51From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 20 May 1791 (Washington 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...
52Tobias Lear to Alexander Hamilton, 29 May 1791 (Washington Papers)
[Philadelphia] 29 May 1791. Transmits under the president’s direction the enclosed from John H. Mitchell, which came in a letter from GW, dated Savannah, 13 May, received yesterday. LB , DLC:GW . The enclosure has not been found but was probably drafted c.2–14 May 1791 and concerned the ambitions of John Hinckley Mitchell, a city warden of Charleston, S.C., to provide the U.S. Mint with...
53From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 13 June 1791 (Washington Papers)
I am arrived at this place and just in time to acknowledge (in a hasty manner by this days Post—the first opportunity that has offered of writing to Philada since I left Savanna—) the receipt of your private letter of the 17th of April by Mr Smith who lodged it at Cambden, through which it was known my rout would be on my return to the seat of the Government. Mr Wolcott may be informed that it...
54Tobias Lear to Alexander Hamilton, 9 July 1791 (Washington Papers)
Philadelphia, 9 July 1791. “The President has received a letter from Mr Rue, who was appointed second Mate of the revenue Cutter on the Delaware station, declining his appointment & returning his commission.” LB , DLC:GW . The letter of resignation from Benjamin Rue to GW has not been found but must have been written between 28 June and this date. Tench Coxe wrote to Tobias Lear on 28 June...
55From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 16 September 1791 (Washington Papers)
Whilst I was in Wilmington waiting breakfast to day, I made the best enquiry time & circumstances would permit, for some fit character to fill the office lately held by Doctr Latimer. Several persons were mentioned, but the weight of information was in favor of one Andrew Barratt. He was spoken of by Mr Vining as a man of respectable character, of decision and temper. He now is, or lately has...
56From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 2 October 1791 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 24th ulto, (enclosing a letter from Govr St Clair, and sundry papers relating to the subject of the settlements which have been made under purchases from Judge Symmes) I have duly received. The Secretary of State, as well as I recollect, has already written to both Govr. St Clair & Judge Symmes on this subject; but whether he has or has not, it can make no material...
57From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 10 October 1791 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 30th September enclosing a Contract entered into by the Collector of Wilmington in North Carolina with James McStephens & Henry Toomer for the stakage of the shoals of Cape Fear river, I have duly received. As I approve of the Contract, I have transmitted the same with my approbation to the Collector of Wilmington. I wrote to you from the head of Elk, informing you of my...
58From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 14 October 1791 (Washington Papers)
(Private) My dear Sir, Mount Vernon Octr 14th 1791 When I addressed a private letter to you a few days ago I had no more idea that monday the 24th instt was the day appointed for the meetings of Congress, than I had of its being dooms-day until it was mentioned to me in a letter which I have just received from Mr Lear (who was under the like mistake). It had taken such deep root in my mind...
59From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 17 October 1791 (Washington Papers)
I am thus far on my way to Philadelphia, and if the disagreeableness of the weather (for it is now raining) does not prevent it, shall proceed to Bladensburgh at least to night; but be my dispatch what it probably may, the mail which leaves this tomorrow, will arrive in Phialdelphia before me. This being the case, and time pressing, I forward the enclosed suggestions of Mr Jefferson and Mr...
60Tobias Lear to Alexander Hamilton, 12 February 1792 (Washington Papers)
Philadelphia, 12 Feb. 1792. Transmits the president’s command that the secretary of the treasury make inquiries about a letter from Congressman Abraham Baldwin of Georgia (not found) mentioning the death of Cornelius Collins, collector at Sunbury, and recommending Francis Coddington for the vacancy. LB , DLC:GW . GW appointed John Lawson, not Francis Coddington, as collector for Sunbury, Ga.,...
61From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 6 April 1792 (Washington Papers)
In virtue of the last clause of “an Act for the relief of certain Widows, Orphans, Invalids & other persons,” you will cause to be paid to Nicholas Ferdinand Westfall the sum of three hundred and thirty six Dollars out of the fund of Ten thousand Dollars appropriated for defraying the contingent charges of Government, by an Act passed on the 26th day of March 1790. LB , DLC:GW . Hamilton had...
62From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 6 April 1792 (Washington Papers)
You will lay before the House of Representatives such papers from your Department as are requested by the enclosed resolution. N.B. The papers alluded to are such as relate to the Expedition under Genl St Clair. LB , DLC:GW . For the enclosed resolution of 4 April of the House of Representatives requesting papers in the files of the executive departments for the House inquiry into the failure...
