11The Warning No. V, [13 March 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
I have asserted, that the conduct of Great-Britain towards us and other neutral powers has been at no period so exceptionable, as that of France at the present juncture. A more distinct view of this truth may be useful, which will be assisted by a retrospect of the principal acts of violation on both sides. Tho the circumstance was cotemporarily disclosed in all of our newspapers, yet so blind...
12From Alexander Hamilton to Timothy Pickering, [22 March 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
It is now ascertained that Mr Pinckney has been refused and with circumstances of indignity. What is to be done? The share I have had in the public administration added to my interest as a Citizen make me extremely anxious that at this delicate Crisis a course of conduct exactly proper may be adopted. I offer to your consideration without ceremony what appears to me such a course. First. I...
13The Warning No. VI, [27 March 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
It has been seen that the Governt of France has an indisputable title to the culpable preeminence of having taken the lead in the violation of neutral rights; and that the first instance on the part of the British Government is nearly a month posterior to the commencement of the evil by France. But it was not only posterior—it was also less comprehensive. That of France extended to all...
14From Alexander Hamilton to Timothy Pickering, 29 March 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
The post of yesterday brought me your letter of the day before. I regret that the idea of a Commission extraordinary appears of doubtful propriety. For after very mature reflection I am intirely convinced of its expediency. I do not understand the passage you cite as excluding the reception of a special extraordinary Minister but of an ordinary resident Minister. It seems impossible that the...
15Enclosure: A Statement of Facts Relative to General Pinckney’s Mission to France, [30 March 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
General Pinckney, appointed minister plenipotentiary from the United States to the French Republic, left Philadelphia near the end of September, and arrived at Paris the 5th of December last, in the evening. On the 6th, he sent, by his secretary, to Mr. Monroe his letters of recall; and immediately afterwards waited on Mr. Monroe, who shewed him a letter from M. Delacroix, the French Minister...
16From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, [30 March 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
Every one who can properly appreciate the situation of our Affairs at this moment, in all the extent of possible circumstances, must be extremely anxious for such a course of conduct in our Government which will unite the utmost prudence with energy. It has been a considerable time my wish that a Commission extraordinary Madison Pinkney Cabot should be constituted to go to France to explain...
17From Alexander Hamilton to Timothy Pickering, [1 April 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the 30th. with the statement inclosed. I do not believe that its publication would have any influence upon the question of a rupture with France; but yet, as it seems that those who surround the President are not agreed in the matter—as an opinion is industriously circulated that too much fuel has been added by the publications of the Government—as it is...
18From Alexander Hamilton to Uriah Tracy, 1 April 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, April 1, 1797. On April 6, 1797, Tracy wrote to Hamilton : “I thank you for your Letter of the 1st. inst.” Letter not found. ] Tracy was United States Senator from Connecticut and the state’s attorney for Litchfield County.
19From Alexander Hamilton to Barent Bleecker, [5 April 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
The fourth & last installment of the purchase money of the Cosby Manor Lands has become due. It is 1655 Dollars & 50 Cents of which your ¼ is 413. Dollars & 87 Cents. I beg the favour of you to lose no time in forwarding this Sum to me. With esteem Yr very hum ser ALS , Detroit Public Library. For an explanation of the contents of this letter, see the introductory note to Philip Schuyler to...
20From Alexander Hamilton to William Loughton Smith, 5 April 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received My Dear Sir Your letter of the with your little work accompanying it, which I shall read with the interest I take in the author, the first leisure hour. I have cast my eye over it and like very much the plan. Our affairs are indeed very critical. But I am sorry to find that I do not agree with several of my friends. I am clearly of opinion for an extraordinary mission and as...