4401To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Forrest, John Nicholson, and Others, Public Creditors, 6 May 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, May 6, 1791. In a letter dated May 27, 1791 , and addressed to “Thomas Forrest, John Nicholson and others, Public Creditors,” Hamilton wrote: “I have received your letter of the sixth instant.” Letter not found. ] Forrest was “a purchaser of certificates and paper money” (Clement Biddle, The Philadelphia Directory [Philadelphia, 1791], 42). Nicholson was comptroller general of...
4402To Alexander Hamilton from Joseph Hardy, 6 May 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, Comptroller’s Office, May 6, 1791. “On examining the Accounts of John Halsted, Collector of the Customs, for the District of Perth Amboy, from 1st. October to 31st. December 1790, it appears, that he has collected duties on American coasting Vessels, under 20 Tons burthen, at the rate of 6 Cents per Ton, per annum, to the amount of 29 Ds. 04 Cts. with which he has credited...
4403To Alexander Hamilton from Nathan Keais, 6 May 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Yours of the 14th & 15th Ulto I have duly received together with the last Acts of Congress. I shall as Soon as Possible and on the best terms I am able Contract with Some Person of Ability to build & Compleat the revenue Cutter. In your Letter of the 14th Ulto. you Say, on the receipt of this Letter you will Proceed to Contract with Suitable Persons for the erecting or fixing and Keeping up...
4404From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 6 May 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I have transmitted the accounts enclosed in your letter of the 27 Ultimo to the Auditor of the Treasury. The stock which you fund in the Massachusetts office you will cause to be transferred to the Treasury, and for this purpose you will make application to Mr Appleton, the Commissioner of Loans. As the loan office certificates can be funded at the Treasury, it will be best that you transmit...
4405From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Jefferson, 7 May 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury has the honor to inform the Secretary of State that there are in the bank of North America Bills at ten days sight for the sum of 32.175 Guilders, which the Cashier is directed to hold for him. A warrant is enclosed for the sum of 13000 dolls. in his favor, the money for which is intended to procure those bills for the purpose of obtaining a recognition of the...
4406To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 7 May 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letters of the 11 & 14 of last month. Concluding from Mr. Shorts statement of his negotiation in Amsterdam, and from the opinions offered in your letters of the 11th., that the loan has been obtained on the best terms practicable, and that its application in the manner you propose will be the most advantageous to the United States, I do hereby signify my approbation of...
4407From Alexander Hamilton to Joshua Wentworth, 7 May 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, May 7, 1791. On September 7, 1791, Wentworth wrote to Hamilton : “Your letters of the 7th May & 22d June were duly received.” Letter of May 7 not found. ] Wentworth was supervisor of the revenue for the District of New Hampshire.
4408To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 8 May 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Charleston [ South Carolina ] May 8, 1791 . “Mr. Cogdell, the Collector of Georgetown appearing on enquiry a proper person to be appointed Inspector of Excise for that Survey, you will signify his appointment to that Office.… Capt. Robert Cochran seems in all respects best qualified to command the revenue Cutter on this station, and I have in consequence appointed him to that Office.…” LC ,...
4409From Alexander Hamilton to Nathaniel Appleton, 9 May 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, May 9, 1791. Letter listed in dealer’s catalogue. Letter not found. ] LS , sold by Stan V. Henkels, Jr., April 6, 1922, Lot 221.
4410From Alexander Hamilton to Pierpont Edwards, 9 May 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Your account being allowed and certified by the District Judge must be forwarded to the Auditor of the Treasury, who will put it in a course of adjustment according to the forms of the Treasury. You ought also to empower some person on the spot to receive and remit to you the amount of your account. The remittance can commonly be negotiated by a draught on one of your Collectors. I am with...
4411To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 9 May 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the 27th. of last month. Always attentive to the business of the Cession of the Light-House &c I applied to leading members of the House, a bill was preferred at the Session which began and finished last week. It passed the Lower House unanimously, but it was stopped in the Upper House; by the opposition made to it principally by the Governour, who as I am...
4412From Alexander Hamilton to Andrew Porter, 9 May 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I have concluded to comply with the request contained in your Letter of the 23d of April last and have given directions Accordingly. In doing this I merely yield to a disposition to Accomodate as much as may be in my power to the wishes of Individuals, convinced that what is directed to be done can make no difference in the legal effect of the Transaction. I am Sir Your Obedt Servant Copy,...
4413From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, 9 May 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I am desirous of making a further payment to Mr William Hill, of five thousand Dollars on account of his contract for cloathing for the Troops. The Bank of New York will oblige me by making him a payment of that sum, & taking his receipt for the same, as on that account. This sum will be charged, during the vacancy of the Comptroller’s Office, to the seperate account for the United States, as...
