To Alexander Hamilton from Jonathan Ogden, 18 March 1793
From Jonathan Ogden
New Jersey
Morris town 18 March 1793
Sir,
The following will I make no dout appologise for the fredom here taken of writing to a Stranger as to personal acquaintance. I have lately heard in a particular manner the sentiments of many people of this County & State respecting your objects of revenue. I believe I speak safe when I say not more than one person in five hundred disagrees in sentiment with the present plans—the excise that glorious act1 is advocated by those who once oppos’d. As for Giles’s malitious efforts a few days a go in the House of Representatives2 some people say they have put you in danger of the curse denounced against him who every one speaks well of. These are the Ideas of people universally here and who has no more acquaintance with your Self than I have. My sincere wish is that you may long continue to fill that august office you now occupy & your Virtues be imbraced by those who Labour to tarnish them—being a Farmer you will excuse incorrectness. I am with much Esteem your humble servant.
Jonathan Ogden
Alexr. Hammilton, Esqr3
ALS, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
1. “An Act repealing, after the last day of June next, the duties heretofore laid upon Distilled Spirits imported from abroad, and laying others in their stead; and also upon Spirits distilled within the United States, and for appropriating the same” ( 199–214 [March 3, 1791]).
2. See the introductory note to “Report on the Balance of All Unapplied Revenues at the End of the Year 1792 and on All Unapplied Monies Which May Have Been Obtained by the Several Loans Authorized by Law,” February 4, 1793.
3. H endorsed this letter “1793 Answered April 1 with thanks &c.” Letter not found.