1To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 5 May 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
I beg you to accept my unfeigned thanks for your friendly communications of this date—and that you will permit me to entreat a continuation of them as occasions may arise. The manner chosen for doing it, is most agreeable to me. It is my wish to act right; if I err; the head & not the heart, shall, with justice , be chargeable. With sentiments of sincere esteem & regard I am Dear Sir Your...
2From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 5 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
I beg you to accept my unfeigned thanks for your friendly communications of this date—and that you will permit me to entreat a continuation of them as occasions may arise. The manner chosen for doing it, is most agreeable to me. It is my wish to act right; if I err, the head & not the heart, shall, with justice, be chargeable. With sentiments of sincere esteem & regard I am Dear Sir Your Obedt...
3To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, [4 June 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, June 4, 1789. Letter not found. ] “List of Letters from G— — Washington to General Hamilton,” Columbia University Libraries.
4Appointment as Secretary of the Treasury, [11 September 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
Know Ye, that reposing special Trust and Confidence in the Patriotism, Integrity, and Abilities of Alexander Hamilton of the City of New York in the State of New York, Esquire, I have nominated, and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, do appoint him Secretary of the Treasury of the said United States, and do authorize and empower him to execute and fulfil the Duties of that...
5To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 25 September 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
From a great variety of characters who have made a tender of their services for suitable Offices , I have selected the following. If Mr. Jay & you will take the further trouble of running them over to see if among them there can be found one, who, under all circumstances is more eligable for the Post Office than Col O I shall be obliged to you both for your opinion thereon by Eleven ‘Oclock....
6From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 25 September 1789 (Washington Papers)
From a great variety of characters who have made a tender of their services for Suitable Offices, I have selected the following. If Mr Jay & you will take the further trouble of running them over to see if among them there can be found one, who, under all circumstances is more eligable for the Post Office than Col. O. —I shall be obliged to you both for your opinions thereon by Eleven...
7To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 17 December 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
As I am uncertain of the condition & even the Office in which the papers containing accounts of our disbursments for subsistence of British prisoners remain; and as it is not improbable that some negotiations may (whenever our Union under the General Government shall be completed) take place between the United States & Great Britain, in which an accurate understanding of those Accots. will...
8From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 17 December 1789 (Washington Papers)
As I am uncertain of the condition & even the Office in which the papers containing accounts of our disbursments for subsistence of British prisoners remain; and as it is not improbable that some negotiations may (whenever our Union under the General Government shall be completed) take place between the United States & Great Britain, in which an accurate understanding of those Accots will...
9To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, [4 January 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
I feel myself very much obliged by what you sent me yesterday. The letter from Governor Johnston I return—much pleased to find so authentic an acct. of the adoption by No Carolina of the Constitution. Yrs. sincerely & affectly Monday Morng 4th. Jany. } 1789 ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Samuel Johnston, governor of North Carolina. North Carolina ratified the Constitution on...
10From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 4 January 1790 (Washington Papers)
I feel myself very much obliged by what you sent me yesterday. The letter from Governor Johnston I return—much pleased to find so authentic an Acct of the adoption by No. Carolina of the Constitution. Yrs sincerely & affectly ALS , DLC : Alexander Hamilton Papers. GW mistakenly dated this letter 1789. Presumably GW is referring to Hamilton’s report on lighthouses, 3 Jan. 1790 . The letter from...
11To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, [31 March 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury is hereby authorised to negotiate and agree for a Loan to the United States to an amount not exceeding one hundred thousand Dollars, bearing an Interest not exceeding six ⅌. Cent ⅌ annum to be applied towards carrying into effect the appropriation made by the Act Entitled, “An Act making appropriations for the support of Government for the year one thousand seven...
12To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 13 August 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
The sessions of Congress having closed, and it being my intention to go to Virginia as soon as the public business will permit, and wishing to have my mind as free from public cares during my absence from the seat of government, as circumstances will allow, I am desirous of having such matters as may, by Law, or otherwise, require the Agency or sanction of the President of the United States,...
13From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 13 August 1790 (Washington Papers)
The session of Congress having closed, and it being my intention to go to Virginia as soon as the public business will permit, and wishing to have my mind as free from public cares during my absence from the seat of government, as circumstances will allow; I am desirous of having such matters as may, by Law, or otherwise, require the Agency or sanction of the President of the United States,...
