Alexander Hamilton Papers

From Alexander Hamilton to Jonathan Dayton, 9 June 1790

To Jonathan Dayton

Private

New York June 9. 1790

Dear Sir

I duly received your letter of the 3d. of June.1

I have written to Mr. Ludlow2 directing that either Mr. Martin3 or himself would come forward with the Map.

On the subject of a certain office4 I can with truth assure you that no person can occur, who on the score of qualifications and merit, will appear to me better intitled than yourself; and that I shall take pleasure in mentioning you in this light to the President, if an opportunity of doing it is afforded me. Yet I will not answer how much weight the circumstance of another Gentleman5 having been in a situation similar to the one contemplated will have in his mind or even in my own.

All I will say more is this—that I am convinced you would be an acquisition to the public service in whatever station you should be placed and that I consider you as one who ought to be embraced in some official arrangement adequate to your wishes.

I remain very truly   Yr. friend & Ser.

A Hamilton

You will perceive from the tenor of this letter that I express myself in confidence.

Jonathan Dayton Esqr

ALS, Mr. William N. Dearborn, Nashville, Tennessee.

1Letter not found.

3Absalom Martin.

4Dayton also wrote to George Washington asking him for an appointment as loan commissioner for New Jersey. See Dayton to Washington, June 21, 1790, Applications for Office under George Washington, Library of Congress.

5H probably is referring to James Ewing who was appointed commissioner of loans for New Jersey in August, 1790.

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