From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Arnold and Others, 12 August 1791
To Thomas Arnold and Others1
Treasury Department
August 12 1791
Gentlemen
In the month of July last Mr Thomas Arnold left at the Treasury a note relative to the tonnage and impost on the Sloops Betsy & Peace, stating that those duties had been paid at the foreign rates by their Captains on entries at Wiscassett and Bath subsequent to the adoption of the federal Constitution by the Convention of Rhode Island.2 On examination it appears that the entries were made in the month of April, which, it will be perceived, puts it out of my power to direct a refund. Should there by any mistake in regard to dates, in either case, further attention will be paid to the matter, on your transmitting an accurate statement, with such original papers in proof as may be in your possession.
I am, Gentlemen, Your Most Obedt. Servant
Alexander Hamilton
Messrs Thomas Arnold & Others,
Owners of the Sloops, Peace
& Betsy, Providence
LS, Rhode Island Historical Society, Providence.
1. Thomas Arnold was the brother of Jonathan Arnold and uncle of Welcome Arnold. All three were Providence merchants.
2. Rhode Island ratified the Constitution on May 29, 1790, and on June 14, 1790, Congress passed “An Act for giving effect to the several Acts therein mentioned, in respect to the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations” ( 126–28).