14To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 27 August 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Provided the dispute between Great Britain and Spain should come to the decision of Arms, from a variety of circumstances (individually unimportant and inconclusive, but very much the reverse when compared and combined) there is no doubt in my mind, that New Orleans and the Spanish Posts above it on the Mississippi will be among the first attempts of the former, and that the reduction of them...
15To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, [28 August 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
By virtue of the several Acts, the one entitled, “An Act making provision for the Debt of the U. States.” and the other entitled, “An Act making provision for the reduction of the Public Debt.” I do hereby authorise and empower you, by yourself, or any other person or persons, to borrow on behalf of the United States, within the said States or elsewhere, a sum or sums, not exceeding in the...
16To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, [28 August 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
Having thought fit to commit to you the charge of borrowing on behalf of the United States a sum or sums not exceeding in the whole Fourteen Millions of Dollars pursuant to the several Acts, the one entitled, “An act making provision for the Debt of the United States,” the other entitled, “An Act making provision for the reduction of the Public Debt.” I do hereby make known to you, that in the...
17From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 28 August 1790 (Washington Papers)
Having thought fit to commit to you the charge of borrowing on behalf of the United States a sum or sums not exceeding in the whole Fourteen Millions of Dollars pursuant to the several Acts, the one entitled, “An Act making provision for the Debt of the United States”, the other entitled, “An Act making provision for the reduction of the Public Debt.” I do hereby make known to you, that in the...
18To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 18 September 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter dated the 3d. inst. inclosing a Copy of the instructions you have forwarded to Mr. Short, came to my hands by the mail of Wednesday. The appointment of that gentleman to negotiate the Loans in Holland, and the Instructions you have given for his government, meet my approbation. The first as no inconvenience it is conceived will result from his absence from Paris, is a measure of...
19To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 20 September 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
In answer to your letter of the 10th. instt. relative to the establishment of the boats or Cutters for the protection of the revenue, I have to observe, That, if there appears to exist a necessity for equipping the whole number therein mentioned, the arrangement for building and stationing them, seems judicious, and is to me perfectly satisfactory. It is my wish that your Enquiries, respecting...
20From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 20 September 1790 (Washington Papers)
In answer to your letter of the 10th instt relative to the establishment of the boats or Cutters for the protection of the revenue, I have to observe, That, if there appears to exist a necessity for equipping the whole number therein mentioned, the arrangement for building and stationing them, seems judicious, and is to me perfectly satisfactory. It is my wish that your Enquiries, respecting...
21To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 27 September 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. John Cogdell having resigned his appointment as Collector of the port of George town in south Carolina, I have to request that you will make enquiry respecting a proper person to succeed him. Mr. Corbin Braxton having also resigned his appointment as Surveyor of the ports of Richmond and Manchester—Colonel Heth informs me that he has nominated Mr. Z. Rowland to do the duties of the office...
22From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 27 September 1790 (Washington Papers)
Mr John Cogdell having resigned his appointment as Collector of the port of George town in south Carolina, I have to request that you will make enquiry respecting a proper person to succeed him. Mr Corbin Braxton having also resigned his appointment as Surveyor of the ports of Richmond and Manchester—Colonel Heth informs me that he has nominated Mr Z. Rowland to do the duties of the Office...
23To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 3 October 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letters of the 18th and 21st Ulto. and thank you for the intelligence therein communicated; of which I have not as yet received any confirmation. I shall be oblig’d by your continueing to give me such information on public affairs as you may think sufficiently interesting to be imparted. I am, Sir, Your mo: obt. Servt. LC , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
24To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 3 October 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Since my last to you, your letter dated the 15th Ulto containing your sentiments on the questions I had proposed for your opinion and advice, is come duly to hand. I feel myself much obliged by the full and able consideration you have given to the subject. From present appearances, however, it does not seam as if there would be occasion for any decision on either point which gave birth to my...
