1From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Lincoln, 27 November 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I have recieved your favor of the 12th. inst. proposing to resign your office of Collector at the end of the present year: & I recieve it with real concern. no one respects you more than myself; none is more deeply impressed with the value of your revolutionary services, nor does any one more earnestly wish your personal happiness. you are one of those who have deserved well of your country,...
2From James Madison to Benjamin Lincoln, 28 July 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ To Benjamin Lincoln. 28 July 1806, Department of State. “I beg the favor of your opinion, whether the persons, who have executed the enclosed bond as sureties, would be considered as sufficient by those who know them.” Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 59, DL , vol. 15). 1 p.
3From James Madison to Benjamin Lincoln, 10 July 1805 (Madison Papers)
I request you to be pleased to cause to be purchased, as soon as possible, and delivered to the Assistant Military Agent at Fort Independence the following articles intended for Algiers and respecting which he will receive instructions. 1 piece of fine muslin embroidered with small spots of Silver. 1 Do. embroidered in like manner with gold. In case the latter cannot be procured you will...
4From James Madison to Benjamin Lincoln (Abstract), 30 May 1805 (Madison Papers)
30 May 1805, Department of State . “I have lately received the protest [not found] of Capt. Mathew Rice of the Schooner Diana of Boston, detailing the circumstances of a murder and piracy committed on board of her, by the Officers and crew of a Boat under Spanish colours, in the streights of Gibraltar. To support the steps which may be proper upon this subject, it is necessary that all the...
5From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Lincoln, 16 November 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
A pressure of business since my return to this place has prevented so early an acknolegement of your favor of Aug. 29. as I ought to have made, and the remittance of the sum due for duties on articles you were so kind as to recieve & forward, and which have come safely to hand. I now repair the omission by inclosing you a note of the Branch bank of the US. at this place on that of Boston for...
6From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Lincoln, 27 March 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
You were so kind as to pay the duties & some other expences of some articles which came last fall for me to Boston. not having yet recieved a note of the amount according to a former request I take the liberty of recalling it to your memory, that I may be enabled to remit it to you, which shall be done with many thanks for your attention to the subject. Accept my salutations & assurances of...
7From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Lincoln, 19 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Cathalan of Marseilles has shipped for me by the ship Fair American of Bath, Capt Spear, bound to Boston, 10. packages, cost there 667. francs, and containing olive oil, olives, capers, dried & preserved fruits & nuts. as I could not foresee to what port of America he might find a conveyance, I desired him to address them to the Collector of the customs of whatever port the ship might be...
8From John Adams to Benjamin Lincoln, 10 March 1800 (Adams Papers)
I have this morning received your favour of the 3d and rejoice in the recovery of your usual health and pray that it may continue many years. When I came into office it was my determination to make as few removals as possible; Not one from personal malice; Not one from mere party Considerations. This Resolution I have invariably observed. Conviction of Infidelity to a Trust cannot be resisted...
9From John Adams to Benjamin Lincoln, 23 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
I presume Mr. Pickering has sent you the inclosed declaration. But least it may not have come to your hand I send you a copy. This unaccountable misunderstanding, I hope will have no ill consequences. With great esteem I am Sir your / most obedient servant MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
10From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 1 July 1799 (Washington Papers)
Your favours of the 11th of May and 4th Ulto have come ⟨late⟩ to hand. The last the day before yesterday only. The cost of the Glass therein enclosed, shall be immediately paid to Messrs Solomon Cotton & Co. Merchts in Baltimore—and for your agency in this business I pray you to accept my thanks. The mistake will, I trust, soon be rectified as the wrong box of glass was returned to Baltimore...
11From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 22 May 1799 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Benjamin Lincoln, 22 May 1799. American Book-Prices Current (1964), 70:884, records that this letter “introducing a Mr. Ralph Wormeley” was sold by Christie, Manson & Woods on 19 Dec. 1963, item no. 241.
12From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 17 March 1799 (Washington Papers)
I have been induced (in convenient as it is to my Finances) to build two houses in the Federal City—near the Capital—to accomodate a person who means to lay himself out for the accomodation of the members of Congress; when that body shall have removed to the permanent Seat of the Government. For those buildings I shall want Glass, in quantity, quality & size, as per enclosed list; and being...
