1001Draft of the Second Report on the Further Provision Necessary for Establishing Public Credit (Report on a National … (Hamilton Papers)
That from a conviction (as suggested in his Report No. I herewith presented) That a National Bank is an Institution essential to of primary importance to the prosperous administration of the Finances, and would be of the greatest utility in the operations connected with the support of public Credit—his attention has been accordingly occupied drawn to in devising the plan of such an...
1002Final Version of the Second Report on the Further Provision Necessary for Establishing Public Credit (Report on a … (Hamilton Papers)
[To the Speaker of the House of Representatives] In obedience to the order of the House of Representatives of the ninth day of August last, requiring the Secretary of the Treasury to prepare and report on this day such further provision as may, in his opinion, be necessary for establishing the public Credit The said Secretary further respectfully reports That from a conviction (as suggested in...
1003To Alexander Hamilton from Sharp Delany, [13-31 December 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
To save trouble & expence when the Wardens go on a Survey I generally agree to their appointment in behalf of the Office and although they are sworn ex Officio yet I always swear them in behalf of this Office according to Law. I inclose their survey & appraisement, deliverd to me in due time & ever since in my possession. In respect to the lapse of time I imagined this business had been long...
1004To Alexander Hamilton from Tobias Lear, 14 December 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia ] December 14, 1790 . Encloses “a Provisional Contract between William Ellery and William Martin for keeping the Light House on the Island of Conannicut in the State of Rhode Island—which has received the President’s approbation.” ALS , RG 26, “Segregated” Lighthouse Records, National Archives; LC , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
1005To Alexander Hamilton from John Collins, Alexander Quarrier, and Thomas Warren, 15 December 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Richmond, December 15, 1790. Submit “an Estimate of the Expense of erecting a Light House on Cape Henry.” LS , RG 26, Lighthouse Letters Received, Vol. “A,” Pennsylvania and Southern States, National Archives. This letter was enclosed in Beverley Randolph to H, December 16, 1790 . In his enclosing letter, Randolph described Collins, Quarrier, and Warren as “Mechanics of Character.”
1006From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 15 December 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury has the honor respectfully to inform the President of the United States that a wish of the Collector of Boston to spend a part of the time of the Session of Congress at the Seat of Government has been intimated to him. An absence from his office at this season of the year being the least likely to be inconvenient, and it being probable that much useful information...
1007To Alexander Hamilton from Samuel P. Broome, 16 December 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
New Haven [ Connecticut ] December 16, 1790 . “… You have frequently been so good as to mention to me that, whenever or wherever, an object should present itself within the limits of your disposal, and the reach of my humble abilities, you woud interest yourself in my behalf. I do not mean Sir to dictate or offend but permit me to suggest to you that in case any Gentlemen shall receive foreign...
1008To Alexander Hamilton from Tobias Lear, 16 December 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia ] December 16, 1790 . “I have the honor, by the Presidents command, to inform you that he has no objection to gratifying the wish of the Collector of Boston, communicated to him this day, to spend a part of the time of the session of Congress at the Seat of Government, provided that an absence from his Office may not be injurious to the Public.…” LC , George Washington Papers,...
1009To Alexander Hamilton from Beverley Randolph, 16 December 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Richmond, December 16, 1790. Recommends John Collins, Alexander Quarrier, and Thomas Warren as “Mechanics of Character,” and encloses their bid on the Cape Henry lighthouse. LS , RG 26, Lighthouse Letters Received, Vol. “A,” Pennsylvania and Southern States, National Archives. See Collins, Quarrier, and Warren to H, December 15, 1790 .
1010To Alexander Hamilton from Baron von Steuben, 16 December [1790] (Hamilton Papers)
Mon Bon Ami? J’apprens avec peine Votre indisposition je suis persuader que le manque d’Exercice en est la Cause principale, je Vous Conjure d’y porter le remede, donne Vous un petit bidet et trotter Vos huit ou dix miles tout les Matins, Vos courses a pied ne sont pas suffisant. Menagé cete Santé aussi chere a tant des personnes, et Aussi utile a cette tendre Demoiselle Collumbia. J’ai...
1011From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 17 December 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, December 17, 1790. “It having been intimated to me that you were desirous to visit Philadelphia I took an early opportunity to inform the President that I believed you entertained such a wish, requesting his permission if it should not appear improper. I added that personal ⟨conferences with you⟩ upon the operation of the ⟨trade laws might be⟩ of considerable use, and...
