2251From Alexander Hamilton to Gouverneur Morris, [7 April 1784] (Hamilton Papers)
Pardon me My Dr. Sir for not sooner having obeyed your orders with respect to the inclosed. I part with it reluctantly; for that is so rare an article, that when we get so much of it in so small a compass we can not easily consent to be dispossessed of it. I am very happy to hear of the union of your two banks; for you will believe me when I tell you, that on more deliberate consideration, I...
2252Second Letter from Phocion, [April 1784] (Hamilton Papers)
The little hasty production, under the signature of Phocion , has met with a more favourable reception from the public, than was expected. The force of plain truth has carried it along against the stream of prejudice; and the principles, it holds out, have gained ground, in spite of the opposition of those, who were either too angry, or too much interested to be convinced. Men of this...
2253To Alexander Hamilton from John Chaloner, 1 May 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed you have Captn Wades recet for the Box I reced of the Consul of france which I hope will come safe to hand. I shall write you on the Subject of the Bank as soon as I am well informd of the business transacted Yesterday at a meeting of the Stockholders. I have not a doubt but that the money can be better employed & with equal security. I am Sir Your most Obdt Servt LC , Historical...
2254To Alexander Hamilton from John B. Church, 2 May 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
I have within a few Days Received your Favors of the 7th & 18th Feby. and 6th March. I am sorry to see the Proprietors of the old Bank at Philada. have acted so weak a Part as to cause an unnecessary Opposition; I fear they will by the Conduct they have pursued decrease their future Dividends, and I really believe the new Bank will be more beneficial than the old. The Establishment of the New...
2255To Alexander Hamilton from John Campbell, 10 May 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
I am happy to have the Satisfaction to Inform you that If I could by any means find a Safe Opportunity at Present I have in my power to remit you the Cash to pay those people that you was my Security too. As I only arrived here the 29th. of last Month, I beg you may not think it Strange you not Recd. the mony by this. I hope you’ll rest assured that when ever I can with any Safety Send it to...
2256From Alexander Hamilton to John B. Church, 16 May 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, May 16, 1784. On the envelope of a letter that Church wrote to Hamilton on February 7, 1784 , Hamilton wrote: “From & to Mr. Carter May 16, 1784.” Letter not found. ]
2257From Alexander Hamilton to Hugh Knox, 17 May 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, May 17, 1784. On July 28, 1784, Knox wrote to Hamilton : “After a long long Chasm in Our Epistolary Intercourse, I received your favour of the 17th. of May last.” Letter not found. ]
2258From Alexander Hamilton to John Chaloner, [17–]18 May 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
By this post will come to you a letter from General Schuyler, in which you will perceive he has desired me to draw upon you for a sum of money. The object is to pay for a lot purchased for Mr Carter. The amount of the sum wanted is £2800 this Currency. A bill upon Philadelphia cannot be sold here ⟨without⟩ considerable discount. I am therefore to request you will forward it by trusty persons...
2259To Alexander Hamilton from John Chaloner, 26 May 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
Yours of the 18 Inst came duly to hand I have expectation of a bill on your City for the amt of your first payment or thereabouts. I shall certainly receive it in a day or two & will forward it immediately. The Present situation of the Bank is unknown to any but the directors thereof. What has occasioned the late embarrassments is also unknown. They are so far surmounted as to enable them to...
2260To Alexander Hamilton from Matthew Visscher, 27 May 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
May 27, 1784. Lists persons against whom judgments have been entered under the Confiscation Law. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Visscher was an Albany lawyer who was clerk of the city and county of Albany.
2261To Alexander Hamilton from Egbert Benson, 28 May 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
May 28, 1784. “There is an Ejectment depending in the Supreme Court for Lands in this County for the Family of the Rooseboom’s agt: Pearsall Brown, in which the Lessors of the Plf: request You will consider Yourself retained as Council on their Behalf.… I have a similar Request to you from the Devisees of Catharine Brett, who claim a considerable Tract in the Rumbout Precinct in this County...
2262To Alexander Hamilton from John Chaloner, 31 May 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed you have a list of sundry bills Exchd herewith. Should any of the Persons on whom Mr Macarty has drawn decline acceptance because of the time: You have his consent to grant them any indulgence on this head. I have forwarded them to you because he has confidence that they will be paid & if so will prevent my sending on Money and also because he is a particular acquaintance of our...
2263From Alexander Hamilton to Egbert Benson, 8 June 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, June 8, 1784. The catalogue description of a letter to Benson from Hamilton reads: “Mainly on legal business, concluding: ‘No thing new here except that the Whigs by way of eminence (as they distinguish themselves) are degenerating fast into a very peaceable set of people.’” Letter not found. ] ALS , sold at Anderson Galleries, May 9, 1912, Lot 65.
