51From 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...
52From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 4 January 1790 (Washington Papers)
I feel myself very much obliged by what you sent me yesterday. The letter from Governor Johnston I return—much pleased to find so authentic an Acct of the adoption by No. Carolina of the Constitution. Yrs sincerely & affectly ALS , DLC : Alexander Hamilton Papers. GW mistakenly dated this letter 1789. Presumably GW is referring to Hamilton’s report on lighthouses, 3 Jan. 1790 . The letter from...
53Tobias Lear to Alexander Hamilton, 28 November 1789 (Washington Papers)
The President of the U. States being very desirous that the several Accts of those Articles which were furnished by directions of Saml Osgood & William Duer Esqr in pursuance of a resolution of both houses of Congress of the 15th of April 1789 and deposited in the house provided for the President of the United States, for his use, should be settled & paid. He has, therefore, directed me to...
54From 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...
55From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 18 October 1787 (Washington Papers)
Your favor without date came to my hand by the last Post. It is with unfeigned concern I perceive that a political dispute has arisen between Governor Clinton and yourself. For both of you I have the highest esteem and regard. But as you say it is insinuated by some of your political adversaries, and may obtain credit, “that you palmed yourself upon me, and was dismissed from my family”; and...
56From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 22 April 1794 (Washington Papers)
Upon examining my letter to you of the 27 June ’93, and my two powers of the 8th of August 1793, the one for making a loan of one million of florins, and the other for making a loan of 1,515,[0]98 dols. & 11 Cents, I wish to have some explanation upon the subject of your letter of yesterday’s date. The questions which arise are these: whether the million of Florins, to be borrowed for the...
57From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 21 August 1797 (Washington Papers)
Not for any intrinsic value the thing possesses, but as a token of my sincere regard and friendship for you, and as a remembrancer of me; I pray you to accept a Wine cooler for four bottles, which Coll Biddle is directed to forward from Philadelphia (where with other articles it was left) together with this letter, to your address. It is one of four, which I imported in the early part of my...
58From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 26 October 1790 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 8th inst: I received yesterday on my return from an excursion up the Potowmack. I acquainted you on the 15th instant that I had appointed Mr Woodbury Langdon Commissioner of Loans for the State of New Hampshire; but as it is probable from his brothers letter to you, that he will decline the appointment, I have now to inform you that I have no objection to Mr Keith Spence the...
59From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 18 March 1794 (Washington Papers)
Pay to the Director of the Mint the within sum of sixteen hundred dollars—and also the further sum of one thousand dollars for the purposes of that establishment. LB , DLC:GW . An asterisk at this point refers to the following copy of an account from David Rittenhouse of 17 March, which appears at the bottom of this letter. Expenses of the Mint for the present quarter, ending Mar. 31. 1794. ...
60From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 12 December 1799 (Washington Papers)
I have duly received your letter of the 28th ultimo, enclosing a Copy of what you had written to the Secretary of War, on the subject of a Military Academy. The Establishment of an Institution of this kind, upon a respectable and extensive basis, has ever been considered by me as an Object of primary importance to this Country; and while I was in the Chair of Government, I omitted no proper...
61From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 10 November 1795 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 5th has been duly received, but nothing was said in it of young Fayette. I am willing, as I said in my last, to receive him under any circumstances, or in any manner you may conceive best; & wish to know what that is. Having, since I wrote to you on the 29th Ult. received more agreeable—tho’ not conclusive—accounts from abroad, I pray you to suspend your superstructure until...
62Tobias Lear to Alexander Hamilton, 28 February 1791 (Washington Papers)
The President has commanded me to transmit the enclosed to you from Mr Thatcher and request that you will give it the consideration it may merit—The President also requests that you will take occasion to converse with some others of the gentlemen from Massachusetts on this subject—and to mention it likewise to some from New Hampshire. I have the honor to be very respectfully & sincerely Your...
