29751Enclosure O: [John Banks’ Statement], 3 January 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
It having been suggested, from a misinterpretation of my letter of October 1782, to Mr. James Hunter, that the honorable Major General Greene was interested, or intimated a desire of holding a commercial connection with me in Charleston—I do, therefore, as well for the sake of removing such an idea, as to avert from myself any mischief, that a heedless surmise, expressed in a confidential...
29752Enclosure P: [James Taylor’s Testimony on James Hunter], [26 December 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
Norfolk Is. James Hunter, of Portsmouth in Virginia, came personally before me, and made oath on the holy Evangelists, That he never considered the honorable Major General Greene, either directly or indirectly concerned or interested in a purchase of goods, made by John Banks in Charleston, on the proper account and benefit of the following persons only, viz: John Banks, Robert Forsyth,...
29753Enclosure Q: Letter from Robert Forsyth, 3 March 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
It having been insinuated by some, and propagated by others, that the honorable General Greene was concerned in the Charleston speculation, with John Banks and Company, and with the contract for the army, I do hereby certify, that the General was in no ways interested in either, with the said Copartnership.
29754Enclosure R: Letter from Edward Carrington, 2 March 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Towards the latter end of the year 1782, when the engagement of the State of South Carolina, to supply the southern army with provisions, was to expire, the honorable Robert Morris, Superintendant of Finance, wrote to General Greene, to have a contract formed for supporting the army, from the first of January 1783. General Greene requested my assistance in the business, and public notice, as...
29755Enclosure S: Letter from Edward Carrington, 2 March 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Sometime in the early part of the year 1783, during General Greene’s residence in Charleston, I received a message from him, requesting my attendance at his quarters. Upon my coming there, I met with General Wayne. General Greene told us, he had desired our attendance, in order that we might be present at an interview, he was about to have with Mr. John Banks, whom he had sent for—that he had...
29756Enclosure T: Letter from Anthony Wayne, 31 May 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Being called upon by the widow and the executors of the late Major General Nathaniel Greene, to relate such circumstances with regard to the situation of the army, and of the transactions between a certain Mr. John Banks and the General, as came within my knowledge, as second in command in the Southern District; I think it unnecessary to go into a minute detail of every circumstance respecting...
29757Enclosure U: Letter from Charles Pettit, 16 March 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
Your favor of the 11th instant was handed to me yesterday-afternoon, desiring my evidence respecting General Greene’s disappointment of monies, he expected from Banks and Company, which were to have been paid in Philadelphia. How far the facts, within my knowledge, and the circumstances arising from my transactions, will tend to establish the material points, I am not ascertained; but I shall...
29758Enclosure V: Letter from Nathaniel Pendleton, 4 June 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
In consequence of an application from the executors of the late General Greene, to relate what I know, concerning his securityship, for the payment of certain monies for John Banks and others, I have written the following statement of facts, which is all, I can remember; and many of them happening so long since, and having no written memorials to refer to, I cannot exactly ascertain or...
29759Enclosure W: Letter from William Burnet, 21 July 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your favor of the 19th instant, informing me, that it had been suggested, that General Greene was a partner with the House of John Banks and Company—that the evidence of their partnership had been in my possession, I having received it among my sons papers; and that General Greene, in his life-time, induced me, by some means or other, to relinquish the said evidence to him; and...
29760Enclosure X: Letter from John Mathews and Richard Hutson, 30 October 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
We feel ourselves happy, in this opportunity, afforded us, of attempting to do justice to the injured reputation of the late Major General Greene, whose eminent services to this Continent in general, must have greatly endeared his memory to every true friend to the American revolution; and whose distinguished and effectual exertions, for the recovery of this State, from the possession of the...
29761Enclosure Y: Letter from Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, 2 November 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Having been requested to relate all that I know of General Greene’s connection with the late John Banks and Company and to declare, how far interested he was in their speculations, and having acquired, in my professional line, a considerable knowledge of their affairs, I think myself bound to give the following information. In the summer or autumn of the year 1782, John Banks, and some other...
29762Enclosure Z: Letter from William Washington, 6 November 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
It gives me much pleasure, that I have it in my power, to state an occurrence, which cannot fail, with an unprejudiced mind, to remove every suspicion relative to an improper connection in speculation in trade, between the late General Greene, and John Banks and Company, in the spring of 1783. Several days after a report had prevailed in Charleston, and it was generally believed, that an...
29763To Alexander Hamilton from John Davidson, 27 December 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Annapolis, December 27, 1791. On January 9, 1792, Hamilton wrote to Davidson : “I have recieved your letter of the 27th ultimo.” Letter not found. ] Davidson was collector of customs at Annapolis.
