From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 24 January 1793
To George Washington
Treasury Department. Jany 24 1793.
Sir,
As the Law appropriating Ten thousand Dollars for the purpose of defraying the contingent charges of Government (tho’ in that respect not very precise in it’s terms) seems to contemplate the rendering an account from time to time of the disbursement of that sum;1 I have the honor to enclose three copies of a statement to the end of the year 1792,2 in order that if it be judged expedient, one may be sent to each House of Congress.
With the highest respect and the truest attachment, I have the honor to be Sir, Your mo: Obedt, Servt.
A Hamilton
Secy. of the Treasy.
LC, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
1. This is a reference to Section 3 of “An Act making appropriations for the support of government for the year one thousand seven hundred and ninety,” which provided that “the President of the United States be authorized to draw from the treasury a sum not exceeding ten thousand dollars, for the purpose of defraying the contingent charges of government, to be paid out of the monies arising as aforesaid from the duties on imports and tonnage; and that he cause a regular statement and account of such expenditures to be laid before Congress at the end of the year” ( 105 [March 26, 1790]).