28601To Alexander Hamilton from William Duer, [19 January 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
I omitted writing to you last Evening in Expectation of Communicating more agreable Intelligence, than this Post will Convey you, for you will undoubtedly hear from Mr. Renslaer, that Mr. Burr was this day Elected by both houses, to succeed General Schuyler, by a large Majority in the Senate, and of five in the House of Representatives. This is the fruit of the Chancllor’s Coalition with the...
28602To Alexander Hamilton from John M. Pintard, 19 January 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
The foregoing is Copy of what I had the Honor of writing you on the 7th Ultimo via New York. Being directed by Major Butler and Some other freinds to Ship them Some choice Madeira wine for their own drinking and thinking that you might wish for a pipe also I have taken the liberty to Ship one for you by this conveance to address of my freind Mr George Meade of Philadelphia who will deliver it...
28603To Alexander Hamilton from Robert Troup, [19 January 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
About an hour ago the election of Senator was brought on in the assembly. Burr succeeded by a decided majority. He has a decided Majority also in the Senate. The thing therefore may be considered as settled. The twistings, combinations, and maneuvers to accomplish this object are incredible. I was this moment attending a court of Chancery. The Chancellor is singularly happy. It would take a...
28604From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 21 January 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the 16th. of October from which I find that a cutter of near 64 Tons is thought of for your coast. The terms of 22½ Drs. per ton are very satisfactory, but unless the construction of the Vessel is so far advanced as to prevent a diminution of the size, I request that she may be confined to the smallest dimensions that are deemed consistent with safety on your...
28605From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 22 January 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, January 22, 1791. The dealer’s catalogue description of this letter reads: “Authorizing a cutter to be built for the Delaware station under the supervision of Captain Montgomery.” Letter not found. ] LS , sold at Parke-Bernet Galleries, March 28, 1940, Lot 302. James Montgomery of Pennsylvania.
28606From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 22 January 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
It being deemed necessary to proceed in the building of the Cutter for the Maryland station I have now to request that you will immediately proceed in the business. It may be well that you should be informed that the Massachusetts Cutter has been contracted for at Newburyport at about 22½ Dollars per Ton fitted completely as a vessel with sails, rigging, anchors &ca. including two Boats, one...
28607From Alexander Hamilton to Jedediah Huntington, 23 January 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
It being deemed necessary to proceed in the building of the Cutter intended for the Connecticut and Rhode Island station, I have to request that on the receipt of this the business may be pursued. The cutter for Boston is to be built at Newbury port & fitted as a Vessel with all requisite masts, spars, sails, cables, cordage, anchors, a Boat &ca. for about 22½ Dollars per Ton. At that rate you...
28608From Alexander Hamilton to Joseph Whipple, 23 January 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, January 23, 1791. On February 15, 1791, Whipple wrote to Hamilton : “Your letter of the 23rd Ulto. I have received.” Letter not found. ]
28609From Alexander Hamilton to George Wray, 23 January 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I find so considerable a difference in favor of the United States will arise from building at Hampton the Revenue Cutter which it was desired to have built at Baltimore, that it is probable you will be applied to by the Collector of that district to assist him in getting another suitable Vessel in your Port. I shall enclose this letter to him with instructions to endeavor to procure a Vessel...
28610To Alexander Hamilton from William Allibone, 24 January 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, January 24, 1791. Proposes that two beacon boats on the Delaware River, both of which are “far advanced in a state of decay,” be replaced. ALS , RG 26, Lighthouse Letters Received, Vol. “A,” Pennsylvania and Southern States, National Archives. H’s endorsement reads: “The within proposition appears eligible but Mr [Tench] Coxe will consider it & give me his opinion.”
28611To Alexander Hamilton from Peter Anspach, 24 January 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, January 24, 1791 “In consequence of yours of the 20th. Ulto. I did on the first of this month commence the business you wished me to undertake, and agreeable to request have now for the first time made a Return, comprehending a number of the specie claims against the late Quartermaster general’s department. All of which are herewith inclosed for the inspection of the Auditor & his...
28612To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Jefferson, [24 January 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
I return you the report on the mint which I have read over with a great deal of satisfaction. I concur with you in thinking that the mint must stand on both metals, that the alloy should be the same in both, also in the proportion you establish between the value of the two metals. As to the question on whom the expense of coinage is to fall, I have been so little able to make up an opinion...
28613To Alexander Hamilton from William Heth, 25 January 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I observe in Fenno’s paper of the 12th. Inst. that a motion was made by Mr Ames “to take into consideration whether any, & what provision shall be made to the Commissioners of Loans in the respective States to defray their extra expences.” It was your opinion when I had the pleasure of seeing you last, that, the Collectors ought at least , to have a Salary eql. to the expences of their...