2264From Alexander Hamilton to Marquis de Chastellux, [14 June 1784] (Hamilton Papers)
Colonel Clarkeson, who will have the honor of delivering you this, being already known to you, I give him this letter more for the sake of renewing to you the assurances of my attachment and esteem, than from a supposition that he will stand in need of any new title to your attention. I will therefore only say of him that his excellent qualities cannot be known without interesting those to...
2265To Alexander Hamilton from John B. Church, 15 June 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
I arrived here three Days since, and cannot let slip the Opportunity which the Departure of the Marquis de la Fayette offers me to drop you a Line. I cannot say how long I shall remain here, but I shall not exceed next week, unless a Treaty that Wadsworth and myself are about entering on with the Farmers General to supply them with Tobacco should take Place in which Case I may be detained here...
2266From Alexander Hamilton to James Bowne, 17 June 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, June 17, 1784. Requests that Bowne “Let me know if you please Whether Philip Palmer and Joseph Palmer are both alive or not, and whether Mr. Leonard Lawrence is Executor or Administrator to his father.” Letter not found. ] ALS , sold at American Art Association Galleries, November 24, 1924, Lot 329. Bowne was a member of the firm of Bowne and Company of New York City, stationers...
2267From Alexander Hamilton to John B. Church, 18 June 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, June 18, 1784. On July 24, 1784, Church wrote to Hamilton : “Two Days since Coll Clarkson arrived and brought me your Favor of the 18th June.” Letter not found. ]
2268From Alexander Hamilton to Hugh Seton, 18 June 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
I have been duely honored with your letter of the 30th of March; and am much flattered by the confidence you have reposed in me. I should with pleasure have undertaken to execute your wishes had I been in a situation that left me at liberty to do it; but it has happened that Mr. Wilkes sometime since applied to me on the same subject; and though I was not absolutely retained by him, yet as I...
2269To Alexander Hamilton from Clement Richard, 24 June 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, June 24, 1784. Discusses a legal controversy between Richard and Gommes. Agrees to give half of any damages received from Gommes to the New York City poorhouse. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. This letter is in French. Richard was a merchant of Santo Domingo. This could be either Isaac Gomez or Moses Gomez, both of whom were New York City merchants.
2270To Alexander Hamilton from Matthew Visscher, 29 June 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
June 29, 1784. Sends information on judgments entered against Joshua de St. Croix and James Leonard. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
2271To Alexander Hamilton from Gouverneur Morris, 30 June 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
This is rather a late Period to acknowlege yours of the seventh of April. I have lived in the constant Intention to answer it & I now execute my Purpose. But why not sooner? Procrastination is the Thief of Time says Doctor Young. I meant to have written fully on the Subject of the Gold. But I waited some Informations from Annapolis on the Probability of a Mint. I afterwards intended a long...
2272To Alexander Hamilton from Ezekiel Forman, 4 July 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, July 4, 1784. Asks for information concerning an act of the New York legislature “relative to debts due to persons who were Residents of Your State, and whose Estates have been forfeited.” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Forman had been a New Jersey Loyalist who joined the British army. He was taken prisoner and later released in Pennsylvania. When this letter was...
2273To Alexander Hamilton from John Chaloner, 14 July 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed you have Mr Peter Whiteside’s draft on Messrs. James Buckannan & Co. for One thousand Dollars at six days Sight, Mr Thomas Irwin on Captn Geo Geddes at 5 days sight for twenty three pounds 9/2, & James Bowne on William Bowne at twenty days for seventy five dollars, making on the whole four hundred twenty six pounds 11/8 which I doubt not will meet due honour. This I have charg’d to Mr...
2274From Alexander Hamilton to Richard Varick, 23 July 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York ] July 23, 1784 . “Mr. Laurance & myself who have been retained by Mr. R. Smith being about to leave Town, I have recommended Mr. Smith to you in our absence.” ALS , Humanities Research Center, The University of Texas. Varick was recorder for New York City. John Laurance, a New York lawyer.
2275To Alexander Hamilton from John B. Church, 24 July 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
I wrote you last from France by M de la Fayette two Days since Coll Clarkson arrived and brought me your Favor of the 18th June. I am glad to find by him that your violent Party in New York begins to moderate. I hope shortly that Humanity and good Policy will replace Violence and Folly. If the Bank is not solidly established I do not wish to be concerned in it. Wadsworth is gone to Ireland...
