To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 1 November 1790
From William Ellery
Newport [Rhode Island] November 1, 1790. Submits questions concerning the interpretation of “the second clause in the 17th. page” and “the 27th. page” of the Collection Law.1 States that the state legislature has postponed passage of a motion ceding its right and title to the Newport lighthouse to the United States.2
LC, Newport Historical Society, Newport, Rhode Island.
1. See Sections 16 and 38 of “An Act to provide more effectually for the collection of the duties imposed by law on goods, wares and merchandise imported into the United States, and on the tonnage of ships and vessels” ( 145–78 [August 4, 1790]).
2. See Ellery to H, September 14, October 11–18, 1790 (printed in this volume).
Ellery endorsed the letter calendared above: “answered Nov. 14.” H’s letter has not been found.