4414From Alexander Hamilton to William Short, 9 May 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Since mine to you of the 13th. of April, I have received your several letters of the eighteenth and thirtieth of December, the fifteenth of January, the seventh, seventeenth and twenty second of february. Thanking you for the copious information they contain, I assure you, that the further developement of the business has increased my satisfaction with the course you have pursued. The issue of...
4415From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Smith, 9 May 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, May 9, 1791. On June 8, 1791, Hamilton wrote to Smith : “You will perceive on reexamination that you have misconceived the instruction contained in my letter of the 9th Ulto.” Letter not found. ]
4416To Alexander Hamilton from Martha Walker, 9 May 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Boston, May 9, 1791. On July 2, 1791, Hamilton wrote to Martha Walker and referred to “your letter of the 9th of May.” Letter not found. ] Martha Walker was a widow and a resident of Boston.
4417To Alexander Hamilton from Charles Weissenfels and George P. Weissenfels, Junior, 9 May 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, May 9, 1791. Seek to obtain either a Government appointment or a pension for their father. LS , in writing of George P. Weissenfels, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Charles Weissenfels is listed in the New York City directory for 1790 as living at “old Hobuck ferry house, Corporation dock.” His brother George’s occupation is given as “conveyancer” and his address as 24 King...
4418To Alexander Hamilton from Joseph Whipple, 9 May 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Portsmouth, New Hampshire, May 9, 1791. “I this day recd from the Collector Benj Lincoln Esqr. of Boston 12 ps Canvas which I presume are intended for Sails for the Cutter. I had engaged the Canvas of the Mafactory here but have now Countermanded it.… Be pleased to advise what articles for equiping the Vessel or for Stores are to be forwarded that I may avoid making unnecessary purchases.” LC...
4419To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 9 May 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Baltimore, May 9, 1791. “I transmit you a copy of a report of the Surveyor of this district respecting a compari[s] on of Dycas’s Hydrometer with the Substitute. This is the first report which I have received upon the subject, and in consequence have directed the Surveyor to discontinue the use of the Substitute.” ADfS , RG 53, “Old Correspondence,” Baltimore Collector, National Archives. This...
4420To Alexander Hamilton from Nathaniel Appleton, 10 May 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Boston, May 10, 1791. “I had the honor to write you 3 instant & … I have receivd yours of 28 April in which you wish me to draw on the Treasury for the amount thereof agreably to which I have this day drawn on the Treasury two drafts … one for 375 Dollrs the amount of my last Quater’s Salary & the other for 873 66/100 the amount of the Account of Expenditures for Clerkship & Stationary.…” LC ,...
4421To Alexander Hamilton from Richard Cuyler, 10 May 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Albany, May 10, 1791. “My Father (Mr. Jacob Cuyler). has shewn me your polite Favor to him of 8th. Apl. by which observe you continue to hold his Application in Veiw, but that nothing had yet Occurred. With Regard to an Office, of Collector of the Revenue, would with pleasure Accept, should I be so fortunate, as to be favored therewith.…” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Letter not...
4422To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 10 May 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Providence, May 10, 1791. Encloses returns “of the Vessels built within this District.” Acknowledges receipt of “One of Dicas’s Hydrometers.” ADfS , Rhode Island Historical Society, Providence; copy, RG 56, Letters from the Collector at Providence, National Archives.
4423To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Smith, 10 May 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia ] May 10, 1791 . “… I am nearly out of Indents, the Comptroller of this State informs me that about 300,000 Dolls. more will pay the Interest on the Certificates belonging to Individuals yet remaining in his Hands. I am honored with your favor 2nd April.…” LC , RG 53, Pennsylvania State Loan Office, Letter Book, 1790–1794, Vol. “615–P,” National Archives. For background to the...
4424To Alexander Hamilton from Joseph Whipple, 10 May 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Portsmouth, New Hampshire, May 10, 1791. On May 17, 1791, Whipple wrote to Hamilton and referred to “My last letter (May 10th).” Letter not found. ]
4425To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 12 May 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Providence, May 12, 1791. Encloses “weekly Return of Cash” and “Two Drafts of the Treasr.” Acknowledges receipt of a “Thermometer, forwarded by the Collr. of New York.” ADfS , Rhode Island Historical Society, Providence; copy, RG 56, Letters from the Collector at Providence, National Archives.
4426Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 13 May 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I find instances that have occurred in some of the Custom-houses, of receiving the duties on goods by estimates formed upon the invoices, or the statements of the Masters and Owners of the vessels, and by other means than actual gauging, weighing, measuring, &c. This, it is manifest, is not conformable to law, and may lead to practices very injurious to the revenue. Neither is it necessary to...