29764To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Mifflin, [27 December 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
In order to enable me to answer your letter of the 21st instant, I directed the Comptroller general to furnish me with the necessary information upon the subject of your inquiry; and you will now receive an extract from his report. But as this may not be deemed satisfactory, I have given that Officer instructions to confer with you upon the subject; and, I hope, that after a full and candid...
29765From Alexander Hamilton to Melancton Smith, 27 December 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I accept your proposals for Supplying the post of West point for the ensuing Year, at nine and one half cents per ration, pursuant to your letter of the 23rd. instant. I am Sir Your Obt. Sert. Copy, RG 217, Miscellaneous Treasury Accounts, 1790–1894, Account No. 2052, National Archives; LS , sold at Swann Galleries, November 3, 1949, Lot 52.
29766To Alexander Hamilton from Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 27 December 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, December 27, 1791. “I have examined the memorial of Wm. W. Smith for himself and as Administrator to Gilbert Tennent deceased and of Joseph Eaker by his Attorney George Hunter, and report the following state of facts and opinion thereon. That it appears from the books and documents appertaining to the late Hospital Department, that Wm. W. Smith continued in the service of...
29767To Alexander Hamilton from William Short, 28 December 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
In my last of the 23d. inst. I had the honor of simply announcing to you a loan being contracted for here on account of the U.S. for f 3,000,000 at 4. p. cent. The departure of the English post by which my letter was sent did not allow me to enter into details, except as to the terms of the loan. An alteration has since been made as to the times of payment from eight to six months. You may...
29768To Alexander Hamilton from Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 28 December 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
For the purpose of obviating the difficulties which have been experienced in respect to the Act providing compensations for the Officers of the judicial Courts of the United States & for jurors & Witnesses; and for the more regular collection & payment of the monies accruing from fines & forfeitures; I take the liberty to submit the following sentiments to your consideration. That all fees &...
29769To Alexander Hamilton from Roger Alden, Brockholst Livingston, Carlile Pollock, Gulian Verplanck, and Joshua Waddington … (Hamilton Papers)
A number of your fellow Citizens desirous of expressing the sense they entertain of the important Services you have rendered your Country, have raised by Subscription a Sum of money to defray the expence of a Portrait of you, ⟨to⟩ be executed by Mr Trumbull, and placed in one of our public Buildings. We have therefore to request that you will b⟨e⟩ so condescending as to allow Mr Trumbull to...
29770To Alexander Hamilton from John Nicholson, 29 December 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I have recd. instructions from his Excelly. the Governor to confer with you on the subject contained in your letter to him of the 21 Inst. If the difficulty suggested should arise in a doubt, whether part of the assumed debt of Pennsa. by the United States might not consist of Certificates given for a like sum of others of the United States not exchanged and to be surrendered, it will be...
29771To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 29 December 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
The Brigantine Polly James Munro Jur. Master, the Property of Messrs. Clark & Nightingale Entered here the 27th Inst. from Charleston South Carolina. This Vessel Cleared at my office on the 24th August last for Port au Prince, but it appears from the Master that she arrived at the Cape, having on Board, when she cleared, Three hundred & Fourteen Barrels of salted Provisions One hundred &...
29772To Alexander Hamilton from William Short, 30 December 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
My letter of the 23d. inst. which I sent by three separate conveyances will have informed you of a loan of 3,000,000 florins being contracted for at 4. p. cent interest. That of the day before yesterday sent by the way of the Texel contained the steps which preceded & led to this loan & the circumstances respecting the charges on it. The present which goes by the English packet of the next...
29773To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Smith, 30 December 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
The ballances of stock remaining on the Books of this Office for the quarter ending the 31st Decer. 1791 subject to the Payment of Interest on the 1st January 1792 are as follows Viz Dolls Cts. 122,564.70. of 6 ⅌ Ct. Stock Intst from Jany. 7 353.88 1,348,379.47. of ditto Int. from Oct 20.225.69 69,963.57 3 ⅌ Ct. do do Jany. 2 098.90 541,252.78 do do Oct. 4 059.39 4.707.– 4 ⅌ Ct...
29774To Alexander Hamilton from William Barton, [31 December 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
The sheets which compose the pamphlet, herewith inclosed, will be comprized in the third Volume of the Philosophical Society’s Transactions, now in the press. Being favored by the printer with a few Copies of this part, (with the addition of a Title page), I beg, Sir, Your Acceptance of One. If some additional Observations on the same subject, resulting from the Census, which have been read in...
29775To Alexander Hamilton from John Daves, [December 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
I herewith enclose the description and dimensions of the Revenue Cutter built at Washington taken by the examining Officer at Washington and sent me by Capt. Cooke. I expect the Cutter round here shortly and would be thankful to be informed whether the articles for the Revenue Cutter mentioned in my letter of the 12th. November last, have yet been ordered for this Port or Washington. I have...
