To Alexander Hamilton from William Heth, 27 February 1792
From William Heth
Shillelah1 [Virginia] 27th Feby. 1792.
Dear Sir
The Merchants of Richmond Petersburg & Manchester—by deputation—spent last friday, & saturday, on the Subject of petitioning Congress for the removal of the office from Bermuda Hundred. The scheme will end as I wishd—nothing will be done. It being acknowledged, pretty unanimously that, if there was only tolerable accommodations at the Hundred, they could have no good cause of complaint; it being unquestionably the most proper place for the general accommodations within the District, to keep the Collectors Office—and as to the safety of the U States money & property, it was none of their look out. But, even this objection would be removed, should a branch of the National bank as a State bank be established in Richmond—when the duties would be chiefly paid in Notes. This project thus dropping, I shall only wait your ⟨answer⟩ to the other questions which I took the liberty ⟨of asking in⟩ a private letter sometime in the early part of this Month2 to determine upon making some little establishment at Bera Hundred.
I am Dear Sir, Most sincerely and Affecy Yrs
W Heth
The Hoble
Alex Hamilton Esqe
ALS, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
1. “Shillelah” was one of three estates owned by Heth in Virginia.
2. The letter, which has not been found, was dated February 5, 1792.