121From Alexander Hamilton to John Chaloner, 2 February 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, February 2, 1785. On the back of a letter that Chaloner wrote to Hamilton on January 26, 1785, Hamilton wrote : “Answered Feby. 2d.” Letter not found. ]
122To Alexander Hamilton from Hugh Seton, 2 February 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
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 inclosing all Mr. Wilkes’s Acceptances &c as I am uneasy least they have miscarried & yet Mrs. Laurence of this Place who took the Charge of Sending them out to you tells Me that the Vessell arrived Safe; Present my best respects to Mr Maxwell to whom you recommended Me, I...
123Attendance at a Meeting of the Society for Promoting the Manumission of Slaves, 4 February 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, February 4, 1785. On this date Hamilton attended an organization meeting of the Society for Promoting the Manumission of Slaves held at the Coffee House in New York City. After the proposed constitution of the Society was read and adopted, the Society “Ordered—That Colonel Hamilton, Colonel Troup and Mr. Matlack be a Committee to Report a Line of Conduct to be recommended to the...
124From Alexander Hamilton to Walter Stewart, 21 February 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, February 21, 1785. “I have delayed answering the letter you lately wrote me in expectation of Mr. Templetons making some proposals, which it appeared to me he had some thoughts of doing, but as he has not come to any explanation, it is unnecessary to wait any longer for it. All that I can recommend to you to do, is to procure and send out all original letters or orders from Templeton...
125Committee of Accounts for Columbia College, 8 March 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, March 8, 1785. Approves an “Account of the Repairs of the Buildings of Columbia College in this City.” DS , Columbia University Libraries. H was a member of the committee of accounts for Columbia College.
126From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [10 March 1785] (Hamilton Papers)
I am requested by Mr. Oudinarde to transmit you the Inclosed Account. I observed to him that it was a little extraordinary the account had not been presented before; and that it was probable your accounts with the public had been long since closed, and that, by the delay, you may have lost the opportunity of making it a public charge, as it ought to have been. But as the person was very...
127From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Pearsall, 16 March 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
[ March 16, 1785. Pearsall wrote to Hamilton : “I have thy Letter of this date.” Letter not found. ]
128To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Pearsall, 16 March 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, March 16, 1785. “I have thy Letter of this date. I recollect thy Application to me with a Copy of Oliver Arnolds Judgment obtained against me in Rhode Island for the Outfit of my Quarter of Sloop Diana. My present Determination is … not to pay it, as … I never gave Orders either in Writing or Verbally for the outfit.” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Pearsall was a partner...
129From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, 17 March 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Chester, New York, March 17, 1785. Hamilton wrote to Elizabeth Hamilton : “I have just written to you My beloved by the person who will probably be the bearer of this.” Letter not found. ]
130From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [17 March 1785] (Hamilton Papers)
I have just written to you My beloved by the person who will probably be the bearer of this. Col Burr just tells me, that the house we live in is offered for sale at £2100. I am to request you to agree for the purchase for me, if at that price. If you cannot do better, you may engage that the whole shall be paid in three months; but I could wish to pay half in a short time and the other half...
131To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas White, 22 March 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, March 22, 1785. “[I enclose] a statement respecting the Rents (of the different Lotts on the Vineyard in dispute with the Beekmans) that we have received since the Death of my Father, which I hope will be sufficient both to you and the other Gentlemen Arbitrators of this disagreeable Business to conclude upon.” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. White was the son of Thomas...
132From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Wadsworth, 1 April 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, April 1, 1785. On April 7, 1785, Hamilton wrote to Jeremiah Wadsworth : “In mine to you of the first instant.” Letter not found. ]
133To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Wadsworth, 3 April 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received very unfavorable accounts respecting Isaac Moses & Co House in Holland. As you have the recet for our Monies I wish you inquire of him if our concerns are so involved in his matters that we shall be liable to any loss in case of his ruine by this misfortune in holland. I am Dear Sir Your very Hum Servant Have you any news from Church by ye last Packet? I have not a line. ALS ,...
134From Alexander Hamilton to ———, 7 April 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, April 7, 1785. Wishes to obtain evidence to assist Alexander Macauley in a dispute between Macauley and John Wardrop. ALS , Pequot Library, Southport, Connecticut.