63Tobias Lear to Alexander Hamilton, 27 April 1792 (Washington Papers)
United States [Philadelphia] 27 April 1792. Transmits by GW’s command a letter from the supervisor of the District of South Carolina requesting a three-month leave of absence from his office. “The President refers this request to the Secretary of the Treasury whose knowledge of the duties to be performed by the Supervisor will enable him to say whether it can be granted consistent with the...
64From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 7 May 1792 (Washington Papers)
For carrying into execution the provisions in that behalf made by the Act in titled “An Act for raising a farther sum of money for the protection of the Frontiers, and for other purposes therein mentioned,” I do hereby authorise you the said Secretary of the Treasury to agree and contract with the President Directors & Company of the Bank of the United States; with any other body politic or...
65From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 9 May 1792 (Washington Papers)
For carrying into execution the provisions of the Eleventh section of the Act intitled “An Act to incorporate the subscribers to the Bank of the United States,” I do hereby authorise you the said Secretary of the Treasury to subscribe by one or more subscriptions, on behalf and in the name of the United States, for such number of shares of and in the capital stock of the said Corporation as...
66Tobias Lear to Alexander Hamilton, 18 June 1792 (Washington Papers)
United States [Philadelphia] 18 June 1792. Transmits by GW’s command for Hamilton’s inspection “a letter from John Ritchie, Inspector of the 2d division in Maryland, to the President.” LB , DLC:GW . Neither Ritchie’s letter to GW nor any reply from GW or Hamilton to Ritchie has been found.
67From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 30 June 1792 (Washington Papers)
For carrying into execution the provisions of the third section of the Act intitled, “An Act making certain appropriations therein specified,[”] passed the Eighth day of May in this present year. I do hereby authorise you the said Secretary of the Treasury in the name and on the credit of the United States to borrow of any body or bodies politic, person or persons whomsoever the sum of Fifty...
68From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 10 July 1792 (Washington Papers)
Estimate of immediate Expenditures for the Mint. Dollars. Price of the House & Lot, to be paid on executing the Conveyance 4266.2/3 15 Tons of Copper, suppose 16 Cents ⅌ lb. 4800. Repairs of the Buildings, Workmen’s wages &c. 933.1/3 Dollars 10,000. David Rittenhouse United States [Philadelphia] 10th July 1792 The Secretary of the Treasury will cause to be paid to the Director of the...
69From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 29 July 1792 (Washington Papers)
(Private & confidential) My dear Sir, Mount Vernon July 29th 1792. I have not yet received the new regulation of allowances to the Surveyors, or Collectors of the duties on Spirituous liquors; but this by the bye. My present purpose is to write you a letter on a more interesting and important subject. I shall do it in strict confidence, & with frankness & freedom. On my way home, and since my...
70From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 1 August 1792 (Washington Papers)
I learn with pleasure from the War Office, by the Secretary’s last dispatches, that our Northwestern frontier is in a state of tranquility: it may be construed into an indication that some of the messages which have been sent by Government have reached the hostile Tribes, and have occasioned them to deliberate thereon. Devoutly is it to be wished that the result may be favorable, both for...
71From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 5 August 1792 (Washington Papers)
Since the date of my last dispatch to you of the 1st instant, I have received your Letters of the 26. & 30 ulto, and have affixed my signature to the arrangement of Compensations to the Officers of Inspection in consequence of additional latitude given to The President of the United States by the Act of the last Session, intitled “An Act concerning the duties on spirits distilled within the...
72From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 13 August 1792 (Washington Papers)
Under a blank cover, I returned signed the provisional Contract for the supply of the Lighthouse in New Hampshire. It is pleasing to find by the Letter from our Commissioners at Amsterdam, that the credit of the United States remains upon so respectable a footing in the United Netherlands. I am Dr Sir, &c. LB , DLC:GW . On 3 Aug., Hamilton had forwarded to GW a provisional contract for the...
73From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 22 August 1792 (Washington Papers)
This will merely inform you that your letter of the 10th with it’s enclosure—and that of the 11th Inst: have been duly received; and that if the Regulations of your Department, mentioned in the former, are carried strictly into execution, the most happy consequences, it is to be hoped, will result from them. I am sir &c. LB , DLC:GW .
74From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 26 August 1792 (Washington Papers)
(Private) My dear Sir, Mount Vernon Augt 26th 1792 Your letter of the 18th, enclosing answers to certain objections communicated to you in my letter of the 29th Ulto came duly to hand; and although I have not, as yet, from a variety of causes, been able to give them the attentive reading I mean to bestow, I feel myself much obliged by the trouble you have taken to answer them; as I persuade...
75From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 31 August 1792 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed Letter was written agreeably to the date, but by an accident, was omitted when my other letters were sent to the post office on Monday last; since wch ‘till yesterday afternoon, I have been absent from home. On my return, amongst other Letters I found the enclosed from the Inspector of the 5th survey in the State of North Carolina. The picture drawn by him of the temper of the...