4427To Alexander Hamilton from Nathaniel Appleton, 15 May 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I wrote you 10 instant, at which time I drew on the Treasury for the amount of my last Quarters Salary & expenditures for the two first Quarters—Since which I am favoured with your circular Letter 2d. instant. In answer I have to inform you that I have never issued a single Certificate to a nonsubscriber in exchang for Old Emisso. money or Indents of Interest. I have issued only one...
4428Conversation with George Backwith, [15 May 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
7 “If the United States were at war with a great or respectable nation, the case would be different, a foreign mediation under certain circumstances might be desirable; in that case, the manner of the application would be official, and of course not to any public officer of that country abroad, but to the administration at home; on the present occasion, the thing in its existing shape is...
4429To Alexander Hamilton from Philip Schuyler, 15 May 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
A few days after the receipt of your favor covering letters for the Supervizor of Vermont and Mr Jacob Cuyler I wrote you and my Eliza, but as I have not had a line from you since I fear my letters have not come to hand. I entreated Eliza to let me know when she would set out from Philadelphia for this place, that I might engage a good and discreet master of an Albany Sloop to bring her to...
4430To Alexander Hamilton from Caleb Gibbs, 16 May 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I have been honored by your much esteemed favour of the 20th. Ulto. With the most pungent greif did I read your Letter respecting Mr. Tracy’s affair. It is to much for me to relate. Nay My good Hamilton (excuse the freedom) it fairly unmanned me. And what is still more effecting to me, to see my amiable wife looking over the Letter and exclaiming is it possible, is it possible Mr. Gibbs that...
4431To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 16 May 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Providence, May 16, 1791. “There being but one Public Boat in this District and that Constantly employed by the Inspector at the Port of Pawtuxet and so down the Bay, I find it Necessary that a Suitable one with Sails should be provided for the use of the Surveyor and Inspectors of this Port, to go on Board of Vessels, and particularly such as are frequently detained (by head winds &c.) for...
4432To Alexander Hamilton from William Seton, 16 May 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Agreably to your desire Mr Hill has been paid Five thousand Dollars for which enclosed you have his receipt. Of the Bills on Amsterdam 23,000 Guilders are sold; and offer is now made to take to the amount of 100,000 Dollars worth, for the one half of which a Deposit of Stocks would be made and for the other half Notes with sufficient Endorsers. To comply with this proposition, we shall want...
4433To Alexander Hamilton from Stephen Van Rensselaer, 16 May 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the 25 of April I received and have endeavoured to obtain the information you required. Respecting John Burk he was a Soldier in Col. Willets Regiment & did on the 8 of March execute a power of Attorney to A. Holbrook but says that he received only two Dollars & wishes to revoke the power if possible. With respect to E. Lewis I could not learn whether he gave a similar power he...
4434To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 17 May 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Boston, May 17, 1791. “Your several favours of the 14th ulto & of the 4 & 6 instant have been received. Your first, the Circular, appears to be intended to those officers who conceive themselves insufficiently compensated. As I am not in that class I conclude no report will be expected from me.… The duck for the four Cutters has been forwarded agreeably to your directions.…” LC , Massachusetts...
4435To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 17 May 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Providence, May 17, 1791. “I was honored, by the last Post, with your circular Letter of the 14th of April, on the Subject of a Statement of the Monies received, and Expenses paid, by the Officers of the Revenue in this District, for the Four quarters in the Year 1790; but as a Year will not be compleated with us until the 21st of June next, I beg leave respectfully to suggest the propriety of...
4436To Alexander Hamilton from Joseph Whipple, 17 May 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Portsmouth, New Hampshire, May 17, 1791. “… My last letter (May 10th) Stated the amount of the first moiety of Invalid Pensioners in New Hampshire at 1661 ⁹⁸⁄₁₀₀ Dolls. This Should have been 1660 ⁹⁶⁄₁₀₀ Dolls. which last mentioned Sum is the precise amount of the Said moiety deducting the Sum of 376 ³⁵⁄₁₀₀ Dolls. paid by the State to those Pensioners.” LC , RG 36, Collector of Customs at...
4437To Alexander Hamilton from Richard Wylly, [17 May 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
[ May 17, 1791. ] “I have the honor of enclosing you the affidavit of Mr. John Wereat, Auditor of this State, respecting the late Edward Davies, who issued sundry Loan Office certificates, without, I believe, any authority: as I can receive no answer from our Governor, to whom I writ long since on this subject.…” Copy, RG 233, Reports of the Treasury Department, 1792–1793, Vol. III, National...
