To Alexander Hamilton from Aaron Ogden, 28 June 1799
From Aaron Ogden
Elizabeth Town [New Jersey] June 28, 1799. “In order to fulfill your request,1 I have been casting about, for a character, to be recommended to you, as suitable for your secretary, and, now, beg leave to mention to you Mr Thomas Y. How2 of Trenton, as a Candidate well-worthy of your consideration.… Mr How has received a liberal education, at Princeton college, and has been lately admitted to the practice of the Law in New-Jersey.…”
ALS, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
2. Thomas Yardley How was appointed H’s secretary on July 11, 1799. See H to Caleb Swan, October 14, 1799. On July 17, 1799, he was appointed a second lieutenant in the Eleventh Regiment of Infantry. See H to James McHenry, first letter of July 17, 1799.