1Introductory Note: Opinion on the Constitutionality of an Act to Establish a Bank, [23 February 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
There are at least eight manuscript versions of this famous document. One of these is an incomplete draft in Hamilton’s handwriting. The other seven are copies. The two versions that are printed below are the draft and that copy which it is assumed is the final version that was sent to George Washington. The seven copies of this document are located as follows: 1. Copy, Mr. John R. Dillard,...
2Draft of an Opinion on the Constitutionality of an Act to Establish a Bank, [23 February 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury has perused with great attention the opinions of the Secretary of State and of the Attorney General concerning the constitutionality of the bill for establishing a National Bank and proceeds to execute the order of the President for submitting the reasons which have induced him to view the subject in a different light. It will naturally have been expected...
3Final Version of an Opinion on the Constitutionality of an Act to Establish a Bank, [23 February 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury having perused with attention the papers containing the opinions of the Secretary of State and Attorney General concerning the constitutionality of the bill for establishing a National Bank proceeds according to the order of the President to submit the reasons which have induced him to entertain a different opinion. It will naturally have been anticipated that, in...