2276From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [28–31 July 1784] (Hamilton Papers)
I arrived here My beloved Betsey the fifth day after we set out, the three first days with every favourable circumstance but the two last through very bad weather. I am however as well as I can be absent from you and my darling boy —nor was I ever more impatient to be at home. I can have little pleasure elsewhere. I hope and persuade myself My Betsey is not less desirous for my return....
2277To Alexander Hamilton from Hugh Knox, 28 July 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
After a long long Chasm in Our Epistolary Intercourse, I received your favour of the 17th. of May last by the hands of Mr. Beekman. That Gentleman’s General Account of you has given me, & your other friends here, a vast deal of pleasure. For, believe me, I have always had a just & secret pride in having Advised you to go to America, & in having recommended you to Some of my old friends there;...
2278To Alexander Hamilton from Hugh Seton, 1 August 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
[ England, August 1, 1784. On February 2, 1785, Seton wrote to Hamilton : “I only trouble you with these few Lines to mention the Earnest Wish I have to hear of your Receipt of Mine of 1st. August.” Letter not found. ]
2279To Alexander Hamilton from Marquis de Fleury, [4 August 1784] (Hamilton Papers)
Colonel fleury’s Complimens, to his former friend Colonel hamilton; he has written several Letters to him from the west indias, & france, but Received no answer. & he tis now going to take the Command of a Regiment at the island of france, & does not expect to hear from him, but he shall for ever remember with pleasure, that Col. hamilton was a friend of his in america, & wish him all kinds of...
2280From Alexander Hamilton to Ezekiel Forman, 4 August 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, August 4, 1784. On October 18, 1784, Forman wrote to Hamilton : “I am favored with your Letter of the 20th past and … one written the 4th. August.” Letter of August 4 not found. ]
2281From Alexander Hamilton to Samuel Blachley Webb, [7 August 1784] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton requests the pleasure of General Webbes Company at dinner on Monday at four oClock. AL , Yale University Library. Webb was a native of Connecticut who before his retirement from the Army in 1783 had been made a brigadier general. Webb settled in New York City after the war. This letter is undated but the endorsement reads: “7th. August 1784.”
2282From Alexander Hamilton to John Chaloner, [14 August 1784] (Hamilton Papers)
I received in due time your letter of 14 of July. The bills sent by you which have been paid and will be paid are on James & Alex Stewart £ 600 ditto 300 on Delafield 149. 4 James Buchanan & Co 400 on Cap G. Geddes 23. 9.2 William Bowne 30 1502.13.2 The Drafts on Lowe and Woodward I return by Mr. Mc.Cartys desire who will have explained to you. The ballance due on the lot will...
2283To Alexander Hamilton from John Chaloner, 27 August 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the 14th Inst was deliverd to me late last evening, incloseing Messrs Traceys obligation. I shall inform their agent and get the Shares transferd immediately. I will forward the money you request in the course of next week. Mr Church wrote me sometime in Feby last that I should receive by the Dauphin three boxes, two marked JBC—and one marked PS—which is a box of garden seeds...
2284From Alexander Hamilton to Samuel Blachley Webb, [30 August 1784] (Hamilton Papers)
Col Hamilton will do himself the pleasure to dine with General Web tomorrow AL , Yale University Library.
2285To Alexander Hamilton from John Trumbull, 4 September 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
Hartford, September 4, 1784. “On receiving your letter I was sorry to find, that you had not mentioned the names of those Merchants, who compose the firm of Turnbull, Marmie & Co.—without which, you are sensible, that any Writ I could draw must abate. I have not been able to discover them by my enquiries in this place; but fearing least the Property mentioned in Mr. Duer’s letter might be...
2286From Alexander Hamilton to Ezekiel Forman, 20 September 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, September 20, 1784. On October 18, 1784, Forman wrote to Hamilton : “I am favored with your Letter of the 20th past.” Letter not found. ]
2287To Alexander Hamilton from John B. Church, 25 September 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
It is an age since I had the Pleasure of Receiving a line from you altho’ several Vessells have lately arrived from New York. By the Mentor Captn. Lawton I sent you address’d to the Care of Mr. Nathl. Shalor a Machine for the Purpose of copying writings with Paper Ink and every Thing belonging to it, I wish you may find it of Use to you. Mrs. Church has spent six weeks at Yarmouth and bathed...
2288To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 30 September 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, September 30, 1784. Encloses legal papers to be used by Hamilton in “execution of the will of … John Holt, late of New-York printer deceased.” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. After the war Pickering, a native of Massachusetts, settled in Philadelphia where he became a merchant.
