to my Claim upon the Estate of the Late Mr. Livingston, consistant with the trust you had taken upon you, I should have immediate recourse to the Law, without any further or other trial for an amicable Settlement.…” ALS...
27694To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas McKean, 2 December 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, December 2, 1788. On February 10, 1789, Hamilton wrote to McKean : “I duly received the letter which you did me the honor to write me of the 2d of Decr. last.” Letter not found. ] McKean was chief justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and a member of that state’s Ratifying Convention.
27695From Alexander Hamilton to Henry Banks, 12 December 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, December 12, 1788. On January 1, 1789, Banks wrote to Hamilton : “I recd. your letter of the 12 Ulto.” Letter not found. ] Banks, a Virginian, speculated extensively in western lands.
27696From Alexander Hamilton to William Livingston, 15 December 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, December 15, 1788. On December 22, 1788, Livingston wrote to Hamilton : “Being favoured with your letter of the 15th instant.” Letter not found. ]
27697From Alexander Hamilton to Samuel Ogden, 15 December 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, December 15, 1788. Discusses estate of Philip Ogden. Letter not found. ] ALS , sold at Henkel’s, March 27, 1914, Lot 465.
27698To Alexander Hamilton from William Livingston, 22 December 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
Elizabethtown [ New Jersey ] December 22, 1788 . Discusses the settlement of the estate of Philip Livingston. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
27699To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Knox, 28 December 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
As you are going to Albany I beg your assistance in arranging the following business for me. I am a purchaser with you and others in certain Lands on the St Laurence, the patents for which have been taken out of the Land office in the name of Alexr Macomb Esqr. Independent of the purchase of the state, there were certain locations made by Genl Schuyler and others, which were to be paid for by...
27700From Alexander Hamilton to Richard Varick, [31 December 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Commodore Nicholson tells me this evening that they are nearly at a stand for want of funds. I commit the guardianship of my poor bantling to you. Pray dont let it suffer. Another thousand by the corporation will relieve all our difficulties. Yrs. sincerely ALS , MS Division, New York Public Library, New York City. Varick at this time was recorder for New York City. On September 30, 1788, the...