135From Alexander Hamilton to The New-York Packet, [7 April 1785] (Hamilton Papers)
The Subscriber having observed his name included in some of the lists of persons proposed for the ensuing election, and being sincerely desirous of declining public office at the present juncture, thinks it proper to declare his wishes on this head, to prevent the attention of any of his fellow-citizens being diverted from persons, whose convenience and abilities will be better adapted to...
136From Alexander Hamilton to Henry Laurens, 6 April 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, April 6, 1785. On April 19, 1785, Laurens wrote to Hamilton : “I was yesterday honored by receipt of your very obliging Letter of the 6th.” Letter not found. ]
137From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Wadsworth, 7 April 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
In mine to you of the first instant I informed you that the house of Samuel and Moses Myers of Amsterdam had stopped payment in consequence of which an assignment of property had there taken place for the benefit of the English and Dutch Creditors. How far this assignment will operate cannot now be determined; as we are not sufficiently acquainted with the circumstances. It happened the Mr....
138To Alexander Hamilton from Marquis de Lafayette, 13 April 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
Altho I have just now writen to McHenry Requesting him to impart My Gazette to you, a very barren one indeed, I feel within myself a Want to tell you I love you tenderly. Your Brother Church Has sailed for America since which I Had a letter from His lady who is in very good Health. By an old letter from our friend Greene I Have Been delighted to find He consents to send His son to be educated...
139To Alexander Hamilton from David Beekman, 15 April 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, April 15, 1785. “I yesterday saw Mr. Cor[neliu]s P. Low & he is not willing to do anything, & now says the money belongs to the state. He alters his opinion often. Will you be so kind, and take this affair in your hands for me & if you think I can recover it, I beg you will.” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Beekman, member of a prominent New York merchant family, had been...
140To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Wadsworth, 17 April 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
I have this moment received a letter from you of the 7th Instant. Our concern with Moses by his sketch of an account exhibited me at New York was in sundry Vessels. I am so well persuaded that in these concerns we shall loose Money, even if Moses pays all his debts that I would willingly give up 5/ in the pound & ⟨– –⟩ & give discharges for 15/ in the pound. I do not ⟨think⟩ I can be at NYork...
141To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Laurens, 19 April 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
I was yesterday honored by receipt of your very obliging Letter of the 6th. inclosing Mr. Frederic’s Narrative. A tissue of Lies. During the Seige of Charleston, when he pretends he carried arms & to have acted in the Trenches, he was at my Mepkin Plantation, whence some time after the Town fell, he joined the temporary Conquerors; he also seduced his Wife, she thro’ the persuasion of faithful...
142From Alexander Hamilton to Robert Livingston, [25 April 1785] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. W. Livingston mentioned to me lately in New York, that you would wish to have measures speedily taken concerning the controversy between the Chancellor and yourself. Though I am upon the maturest reflection of opinion that the law is with you; yet you know my sentiments as to the uncertainty of the event. Much will depend on the whim of a jury; and therefore previous to entering upon a...
143To Alexander Hamilton from William Cooper and Andrew Craig, 9 May 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
Burlington [ New Jersey ] May 9, 1785 . Ask for information and advice on the progress being made in the sale of 40,000 acres in the Otsego Patent. LS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Cooper, who later founded Cooperstown, New York, was the father of James Fenimore Cooper. From 1776 to 1786 Cooper and Craig, both of Burlington, New Jersey, purchased the greater part of the Otsego...
144From Alexander Hamilton to William Duer, [14 May 1785] (Hamilton Papers)
I wrote you from Albany informing you that the Chancellor had given you till the first of June to bring into Court the money allowed to be due, to wit such part of the principle with interest at five ⅌ Cent as became due to 1776 and the residue of the principal which afterwards became due. I am doubtful whether that letter may not be delayed. I do not now recollect precisely the order but it...
145To Alexander Hamilton from John Ross, 17 May 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, May 17, 1785. Sends information concerning Ross’s share of ownership of the ship Diligent . ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Ross, a Philadelphia merchant, was an agent for François, Marquis de Barbé-Marbois, the French chargé d’affaires in the United States. H was representing Ross in Bartholomew Terrasson et al . v. Ship Diligent , a case pending before the New York...
