56491From Alexander Hamilton to Ebenezer Stevens, 28 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Major Hoops and Captain Stille will have occasion for four horses on their journey to Niagara. You will therefore be pleased to provide them with that number— With great consideration I am, Sir yr. obt ser. ( LS , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, New-York Historical Society, New York City; Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
56492From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 9 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, May 9, 1800. “Enclosed are … instructions relative to certain objects of incidental expenditure.…”
56493From Alexander Hamilton to Margarita Schuyler, [21 January 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
Because your sister has the talent of growing more amiable every day, or because I am a fanatic in love, or both—or if you prefer another interpretation, because I have address enough to be a good dissembler, she fancies herself the happiest woman in the world, and would need persuade all her friends to embark with her in the matrimonial voyage. But I pray you do not let her advice have so...
56494From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 27 September 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
You will retain, in your hands, such monies as you shall receive after this letter reaches you ’till the whole sum shall amount to ten thousand Dollars; which is destined as an advance to Messrs. Elliot and Williams, and for the payment of which you will receive directions as soon as their bond with the proper sureties shall be received by me. I remain with great consideration Sir Your...
56495From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [15 July 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
In my second interview with Major Beckwith which was on Thursday the 22d. instant I spoke to him nearly as follows I have made the proper use of what you said to me at our last interview. As to what regards the objects of a general nature mentioned by you, though your authority for the purpose from Lord Dorchester is out of question, and though I presume from his Lordship’s station & character...
56496From Alexander Hamilton to Gulian Verplanck, 28 September 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed is a Letter for the President & directors of the Bank of New York. I have it at heart for various reasons as a matter very interesting to the public service that the loan requested should be made—but I would not wish the Letter to be formally presented until it was certain there would be a compliance. For this reason I send it to you that you may sound the Directors before presenting...
56497From Alexander Hamilton to John Dickinson, 29 March 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
I was not, My Dear Sir, insensible to the kind attention shewn me by your letter of the 30th. of November last. But till very lately the subject has been so extremely painful to me, that I have been under a necessity of flying from it as much as possible. Time and effort and occupation have at length restored the tranquillity of my mind, sufficiently to permit me to acknowlege the kindness of...
56498From Alexander Hamilton to Major Nicholas Fish, [29 December 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
I thank you, My Dear Friend, for your letter by Gamber and for your attention in forwarding the articles which fell to my share. I was unlucky in their conveyance. Mr. Gamber, through hurry, forgot them at New Windsor. When he recollected them and returned, he found the bundles had been opened and pilfered. As he had had no list he could not tell me what articles had been taken. He delivered...
56499From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 6 June [1797] (Hamilton Papers)
You some time ago put a question to me, which through hurry, I never answered— viz whether there can be any distinction between the provision in the Treaty with Great Britain respecting British debts and that respecting spoliations , as to the power of the Commissioners to re judge the decisions of the Courts . I answer that I can discover none . I am of opinion however that in the exercise of...
56500Enclosure: To Sempill and Company, [20 May 1786] (Hamilton Papers)
Know all Men by these presents, that I Alexander Hamilton of the City of New York, Counsellor at Law, have made, ordained, authorized, constituted and appointed, and by these presents do make, ordain, authorize, constitute and appoint John Sempill and William Amorey of the Island of St. Croix Merchants jointly and severally my true and lawfull Attornies, for me and in my Name, and to my Use to...
56501From Alexander Hamilton to Nanning J. Visscher, 26 June 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have to acknowledge the rect. of your letter of the 4th. instant. I have accordingly urged the proper Officer to forward with expedition the supplies required. With great consideration &c— (Copy, in the handwriting of Ethan Brown, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
56502From Alexander Hamilton to George Izard, 18 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The great regard which I have for your Father conspiring with the favorable impressions which I have received of your character induce me to offer you the place of Aide de Camp in my family. If agreeable to you to accept, you will immediately join me at this place, having first obtained the permission of your immediate commanding officer. I mentioned the matter to General Pinckney while here...
56503From Alexander Hamilton to the President and Directors of the Bank of New York, 12 April 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Since my official letter to you authorising an advance to your Cashier of Fifty Thousand Dollars to be applied to the purchase of public debt on account of the United States I have authorised that Gentleman to apply for another fifty thousand Dollars and to make the like use of it. I now confirm this direction and add my desire that he may be furnished with a further sum of fifty thousand...