29776Conversation with George Hammond, [1–8 January 1792] (Hamilton Papers)
Since my conversation with the Secretary of the Treasury, of which I had the honor of giving your Lordship an account in my dispatch No 13, I have lately had another interview with that Gentleman, in the course of which we entered into a loose and general discussion of some of the questions that are likely to become subjects of negociation between our two countries. After some comments upon...
29777From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Jefferson, [1 January 1792] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton presents his Compliments to Mr. Jefferson. Being engaged in making a comparative statement of the Trade between the U S & France & between the U S & G Britain; and being desirous of rendering it as candid as possible Mr. H will be obliged to Mr. Jefferson to point out to him the instances, in which the Regulations of France have made discriminations in favour of the U States, as...
29778Conversation with George Hammond, [2–9 January 1792] (Hamilton Papers)
I have received a letter from Lieutenant Governor Clarke, in which he intimates to me his apprehensions that much inconvenience might arise, if any attempt should be made to enforce an act of the last sessions of Congress for “giving effect to the laws of the United States within the State of Vermont.” By this act the residence of a Collector of the customs is established at Alburgh, within...
29779To Alexander Hamilton from Baron von Steuben, 2 January 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Agrees mon Cher Ami, Les voeux sincere d’un Coeur qui vous aime et vous Estime. Le success de tout vos Operations fait ma Consolation dans ma Sollitude. Mais mon cher Hamilton que Vous dirai-je sur la Sensibilite que je ne Scauroit Etouffer quand je voi les Armes des Etats Unis, si respecté dans la Guerre contre une puissance formidable, Aujourdhui disgracie par des Cohortes des sauvages. Je...
29780Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 2 January 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
It will prevent injury from accidents if the Collectors of the Customs, in all cases of the delivery of a Register to be cancelled, shall cut a hole in the like manner as is directed in the circular letter of the 21st of September last, in regard to the Registers therein mentioned. All certificates of Registry delivered up at any office, wherever issued, are hereafter to be transmitted to the...
29781To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 3 January 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Newport [ Rhode Island ] January 3, 1792 . “The Light House has been repaired.… I wish for your opinion on this Question. Is a master of a vessel who is convicted of swearing falsly thereby disqualified from acting in future in that capacity?” LC , Newport Historical Society, Newport, Rhode Island. See Ellery to H, July 18 , November 11, 1791 .
29782To Alexander Hamilton from James Reynolds, [3 January 1792] (Hamilton Papers)
Received Philadelphia January 3. 179[2] of Alexander Hamilton four hundred dollars in full of all demands “Reynolds Pamphlet,” August 31, 1797 . This receipt is printed as document No. VI in the appendix of the “Reynolds Pamphlet,” August 31, 1797 . This was the second of two payments of blackmail made by H to Reynolds. The first payment was made on December 22, 1791. For background to this...
29783To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, [3 January 1792] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Baltimore, January 3, 1792 ] Sends “a small account of expences incidental to the receipt and delivery of twelve Bolts of Canvass, which by your order were sent from Boston to this place, and from hence to Norfolk.” Suggests that official papers be sent by water rather than by the post. ADf , RG 53, “Old Correspondence,” Baltimore Collector, National Archives.
29784From Alexander Hamilton to Tench Coxe, 4 January 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
It is the intention of the President of the United States, verbally communicated to me that the salary [of the keeper of the Light House Cape Henry] shall be equal to the keeper of the light House on the Delaware. In communicating this you will explain that the first salary proceeded from mistake. I am with much Consideration sir Your Obed Servt [PS Inclosed are the papers concerning the...
29785Report on Dried and Pickled Fish Exported and Entitled to Drawback, 5 January 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury in obedience to the order of the Senate of the 28th. Ultimo. Respectfully Reports. That it appears, as in the statement No. 1 herewith transmitted, that the allowance in lieu of a drawback on dried and pickled fish, which was exported prior to the 31st. December 1790, amounts to 10,582 dollars, that the quantum of bounty actually paid on the exportation of dried...
29786To Alexander Hamilton from Charles Lee, [7 January 1792] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Alexandria, Virginia, January 7, 1792. On January 17, 1792, Hamilton wrote to George Washington : “The Secretary of the Treasury has the honor to communicate to the President a letter of the 7th. of January 1792. from the Collector of Alexandria.” Letter not found. ]
29787From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, 8 January 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter relative to the case of the Brig Polly from Cape Francois and Charleston. There is no doubt that under the existing collection law, goods of the growth and manufacture of the United States can be relanded after exportation and they are not chargeable with duty on their importation into the United States as you will perceive by the 24th Section of the Act. I...
