1From 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...
2From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 25 September 1789 (Washington Papers)
From a great variety of characters who have made a tender of their services for Suitable Offices, I have selected the following. If Mr Jay & you will take the further trouble of running them over to see if among them there can be found one, who, under all circumstances is more eligable for the Post Office than Col. O. —I shall be obliged to you both for your opinions thereon by Eleven...
3From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 17 December 1789 (Washington Papers)
As I am uncertain of the condition & even the Office in which the papers containing accounts of our disbursments for subsistence of British prisoners remain; and as it is not improbable that some negotiations may (whenever our Union under the General Government shall be completed) take place between the United States & Great Britain, in which an accurate understanding of those Accots will...
4From 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...
5From 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,...
6From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 28 August 1790 (Washington Papers)
Having thought fit to commit to you the charge of borrowing on behalf of the United States a sum or sums not exceeding in the whole Fourteen Millions of Dollars pursuant to the several Acts, the one entitled, “An Act making provision for the Debt of the United States”, the other entitled, “An Act making provision for the reduction of the Public Debt.” I do hereby make known to you, that in the...
7From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 20 September 1790 (Washington Papers)
In answer to your letter of the 10th instt relative to the establishment of the boats or Cutters for the protection of the revenue, I have to observe, That, if there appears to exist a necessity for equipping the whole number therein mentioned, the arrangement for building and stationing them, seems judicious, and is to me perfectly satisfactory. It is my wish that your Enquiries, respecting...
8From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 27 September 1790 (Washington Papers)
Mr John Cogdell having resigned his appointment as Collector of the port of George town in south Carolina, I have to request that you will make enquiry respecting a proper person to succeed him. Mr Corbin Braxton having also resigned his appointment as Surveyor of the ports of Richmond and Manchester—Colonel Heth informs me that he has nominated Mr Z. Rowland to do the duties of the Office...
9From 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...
10From 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...
11From 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...
12From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 8 November 1790 (Washington Papers)
I have received your letters of the 26th ult: & 1st Instt —The objection stated by you to the appointment of Mr Spence being conclusive, I now enclose a letter from Mr Wingate to me recommendatory of another Candidate, with my answer occasioned by the previous appointment of Mr Woodbury Langdon—but should that Gentleman finally determine not to accept, and you learn, on enquiry, that Colo....
13From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 10 November 1790 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Alexander Hamilton, 10 Nov. 1790. On 11 Nov. 1790 GW wrote to Hamilton: “Since writing to you yesterday I have received your letter of the 6th inst:.”
14From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 2–6 December 1790 (Washington Papers)
Your indisposition has prevented me from giving you as much trouble in making my communications to Congress as otherwise, I might have done. The article of your Notes which respect the loan in Holland, I am somewhat at a loss to frame into a paragraph for the Speech, and therefore pray your assistance. I had got it as pr the enclosed, but upon a revision, it does not appear right. Be so good...
15From 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...
16From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 23 February 1791 (Washington Papers)
I have this moment received your sentiments with respect to the constitutionality of the Bill—“to incorporate the subscribers to the Bank of the United States.” This bill was presented to me by the joint Commee of Congress at 12 oClock on Monday the 14th instant. To what precise period, by legal interpretation of the constitution, can the President retain it in his possession, before it...
17From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 15 March 1791 (Washington Papers)
Having thought fit, pursuant to the powers vested in me by the Act intitled “An Act repealing after the last day of June next the duties heretofore laid upon distilled Spirits imported from abroad and laying others in their stead & also upon spirits distilled within the United States and for appropriating the same” to divide the United States into the following fourteen districts namely one to...
18From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 15 March 1791 (Washington Papers)
By Virtue of the several Acts, the one entitled “An Act for raising and adding another regiment to the military establishment of the United States and for making further provision for the protection of the frontiers,” and the other entitled “An Act making an appropriation for the Purpose therein mentioned,” I do hereby authorise and empower you by yourself or any other person or persons to...
19From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 19 March 1791 (Washington Papers)
Pay or cause to be paid to the Secretary of State Forty thousand Dollars to be applied to the purposes of the Act, entitled “An Act providing the means of Intercourse between the United States and foreign Nations” for which this shall be your warrant. Given under my hand at Philadelphia the nineteenth day of March, in the year one thousand seven hundred & ninety one. LB , DLC:GW . Under the...
20From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 4 April 1791 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 27th Ult. came duly to hand. For the information contained in it—and for the notes which accompanied the same, I thank you. Every expedient, as I believe you know, is in operation to avert a War with the hostile Indian tribes—and to keep those who are in treaty with us in good temper; but I am nearly thoroughly convinced that neither will be effected, or, if effected, will...
21From 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...
22From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 7 May 1791 (Washington Papers)
I have received your Letters of the 11th & 14th of last month—Concluding from ⟨Mr⟩ Shorts statement of his negotiation in Amsterdam, and from the opinions offered in your letter of the 11th, that the loan has been obtained on the best terms practicable, and that its application in the manner you propose will be the most advantageous to the United States, I do hereby signify my approbation of...
23From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 8 May 1791 (Washington Papers)
Mr Cogdell, the Collector of Georgetown appearing on enquiry a proper Person to be appointed Inspector of Excise for that Survey—You will signify his appointment to that Office & transmit to him his instructions. Capt. Robert Cochran seems in all respects best qualified to command the revenue Cutter on this station, and I have in consequence appointed him to that Office. He is desired to apply...
24From 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...
25From 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...
26From 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...
27From 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...
28From 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...
29From 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...
30From 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...
31From 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...
32From 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...
33From 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...
34From 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...
35From 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...
36From 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...
37From 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...
38From 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...
39From 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...
40From 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...
41From 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 .
42From 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...
43From 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...
44From 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...
45From 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...
46From 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...
47From 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...
48From 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...
49From 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...
50From 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...