To Alexander Hamilton from Richard Harison, 10 July 1794
From Richard Harison1
New York 10th. July 1794
Dr Sir,
Mr. John G. Fraunces2 has been with me respecting two Drafts of the late Comrs. of the Treasury,3 purchased by him as he alledges from one Jasper Murdock. These Certificates or Drafts he acknowledges to have been the Property of Mr. Duer4 & to have been sold improperly by the Agency of Azariah Williams.5 The Purchase Money with Interest and Extra Premiums now amounts to a considerable Sum of Money and he is pressed by Williams for the Payment of it. Under these Circumstances he appears solicitous that a Report ⟨sh⟩ould be made by the proper Officer of the Treasury upon the Subject & he seems willing to admit every necessary Fact of which he has any Knowledge. You will be best able to determine what is proper to be done. I have written at his Request, merely from an Idea that his Statement might be of some Service to the Public, or tend to remove an unmerited Imputation from another Individual.
With every Sentiment of Respect and Regard I remain, Dr Sir, Your most obedt Servt &c.
Rich: Harison
Honble. Alexr. Hamilton Esqr.
ALS, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
1. For background to this letter, see Andrew G. Fraunces to H, May 16, 1793.
On July 7, 1794, Oliver Wolcott, Jr., had written to Fraunces: “You are informed in reply to your Letter of July 3rd. that I decline giving any opinion in regard to the Treasury Warrants therein mentioned, except on the Report of the Audr. of the Treasury” (ADf, Connecticut Historical Society, Hartford).
2. Harison is mistaken. for he is referring to Andrew G. Fraunces, John Fraunces’s brother.
3. Arthur Lee, Samuel Osgood, and Walter Livingston were commissioners of the Board of Treasury from 1785 to 1789.
4. William Duer.
5. Azarias Williams was an ironmonger and merchant in New York City.