28614To Alexander Hamilton from William Short, 25 January 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor of addressing you this letter by the way of the English Packet because contrary winds still prevent any vessel leaving the Texel. All the letters I have written to you by American vessels since my arrival here are still there. Their several dates are Dec. 2. 18. 30. Jan. 15. These letters were exceedingly prolix as I thought it necessary to enter into very particular details...
28615To Alexander Hamilton from Joseph Whipple, 25 January 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Portsmouth, New Hampshire, January 25, 1791. Encloses “quarterly Accounts to the 31st. Ultimo.” Requests information on the implementation of the “53rd Section of Collection Act,” which provides that “the Commission for Collecting … be charged on the amount of all monies received on account of duties .” Asks how weighmasters should be compensated “for weighing including tare of packages.” Asks...
28616To Alexander Hamilton from Nathaniel Appleton, 26 January 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Your circular favour of 11 instant is recd. I don’t remember to have ever seen any Bills of the Old Emissions dated 2d July 1777; the person to whom I intrust counting the paper money thinks he never admitted a Bill of that date, as I have proof Sheets of evry denomination. This serves to inclose a second receipt of 12th. instant. & a first Receipt 22d. instant for certificate Recd. from the...
28617To Alexander Hamilton from Catharine Greene, 26 January 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I Should have written You some time Since, but a dangerous fit of Illness has prevented Me and I am Still too weak to write more than Just to intimate my Wishes, that You may loose no time in bringing my affair before Congress. Were I well enough to write much, I would give you a detail of my prospects in settling my affairs, but since that is not the Case I will only say that my independance,...
28618To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 26 January 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Baltimore, January 26, 1791. Acknowledges receipt of Hamilton’s circular letter of December 18, 1790 . Returns a “broken thermometer with the expectation of being furnished with one that may be more safely conveyed.” ADfS , RG 53, “Old Correspondence,” Baltimore Collector, National Archives.
28619To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 26 January 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Baltimore, January 26, 1791. “… there is an expedient (which I have some reason to suspect has been practised in this District) to elude the necessity of navigating ships by Masters Citizens of the United States , in order to entitle them to the privileges of American Bottoms, against which I do not discover any provision. It is thus. A Citizen, Owner of a ship, has her registered in due form,...
28620George Washington to the President of the National Assembly of France, [27 January 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
I received, with particular satisfaction, and took an early opportunity of imparting to Congress, the communication made by your letter of the 20th of June last, in the name of the National Assembly of France. So peculiar and so signal an expresssion of the esteem of that respectable body for a citizen of the United States, whose eminent and patriotic services are indelibly engraved on the...
28621To Alexander Hamilton from Isaac Ledyard, [28 January 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
I am afraid that my parting words with you yesterday might possibly convey a meaning wch. I did not wish, my tongue allways serving me as a faulty interpreter. It forces me to trouble you with following explanation. It had been suggested to me that the controul of our finances was wished for by a person named yesterday (I believe now without foundation) & that attempts would be made to mislead...
28622To Alexander Hamilton from Beverley Randolph, 28 January 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Richmond, January 28, 1791. “Your favour of the 14th. instant has been duly received and I now do myself the honour to inclose you the amount of final settlement Certificates delivered to the state of Virginia, by the Continental Agent.…” LC , Archives Division, Virginia State Library, Richmond. “Treasury Department Circular to the Governors of the States,” January 14, 1791 .
28623Introductory Note: Report on the Establishment of a Mint, [28 January 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
Precedents for Hamilton’s “Report on the Establishment of a Mint,” can be found in the writings of various Europeans and in the American proposals for a national system of coinage that had been submitted to Congress under the Articles of Confederation. During the autumn of 1790 Hamilton made repeated efforts to obtain information concerning practices and policies in other countries, and there...
28624First Draft of the Report on the Establishment of a Mint, [28 January 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury having maturely considered the subject referred to him by the order of the House of Representatives of the day of last relatively to the establishment of a Mint begs leave respectfully to submit the result of his reflections. A plan for an establishment of this nature must not only contemplate the principles of a coinage of the United States; but must extend its...
28625Second Draft of the Report on the Establishment of a Mint, [28 January 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury having maturely considered the subject referred to him by the order of the House of Representatives of the day of last relatively to the establishment of a Mint most respectfully submits the result of his inquiries investigation and reflections. A plan for an establishment of this nature involves a great prodigious vast variety of considerations intricate nice and...
28626Final Version of the Report on the Establishment of a Mint, [28 January 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
[To the Speaker of the House of Representatives] The Secretary of the Treasury having attentively considered the subject referred to him by the Order of the House of Representatives of the fifteenth day of April last, relatively to the establishment of a Mint most respectfully submits the result of his enquiries and reflections. A plan for an establishment of this nature involves a great...