2289From Alexander Hamilton to Samuel Blachley Webb, [September 1784] (Hamilton Papers)
Colo Hamilton presents his compliments to Genl Webb requests the favor of his company to dinner on saturday next at four OClock. Letter in unidentified handwriting, Yale University Library.
2290To Alexander Hamilton from Marquis de Lafayette, 8 October 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
With all the warmth of my long and tender friendship I Congratulate You Upon the Birth of Your daughter, and Beg leave to present Mrs Hamilton With my most Affectionate Respects. Several delays Have Retarded the Oppening of the treaty and When I was Upon the Ground, it Has Been found that my influence with the Indians Both friendly and Hostile tribes, was much Greater than the Commissioners...
2291Petition of the President, Directors, and Stockholders of the Bank of New York, 8 October 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, October 8, 1784. On this date the President, Directors, and Stockholders of the Bank of New York petitioned “the Honorable The Representatives of the State of New York in Senate and Assembly convened” for the passage of “an Act to incorporate the Subscribers to the said Bank by the Name and Stile of the President Directors and Company of the Bank of New York.” The petition set forth...
2292Baron von Steuben to James Duane, [11 October 1784] (Hamilton Papers)
The flattering token of their regard with which the Mayor Recorder & Alderman of the metropolis of a state distinguished for its exertions in the late revolution have honored me, derives additional value from the characters of the respectable individuals who compose that body and from the very obliging manner in which it is conferred. The degree of my zeal for the common cause of America will...
2293To Alexander Hamilton from Ezekiel Forman, 18 October 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, October 18, 1784. “I am favored with your letter of the 20th past and … one written the 4th. August. I want you to Write Wade and [John] Philips of Philadelphia, demanding payment of their Bond.” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Neither letter has been found.
2294To Alexander Hamilton from Marquis de Lafayette, 22 October 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
Every step I move there Comes upon me a Happy Necessity to Change my plans. The Reception I met with in Boston no Words Can describe—at least it is impossible to Express what I Have felt. Gratitude as well as propriety Conspired With all other inducements to keep me Here Some time longer. Rhode island and New Hampshire I must visit—and intend embarking By the first or second day of next month...
2295From Alexander Hamilton to John Chaloner, [11 November 1784] (Hamilton Papers)
Mrs. Renselaaer has requested me to write to you concerning a negro, Ben, formerly belonging to Mrs. Carter who was sold for a term of years to Major Jackson. Mrs. Church has written to her sister that she is very desirous of having him back again; and you are requested if Major Jackson will part with him to purchase his remaining time for Mrs. Church and to send him on to me. There are also...
2296Introductory Note: To Francisco de Miranda, [23 November 1784] (Hamilton Papers)
According to his biographer ( Robertson, The Life of Miranda William S. Robertson, The Life of Miranda (Chapel Hill, 1929). , I, 43), Miranda, while in New York City in 1784, devised a plan for the liberation of Venezuela which he revealed to Henry Knox and Hamilton. In the Miranda papers there are four lists of names, three of which are in the writing of Hamilton, and one of which is in an...
2297From Alexander Hamilton to Francisco de Miranda, [23 November 1784] (Hamilton Papers)
Note of Mr. hamilton General Washington. General Du Portail..! Major general Green.—! General Wayne. General Knox.—! General Williams. General St. Clair. Colonel Dearborn.! General M Dougall. Colonel Brook! Marquis Lafayette. Colonel Putnam.! Major général Baron de Steuben.! Colonel hull. D , Academia Nacional de la Historia, Caracas, Venezuela. AD , Academia Nacional de la Historia. AD
2298To Alexander Hamilton from John Chaloner, 25 November 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed you have bill of Lading for two boxes remaining in my care for Mr Church. I suppose these must contain the several articles wanted by the Ladies as they are the only packages in my possession that does not contain Merchandize directed for Sale. Mr Church informed me that a package would be sent by the same Vessell that brought those, containing things for his use and which he desired...
2299From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, [7 December 1784] (Hamilton Papers)
The Baron De Steuben has informed me that he is about to set out for Trenton, where he expects to make application to Congress for a final settlement of his pretensions. I feel myself so much interested in the success of his intended application, that I cannot forbear taking the liberty to recommend his case to your particular patronage. I have been an eye-witness to the services he has...
2300From Alexander Hamilton to Stephen Van Rensselaer, 9 December 1784–1788 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, December 9, 1784–1788. “My public engagements have not only left me bare of Cash but have lain me under a necessity to use my credit at the Bank as far as consisstently with delicacy in my station of director I ought to go.… The opportunities my profession gives me have taught me to consider partnerships under all circumstances as delicate and hazardous things.… I am sure for once...