Alexander Hamilton Papers

To Alexander Hamilton from Joseph Nourse, 24 August 1792

From Joseph Nourse1

Treasury Department
Register’s Office, 24th August, 1792.

Sir,

I have the honor to enclose an abstract statement of the debt incurred by the late government, and which has been paid off from the funds of the present government, amounting to one million eight hundred and forty-five thousand two hundred and seventeen dollars forty-two cents; but this sum will be encreased, when the balance of three hundred and ninety-seven thousand twenty-four dollars fifteen cents, remaining to be appropriated in the farther purchase of the public debt, shall be applied, and which more particularly appears by the subjoined statement.

With every sentiment of the highest respect,   I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obedient,   And most humble servant.

Joseph Nourse, Reg.

Honorable Alexander Hamilton, Esq.
Secretary of the Treasury.

[Philadelphia] Gazette of the United States, September 1, 1792.

1This letter was printed as Document No. “I” and the two enclosed statements appeared as Documents No. “II” and “III.” An introduction to the documents reads as follows: “The following authentic Documents respecting the Progress which has been made by the present Government of the United States, towards extinguishing the Debts contracted under the former Government, will, it is presumed, be very acceptable to the People of the United States; and it is hoped, that the different Editors of Newspapers will give the Information the general Circulation which its importance merits.”

For the newspaper controversy provoked by this letter, see the two “Civis” letters, September 5, 11, 1792.

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