13From John Adams to Benjamin Lincoln, 7 August 1797 (Adams Papers)
Your kind Congratulations on my return to my Family and Friends are very obliging. Your polite Invitation is accepted with Pleasure. At this Period, when Disorder, Indiscipline and Disobedience of every kind fashioned into a kind of Science, are vindicated as Rights and inculcated as Duties, it is not to be expected that our Country should wholly Escape their contagious Effects. Although many...
14From John Adams to Benjamin Lincoln, 30 March 1797 (Adams Papers)
I received with much Pleasure your favour of the 19th. If I should meet with any “Roses,” in my Path, I shall thank you for your congratulations, and when I set my foot on “thorns” as I certainly shall, I will thank you equally for your condolence. But when you assure me that you “feel a confidence in the safety of our political Bark,” you give me much comfort, and I pray you may not be...
15From John Adams to Benjamin Lincoln, 7 November 1796 (Adams Papers)
I was in hopes to have troubled you no more in this Way: but am disappointed. If you can oblige me, I shall transmit the Sum to you, as soon as I get to Philadelphia. I am with Usual Esteem and / Love, yours NjP : DeCoppet Collection.
16Enclosure: Thomas Davis to Benjamin Lincoln, 22 July 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
Agreeable to your request have examined the books in the Treasury Office in order to ascertain the Amount of State debt which Massachusetts redeemed or sank from January 1. 1783 to the end of the year 1789 and the following is the result of that examination. Consolidated notes redeemed £ 91714.12.10 Army notes “ 285877. 9. 5 new Emission money 80140.3.6 } reduced to Specie at the rate of...
17From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 22 January 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed I transmit to you, the Copies of three several petitions of Jacob Quincy, and John McCalpin to the Judge of the District Court of the District of Maine. I have therefore to request that after maturely considering the facts stated in the said Petitions and the suggestion concerning your Deputy you will be pleased to inform me, whether what is alledged did happen and also what is the...
18From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 27 November 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
I have found it necessary, in order to provide for the punctual payment of the Allowances to fishing Vessels , which will become due on the 31st of the ensuing month to authorise the Collectors of the several Districts in Massachusetts to draw on you, when the funds in their hands shall be inadequate to discharge the demands upon them. The Collectors who may have occasion to resort to this...
19From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 19 August 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, August 19, 1794. “A temporary absence from the seat of Government added to a great pressure of public Business since my return has prevented me from replying sooner to your favor of the 8th July last. As it was not in my power to do anything in the case stated by you untill it came properly before me—I have in consequence of an application from the parties themselves,...
20From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 7 August 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, August 7, 1794. “A warrant has issued this day in your favor … for Eight Thousand, Eight hundred and forty nine dollars and twenty five Cents … for Spermiceti Oil for the use of the Light Houses in the United States.…” LS , RG 36, Collector of Customs at Boston, Letters and Papers re Lighthouses, Buoys, and Piers, 1789–1819, Vol. 3, National Archives. See Tench Coxe to H,...
21From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 28 June 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
What sail Cloth shall we use for the Frigates that of Domestic or that of Foreign Manufacture? National pride & interest plead for the former if the quality be really good. But is it really good? Objections are made; that which is principally insisted upon is that it shrinks exceedingly. Let me know with certainty what Experience has decided. I ask your opinion because I rely on your...
22From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 26 June 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, June 26, 1794. “Inclosed is a copy of a letter to me from the collector of Barnstable, being an application for a Boat for the use of the Inspector at Tarpentine cove. I request your opinion as to the public utility of keeping such a boat at the place mentioned.” L[S] , RG 36, Collector of Customs at Boston, Letters from the Treasury, 1789–1807, Vol. 4, National Archives;...
23From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 19 June 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, June 19, 1794. “I have to request that the draft of the Collector of York mentioned in your letter of the 21st. of march last may be paid, as in other cases of fishing bounties.” L[S] , RG 36, Collector of Customs at Boston, Letters from the Treasury, 1790–1810, Vol. 2, National Archives; copy, RG 56, Letters to the Collector at Boston, National Archives; copy, RG 56,...
24From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 16 June 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
I duly received your letter of the 19th of march last, containing an explanation of the affair between the officers of the Customs and the british Consul. Though I thought it proper to notice the circumstance, I was beforehand persuaded that what has been done did not proceed from any culpable motive. I still however am of opinion that the hint of public resentment ought to have been avoided...
25From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 14 June 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, June 14, 1794. “Your letter of the 21st of January last in the hurry of business got out of view. The instruction therein requested, respecting the Schooner Flora and Schooner Greyhound is however no more required; the appraisements of those Vessels and Cargoes having been since received. It appears that the money you lodged in the branch Bank of New York on account of the...