1012To Alexander Hamilton from Tobias Lear, 18 December 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia ] December 18, 1790 . Encloses “a letter from the post Master general to the President of the United States accompanied with a schedule of Contracts for carrying the Mail in the year 1791.” Asks for Hamilton’s “opinion on the enclosed.” LC , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
1013From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 18 December 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter relative to the cutter was duly received, but it appearing from the information collected on that subject that the cost of those boats would exceed the sum contemplated by the legislature the whole business has been suspended ’till this time. I am however now engaged in the adjustment of it. I observe your intention of œconomizing with regard to the Harbor boat, of your disposition...
1014Meeting of the Commissioners of the Sinking Fund, 18 December 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Met pursuant to notice. John Adams, Vice President of the United States and President of the Senate, Thomas Jefferson, Secretary of State, Alexander Hamilton, Secretary of the Treasury, Edmund Randolph, Attorney General. The Vice President of the United States informed the Board that he had presented a copy of the resolution of the twenty-seventh of August last, on the same day, to the...
1015To Alexander Hamilton from William Short, 18 December 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
I had the honor of writing to you from this place on the 26th ulto. & the 2d inst. The first by the way of England; the last by an American vessel going from hence immediately to Boston. In this I gave you a very full account of such circumstances as had come to my knowlege since my arrival here; & of the steps which had been taken in the business on which I came. A duplicate of it will...
1016Enclosure: Comte de Montmorin to William Short, 30 November 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Vous m’avez informé, Monsieur, que le Congrès avoit pris la résolution de faire un emprunt de 10 millions de Dollars dans la vuë de faire face à Ses dettes étrangeres; vous m’avez ajouté que vous etiez chargé de la négociation relative à cet emprunt, et que c’etoit là l’objet de votre Sejour à Amsterdam. Les Srs. Schwietzer Jeanneret and Compagnie, Banquiers à Paris, instruits de ces faits, et...
1017Enclosure: Charles Guillaume Lambert to Comte de Montmorin, 26 November 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Le Congrés des Etats unis, Mr à passé une Loi pour ouvrir un Emprunt de Douze millions de Dollards, à l’effet de payer et reconstituer sa dette Etrangere. La créance de La france partie échue, et celle a échoir, reduites au Comptant au premier Jer prochain s’éleve à 39.710.000 ₶ sur la quelle l’Envoyé de cette puissance a donné note de ne pouvoir payer que trois millions a Compte des parties...
1018Enclosure: Schweizer, Jeanneret and Company to Charles Guillaume Lambert, 22 November 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Les Etats unis d’amerique doivent a La france la Somme de 39,710,000 ₶ dont partie est échue et la partie a échéoir est rèduite au comptant au ler Jer prochain. Le congrés à passé une loi pour faire un Emprunt de douze millions de Dollards, à l’effet de payer la partie de sa dette étrangere qui est echüe et de liquider la partie à échéoir, sil y trouve quelque avantage. Nous sommes instruit...
1019Enclosure: James Swan to William Short, 12 December 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
To mine of the 27th. Novr. & 5th. Inst. I refer. I have nothing at present to trouble you with, only a Statement how things stand here concerning the debt. M. Morris & I were in dispute with the Bankers (with whom you have had some conversations here,) about their gratifications, they wishing with their Fathers & Cousins in Paris & Amstm. to absorb all. He having parted Wednesday morning for...
1020Enclosure: James Swan to William Short, 12 December 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Fearing that my Letter of this date by the way of Antwerp may have missed, I shall only beg leave to trouble you with one or two points in it essential for you to know. I acquainted you, how I was inform’d, that a M. Jubert had made proposals to pay the whole entirely, & instantly: but I can find no foundation for it, either in the Committee of Finances or of Liquidation, that is, there has...
1021Enclosure: James Swan to William Short, 14 December 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Agreeably to your desire in your Letter of the 9th. Inst., I have endeavoured all in my power to persuade Messrs. Sweizer Jeanneret & Co., from the pursuit of their plan, & have communicated your Letter to them, in which it appears you do not consider yourself as authorized to accept it, but all without effect—for I find they have determin’d to raise, as they say, every obstacle which can...
1022Enclosure: William Short to Comte de Montmorin, 19 December 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
J’ai recu avant hier par un courier extraordinaire de la part de Messieurs Schweizer Jeanneret & Cie des propositions ulterieures relatives à la dette Américaine avec des explications trés detaillées de leur plan pour la liquidation de cette dette. Je n’ai pu que leur repeter ce que j’ai eu l’honneur de vous repondre, Monsieur, à leur sujet le 8 de ce mois; que je n’avois pas des pouvoirs...