56504From Alexander Hamilton to William Willcocks, 30 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Doubting the regularity of trying deserters by a regimental Court martial, I shall speedily order a General Court martial one what officers are there now at your Regimental rendezvous? I shall pay attention to your suggestion about cloathing With great consideration &c (Copy, in the handwriting of Ethan Brown, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
56505From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, 4 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
We are all here very anxious for the success of Mr Coleman. We know his abilities and we believe in his integrity. Your good disposition towards him is well understood—Yet it is feared that his pecuniary situation may prove an obstacle. It is undoubtedly a good rule to avoid embarrassed men in appointments—yet this like every other general rule may admit of exceptions in special cases. If I...
56506From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 19 August 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, August 19, 1794. “A temporary absence from the seat of Government added to a great pressure of public Business since my return has prevented me from replying sooner to your favor of the 8th July last. As it was not in my power to do anything in the case stated by you untill it came properly before me—I have in consequence of an application from the parties themselves,...
56507From Alexander Hamilton to Adam Hoops, 15 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Richards has represented states to me that it is impossible, at this season of the year, to furnish fresh beef to so small a body of m troops as those at West Point, without real loss, and requests that veal and mutton may be issued as a substitute. I have given my consent to the arrangement— ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
56508From Alexander Hamilton to James Lingan, [3 July 1792] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Treasury Department, July 3, 1792. The description of this letter in the dealer’s catalogue reads: “Acknowledges receipt of a draft in the amount of $1500.00.” Letter not found. ] LS , sold by Kenneth W. Rendell, Inc., Catalogue No. 92, Lot 47. Lingan was collector of customs at Georgetown, District of Columbia.
56509From Alexander Hamilton to Caleb Swan, 1 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Lieutenant Fergus who is stationed at Fort Johnstone in North Carolina has received marching orders—Major Hoops, in his letter of the 30th of August, writes to me as follows—“Lt Fergus is at Fort Johnstone N Carolina with twenty six men who, he says, are very much in debt, and that he has become responsible—He wishes some of his pay.” I know not whether any money is due to these men—On this...
56510From Alexander Hamilton to George Ingersoll, 12 June 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I duly received several letters from you dated Feby. 26 April 3 May the 20th & 23d. and the third instant; an attention to which has been delayed by a pressure of more important business and by the want of adequate assistance in conducting my correspondence. Hereafter while you remain at your present post, your communications (as mentioned in my circular of the ———) will be with Major Brooks ,...
56511From Alexander Hamilton to Samuel Gerry, 22 November 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, November 22, 1791. Asks Gerry to secure the papers which belonged to the office of the Marblehead collector of customs and which were in the possession of the estate of the late collector, Richard Harris. Letter not found. ] LS , sold at American Art Association, February 28, 1927, Lot 138. Gerry was collector of customs at Marblehead, Massachusetts. Summary of letter taken...
56512New York Ratifying Convention. Resolution by John Jay, [11 July 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Resolved, as the opinion of the Committee that the Constitution under consideration ought to be ratified by this convention. Resolved further as the opinion of this Committee that such parts of the said constitution as may be thought doubtful ought to [be] explained and that whatever amendments may be deemed useful or expedient ought to be recommended. D , in writing of H, John McKesson...
56513From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, [8 June 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your two letters of the 6th & 7. The last announces to me no more than I feared. Nor do I believe any sufficient external impulse can be given to save us from disgrace . This however will be thought of. I regret that you appear remote from the idea of a house tax simply without combining the land. I do not differ from your general principle. The truth is a solid one, that the...
56514From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 18 February 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
It appears from the abstract of unclaimed interest, rendered by the Commissioner of loans of your State, that you have a credit on his books for 337⁵⁰⁄₁₀₀ Dollars, being the amount of interest on 15,000, 6 per Cent and 15,000, 3 per Cent Stock, for the quarter ending the 31st of March 1791. This Stock is supposed to have been purchased by you under the Act making provision for the reduction of...
56515From Alexander Hamilton to Henry Cruger, 24 February 1772 (Hamilton Papers)
The 9th Ultimo Capt Robert Gibb handed me your favour dated December 19th 1771 covering Invoice & Bill Lading for Sundrys which were landed in good order agreeable thereto. I sold all your Lumber off immediately at £16 pm, luckkily enough, the price of that article being now reducd to £12, as great quantitys have been lately imported from different parts of the Continent. Indeed, there must be...