63From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 15 October 1799 (Washington Papers)
Since writing to you on the 29th ultimo, I have received a letter from Colo. Parker, informing me that he had fixed upon a spot, on the public Ground, at Harper’s Ferry, as the most eligable place for cantoning the 7th, 8th and 9th Regiments, agreeably to your instructions, and the ideas which I communicated to him. And, I presume, measures are now taking to provide huts at that place for...
64From 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...
65Tobias 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...
66From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 8 April 1794 (Washington Papers)
Annexed to your Statemen⟨t⟩ of “Principles and course of Proce⟨ed⟩ings” I have given the certificat⟨e⟩ required. I am yours always ALS , DLC : Hamilton Papers. For Hamilton’s “Report on Principles and Course of Proceeding with Regard to the Disposition of the Moneys Borrowed Abroad by Virtue of the Acts of the Fourth and Twelfth of August, 1790, as to the Point of Authority,” of 1 April 1794,...
67From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 21 August 1794 (Washington Papers)
To your note of this date (in behalf of the Department of War) asking my opinion or direction respecting the advisability of sending (under the existing circumstances of the Western Counties of Pennsylvania) two months pay to the army under the immediate orders of General Wayne, I answer, that under my present impressions the measure had better be delayed—at least until the Commissioners who...
68From 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...
69Tobias Lear to Alexander Hamilton, 5 January 1790 (Washington Papers)
By direction of the President of the United States, I have the honor herewith to transmit to you a letter from the Governor of Virginia, dated December 18th, 1789, enclosing an Act (which is likewise sent you) of the general Assembly of that Commonwealth, passed Novr 13th 1789, to convey to the United States in Congress assembled certain Land for the purpose of building a Light House on Cape...
70From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 29 October 1795 (Washington Papers)
Two or three days ago I wrote you a few lines in haste, and promised one more lengthy when I was more at leisure. for this purpose I am now seated. The letters from young Fayette and Mr Frestal; my letter to Mr Cabot; and his answer (all of which are herewith enclosed for your perusal—mine in the rough state it was first drawn—and to be returned when read) will give you a full view of what I...
71From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton, 2 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed Letter of the 1st of March I received sometime ago from Doctor Gordon which a variety of pressing business has prevented me from communicating to You before. I request your determination on the points contained in it, that I may transmit it to the Doctor. You will be pleased to return me his Letter with the Inclosure to which it refers. I am Dr sir Your Most Obt Servt Df , in...
72From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 7 June 1794 (Washington Papers)
I approve of the plan proposed in your letter of the 4 inst. namely, that a power for making a loan of 800,000 dollars be lodged in Holland, to be used at the time specified in that letter. When the business of Algiers is arranged, it will be seen, whether it be proper to give the premium of two per cent for an engagement to have the loan ready when it is wanted. The remaining 200,000 dollars...
73From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 7 July 1795 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of yesterday is this moment received. Not a line from Mr Pinckney. I fancy he left London for Madrid about the 8th or 10th of May —Nor has the government any thing but News-paper accounts of the order you allude to. Yours ever & Affectly ALS , DLC : Alexander Hamilton Papers. This letter has not been found. Thomas Pinckney left England for Spain on 11 May. The British order in...
74From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 4 November 1790 (Washington Papers)
I have received your letter of the 28th ultimo—The measures which you have taken to forward the building and equipment of the revenue Cutters, and to procure information respecting proper characters to be appointed inferior Officers, meet my approbation. You will please to inform Captain Law of his appointment, and furnish him with instructions similar to those you have given to the other...
75From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton, 4 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
Mr Loring having been sent by Sir Henry Clinton to meet Mr Boudinot or any other person appointed by me for the purpose of effecting an exchange of prisoners; I have therefore to desire you (Mr Boudinot being absent from Camp) to hear any proposals Mr Loring may have to offer on this subject; and to do definitively whatever may be necessary towards the execution of a general exchange of...