1023Enclosure: William Short to Schweizer, Jeanneret, and Company, 17 December 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Votre courier m’a apporté la lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’ecrire en date du 14. Je suis faché que le Ministre avec lequel vous me dites avoir eu une entrevue ne vous aye pas donné communication de la lettre que j’ai eu l’honneur de lui adresser en date du 8 de ce mois; comme elle vous auroit probablement evité la peine que vous vous etes donné depuis. Je lui ai marqué dans cette...
1024Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 18 December 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
You will have perceived by the Act of the last session, entitled an Act making further provision for the payment of the debts of the United States, that after the end of the present month the duties on distilled spirits are regulated according to certain classes of proof, to be determined by Dycas’s Hydrometer. Doubting whether it might be convenient to the several officers of the Customs to...
1025Enclosure: Description of the Scale Accompanying Dycases Hydrometer, [18 December 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
One side of it represents the different degrees of strength of Liquors from water to proof, of this no use will be made in the execution of the law. The other side which is that to be made use of represents the different degrees of Strength from 20 ⅌ Cent below proof to 69. above proof or Alcohol . On this side towards the left is a plain Space with a flower de liece , (Figure thus ) in the...
1026From Alexander Hamilton to Peter Anspach, 20 December 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
I learn from your letter of the 7th. instant that you are willing to undertake the business proposed to you in mine of the 2d. instant. You will therefore consider yourself appointed as a Clerk in the Auditor’s Office from the day when you shall notify me that you have commenced the business. I wish therefore that you should without delay give public notice that all persons concerned may...
1027To Alexander Hamilton from Sharp Delany, 20 December 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia ] December 20, 1790 . “Two ships belonging to Merchants of this City are arrived at the Capes, but on Acct of the Ice cannot proceed to this City their Port of Discharge. The owners have applied to enter their Ships, or if that cannot be done to know what steps they must pursue as the New Duties take place the beginning of next Month.…” LC , Bureau of Customs, Philadelphia. The...
1028To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Marchant, 20 December 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Newport, Rhode Island, December 20, 1790. “In pursuance of an Act of the Congress of the United States, to provide for mitigating or remitting the Forfeitures and Penalties accruing under the Revenue-Laws, in certain Cases therein mentioned I have recd. the Petition of William Brightman hereto annexed, and thereupon caused William Ellery, Collector, Robert Crooke Naval Officer and Danl. Lyman...
1029From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Rodney, [20 December 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
[Philadelphia, December 20, 1790. Letter listed in dealer’s catalogue. Letter not found.] LS , sold by Stan V. Henkels, June 13, 1919, Lot 356. Rodney, brother of Cæsar Rodney, had been a member of the Delaware legislature. In 1787 he resigned and returned to the management of the Rodney lands in Delaware. In 1803 he was appointed a judge of the Mississippi Territory.
1030To Alexander Hamilton from William Seton, 20 December 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
The President & Directors desire me to acknowledge the receipt of your two Letters of the 13th. and to express how very much they feel obliged to you, for your kind attention to this Institution and thereby to the Commerce of this City. Whenever the Treasurer deposits the Bills on Amsterdam which you mention, the Strictest attention shall be paid to your orders with respect to the Sale of...
1031From Alexander Hamilton to John Adams, [21 December 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury presents his respects to the Vice President and sends him the report of The Trustees of the Sinking Fund with the Documents referred to in it, in Triplicates according to the direction of the Board. He begs leave to remind The Vice President that this is the last day; of course it is necessary it should be presented to day. He is sorry that it could not have been...
1032From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 21 December 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
The duties upon Hemp and cotton which took place the 1st. instant being included in the same clause —and there having been no duty before upon cotton it appears probable that it was not the intention of the legislature to make the 60 cents an additional duty. It is also observable that although Hemp was left among the articles subject to five per centum, this is not termed a further or...
1033To Alexander Hamilton from John Jay, 21 December 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, December 21, 1790. Recommends John McComb Jr. as “an intelligent sober & industrious young Mechanic.” LS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. McComb was the son of a prominent New York architect and builder. The younger McComb became his father’s assistant in 1783 and began his own career as a builder in 1790.
1034Report of the Commissioners of the Sinking Fund, 21 December 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
The Vice President of the United States and President of the Senate, The Chief Justice, The Secretary of State, The Secretary of the Treasury and the Attorney General Respectfully report to the Congress of the United States of America: That pursusant to the Act intitled an Act making provision for the Reduction of the Public Debt, They on the 26th. day of August last convened at the City of...
1035To Alexander Hamilton from James Tutt, 21 December 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Fredericksburg, Virginia, December 21, 1790. Submits a bid on the contract to build a lighthouse on Cape Henry. ALS , RG 26, Lighthouse Letters Received, Vol. “A,” Pennsylvania and Southern States, National Archives. Tutt was a contractor from Fredericksburg.