25To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 6 October 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the 29th. ulto: The papers concerning Capt. Lyde, put into your hands by the Vice President, which you say were enclosed to me, have not been transmitted—but from the recommendations in favor of Captain Williams, I think him entitled to a preference. Not being possessed of any commissions, I have to request (unless your farther enquiry should point to more proper...
26From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 6 October 1790 (Washington Papers)
I have received your letter of the 29th ulto. The papers concerning Capt. Lyde, put into your hands by the Vice President, which you say were enclosed to me, have not been transmitted—but from the recommendations in favor of Captain Williams, I think him entitled to a preference. Not being possessed of any commissions, I have to request (unless your farther enquiry should point to more proper...
27To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 10 October 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the 30th. Ulto came duly to hand with its enclosures. For the information contained in it I thank you, as I shall do for all others of a similar nature. The motives, however, by which the Author of the communication to you was actuated, although they may have been pure and in that case praiseworthy, do also (but it may be uncharitable to harbour the suspicion) admit of a...
28To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 12 October 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the 5th instant. The public service requiring the arrangements, which you have made, relative to the Light Houses of Newport and Portland, they are perfectly agreeable to me, and receive my approbation. I am, Sir Your most obedient Servant LS , United States Coast Guard Academy, New London, Connecticut; LC , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
29To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 13 October 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
The enclosed letter, addressed to me by the Baron Perin, treating of a subject to which I am a stranger, and the means of information not being within my reach; I have to request that you will cause such enquiry to be made into the Circumstances therein stated as may enable you to give him an answer. And I wish you to transmit my letter to him with yours. I am sir Yr. most Obt. servt. LC ,...
30To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 15 October 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
You will perceive by the letter which is enclosed for your transmission of it to Mr. Woodbury Langdon, that I have appointed him Commissioner of Loans in the room of Mr. Gilman, whose resignation I received by the last post. I am, Sir, Your Obt. Servant LC , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Nathaniel Gilman. See H to Washington, October 6, 1790 .
31To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 26 October 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the 8th inst. I received yesterday on my return from an excursion up the Potowmack. I acquainted you on the 15th. instant that I had appointed Mr. Woodbury Langdon Commissioner of Loans for the State of New-Hampshire; but as it is probable from his brothers letter to you, that he will decline the appointment, I have now to inform you that I have no objection to Mr. Keith Spence...
32From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 26 October 1790 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 8th inst: I received yesterday on my return from an excursion up the Potowmack. I acquainted you on the 15th instant that I had appointed Mr Woodbury Langdon Commissioner of Loans for the State of New Hampshire; but as it is probable from his brothers letter to you, that he will decline the appointment, I have now to inform you that I have no objection to Mr Keith Spence the...
33To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 4 November 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the 28th. ultimo. The measures which you have taken to forward the building and equipment of the revenue Cutters, and to procure information respecting proper characters to be appointed inferior Officers, meet my approbation. You will please to inform Captain Law of his appointment, and furnish him with instructions similar to those you have given to the other...
34From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 4 November 1790 (Washington Papers)
I have received your letter of the 28th ultimo—The measures which you have taken to forward the building and equipment of the revenue Cutters, and to procure information respecting proper characters to be appointed inferior Officers, meet my approbation. You will please to inform Captain Law of his appointment, and furnish him with instructions similar to those you have given to the other...
35To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 8 November 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letters of the 26th. Ult: & 1st. Inst. The objection stated by you to the appointment of Mr. Spence being conclusive, I now enclose a letter from Mr. Wingate to me recommendatory of another Candidate, with my answer occasioned by the previous appointment of Mr. Woodbury Langdon, but should that Gentleman finally determine not to accept, and you learn, on enquiring, that...
36From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 8 November 1790 (Washington Papers)
I have received your letters of the 26th ult: & 1st Instt —The objection stated by you to the appointment of Mr Spence being conclusive, I now enclose a letter from Mr Wingate to me recommendatory of another Candidate, with my answer occasioned by the previous appointment of Mr Woodbury Langdon—but should that Gentleman finally determine not to accept, and you learn, on enquiry, that Colo....
37To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 10 November 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Mount Vernon, November 10, 1790. On November 11, 1790, Washington wrote to Hamilton : “Since writing to you yesterday.…” Letter not found. ]
38From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 10 November 1790 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Alexander Hamilton, 10 Nov. 1790. On 11 Nov. 1790 GW wrote to Hamilton: “Since writing to you yesterday I have received your letter of the 6th inst:.”