76From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 7 September 1792 (Washington Papers)
The last Post brought me your letter of the first instant, with the enclosures respecting the disorderly conduct of the Inhabitants of the Western Survey of the District of Pennsylvania, in opposing the execution of what is called the Excise Law; & of the insults which have been offered by some of them to the Officers who have been appointed to collect the duties on distilled spirits agreeably...
77From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 17 September 1792 (Washington Papers)
Your Letters of the 8 and 9. inst: are received. The latter came to me on Saturday morning by Express, from the Post Office in Alexandria. I gave the Proclamation my signature and forwarded it in the afternoon of the same day, by a special messenger, to the Secretary of State for his countersign. If no unforeseen delay happens, the return of it may be in time for Friday’s Post, so as to be...
78From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 17 September 1792 (Washington Papers)
(Private) My dear Sir, Mount Vernon Sepr 17th 1792 Your private letter of the 11th, accompanying an Official one of the 9th came safe—as did your other private letter of the 9th. I feel myself obliged by the observations contained in the first, respecting the Proclamation. As the former Proclamations, on similar occasions, have been Countersigned by the Secretary of State, I have, for that...
79From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 21 September 1792 (Washington Papers)
Under cover of this Letter you will receive the Proclamation which is just returned to me with the counter signature of The Secretary of State. I have erased the words “dictated by weighty reasons of public exigency,” & scored others with a pencil, which you are hereby authorised to take out or retain as you may think best. As the Instrument is drawn I could do no other than fill up one of the...
80From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 1 October 1792 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 22d ulto, with it’s enclosures, came duly to hand. Lest any material disadvantage should result from delay; I have signed the Act which has been drawn by the Commissioner of the Revenue & approved by you, for arranging allowances to the Supervisors &c.—and now forward it; but I would rather, if this is not likely to be the case, have it retained in your hands until my...
81Tobias Lear to Alexander Hamilton, 13 October 1792 (Washington Papers)
By the President’s command T. Lear has the honor to inform the Secretary of the Treasury that the President has appointed William Lewis to be keeper of the Light-house on Cape Henry, with a salary of four hundred Dollars per annum. The President does not conceive that the circumstance of mister Cormicks being employed to oversee the building of the Lighthouse, tho’ in his favor, as...
82Tobias Lear to Alexander Hamilton, 6 December 1792 (Washington Papers)
By the President’s command, T. Lear has the honor to return to the Secretary of the Treasury, with the President’s approbation affixed thereto, the Contract entered into by Thomas Newton jur on the part of the U.S. with John McComb junr to execute certain additional objects specified in said Contract, to the Lighthouse lately erected on Cape Henry: And to inform the Secretary that the...
83From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 1 January 1793 (Washington Papers)
After reading the enclosed letter return it to me. My sentiments on the general principle your are acquainted with—With the one handed, under this cover, do as shall seem best to you in the case before us, & let me know the result; or, if you chuse it, I am ready to confer further with you on the subject. I am always Your Sincere frd & sr. ALS , DLC : Hamilton Papers. The enclosure was...
84Tobias Lear to Alexander Hamilton, 18 February 1793 (Washington Papers)
The President does not recollect the name of the person mentioned to succeed the Collector of Edenton (N: C.)—and wishes you to send it. Is it intended that the person mentioned should be appointed Inspector of Survey No. 2. which office was held by the Collector of Edenton? Inspector of the Port he will be of course. Is William Munson to be appointed Inspector as well as Surveyor of the Port...
85From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, and Henry Knox, 9 March 1793 (Washington Papers)
Expecting that my private Affairs will call me to Virginia on or before the 25th of this month, I have to request that you will lay before me, previous to that time, such matters within your department as may require my attention or agency before I set out; as well as those which might be necessary for me to know or act upon during my absence from the Seat of Government (which will be about...
86Tobias Lear to Alexander Hamilton, 14 March 1793 (Washington Papers)
By the President’s command T. Lear has the honor to return to the Secrey of the Treasury, the papers respecting the case of Hezekiah & George D. Usher, which have been submitted to him; and to inform the Secretary that the President has no doubt, from the statement of Facts in the above papers, of the intention to defraud the Revenue; but if it shall appear to the Secretary, from his...
87From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 20 March 1793 (Washington Papers)
It appears from your Report to me of the 18th instant, and the Statements accompanying it, that it will be proper to take measures for securing a Loan of Eight hundred thousand Dollars; as authorised by the Act, entitled “an Act making appropriations for the support of Government for the year 1793.” I have therefore to request that you will cause such a Power to be prepared for my signature as...
