1. Alexander Hamilton wrote to the collector of customs at Alexandria on 26 Aug. 1790 that “I had this morning the honor of a Message from the President of the United States signifying his wish, that Monies for which he may have occasion during his absence from the seat of Government may be found in your office. I have therefore to request you will pay to the order of the President of the United States any monies he may desire” (Syrett, Hamilton Papers, description begins Harold C. Syrett et al., eds. The Papers of Alexander Hamilton. 27 vols. New York, 1961–87. description ends 6:566–67). GW replied to Lee’s letter on 20 Sept. 1790.