28627From Alexander Hamilton to Richard Harison, 29 January 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I request your speedy opinion on the following point. A citizen of the United States obtains under the Registring act a register for a vessel belonging to him. He afterwards goes to reside in a foreign country. Does the vessel lose the benefit of her register during such residence? The answer to this question depends essentially on the construction of the fifth section of that act. There are...
28628From Alexander Hamilton to Angelica Church, 31 January 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
There is no proof of my affection which I would not willingly give you. How far it will be practicable to accomplish your wish respecting your father is however very uncertain. Our republican ideas stand much in the way of accumulating offices in one family. Indeed I doubt much whether your father could be prevailed upon to accept. I do not however urge this point till I can better ascertain...
28629Conversation with George Beckwith and William Macomb, 31 January 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
A Conversation: Mr. Hamilton, Mr. William Macomb of Detroit, and Lieutenant Colonel Beckwith. Lt. Colo. B. Mr. Macomb, I think it for the honor of the King’s government, for its interests, and I really believe it for the interests of this country also, that the true state of things in the western Country should be known, and if there are any misconceptions, or errors arising from...
28630To Alexander Hamilton from Tobias Lear, 31 January 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia ] January 31, 1791 . Transmits a “Contract (which has been submitted to the President and received his approbation) between Joseph Whipple, for the Secretary of the Treasury and, Titus Salter, to provide for the keeping and supply of the Light House at the entrance of Piscatiqua River in the State of New Hampshire.…” LS , RG 26, “Segregated” Lighthouse Records, National...
28631From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, 31 January 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, January 31, 1791. “The President of the United States being about to appoint the 1st. 2d. & 3d. Mates of the revenue Cutters, it will be of public service to obtain the names of some persons of your State suitable for those duties.…” Copy, RG 56, Letters to the Collector at Providence, National Archives; copy, RG 56, Letters to Collectors at Small Ports, “Set G,” National...
28632To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 31 January 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia ] January 31, 1791 . Approves contract for supplying the lighthouse at Portsmouth, New Hampshire. LS , RG 26, “Segregated” Lighthouse Records, National Archives. See Tobias Lear to H, January 31, 1791 .
28633To Alexander Hamilton from John Lamb, January 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, January, 1791. “Prompted by a sense of duty, to the Public, and Friendship to you, I am induced to acquaint you, that, from my own observation, and the best information, I can possibly obtain, I find the Merchants here, are much disgusted, at the additional Duties, which Congress, mean to impose on Spirituous liquors; and from hints, which have been dropped, it appears to me, that...
28634To Alexander Hamilton from James Tillary, [January 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
I have several times within these few weeks been almost tempted to break in a Moment on your time to give you a hint of the present complexion of our City politics, & I believe I may add those which will soon become prevalent in our State. I should indeed be nothing solicitious about the little party Jugglings which prevail among us, if it did not appear to me, that the Head of Wild misrule in...
28635From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 1 February 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
The Trustees of the sinking fund have thought fit to commit to you the making of purchases of the public debt to the amount of fifty thousand Dollars pursuant to the Act making provision for the reduction of the public debt. To enable you to execute this trust (which I doubt not you will chearfully undertake) I have directed the Treasurer to forward to you fifty thousand dollars in Notes of...
28636From Alexander Hamilton to Charles Lee, 2 February 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I have made a remittance to William Heth Esq. Collector of Bermuda Hundred in Notes of the Bank of North America, made payable to him, which I request you to exchange for specie should any of them be offered by the holders. The Cash included in your returns as well as that received in the current week may be used for that purpose, if requisite. I am Sir, your obedient servant. LS , Charles...
28637To Alexander Hamilton from Arthur Fenner, 3 February 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the 14th Jany. I recd. In February 1786 a Committee appointed by the Legislature of the State of Rhode Island settled the Accounts with the Agent for the Rhode Island line of the late Army. There appeared in his hands certificates to the amount of three thousand seven Dollars and seventy three Ninetieths which were delivered over and lodgd in the Treasury of this State to be...
28638To Alexander Hamilton from William Seton, 3 February 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
The note you inclosed to Mr Troup for discount was immediately done & passd to your Credit. The dft to Mr. Francis has not yet appeared, but should have been punctually attended to & honored at all Events. Your present ballance in Bank including the discount is 2907 Dolls. & ⁴⁴⁄₁₀₀. Therefore the 3000 Dolls. dft will overrun 92. Do: ⁵⁶⁄₁₀₀ which I mention for your Government. The letters you...