76From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 16 April 1794 (Washington Papers)
Having thought fit to appoint Nathaniel Cabot Higginson, of the City of Philadelphia, attorney at law, as an Agent on behalf of the United States, to proceed to the british West India Islands for certain purposes relating to the Ships or vessels of the United States, which have been, or may be seized & sent into the ports of any of those Islands by british cruisers, since the commencement of...
77From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 6 October 1790 (Washington Papers)
I have received your letter of the 29th ulto. The papers concerning Capt. Lyde, put into your hands by the Vice President, which you say were enclosed to me, have not been transmitted—but from the recommendations in favor of Captain Williams, I think him entitled to a preference. Not being possessed of any commissions, I have to request (unless your farther enquiry should point to more proper...
78From 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...
79From 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...
80From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 29 May 1794 (Washington Papers)
As the million of dollars, granted by the Act of the 20th of march, last, was certainly for the objects in Algiers, I was anxious that some steps should be taken concerning the money. But as you represent in your letter of the 27th instant, that this cannot be done yet, you will inform me when you shall find that it can be done; and in the mean time, I wish to know, whether some provisions...
81Tobias Lear to Alexander Hamilton, 19 August 1793 (Washington Papers)
By the President’s command T. Lear has the honor to transmit to The Secretary of the Treasury the final report of the Commissioners for settling the accounts between the United States and the individual States, together with the Letter accompanying the same from them to the President. T. Lear is moreover directed by the President to observe to the Secretary, that the enclosed report was left...
82From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 16 November 1795 (Washington Papers)
The papers herewith enclosed are so full, on the subject of my former request, that nothing more remains than to refer to them for every information I can give, as the ground work of the Superstructure you are to build. When you are done with them be so good as to return the whole to me again, with those sent before; together with the letters respecting young Fayette —and the result, relative...
83From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, and Henry Knox, 4 April 1791 (Washington Papers)
As the public service may require that communications should be made to me, during my absence from the seat of government, by the most direct conveyances—and as, in the event of any very extraordinary occurrence, it will be necessary to know at what time I may be found in any particular place, I have to inform you that unless the progress of my journey to Savannah is retarded by unforeseen...
84From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 2 July 1794 (Washington Papers)
Your private letter of the 22d of June came duly to hand, and for the opinion contained it, I thank you. I always feel sincere gratification from the frankness, and unreserved advice of my friends, whether it coincides with my own sentiments or not. As Congress, to whom the matter was referred, did not (from causes unknown to me) think proper to take up the subject of compensation for British...
85From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 21 March 1794 (Washington Papers)
Pay to the Secretary of State, in pursuance of the Act providing for the relief of such of the Inhabitants of St Domingo, resident within the U.S. as may be found in want of support, two thousand dollars; to be by him remitted to the Committee at Baltimore, appointed to superintend the unfortunate people of the above description at that place. LB , DLC:GW . For this law, see “An Act providing...
86From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 29 May 1794 (Washington Papers)
To the best of my recollection I shewed, or turned over to your office, a letter from the Governor of this State, with enclosures, to which the one herewith sent of the 27th refers. But the parts of the former alluded to in the latter have escaped me. I therefore send it to you, that if any answer thereto, or acting upon either or both is necessary, that you will do it accordingly. I am &c. LB...
87From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 24 May 1794 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of State informs me, that as the intercourse with Europe will be opened on Monday, it is expedient that an arrangement should be made concerning the million of dollars directed to be borrowed for foreign purposes. I wish therefore to know, whether any steps have been taken upon the subject; and if not, that the loan should be set on foot in order that a proper disposition may be...
88From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 4 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
The same Post which gave me your two letters of the 25th of March, handed me one from Colo. Bland on the same point. Observing that both have been written at the desire of a Committee of which you are both members—I have made a very full reply to their subject in my letter which is addressed to Colo. Bland—and supposing it unnecessary to enter into a compleete detail to both—I must beg leave...