146To Alexander Hamilton from Cornelius Glen, 20 May 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
Albany, May 20, 1785. Requests aid in the recovery of money from Daniel Parker and Company. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Glen, an Albany merchant, had been an agent for Daniel Parker during the Revolution.
147To Alexander Hamilton from John D. Coxe and Tench Coxe, 21 May 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, May 21, 1785. Request Hamilton to represent them and to provide information on lands in dispute between John and Tench Coxe and Robert Lettis Hooper and James Wilson. Request Hamilton to forward certain legal documents to the commissioners of the Land Office of New York. LS , in writing of John D. Coxe, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. John D. Coxe, a Pennsylvania lawyer,...
148To Alexander Hamilton from Stephen De Lancey, 27 May 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
Scarsdale [ New York ] May 27, 1785 . Asks for information concerning the progress of various legal actions instituted against De Lancey’s debtors. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. De Lancey was the grandson of Stephen De Lancey, founder of the family in the United States.
149To Alexander Hamilton from Ezekiel Forman, 31 May 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, May 31, 1785. Asks Hamilton to return John Philips’s bond. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
150To Alexander Hamilton from James Hamilton, 31 May 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
[ St. Croix, May 31, 1785. On June 22, 1785, Hamilton wrote to James Hamilton : “I have received your letter of the 31st of May last.” Letter not found. ] James Hamilton was H’s older brother. See H to James Hamilton, June 22, 1785, note 1 .
151To Alexander Hamilton from Jarvis Coles, 7 June 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
[ June 7, 1785. According to the catalogue description of this letter, Coles, on Hamilton’s orders, had occupied a house for military purposes. Coles, who after the war was sued by the owner for rent, requested Hamilton to defend him. Letter not found. ] ALS , sold at Swann Galleries, March 5, 1943, Lot 37.
152From Alexander Hamilton to John D. Coxe and Tench Coxe, 9 June 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, June 9, 1785. Cannot represent them in their land dispute with Robert Lettis Hooper and James Wilson, as Hooper and Wilson previously have engaged Hamilton’s services in the controversy. ADfS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. See John D. Coxe and Tench Coxe to H, May 21, 1785 .
153From James Duane, John Jay, and Robert R. Livingston to Alexander Hamilton and Samuel Jones, 9 June 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
At a meeting of the agents appointed by the state of New York to manage their controversy with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts —it is agreed that a general retaining fee be given to Alexander Hamilton and Samuel Jones Esqrs. as Counsellors and Solicitors on the part of this State that the brief already prepared together with the necessary papers be put in their hands—That they compleat the...
154From Alexander Hamilton to Samuel Jones, [9 June 1785] (Hamilton Papers)
The above is a copy of a paper transmitted me this day by Mr. Duane. You will perceive much is expected from us; and unfortunately in the situation of my business little is in my power. I wish to see you in Town as soon AL , The Huntington Library, San Marino, California. The letter is undated. It was written, as the first line states, on the date on which H received his commission from James...
155To Alexander Hamilton from Robert Livingston, 13 June 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
Your kind & interesting letter of the 25th. April did not come to my hands before the 23 May, when I was at my Iron works endeavouring to git them repaird & to Sett the Furnace going which gave me much trouble & realy exercised my patience & from whence I return’d last Saterday, much fateagu’d, this troublesome Job, am persuaded will appologise for my not answering your polite letter Sooner....
156From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Wadsworth, 15 June 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
Before I left Town for Albany some time since, I requested Mr. Duer to mention to you, that I believed it would depend upon yourself to be President of the bank here. Since my coming to Town I find you are elected director; and I have no doubt you may be President if you please. I will be much obliged to you to let me know in confidence whether the appointment if made will be accepted. You may...
157From Alexander Hamilton to Ezekiel Forman, 17 June 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, June 17, 1785. On the back of a letter that Forman wrote to Hamilton on May 31, 1785, Hamilton wrote : “Answered June 17th. 1785.” Letter not found. ]
158From Alexander Hamilton to James Hamilton, 22 June 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the 31st of May last, which, and one other, are the only letters I have received from you in many years. I am a little surprised you did not receive one which I wrote to you about six months ago. The situation you describe yourself to be in gives me much pain, and nothing will make me happier than, as far as may be in my power, to contribute to your relief. I...