28639To Alexander Hamilton from Richard Harison, 4 February 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
It is a Misfortune in our Legislation that particular Regulations of other Countries have been adopted without considering their Dependence upon the System to which they belong. Hence our Laws in many instances become unprovisional & Questions important in their Consequences & difficult to be resolved must necessarily arise. The fifth Section of the Registring Act is nearly copied from the...
28640To Alexander Hamilton from Nathaniel Appleton, 5 February 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Boston ] February 5, 1791 . “I wrote you 26 Ulto. This serves to inclose Duplicate Receipt for Certificates received from the Register dated 22d Jany 1791—also first receipt for Certificates dated 29th. Jany 1791. By this Post I transmitt to the Auditor an Abstract of Certificates Indents & Bills of Old Emission, recd into the Office in the Month of November last for which Certificates of...
28641To Alexander Hamilton from Isaac Sherman, 5 February 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
[ February 5, 1791. On January 23, 1792, Sherman wrote to Hamilton : “… subsequent to my letter of 5th of February last.…” Letter not found. ] Sherman was the son of Roger Sherman of Connecticut. In 1787 and 1788 he was employed as one of the surveyors of the Northwest Territory, and he subsequently held a minor position in the Treasury.
28642To Alexander Hamilton from Joseph Whipple, 5 February 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Portsmouth, New Hampshire, February 5, 1791. “In compliance with the directions given in your Circular letter of the 20th. January 1790 I enclosed you the 18th. of February following a Statement of the emoluments of the officers of the Customs in this district for one year; but as that Statement was founded partly on Calculation it could not be accurate. I flattered myself however that such...
28643To Alexander Hamilton from William Short, 7 February 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I had the honor of writing to you on the 25th. of last month by the English packet. This, inclosed to the Secretary of State, will be sent also by the way of England. I mentioned in my last what I repeat here for greater certainty. “1093. 450. 264. 1405. 224. 264. 1405. 319. 1065. 224. 239. 1210. 1340. 426. 1336. 839. 1590. 224. 531. 1388. 224. 708. ...
28644Enclosure: Comte de Montmorin to Louis G. Otto, 9 January 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Je vous adresse, M, plusieurs piéces qui m’ont été envoyées par les Srs. Jeanneret et Schweizer, Banquiers à Paris; vous y verrez l’offre que ces particuliers ont faite de Se charger de l’emprunt que le Congrès a ouvert en hollande, principalement pour acquiter notre créance; vous verrez également la correspondance qu’ils ont suivie sur cet objet avec M. Short; les motifs qui ont déterminé ce...
28645From Alexander Hamilton to Nathaniel Appleton, 8 February 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, February 8, 1791. Announces that Appleton has been selected by the President to pay “Pensions to Invalids for the space of one year.” LS , with an insertion in H’s handwriting, MS Division, New York Public Library. The United States had assumed the payment of military pensions to invalids “who were wounded and disabled during the late war” by “An Act providing for the...
28646From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 8 February 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I received yesterday an application from Messrs. R & J Potter, Knox, Henderson & others, relative to the claim of additional duties on Goods ⅌ the ship Kitty from London. Having no statement of facts from your office, I am uncertain how far all those things, that may concern the rights of the United States, have occurred to the Applicants, & can, therefore, only give a conditional instruction...
28647From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Smith, 8 February 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, February 8, 1791. On February 14, 1791, Smith wrote to Hamilton : “I am honored with your favor of 8th Inst.” Letter not found. ] Smith was commissioner of loans for Pennsylvania. This was probably the same as the letter which H sent to Nathaniel Appleton on this date and to Jedediah Huntington on January 30, 1790 .
28648To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 8 February 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Baltimore, February 8, 1791. Explains apparent discrepancy in “last Weekly return of monies received and paid … from the 29th January to the 4. February 1791.” States that the “credit for Forfeitures” in “the preceeding return, to wit from the 22nd. to the 28 January … arises upon the Sales of two parcels of condemned Merchandize which ought to have been credited last year.” ADfS , RG 53, “Old...
28649To Alexander Hamilton from Nathaniel Appleton, 9 February 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Boston, February 9, 1791. “As I understand all public papers must pass under cover to you, this incloses a duplicate receipt for Certificates received from the Registers and letter to the Auditor respecting cancelled Certifts & Indents forwarded to him by this Post.…” LC , RG 53, Massachusetts State Loan Office, Letter Book, 1785–1791, Vol. “259–M,” National Archives.
28650To Alexander Hamilton from Joseph Whipple, 9 February 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Portsmouth, New Hampshire, February 9, 1791. “In Conformity with the directions given in your Circular letter of the 17th. May last respecting Seizures, I have to inform you that a Small Seizure has been made in this district, consisting of one Barrel, one half Barrel & three Small Bags Coffee.…” LC , RG 36, Collector of Customs at Portsmouth, Letters Sent, 1790–1791, Vol. 2, National...