29788From Alexander Hamilton to John Davidson, 9 January 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
I have recieved your letter of the 27th ultimo inclosing four paid draughts of the Treasurer No 1662 1663, 1664 and 1665, amounting together one thousand eight hundred Dollars. These draughts being directed to Tench Francis Cashier of the Bank of North America, they been taken up by you in an informal way, which being a deviation from the rules of the Treasury must be avoided in future. My...
29789To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 9 January 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Newport [ Rhode Island ] January 9, 1792 . “This will be accompd. by a Statement of the case of Josh. Elliott master of the Sloop Industry from St Martins and destined for the district of New Haven.… It appears to me … that it was the intention of the Legislature that the manifest should be made out before the vessels departure from a foreign port for the United States, but as this is not...
29790From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 11 January 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, January 11, 1792. “I think it proper that you make an immediate demand of the difference between foreign Tonnage and foreign Impost and those duties of Tonnage & impost which have been paid at the several entries of the Brig Lydia, which have taken place since the 8th of October 1790.… It is my intention to write to Richd. Carrington Esquire of Richmond in Virginia upon...
29791To Alexander Hamilton from Charles Lee, 11 January 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Due pains were taken by me in causing to be published the several parts of the last Collection Law, which were necessary to be known to the Merchants, for regulating their conduct. The 9th. and 10th. Sections are not accurately observed in scarcely any one instance; for the Manifest thereby required is generally made after the vessels arrival to its port of destination. The account of the...
29792To Alexander Hamilton from Joseph Whipple, 12 January 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Portsmouth, New Hampshire, January 12, 1792. “I had the honor to receive your letter of the 20th. of last Month together with three Commissions for the Mates of the Revenue Cutter. That for Mr. Flagg the first mate I now return he having left the Service of which information was given in my letter of the 15th. Ulto.…” LC , RG 36, Collector of Customs at Portsmouth, Letters Sent, 1791–1792,...
29793From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 12 January 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
The charges on the canvas intended for the Maryland Cutter appear to be proper objects of debit to that vessel. The sum of one dollar and fourteen Cents may therefore be charged in her disbursements. You will perceive that my Circular letter of the 2d instant will prevent future expence of postage to the Collectors in receiving Registers from one another. I am, Sir, Your Most Obed Servant. LS...
29794From Alexander Hamilton to William Ellery, 13 January 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, January 13, 1792. On January 30, 1792, Ellery wrote to Hamilton and referred to “your letter of the 13th. of this month.” Letter not found. ]
29795From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Jefferson, 13 January 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
In a conference with you, some time ago, I took occasion to mention the detention of the certificate of registry of a vessel of the United States in one of the French offices on occasion of a sale of the vessel. Several new instances having since occurred, I find it necessary to trouble you more particularly upon the subject. As the detention of these papers has taken place, as well in a port...
29796To Alexander Hamilton from Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 13 January 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, Comptroller’s Office, January 13, 1792. Submits “forms for regulating the payment of Drawbacks arising on the exportation of spirits distilled within the United States.” ADf , Connecticut Historical Society, Hartford.
29797From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Arnold, 14 January 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, January 14, 1792. The dealer’s catalogue description of this letter reads: “Arnold’s annual allowance as Surveyor.” Letter not found. ] LS , sold by Stan V. Henkels, Jr., May 17, 1932, Lot 166. Arnold was the surveyor of the customs at East Greenwich, Rhode Island.
29798From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 14 January 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
I am informed that a Brig which frequents Your port, and was, or is now the Hope, of Baltimore, is owned by a Mr Gernon. It is my wish to be informed whether it appears, and how, that Mr Gernon is a Citizen of the United States, how long he appears, by the Register, to have owned the Hope, and whether she goes and comes between Your District and any one particular foreign port or island. There...
29799From Alexander Hamilton to Roger Alden, Brockholst Livingston, Carlile Pollock, Guilian Verplanck, and Joshua … (Hamilton Papers)
The mark of esteem, on the part of fellow Citizens, to whom I am attached by so many ties, which is announced in your letter of the 29 of December, is intitled to my affectionate acknowlegements. I shall chearfully obey their wish as far as respects the taking of my Portrait; but I ask that they will permit it to appear unconnected with any incident of my political life. The simple...
29800To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Jefferson, 15 January 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
In answer to your favor of the 13th. I have the honor to inform you that the papers delivered to me on the subject of the Register of the sloop Polly detained on her being sold at Port au-prince, were put into the hands of mr Bourne the Consul for the U.S. in St Domingo, & that he, being now returned from thence, says that he applied several times on the subject to the Governor of the island,...