71From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 10 July 1787 (Washington Papers)
I thank you for your Communication of the 3d. When I refer you to the State of the Councils which prevailed at the period you left this City—and add, that they are now, if possible, in a worse train than ever; you will find but little ground on which the hope of a good establishment, can be formed. In a word, I almost dispair of seeing a favourable issue to the proceedings of the Convention,...
72To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 18 October 1787 (Hamilton Papers)
Your favor without date came to my hand by the last Post. It is with unfeigned concern I perceive that a political dispute has arisen between Governor Clinton and yourself. For both of you I have the highest esteem and regard. But as you say it is insinuated by some of your political adversaries, and may obtain credit, “that you palmed yourself upon me, and was dismissed from my family;” and...
73From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 18 October 1787 (Washington Papers)
Your favor without date came to my hand by the last Post. It is with unfeigned concern I perceive that a political dispute has arisen between Governor Clinton and yourself. For both of you I have the highest esteem and regard. But as you say it is insinuated by some of your political adversaries, and may obtain credit, “that you palmed yourself upon me, and was dismissed from my family”; and...
74To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 10 November 1787 (Hamilton Papers)
I thank you for the Pamphlet, and for the Gazette contained in your letter of the 30th. Ulto. For the remaining numbers of Publius, I shall acknowledge myself obliged as I am persuaded the subject will be well handled by the Author. The new Constitution has, as the public prints will have informed you, been handed to the people of this state by an unanimous vote of the Assembly; but it is not...
75From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 10 November 1787 (Washington Papers)
I thank you for the Pamphlet, and for the Gazette contained in your letter of the 30th Ult. For the remaining numbers of Publius, I shall acknowledge myself obliged, as I am persuaded the subject will be well handled by the Author. The new Constitution has, as the public prints will have informed you, been handed to the people of this state by an unanimous vote of the Assembly; but it is not...
76To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 28 August 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
I have had the pleasure to receive your letter dated the 13th.—accompanied by one addressed to General Morgan. I will forward the letter to Gener[a]l Morgan by the first conveyance, and add my particular wishes that he would comply with the request contained in it. Although I can scarcely imagine how the Watch of a British Officer, killed within their lines, should have fallen into his hands...
77From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 28 August 1788 (Washington Papers)
I have had the pleasure to receive your letter dated the 13th—accompanied by one addressed to General Morgan. I will forward the letter to Generl Morgan by the first conveyance, and add my particular wishes that he would comply with the request contained in it. Although I can scarcely imagine how the Watch of a British Officer, killed within their lines, should have fallen into his hands (who...
78To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, [3 October 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
In acknowledging the receipt of your candid and kind letter by the last Post; little more is incumbent upon me, than to thank you sincerely for the frankness with which you communicated your sentiments, and to assure you that the same manly tone of intercourse will always be more than barely wellcome, Indeed it, will be highly acceptable to me. I am particularly glad, in the present instance,...
79From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 3 October 1788 (Washington Papers)
In acknowledging the receipt of your canded and kind letter by the last Post; little more is incumbent upon me, than to thank you sincerely for the frankness with which you communicated your sentiments, and to assure you that the same manly tone of intercourse will always be more than barely wellcome, Indeed it will be highly acceptable to me. I am particularly glad, in the present instance;...
80To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, [18 October 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
A day or two ago the enclosed letters came to my hands. The watch of Genl. Morgan you have for what it cost him, what he expects for it is also signified. It is a repeater with a chaced outer case with open work in parts. The Inner case is open, nearly in the whole. It is of an old fraction make, and appears to have seen better days; perhaps its chief merits lay in being a family piece,...
81From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 18 October 1788 (Washington Papers)
A day or two ago the enclosed letters came to my hands. The watch of Genl Morgan you have for what it cost him—what he expects for it is also signified. It is a repeater with a chaced outer case with open work in parts—The Inner case is open, nearly in the whole—It is of an old fraction make, and appears to have seen better days—perhaps its chief merits lay in being a family piece, perhaps I...
82To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 6 November 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
The Count de Moustier affording a very favourable conveyance for Captn. Cochrans Watch, I have requested the favor of him to take charge of it—and he will deliver it to you accordingly with Mrs. Washington’s & my best wishes for you & Mrs. Hamilton I am Dr Sir Your Obedt. & affe Servt AL[S] , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. The Comte de Moustier, French Minister to the United States,...
83From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 6 November 1788 (Washington Papers)
The Count de Moustier affording a very favourable Conveyance for Captn Cochrans Watch, I have requested the favor of him to take charge of it—and he will deliver it to you accordingly with Mrs Washington’s & my best wishes for you & Mrs Hamilton. I am Dr Sir Your Obedt & Affe. Servt AL[S] , DLC : Hamilton Papers. See Hamilton to GW, September 1788 , and GW to Hamilton, 3 and 18 Oct. 1788 .
84To 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...
85From 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...
86To 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.
87Appointment 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...
88To 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....
89From 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...
90To 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...
91From 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...
92To 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...
93From 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...
94To 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...
95To 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,...
96From 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,...
97To 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...
98To 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...
99To 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...
100From 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...
101To 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...
102To 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...
103From 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...
104To 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...
105From 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...
106To 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.
107To 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...
108To 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...
109From 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...
110To 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...
111To 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.
112To 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 ,...
113To 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 .
114To 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...
115From 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...
116To 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...
117From 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...
118To 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...
119From 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....
120To 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. ]