4438To Alexander Hamilton from John Habersham, 20 May 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 31st of March last. I shall observe what you have directed in regard to Captain Backhouse, should the decision be against him. When the Legislature have their next meeting, I shall use my best endeavors to obtain a Cession of the Light House to the United States. In the mean time I have to inform you, that the additions and repairs to...
4439To Alexander Hamilton from John H. Livingston, 20 May 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, May 20, 1791. “I am very sorry to be under the necessity of troubling you with inclosed paper to which your signature is necessary. Our Legislature broke up so soon after we recd. the necessary document for freeing you from this, that it was not in our power to get an Act for that purpose, but it shall be done at the next Sessions. In the mean while we will tresspass upon your time...
4440To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 20 May 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
While at Charleston I appointed Robert Cochran of that place to command the revenue cutter for the station of South Carolina, & empowered him, with the approbation of the Governor & general Moultrie, to appoint his mates. I have appointed John Howell Commander —Hendricks Fisher, first mate, and John Wood second mate of the revenue cutter to be stationed on the coast of Georgia. You will...
4441To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 23 May 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Newport, Rhode Island ] May 23, 1791 . “On the 16th. of this month I received your Circular letter of the 14th. of Aprl. last.… The Tare allowed in this District is calculated upon every One hundred and twelve pounds, and this was the practice in this State before it adopted the new Constitution. The merchants here have lately objected to this mode of taring, and say that the allowance ought...
4442To Alexander Hamilton from John McComb, Junior, 23 May 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
[ May 23, 1791. On June 8, 1791, Hamilton wrote to McComb and referred to “your letter of the 23rd of May.” Letter not found. ]
4443To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 23 May 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor, now, to enclose you an acct. of the emoluments and disbursements of my office for the year 1790. The compensation of the Collector, you will observe, is small; and, when compared to the multifarious duties required of him, disproportioned to his services. A general view of the laws respecting duties will show that the Collector is, in his district, principally responsible for...
4444Enclosure: Account Statement, [23 May 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
Fees from the 1 January to the 31 March inclusive 274.18 Commission as allowed in a/c at the Treasury 90.30 364.48 Fees from 1st April to the 30 June inclusive 427.62 Commission allowed in a/c at the Treasury 294.36 721.98 Fees from 1st July to the 30 Septr. inclusive 298.30 Commission—in a/c at Treasury 62.15 360.45 Fees from 1st October to 31 Decemr. inclusive 337.14 Commission—in a/c at...
4445To Alexander Hamilton from Richard Harison, 24 May 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Having attentively considered the Questions contained in your letter of the 26th. Ultimo, I am fully of opinion that the power to pardon which the Constitution has vested in the President of the United States cannot extend to affect the rights of Individuals. The principles of the Common Law of England upon this Subject appear to be founded in good sense and I think must govern where-ever they...
4446To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Knox, 24 May 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
War Department, May 24, 1971. “I have the honor to inform you, that Messrs: Smith and Shepherd have completed their contract of clothing for the levies, and that Mr: Hodgdon, the quarter master, has receipted to them for the same.…” Copy, RG 217, Miscellaneous Treasury Accounts, 1790–1894, Account No. 1339, National Archives. The firm of Robert Smith and John Shepherd (Shepard, Sheppard) had...
4447From Alexander Hamilton to Pierre Charles L’Enfant, 24 May 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I received in due time your letter of the 8th. of April; an early acknowlegement of which has been prevented by the hurry of business. I thank you much for the full communication you have made me concerning the intended seat of Government, and will be obliged by a continuance of your observations and such further information as the progress of your operations may render interesting. You will...
4448To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 24 May 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Providence, May 24, 1791. “I have been favored with a Letter from Mr. Coxe of the 13th instant, covering a copy of a circular Letter, relative to Tare &c., intended to be transmitted to the several Collectors. The Contents of which, tending to establish an uniform Practice in the collection of the Revenue, afford me much pleasure; and I shall speedily forward the Information required,...
4449From Alexander Hamilton to William Short, 24 May 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
The President of the United States has signified to me his pleasure, that I should revoke that part of your instructions which confines you to opening loans for no greater sum, at a time, than one million of dollars and which restrains you from opening a subsequent loan till the one preceding has received his approbation; and has also instructed me to authorise you to open each future loan for...
4450From Alexander Hamilton to Jabez Bowen, 25 May 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I have directed the Treasurer to forward to you drafts payable to you or your order for six thousand Dollars towards paying the ensuing Quarters Interest. These drafts, which will be transmitted with proper blanks, may be directed either to Tench Francis Esquire, Cashier of the Bank of North America, or to William Seton Esquire, Cashier of the Bank of New York or to the respective Collectors...