26From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 1 May 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, May 1, 1794. “The difficulty stated in your letter of the 10th of April with regard to certain claims for drawback can only be obviated by an application to Congress, there being no where a power vested to dispense with the proof which is required by law of the landing of the goods in a foreign country.” LS , RG 36, Collector of Customs at Boston, Letters from the...
27From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 7 March 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
A paper of which the inclosed is a copy was put into my hands by a Gentleman by way of information. It is said, that the original was addressed to the British Consul at Boston. I request from You an explanation of this affair. The threat of the resentment of the Citizens was a circumstance, if it existed, particularly unguarded and improper in an official communication. With much consideration...
28From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 1 March 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, March 1, 1794. On March 20, 1794, Lincoln wrote to Hamilton: “Your letters of the 10th: Ulto & first instant have been received.” Letter of March 1 not found. ]
29From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, James Lovell, and Thomas Melville, 20 February 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, February 20, 1794. “I am to acknowlege the receipt of your letter of the 31st ultimo, respecting the Petition of the Inspectors and to assure you that early and proper attention will be paid to the subject.” L[S] , RG 36, Collector of Customs at Boston, Letters from the Treasury, 1789–1807, Vol. 4, National Archives; copy, RG 56, Letters to the Collector at Boston,...
30From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 22 January 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 8th Instant having reference to certain doubts arising out of the 61st Section of the Collection Law. As it is expected this matter will shortly undergo Legislative revision, I forbear for the present any particular remark on the subject. I am with great consideration Sir your obedt. Servant L[S] , RG 36, Collector of Customs at...
31From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 21 January 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, January 21, 1794. On February 1, 1794, Lincoln wrote to Hamilton : “By this mornings post your letter of the 21st. Ulto was received.” Letter not found. ]
32From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 5 December 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
I have found it necessary in order to provide for the punctual payment of the allowances to fishing vessels which will become due on the 31st inst to authorise the Collectors of the several districts in Massachusetts to draw on you, when the funds in their hands shall be inadequate to discharge the demands uppon them. The Collectors who may have occasion to resort to this resourse have been...
33From John Adams to Benjamin Lincoln, 14 November 1793 (Adams Papers)
The inclosed Reasons Why the Commissioners did not make Peace with the Indians, I have read with all the Interest that the Subject and the manner of treating it naturally inspire. The Facts are so natural and conformable at the Same time to all the Observations I was able to make, and all the Information I could obtain during my Residence both in France and England, that I have not a doubt of...
34From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 6 November 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
To the circumstances already mentioned in my letter of Yesterday it must be ascribed that certain communications of the 27th of August last from the Deputy collector have not received an earlier attention. My opinion on the case in question is, that the drawback claimed by Mr. Foster cannot be allowed unless the oath of the master and mate be procured, as prescribed by law, in addition to the...
35From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 5 November 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
I had prepared an answer to a letter from your Deputy of the 22d of August last, when the late calamity in Philadelphia, and my indisposition caused a temporary interruption in the current business of this Department. My circular of the 4th of August will have informed you, that prizes brought in, or sent in, by armed vessels, originally fitted out of our ports are not to be admitted to entry....
36From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 15 August 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
The office of discount and deposit at Boston, having at my request paid draughts of sundry Collectors for bounties to Fishing Vessels to the amount of 32,970 Dollars and 47 Cents, I am to request that you will as fast as you shall be in cash on account of the duties on imports and Tonnage replace that advance to the above amount; taking duplicate receipts for each payment according to the form...
37From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 23 May 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, May 23, 1793. “You will herewith receive a package of Sea letters, which I request you to distribute among the Collectors of your State, as they shall apply for them. A further and a larger parcel will be forwarded to you, for the same purpose in a few days.…” L[S] , RG 36, Collector of Customs at Boston, Letters from the Treasury, 1789–1807, National Archives; copy, RG...
38From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 16 May 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, May 16, 1793. Authorizes payment to Moses Hays for “14,000 Gallons best pressed spermaceti oil, supplied for the Northern & Eastern light houses.” LS , RG 36, Collector of Customs at Boston, Letters and Papers re Lighthouses, Buoys, and Piers, 1789–1819, National Archives. See H to George Washington, second letter of May 8, 1793 .
