1. On 25 July, Tench Coxe wrote Hamilton that the provisional contract “is precisely similar” to the preceding one, “which was grounded upon an Estimate of which an Extract is inclosed. The compensation to the keeper is as heretofore. The price of the Oil is uncommonly low, which however, I presume to be owing to the Use of an inferior species. An examination into this article of supply, as consumed in all the Lighthouses, appears necessary and will shortly be made. In the mean time no other doubt or Objections to the Contract now to be submitted, occurs” (DNA: RG 58, Letters of the Commissioner of the Revenue and Revenue Office, 1792–1809). GW signed the provisional contract and returned it to Hamilton “Under a blank cover” by 13 Aug. 1792.

2. The enclosed letter from the U.S. commissioners at Amsterdam to Hamilton of 31 May has not been identified. For Hamilton’s authorization of the Holland loan of 1792, see Hamilton to William Short, 21 Mar. 1792, in Syrett, Hamilton Papers, description begins Harold C. Syrett et al., eds. The Papers of Alexander Hamilton. 27 vols. New York, 1961–87. description ends 11:165. GW expressed his pleasure at the terms of the agreement in his letter to Hamilton of 13 Aug., and he ratified the loan early the following November.