1036To Alexander Hamilton from Nathaniel Appleton, 22 December 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Boston, December 22, 1790. On April 28, 1791, Hamilton wrote to Appleton and referred to “your letter of the 22nd December.” Letter not found. ]
1037To Alexander Hamilton from John Jay, 22 December 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, December 22, 1790. Recommends that Matthew Clarkson be appointed an inspector of the revenue. ADf , Columbia University Libraries. Clarkson, a resident of New York City, was a regent of the University of the State of New York and a member of the New York Assembly.
1038From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [22 December 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to send with this a short report on the Pay (Post) Master General’s letter. From the circumstances of the case and a general impression that it is always best for the Chief Magistrate to be as little implicated as possible in the specific approbation of a particular measure proceeding from a particular officer, I believe it may be adviseable to answer generally that the...
1039Enclosure: [Report on the Letter from the Post Master General], 22 December 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury in obedience to the order of the President of the United States has examined the letter of the 16th. inst: from the Post Master General and the papers accompanying the same. The data they exhibit, do not appear sufficient to enable a judgment of the propriety generally of the Contracts made or intended; in order to which, the distances of the several posts,...
1040From Alexander Hamilton to William Allibone, 23 December 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, December 23, 1790. On December 28, 1790, Allibone wrote to Hamilton : “In obedience to the Instructions I received the 23d Instant.” Letter not found. ]
1041From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 23 December 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, December 23, 1790. Discusses qualifications of various candidates who have been recommended for the appointment as “Keeper for the Light-house at Portland in the District of Maine.” LC , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
1042To Alexander Hamilton from Wilhem and Jan Willink, Nicholaas and Jacob Van Staphorst, and Nicholas Hubbard, 23 December … (Hamilton Papers)
[ Amsterdam, December 23, 1790. “Mr. Short informed us It was expected also, He should be able to fix more advantageous Conditions for the Charges of the future Loans, and notwithstanding We assured him the last Loan at Four and an half per Cent for Commission, Premiums, Brokerage, and all other Expences was as reasonable as It ought to be, as well as much cheaper than Russia and the other...
1043From Alexander Hamilton to Nathaniel Fosdick, 24 December 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
It is to be presumed that the Collectors cause all goods which are reported for exportation to be reshipped under the care of an Inspector; and that he draws the allowance, per diem, during the time he is engaged in this duty. This I apprehend is the only charge which arises on the service of Inspection prior to and during the shipment. I am, Sir, Your obedient Servant, Copy, RG 56, Letters to...
1044From Alexander Hamilton to Jedediah Huntington, 24 December 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the 3d. instant together with the contract for supplying the light house therein enclosed. I fear it will be difficult for the President to form an opinion of this agreement for want of the particulars. The quantities and prices of the requisite articles would afford better ground on which to judge; and I therefore request that you will endeavour to have the...
1045To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 24 December 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Providence, December 24, 1790. “I have this day received your letter of the 13. instant. Contrary to what Mr Brown informed me was his intention, the ship Warren did not return from Newport to this port; but having completed her lading there, she sails, as I am informed, about this time for India. I have only to add that she lay four days in the harbour of Newport without any Papers entitling...
1046From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, 24 December 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, December 24, 1790. On January 3, 1791, Seton wrote to Hamilton : “all the purchasers chose to avail themselves of that indulgence, given in your Letter of the 24 Decbr.” Letter not found. ]
1047To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 27 December 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
It frequently happens, in the Winter Season, that vessels, belonging and bound to this place, are obliged by the Ice, to stop off Warwick-Neck, just without this district, and about eleven miles from hence, where they are almost always unavoidably detained 24 hours, and often from two to fifteen days, and as the river is now frozen up, and several vessels are daily expected from Sea: I ask the...
1048Warrant of Remission in the Case of Robert Wasson, Master of the Sloop “Sally”, [27 December 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
To all to whom these presents shall come I Alexander Hamilton Secretary of the Treasury of the United States send Greeting. Whereas a statement of facts with the petition of Robert Wasson of Norwalk in the State of Connecticut, Master of a Sloop called the Sally bound from Norwalk in the district of Connecticut to that of the State of New York thereto annexed touching a certain forfeiture and...
1049To Alexander Hamilton from William Allibone, 28 December 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, December 28, 1790. Discusses “the design of Erecting Piers Opposite to the Borough of Chester” on the Delaware River. ALS , RG 26, Lighthouse Estimates, Delaware, National Archives.
1050To Alexander Hamilton from Tobias Lear, 28 December 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia ] December 28, 1790 . Transmits a “letter from Mrs. Mary House in behalf of her son George House for an appointment on board one of the Cutters.” LC , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.