89From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 29 September 1799 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 23d instant was received the 27th; and this day will proceed in the Mail to Winchester—the nearest Post Town to Colo. Parker’s residence, if he should be at his own house, the letter enclosed for him. There being no person in my view more eligable than Colo. Parker to carry your Instructions into effect: unless Colo. Carrington had been in office as Quarter Master General, I...
90From George Washington to Brigadier General Duportail and Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton, 25 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have just now received a letter from Col. Hamilton, mentioning your having changed your position of Lewis Town, for that of little Egg harbour, and that you would write me more fully on your arrival at the furnace. In my last I informed you that the enemy had evacuated both their posts at Kings-ferry, since which no alteration has taken place, that has come to my knowlege. Things at Rhode...
91From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 24 April 1794 (Washington Papers)
It appears to me that my instructions on the 8 of August 1793 have fixed the appropriation of the money to the sinking fund; and I have considerable difficulty in being convinced of my power to change it at this time. However, as I wish to see the whole subject together it may be well for you to state to me what the embarrassments are which you suppose will arise from confining the money...
92From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 5 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
I beg you to accept my unfeigned thanks for your friendly communications of this date—and that you will permit me to entreat a continuation of them as occasions may arise. The manner chosen for doing it, is most agreeable to me. It is my wish to act right; if I err, the head & not the heart, shall, with justice, be chargeable. With sentiments of sincere esteem & regard I am Dear Sir Your Obedt...
93From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 6 November 1783 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed is a letter which I had written, & was about to dispatch at the date of it; but upon second thoughtsdetermined to Postpone it, & try, if from the importance of the matter, I could not bring forward the Peace Establishment previously. I have tryed it, in vain—Congress after resolving on the of last Month to adjourn upon the 12th of this, did, equally unexpectedly & surprizingly to...
94Tobias 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...
95From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 25 March 1799 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 14th instant with its enclosures, came to hand by the last Post. In the present State of the Army (or more properly the Embryo of one, for I do not perceive from any thing that has come to my knowledge that we are likely to move beyond this) and until the Augmented force shall have been Recruited, Assembled and in the Field, the residence of the Paymaster Genl (I did not...
96From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 6 September 1793 (Washington Papers)
With extreme concern I receive the expression of your apprehensions, that you are in the first Stages of the prevailing fever. I hope they are groundless, notwithstanding the malignancy of the disorder is so much abated, as with proper & timely applications, not much is to be dreaded. The enclosed was written & sent to your Office yesterday, with direction if you were not there, to be brought...
97From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 14 August 1799 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed are sundry letters (as mentioned on the other side) which have come to my hands, recommending Captain Edmund Taylor and Captain William K. Blue for the Office of Brigade Inspector. As this Officer is to be appointed by the Inspector General I forward these letters for your consideration; and add, that I have not a personal knowledge of the Gentlemen recommended which can enable me to...
98From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 16 February 1791 (Washington Papers)
“An act to incorporate the Subscribers to the Bank of the United States” is now before me for consideration. The constitutionality of it is objected to. It therefore becomes more particularly my duty to examine the ground on wc. the objection is built. As a mean of investigation I have called upon the Attorney General of the United States, in whose line it seemed more particularly to be, for...
99From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 13 August 1790 (Washington Papers)
The session of Congress having closed, and it being my intention to go to Virginia as soon as the public business will permit, and wishing to have my mind as free from public cares during my absence from the seat of government, as circumstances will allow; I am desirous of having such matters as may, by Law, or otherwise, require the Agency or sanction of the President of the United States,...
100From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 24 September 1798 (Washington Papers)
Private My dear Sir, Mount Vernon 24th Sep. 1798. I have seen the correspondence between the President of the United States & Secretary of War, on the subject of the relative rank of the three Major Generals first appointed. But as it was given in confidence, unaccompanied with an Official letter, I had no ground on which I could proceed, without betraying that confidence. I have therefore...