To Alexander Hamilton from William Seton, 30 August 1792
From William Seton
New York 30 Aug. 1792
My Dear sir
Your last Letters were delivered to me just at the Moment of severe affliction.1 I have not been able to look over them till now which I know your feeling Heart will excuse and lament with me the occasion.
The Letter for St. Vincents was forwarded by a Vessell that sailed on Sunday.2 I could not find any Person that knew Mr. Donald.3 My Son made particular enquirys from the Merchants here connected with that Island. The Governor is a Colonel Seton.4 He is a distant relation of mine, but I am not personally known to him. However I would take the liberty of writing to him, if it would be doing you the least pleasure.
Agreeably to your request I enclose your Account with the Bank,—the Note for 500 Dolls was discounted & the dft of 100 paid—that there is a Balance now due you of 175 31/100.5 I thank you much for the explanation of the late conduct of the Branch.6 I must confess I was rather apprehensive it proceeded from other Motives. It is alarming to see how Banks are ⟨mu⟩ltiplying all over the States. Should any failure happen, a general discredit will fall upon all Bank Paper.
Mr. Pearce7 the Manufacturer called upon me the other day, to shew me his Books when he had accounted for the 120 Dollars I advanced him on his arrival. I fear the repayment to me will be forgot unless the Directors of the Society are notified. I will thank you to put me on the mode of recovery.
I am with the sincerest esteem & respect Dear sir Your Obligd Obdt. Hue Servt
Wm Seton
Alexr. Hamilton Esqr.
ALS, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
1. Only one of the letters to which Seton is referring has been found. See H to Seton, August 17, 1792.
On August 29, 1792, the [Philadelphia] Gazette of the United States printed the following notice: “Died in New-York, on Tuesday last, Mrs. Anna Maria Seton, age 36 after a tedious illness, the much beloved comfort of William Seton, Eqr.”
2. See H to Seton, August 17, 1792.
3. See H to Seton, August 17, 1792.
4. James Seton was governor of St. Vincent from 1787 to 1797.
5. See Seton to H, May 28, June 25, and August 6, 1792.
6. See H to Seton, August 17, 1792.
7. William Pearce was an employee of the Society for Establishing Useful Manufactures. See Seton to H, June 11, 25, 1792.