To Alexander Hamilton from Stephen Van Rensselaer, 16 May 1791
From Stephen Van Rensselaer
Albany May 16 1791
Dear Sir
Your letter of the 25 of April1 I received and have endeavoured to obtain the information you required. Respecting John Burk he was a Soldier in Col. Willets Regiment2 & did on the 8 of March execute a power of Attorney to A. Holbrook but says that he received only two Dollars & wishes to revoke the power if possible.
With respect to E. Lewis3 I could not learn whether he gave a similar power he being from Home but I know the man & that he was a Soldier.
I am D Sir Your Obt Servt
S. V. Rensselaer
ALS, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
1. Letter not found, but see dealer’s catalogue quotation printed under this date.
2. Marinus Willett, who held several commands during the American Revolution, commanded two regiments of levies in 1781 and 1782. John Burk served in these regiments.
3. This is a reference to either Ebenezer or Elijah Lewis. Ebenezer Lewis served in the regiments under Marinus Willett’s command mentioned in note 2. Elijah Lewis served in an unidentified regiment of levies.