56516To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 15 December 1790 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury has the honor respectfully to inform the President of the United States that a wish of the Collector of Boston to spend a part of the time of the Session of Congress at the Seat of Government has been intimated to him. An absence from his Office at this season of the year being the least likely to be inconvenient, and it being probable that much useful information...
56517From Alexander Hamilton to Jacob Kingsbury, 26 February 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Your Letter of the thirtieth Septr. was Received in Course And the delay in answering it was proceeded from Disposition to Comply with your Wishes of Absence As far as the Convenience of the service would Permit. I have now to Request that you will Be in Readiness to Return to Service by the first of April—at that time you Will Report yourself to me for further Orders— With great Consideration...
56518To John Jay from Alexander Hamilton, 13 July 1777 (Jay Papers)
I received your favour and one from Mr. Morris last night from by Express.— The Stroke at Ticonderoga is heavy, unexpected and unaccountable— If the place was untenable why not discovered ^ to be so ^ before the Cantonment had been put to such an amazing expence in furnishing it with the means of defence?— If it was tenable, what, in the name of God common sense could have induced the...
56519From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 18 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have been duly honored with your letters of the 26th. and 27th. of October. General Pinckney happening to be at my house when they were received, I communicated them to him, together with such other letters as had come to hand relating to the same subject —and I have since furnished him with the subsequent information transmitted to me, in order that he might take the proper measures in...
56520New York Assembly. Second Speech on the Address of the Legislature to Governor George Clinton’s Message, [19 January … (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton, I am sorry sir that I have to address you a second time, when I have already taken up so much of your attention, but as it is universally allowed to be a question of great importance, I trust I shall be excused for entering into a further discussion. I said in setting out in my former arguments, that the question was improperly stated, that it was put upon a wrong ground, that it...
56521Report on the Petition of Simon Nathan, [12 April 1792] (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury, pursuant to an Order of the House of Representatives of the 30th July, 1790, referring to him the memorial of Simon Nathan, of the City of New York, respectfully reports; That the subject of the Memorialist’s application, from his own statement, appears to relate wholly to the State of Virginia, and not to the United States. The Secretary is, therefore, of...
56522From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 27 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed is a list of Articles sent me by Mr Dayton—He represents them to have been procured by your orders—Upon examining my letters I find that the articles — marked are not included with in any of the direction general or special which I have given. You will inform me whether these have been procured, and also upon what grounds they have been were added to the list of articles directed by...
56523Circular to the Commandants of Regiments, 7[–17] September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
It has been suggested to me that particular officers in some instances have incautiously indulged remarks in the presence of their men respecting the bad qualities of articles furnished, which were of a nature to foster discontent in the minds of the soldiery. Instances of this sort, I am persuaded, must have been very rare, as the impropriety of the thing is too glaring to escape an officer...
56524From Alexander Hamilton to Gouverneur Morris, [7 April 1784] (Hamilton Papers)
Pardon me My Dr. Sir for not sooner having obeyed your orders with respect to the inclosed. I part with it reluctantly; for that is so rare an article, that when we get so much of it in so small a compass we can not easily consent to be dispossessed of it. I am very happy to hear of the union of your two banks; for you will believe me when I tell you, that on more deliberate consideration, I...
56525From Alexander Hamilton to John F. Hamtramck, 5 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed is a letter of this date to Genl. Wilkinson, which being open for your perusal will also serve as a guide in the execution of the orders you have heretofore received from that General, and will furnish you with the information you desire on several points. You will particularly observe that there are some alterations in the arrangement of the Regimental Staff. As to the concluding...
56526From Alexander Hamilton to William Ellery, 7 June 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, June 7, 1792. On July 10, 1792, Ellery wrote to Hamilton : “I have recd. your letters of the 7th 22nd. and 28th of the last month.” Letter of June 7 not found. ] On June 25, 1792, Ellery wrote to Oliver Wolcott, Jr .: “I have … recd. a Letter from the Secry of the Treasy of the 7th of June in which he has manifested his consent to my purchase of the Scales and weights, and...
56527From Alexander Hamilton to Joshua Wentworth, 7 May 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, May 7, 1791. On September 7, 1791, Wentworth wrote to Hamilton : “Your letters of the 7th May & 22d June were duly received.” Letter of May 7 not found. ] Wentworth was supervisor of the revenue for the District of New Hampshire.