39From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 22 December 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, December 22, 1792. “Pursuant to an application from John Lee Esqr, Collector of Penobscot, I have to request that you will supply him with a dozen Certificates of Registry without delay.” LS , RG 36, Collector of Customs at Boston, Letters from the Treasury and Others, 1789–1809, Vol. 1, National Archives; copy, RG 56, Letters to Collectors at Small Ports, “Set G,”...
40From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 10 December 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, December 10, 1792. “The Collector of Wiscassett has applied to this Office for a supply of blank Certificates of Registry. I have to request that you will, for the present, transmit him a dozen blanks without delay. He has been directed to apply in future to you in due time—naming the quantity required.…” L[S] , RG 36, Collector of Customs at Boston, Letters from the...
41From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 17 November 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, November 17, 1792. “The Collector of Frenchmans Bay in his letter to me dated October the 1st, which has just come to hand, applies for some blank certificates of Registry. I have informed him in the enclosed letter that he will be supplied from your office in the usual course. This I request may be done without loss of time.…” L[S] , RG 36, Collector of Customs at Boston,...
42From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 18 October 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received the petition of John Mackay, Master of the Ship Charlotte, praying for a mitigation or remission of the damages found against him by the Jury, together with a statement of facts on the same subject from the District Judge of Massachusetts. As the fine was in the discretion of the Jury the imposition of one so considerable as two hundred and fifty Dollars furnishes a presumption...
43From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 29 September 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
I have concluded upon consideration of the circumstances represented in your letter of the 20th. instant to authorize the sale of the Revenue Cutter as you propose. In the building of a new one, I must recommend care to be taken, that the vessel be of a proper size; and that her cost be within the limits mentioned in your letter. I am with great consideration Sir Your obedt Servant LS , RG 36,...
44From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 29 September 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, September 29, 1792. “I have duly received your letter of the 14th Instant, purporting a request from Mr Thomas …: however grateful it might be to me, to promote the plan undertaken by Mr Thomas, I cannot dispense with the law to do it.” LS , RG 36, Collector of Customs at Boston, Letters from the Treasury, 1789–1807, Vol. 4, National Archives; copy, RG 56, Letters to the...
45From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 3 September 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, September 3, 1792. Informs Lincoln that “a Warrant has this day issued on the Treasurer in your favor, as Agent to John Lowell, Attorney for Jonathan Jackson, late Marshall of the District of Massachusetts, for the sum of Nine hundred & Sixty four dollars and thirty Cents.” Requests a receipt. LS , RG 36, Collector of Customs at Boston, Letters from the Treasury, 1789–1818...
46From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 27 August 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, August 27, 1792. “I received your letter of the 17th Instant, enclosing an application from Mr Foster for the payment of certain drawbacks. As the case is stated, it is such an one, in which the Law is precise: & there is no discretionery power vested in me.…” LS , RG 36, Collector of Customs at Boston, Letters from the Treasury, 1789–1818 (vol. unnumbered), National...
47From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 14 August 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, August 14, 1792. “It had been intimated to me, previous to the receipt of your letter of the 3rd instant, that a dissimilar construction was given in the Custom Houses to the laws which relate to the importation of Teas &ca.… The mode adopted at your office appears to be comformable to the sense of the law.” L[S] , RG 36, Collector of Customs at Boston, Letters from the...
48From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 7 August 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, August 7, 1792. “I have directed a Thermometer to be sent to You, which I request You will please to forward to the Collector of Machias.…” L[S] , RG 36, Collector of Customs at Boston, Letters from the Treasury, 1789–1807, Vol. 4, National Archives; copy, RG 56, Letters to the Collector at Boston, National Archives; copy, RG 56, Letters to Collectors at Small Ports, “Set...
49From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 6 August 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
You were perfectly right in making the seizure, announced in your letter of the 26th Ultimo. I do not see that any thing can be done in respect to the Drawback you mention. No payment on that account can be made until the requisite evidence is produced; and there might be circumstances which would altogether preclude the possibility of producing that evidence. L[S] , RG 36, Collector of...
50From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 2 August 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, August 2, 1792. “I have directed a packet to be sent to you by water, containing two Thermometers which I request you will forward by a safe conveyance; the one to the Collector of Barnstable, and the other to the Collector of Frenchman’s bay.” L[S] , RG 36, Collector of Customs at Boston, Letters from the Treasury, 1789–1807, Vol. 4, National Archives; copy, RG 56,...