Alexander Hamilton Papers

From Alexander Hamilton to John Rice, 5 October 1789

To John Rice

Treasury Department
October 5th 1789.

Sir

Your letter of the 20th of September1 has duly come to hand.

In regard to the enquiry you make, I am of opinion that the Law does not intend to allow a Vessel to proceed from one District to another, without paying or securing the Duties in the first; except when originally bound to another, and obliged from necessity to put into the Port at which she arrives as provided for in the twelvth Section of the Collection Act.2

John Rice Esqr
Deputy Collector of the Customs
for Boston & Charlestown Massachusetts

L[S], RG 36, Collector of Customs at Boston, Letters from the Treasury, 1789–1807, Vol. 4, National Archives; copy, RG 56, Letters to the Collector at Boston, National Archives; copy RG 56, Letters to the Collectors at Small Ports, “Set G,” National Archives.

1Letter not found.

2“An Act to regulate the Collection of the Duties imposed by law on the tonnage of ships or vessels, and on goods, wares and merchandises imported into the United States” (1 Stat. description begins The Public Statutes at Large of the United States of America (Boston, 1845). description ends 29–49 [July 31, 1789]).

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