56528From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [4 September 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
I hoped with the strongest assurance to have met you at Eliz Town; but this change of weather has brought upon me an attack of the complaint in my kindneys, to which you know I have been sometimes subject in the fall. So that I could not with safety commit myself to so rude a vehicle as the stage for so long a journey. I have therefo⟨re⟩ prevailed upon Mr. Meyer to go to Elizabet⟨h⟩ Town to...
56529From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 5 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the second instant, and have directed the Adjutant General to prepare and forward the charges against Lieutenant Dwight. ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
56530From Alexander Hamilton to Daniel Bradley, 16 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
You will on the receipt of this letter order a Genl. Court Martial to assemble at Staunton for the trial of John Lines & Robt. Gilmore Deserters from Capt. Gibson’s Company and such other Offenders as may be brought before it; of which Capt. Gibson is to be Prest. You will and appoint four other officers to constitute the Court and a person to Officiate as Judge Advocate and transmit the...
56531From Alexander Hamilton to Brigadier General Henry Knox, [28 May 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
The General requests you to furnish two Grasshoppers and a company of Artillery to be attached to the New York Brigade which marches tomorrow morning toward Albany. GW John C. Fitzpatrick, ed., The Writings of George Washington (Washington, 1931–1944). , XVIII, 443, note 80. On the same day, Washington wrote Governor George Clinton: “In consequence of the intelligence from Your Excellency...
56532Enclosure: Uniform of the Army of the United States, December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Uniform for the Army of the United States For The Commander In Chief A blue Coat, without lappels, with lining Collar and Cuffs of Buff, yellow buttons and gold epauletts of double bullion tag with fringe, each having three stars. Collar Cuffs and pocket flaps to have full embroidered edges, and the button holes of every description to be full embroidered. The fashion to be in other...
56533From Alexander Hamilton to David Strong, 8 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed are two Warrants, forwarded to me by the Secretary of War, for the pardon of the persons condemned to death by a General Court Martial held at Detroit, the inducement to pardon them, as I understand from his letter, has been owing to a misconception of the Articles of War, as appears in the proceedings, by the Officers forming the Court. You will perceive by this how requisite and of...
56534From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 15 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
If, My Dear McHenry, your retreat is from any circumstances painful to yourself I regret it with all the sincerity of a real friend; otherwise I congratulate you. It is impossible that our public affairs can proceed under the present chief or his Antifoederal rival without loss of reputation to all the Agents. Happy those who are released from the fetter. But my friend we are not to be...
56535From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, 2 July 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, July 2, 1791. Letter listed in dealer’s catalogue. Letter not found. ] ALS , sold at Parke-Bernet Galleries, May 2–12, 1947, Lot 257.
56536From Alexander Hamilton to Angelica Church, [25 June 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
I cannot omit the opportunity My Dear Angelica of dropping you a line by your old acquaintance Colonel Noble to inform you that we are all well, strongly agitated between Fear and Hope, but anxiously wishing for your Return. If you are not persuaded that this is one of the dearest objects to Eliza & myself you do us much injustice. The only rivalship we have is in our attachment to you and we...
56537From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 1 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I transmit you an extract from Major Hoop’s letter of the thirtieth of August. “I am informed by Lieutenant Fergus under date of 25th of June that he could not move without the assistance of some carriages to convey the utensils for cooking &c, and that he had applied to the agent of the war Dept. who told him he could not do any thing in it without the orders of the Secretary of War.” It is...
56538Conference at Hartford, [22 September 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
Summary of a Conversation between His Excellency General Washington, The Count De Rochambeau & The Chevalier De Ternay—exclusive of the contents of the paper dated at Hartford the 22nd Sept. 1780. signed by the parties. It was agreed that if the Count De Guichen should arrive by the beginning of October and an naval engagement should immediately take place, in which by a fortunate office, The...
56539From Alexander Hamilton to Rufus King, [15 February 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
Geave me leave to recall to your recollection and acquaintance Mr. De Talon the bearer of this, who, as he informs me, goes to Europe on private business. I need not observe that he is an interesting man, as you know all his titles to the attention, which your situation will permit you to afford. You must not think, I forget you, because I do no write (for this is only my third letter). I am...
56540From Alexander Hamilton to John H. Buell, 26 February 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of January 25th should not Captain McClary have recovered his health by this time, you are at liberty to substitute Captain McClary Bissel as president to the General Court Martial. Lieutt. Dwight has arrived here and I have directed him to proceed to the Union Brigade that he may be tried by a General Court Martial with true consideration &— ( Df , in the...