From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 4 November 1790
To Alexander Hamilton
Mount Vernon Novr 4th 1790.
Sir
I have received your letter of the 28th ultimo—The measures which you have taken to forward the building and equipment of the revenue Cutters,1 and to procure information respecting proper characters to be appointed inferior Officers, meet my approbation.
You will please to inform Captain Law of his appointment, and furnish him with instructions similar to those you have given to the other Commanders.2 I am, Sir, Your most Obt Servant
Go: Washington
P.S. Captain Taylor declines his appointment & I am not informed of a person qualified to receive it.3
LB, DLC:GW.
1. For the background to the ten revenue cutters authorized by the 4 Aug. 1790 Collection Act, see Hamilton to GW, 10 Sept. 1790, n.1.
2. For Richard Law’s appointment to the command of the Connecticut cutter, see Hamilton to GW, 29 Sept. 1790, n.3, and 8 and 28 Oct. 1790, GW to Hamilton, 6 Oct. 1790.
3. Richard Taylor later rescinded his declination (see GW to Hamilton, 20 Sept. 1790, n.4, and 8 Nov. 1790).