39To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 11 November 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Since writing to you yesterday I have received your letter of the 6th. inst: enclosing the copy of one from Mr. Skinner to you, wherein he expresses his intention to continue in Office, which in conformity to your opinion, I am willing he should do. You will therefore destroy the letter, which I enclosed to you in my last, for Colo. Thomas. The person recommended by Capt. Taylor to be his...
40To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, [2–6 December 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
Your indisposition has prevented me from giving you as much trouble in making my communications to Congress as otherwise, I might have done. The article of your notes which respect the loan in Holland, I am somewhat at a loss to frame into a paragraph for the Speech, and therefore pray your assistance. I had got it as pr. the enclosed, but upon a revision, it does not appear right. Be so good...
41From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 2–6 December 1790 (Washington Papers)
Your indisposition has prevented me from giving you as much trouble in making my communications to Congress as otherwise, I might have done. The article of your Notes which respect the loan in Holland, I am somewhat at a loss to frame into a paragraph for the Speech, and therefore pray your assistance. I had got it as pr the enclosed, but upon a revision, it does not appear right. Be so good...
42To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 31 January 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia ] January 31, 1791 . Approves contract for supplying the lighthouse at Portsmouth, New Hampshire. LS , RG 26, “Segregated” Lighthouse Records, National Archives. See Tobias Lear to H, January 31, 1791 .
43To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 16 February 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
“An Act to incorporate the Subscribers to the Bank of the United States” is now before me for consideration. The constitutionality of it is objected to. It therefore becomes more particularly my duty to examine the ground on wch. the objection is built. As a mean of investigation I have called upon the Attorney General of the United States in whose line it seemed more particularly to be for...
44From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 16 February 1791 (Washington Papers)
“An act to incorporate the Subscribers to the Bank of the United States” is now before me for consideration. The constitutionality of it is objected to. It therefore becomes more particularly my duty to examine the ground on wc. the objection is built. As a mean of investigation I have called upon the Attorney General of the United States, in whose line it seemed more particularly to be, for...
45To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 23 February 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I have this moment received your sentiments with respect to the constitutionality of the Bill “to incorporate the subscribers to the Bank of the United States.” This bill was presented to me by the joint Commee. of Congress at 12 o’Clock on Monday the 14th. instant. To what precise period, by legal interpretation of the constitution, can the president retain it in his possession, before it...
46From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 23 February 1791 (Washington Papers)
I have this moment received your sentiments with respect to the constitutionality of the Bill—“to incorporate the subscribers to the Bank of the United States.” This bill was presented to me by the joint Commee of Congress at 12 oClock on Monday the 14th instant. To what precise period, by legal interpretation of the constitution, can the President retain it in his possession, before it...
47To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, [15 March 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
By Virtue of the several Acts, the one entitled “An Act for raising and adding another regiment to the military establishment of the United States and for making further provision for the protection of the frontiers,” and the other entitled “An Act making an appropriation for the purpose therein mentioned,” I do hereby authorise and empower you by yourself or any other person or persons to...
48To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, [15 March 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
Having thought fit, pursuant to the powers vested in me by the Act intitled “An Act repealing after the last day of June next the duties heretofore laid upon distilled Spirits imported from abroad and laying others in their stead, & also upon spirits distilled within the United States and for appropriating the same” to divide the United States into the following fourteen districts, namely one...
49From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 15 March 1791 (Washington Papers)
Having thought fit, pursuant to the powers vested in me by the Act intitled “An Act repealing after the last day of June next the duties heretofore laid upon distilled Spirits imported from abroad and laying others in their stead & also upon spirits distilled within the United States and for appropriating the same” to divide the United States into the following fourteen districts namely one to...
50From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 15 March 1791 (Washington Papers)
By Virtue of the several Acts, the one entitled “An Act for raising and adding another regiment to the military establishment of the United States and for making further provision for the protection of the frontiers,” and the other entitled “An Act making an appropriation for the Purpose therein mentioned,” I do hereby authorise and empower you by yourself or any other person or persons to...