159From Alexander Hamilton to William Floyd, [7 July 1785] (Hamilton Papers)
Received of William Floyd Esquire Fifty seven pound and ten shillings being the amount of a note of hand with Interest from him to John Carter alias John Church for Fifty pound New York Currency dated in Philadelphia sometime about the last of April in the year One thousand Seven hundred and Eighty three and which note has been mislaid in my hands. New York July 7th 1785 ADS , Mrs. J. T....
160To Alexander Hamilton from Jacob Hardenbergh, 14 July 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
Raritan [ New Jersey ] July 14, 1785 . Hopes that his father will be given a new trial. Asks for Hamilton’s assistance. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Hardenbergh was the son of Johannes Hardenbergh of Ulster County, New York. See “Cash Book,” March 1, 1782–1791, note 29 .
161From Alexander Hamilton to Richard Varick, 28 July 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York ] July 28, 1785 . Asks Varick to suggest names for a commission to examine witnesses in a case pending between John Wardrop and Alexander Macaulay. ALS , Estelle Doheny Collection in the Edward L. Doheny Memorial Library at St. John’s Seminary, Camarillo, California.
162From Alexander Hamilton to Angelica Church, [3 August 1785] (Hamilton Papers)
You have been much better to me My Dear friend since you left America, than I have deserved, for you have written to me oftener than I have written to you. I will make no apology; for I am sure you will attribute it to any thing else rather than to a defect of pleasure in writing to you. Mr. Van Schaik delivered me your last; if he were not a man of merit (as he is) your patronage would be a...
163Power of Attorney from John B. Church, 3 August 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, August 3, 1785. Appoints Hamilton “attorney at law, my true and lawful attorney for me and in my name to my use to ask, demand, sue for, recover, and receive of and from all and every person and persons whatsoever, whom it doth shall or may concern, All and every such sum and sums of money, debts and demands whatsoever which now are due and owing and hereafter may grow due and owing...
164From Alexander Hamilton to Stephen J. Schuyler, 5 August 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York ] August 5, 1785 . “… some time since … Hannah Brewer or rather her assignee John J. Skidmore … paid the £200 part of the purchase money of the farm in the possession of Doctor Perry. The deed is now wanting. If you will send that to me I will have the mortgage to you executed here.” ALS , Lloyd W. Smith Collection, Morristown National Historical Park, Morristown, New Jersey.
165To Alexander Hamilton from Andrew P. Skene, 10 August 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
Montreal, August 10, 1785. Asks about the possibility of recovering property seized under the New York confiscation laws. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Philip Skene, the founder of Skenesborough, Vermont, and his son Andrew were Loyalists. They were both attainted and their lands confiscated. Early in the war Andrew P. Skene was captured and imprisoned in Connecticut.
166Power of Attorney from Nathanael Greene to Jeremiah Wadsworth, 16 August 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York ] August 16, 1785 . On this date Hamilton witnessed a power of attorney from Greene to Wadsworth. DS , signed by Nathanael Greene and witnessed by H and Dirck Ten Broeck. Connecticut State Library, Hartford.
167To Alexander Hamilton from Walter Livingston, 3 September 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, September 3, 1785. “… the House of De Lande and Fynje of Amsterdam have stopt Payment with a Considerable Sum in their hands belonging to the United States. I shall be glad of Your Opinion as Counsel what legal measures I can pursue for securing any Property belonging to that House, which may be in the Hands of Persons in this State.” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress....
168To Alexander Hamilton from Stephen De Lancey, 12 September 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
Scarsdale [ New York ] September 12, 1785 . Renews request made on May 27, 1785, for information on various legal actions taken to recover numerous debts. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
169To Alexander Hamilton from Cleland Kinloch, 20 September 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
Belvoir near Charlottesville, Virginia, September 20, 1785. Discusses measures taken to pay John B. Church the amount of a bond given by the executors of Kinloch’s father’s estate. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Cleland Kinloch was the brother of Francis Kinloch, a South Carolina planter and member of the Continental Congress.
170To Alexander Hamilton from Peter Silvester, 24 September 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
September 24, 1785. Discusses pending litigation between Captain Phillips and Colonel Van Rensselaer concerning a debt contracted by Phillips in 1776. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Silvester was a lawyer who practiced in the area which, in 1786, became Columbia County.