88From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 21 March 1793 (Washington Papers)
For carrying into execution the provisions in that behalf made by the Act, entitled, “An Act making appropriations for the support of Government for the year one thousand seven hundred & ninety three.” I do hereby authorise you the said Secretary of the Treasury to agree and contract with the President, Directors and Company of the Bank of the United States for a loan or loans to the United...
89From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 23 March 1793 (Washington Papers)
Pay, or cause to be paid to the Secretary of State or to his order, the sum of Thirty nine thousand five hundred Dollars, which, in addition to five hundred Dollars furnished to Colo. Humphreys on the 14th of Augt 1790, will complete the sum of forty thousand Dollars for the third year’s allowance under the Act concerning intercourse with foreign Nations. LB , DLC:GW . Thomas Jefferson...
90From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 12 April 1793 (Washington Papers)
In due course of Post I have received your Letters of the 5th and 8th instant. & thank you for the information contained in them. Tomorrow I leave this for Philadelphia. the advices which I may receive this Evening by the Post, will fix my route by Baltimore (as usual)—or by the one I intended to have come—that is, by Reading, the Canals between the Rivers, Harrisburgh, Carlisle &a—In either...
91From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 5 May 1793 (Washington Papers)
(Private) Dear Sir, [Philadelphia] Sunday Noon— 5th May 1793. Before you dispatch the circular letter (of wch you enclosed me a Copy) to the several Collectors, I would speak to you respecting a particular clause in it. In the conversation you may have with a certain Gentleman to day I pray you to intimate to him gently, & delicately, that if the letters, or papers wch he has to present, are...
92From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 7 May 1793 (Washington Papers)
As I perceive there has been some mis-conception respecting the building of Vessels in our Ports wch may be converted into armed ones; and as I understand from the Attorney General there is to be a meeting today, or tomorrow of the Gentlemen on another occasion, I wish to have that part of your circular letter which respects this matter Reconsidered by them before it goes out. I am not...
93From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 3 June 1793 (Washington Papers)
The question of admitting modifications of the debt of the U.S. to France, having been the subject of consultation with the heads of the Departments & the Attorney General, and an unanimous opinion given thereon which involves the enclosed propositions from the French Minister, you will be pleased, under the form of a report to me, to prepare what may serve as an Answer, making it conformable...
94From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 6 June 1793 (Washington Papers)
Upon a mature consideration of your communication to me of the 3d instant, recommending a still further Loan in Holland, if obtainable, to the amount of 3,000,000 florins—and stating, that in case the recommendation should meet my ideas, my special approbation thereof would be proper, I have thought it necessary, in order to make the subject clear to my mind before any steps are taken in it,...
95From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 20 June 1793 (Washington Papers)
I have received & paid attention to your report of the 15th instant. The result is, that the Loan of 2,000,000 of florins ought, in my opinion, to be urged without delay, if it can be obtained within the limitations of the Law. The further proposal of borrowing 3,000,000 of florins in addition, I shall (seeing no inconvenience that will arise from the delay) take a few days longer to consider;...
96From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 27 July 1793 (Washington Papers)
After giving the subject of Loans the most attentive consideration I am able under the several explanations which have been required & received from you, my mind has resolved itself into the form of the enclosed paper. But if there is any material objection to the measure there directed unadverted to by me, I am ready & willing to hear it—otherwise it may be carried into effect without delay....
97Enclosure To Alexander Hamilton, 27 July 1793 (Washington Papers)
I have considered your application for liberty to borrow three millions of Florins in addition to the one million, now in train of being borrowed. It appears from the documents which you have laid before me that 284,901 Dollars 89 Cents have been applied to the purchase of the general debt; and that by the Act of 2d March 1793. 200,000 dollars, of the money for that use, have been employed...
98From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 8 August 1793 (Washington Papers)
The present being, & being likely to continue for some time a favorable season for purchases of the Public Debt, and as it appears that the whole; or the greatest part of the unexpended monies of the foreign loans heretofore made will be requisite for satisfying the approaching installments of our Debt to France, which it has been judged expedient to pay without deduction for any prior...
99From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 8 August 1793 (Washington Papers)
You having stated to me that there will be due & payable on the first of June next on account of the Loans heretofore made by the United States in Holland the sum of one million of Florins. I do therefore hereby direct & require that you will take measures for procuring in due time by way of Loan the said sum of one million of florins, to be applied to the payment of the aforesaid...
100From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 10 August 1793 (Washington Papers)
I thank you for giving me the perusal of the letters to you, which are herewith returned. And I pray you to draught, on my behalf, what you may conceive to be a short, but proper & respectful response to the letter of the Chairman—or to the resolves—or to both as you shall judge best (for they come in a form so unusual that I scarcely know the mode that will be most eligable) and let me be...