From Alexander Hamilton to Richard Harrison, 10 September 1794
To Richard Harrison1
Treasury Department
September 10th 1794
Sir
Inclosed I transmit herewith, an Account of Mr. Le Maigres2 against the United States for the hire of his Vessell to carry Mr. Higginson, who was appointed by the President of the United States, Agent to go to the British West India Islands, on the subject of the American Vessells captured by the British Cruizers since the commencement of the War between France and England which Account you will be pleased to have adjusted with all possible dispatch.
The admission of the charge of forty Dollars noted at the foot of the account, must depend upon the question whether the United States are liable to make good expences of that Nature.
The only deduction to be made from the Account that I know of at present is the Sum of One hundred and seventeen Dollars credited by Mr. Le Maigre.3
I am with Consideration Sir Your most Obedt. Servt
A Hamilton
Richard Harrison Esqr
Auditor of the Treasury
LS, RG 217, Miscellaneous Treasury Accounts, 1790–1894, Account No. 5932, National Archives.
1. For background to this letter and information on Nathaniel C. Higginson’s mission to the West Indies, see “Cabinet Meeting. Opinion on a Request for a Passport,” April 2, 1794; H to George Washington, April 2, August 14, 1794; “Conversation with George Hammond, “April 15–16, 1794; H to Higginson, April 16, 1794; Edmund Randolph to H, September 5, 1794.
2. Peter Le Maigre.
3. On June 9, 1794, Tench Coxe wrote to Edmund Randolph and enclosed “an extract from the Note at the foot of Mr. Le Maigre’s Charter party” (ALS, RG 59, Miscellaneous Letters, 1790–1799, National Archives). The extract reads: “Mr. Higginson, the public Agent of the united States, is authorized to pay from time to time to the Captain … of the above named brig Molly during her voyage such sums of money as he shall find necessary for her use, provided the said payment shall not exceed the sum due for her hire.
April 17th 1794
P Lemaigre.”
“Ap 17th 1794 Directed Mr Higginson to make advances accordingly. A H.” (Copy, RG 59, Miscellaneous Letters, 1790–1799, National Archives.)