1From John Adams to Benjamin Lincoln, 19 May 1790 (Adams Papers)
I have duly received but not duly answered your favor of April 3 d . It is a misfortune that a man can never be spoken to by a projectors without being misunderstood or misrepresented I told M r. Forbisher that if he expected any thing from the general government, he must apply to it by petition. But I never told him, that I had the least suspicion that the general government would ever do...
2From 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.
3From 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...
4From 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...
5From John Adams to Benjamin Lincoln, 6 November 1782 (Adams Papers)
I had Yesterday the Honour of your Letter of 25. September, and I beg leave to thank you, for your kind Congratulations on our little Success at the Hague.— I wish to have it in my Power to congratulate you Soon, upon a good Peace.— But, every Thing within my Observation, is disposing itself, both on the side of France and England for another Campaign So that I cannot give much Encouragement...
6From 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...
7From John Adams to Benjamin Lincoln, 26 May 1789 (Adams Papers)
I am, this Evening favoured with yours of the 18. In Answer to your Question, I ask another.— Where is the Sovereignty of the Nation lodged? Is it in the national Government, or in the State Governmen[ts?] Are there more Sovereignties than one? if there is more than one there are Eleven. if there are Eleven there is no general Government—for there cannot be eleven Sovereignties against one.—...
8From John Adams to Benjamin Lincoln, 19 June 1789 (Adams Papers)
I am honoured with yours of the 30 th. of May, and find We are well agreed in opinion in all points. Nothing Since my return to America, has alarmed me So much, as those habits of Fraud, in the Use of Language which appear in conversation and in public writings. Words are employed like paper money, to cheat the Widow and the fatherless and every honest Man. The Word Aristocracy is one...
9From John Adams to Benjamin Lincoln, 8 May 1789 (Adams Papers)
I have received your kind favour of April 22 d and Shall not be easy till it is answered, though it is not easy to find the time, amidst the Confusion of innumerable Visits, formal Ceremonials, Balls, Commencements, Levees, &c a &c a , blended with the constant more serious Duties of my Situtation.— I agree with you entirely, that among the first dangers to be apprehended is a contest between...
10From 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.
11From 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...
12From David Cobb to Benjamin Lincoln, 27 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
Your Favor of the 23d inst. has been duly received—the Commander in Chief having gone up the River to view the Posts at Albany & its vicinity; I can only observe that the alteration made in the mode of Issues will give general satisfaction, if the Issuer behaves with the Least Decency; As you are sensible that it is not altogether the badness of the Contract, but the mode of its execution that...
13Enclosure: 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...
14Enclosure No. 4: Copy of a Letter from Major General Greene to Major General Lincoln, Secretary at War, 5 February 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
An idle surmise of Mr. Banks, and an improper curiosity of General Scott in the State of Virginia, may give an unjust complexion to the late transaction respecting the measures taken to obtain clothing, as the Governor of Virginia writes, that it was considered a mere speculation for private emolument. For fear, such rumors should spread to my disadvantage, I take the liberty to enclose you a...
15Enclosure No. 3: Extract of a Letter from Major General Greene to Major General Lincoln, Secretary at War, 2 February … (Hamilton Papers)
“Lieutenant Colonel Carrington has closed a contract with Mr. Banks for the subsistence of the army, at something [less] than eleven pence sterling. It is high, but it could not be had lower. There was not an offer made but by Mr. Banks, although I wrote to all the principal men in the country. People have not that spirit for engaging in business, here, as with us. “I shall get the troops...
16Enclosure No. 5: John Banks’s Certificate, [ca. 3 January 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
It having been suggested from an interpretation of my letter of October 1782, to Mr. James Hunter, that the honorable Major-General Greene was interested, or intimated a desire of holding a commercial connection with me in Charleston; I do, therefore, as well for the sake of removing such an idea, as to avert from myself any mischief, that a heedless surmise, expressed in a confidential letter...
17Enclosure C: Extract of a Letter from Major General Greene, to Major General Lincoln, Secretary at War, 11 November 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
“I am taking measures to obtain clothing for the troops. We have on hand but a small part of our winter clothing, and after what we shall be obliged to issue to those troops going northwardly, we shall have but a small pittance left. I imagine, our purchases will amount to not less than forty thousand dollars, for which I shall draw bills on the Financier; and, as I provide the clothing, at...
18Enclosure No. 2: Extract of a Letter from Major General Greene to Major General Lincoln, Secretary at War, 19 December … (Hamilton Papers)
“You will see by some of my former letters, that, in consequence of your orders, I had taken measures, to provide such articles of clothing, as were necessary to complete the troops with their winter clothing. Messrs. Banks and Company have furnished most of the articles we shall want, and will provide the rest. Mr. Hamilton, the clothier, had instructions to contract with such as would supply...
19From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 2 June 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the 4th of March remains yet to be answered. The question there stated is in substance, whether a Citizen residing out of your state, coming to Boston, and there purchasing a Vessel, must necessarily take and subscribe the oath or affirmation required by law, before the Collector of the District where such Citizen usually resides , in order to obtain a certificate of Registry...
20From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 4 June 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
As the enemy appear from different Quarters to be in motion it is necessary that the army be in readiness to march, it is therefore ordered that the tents be immediately struck—the baggage and camp equipage loaded—the horses to the Waggons and all the men at their respective incampments paraded and ready to march at a moments warning. ALS , University of California at Berkeley. Lincoln, who...
21From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 22 September 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
A certificate of Registry No 16, granted by you, for the Ship Lucretia, has been delivered up, at the Port of Newbern in north Carolina, and returned to this officer by the Collector of that port. Inclosed you will receive part of the certificate, containing the official Seals and signatures of yourself and the naval Officer; which is transmitted to you, in order that the Bond given agreeable...
22From 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...
23From 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...
24From 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,...
25From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 8 May 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, May 8, 1790 . The endorsement on the letter which Lincoln wrote to Hamilton on April 6, 1790 , reads: “Answered 8th May.” Letter not found. ]
26From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, [29 May 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
I have written to the Directors of the Bank of Massachusettes, a letter of which the inclosed is a copy. Be so good as to aid in diffusing the knowledge of the arrangement. You need not mention the transmission of the letter lest it should be misinterpreted. I remain very truly Your friend & serv ALS , Maine Historical Society, Portland. H to the President and Directors of the Massachusetts...
27From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 3 September 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
I am of opinion that the Legislature did not contemplate any distinction in the rate of Duty between Sugars of different qualities, if unmanufactured & free from damage. Goods belonging to Foreign Consuls are not exempted from duty, by virtue of any privilege to which they are legally entitled. I am however of opinion that the indication of the sense of the Legislature, contained in the new...
28From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 18 November 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed is an application which has been made to the President. I request your opinion, as to the competency of the present allowance, or as to what would be a competent one, if you think the present deficient. When you communicate it, you will please to send back the representation now transmitted. I am, with great consideration, Sir, Your Obed Servant. LS , RG 36, Collector of Customs at...
29From 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...
30From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 4 August 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
As the tea mentioned in your letter of the 13th of July is confessedly not simply Bohea but a different kind of black tea and was entered under a different denomination, I see not how it can be exempted from the duty laid on the second class of teas namely “Souchong and other black teas.” I cannot find that Bohea Congo is a species of tea known in the China Market, tho the Bohea of the...
31From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 27 June 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
I have before me your letter of the 6th instant. I refer you to the 45th Section of the Act, commonly called the Excise law, where you will find a penalty of five hundred Dollars, for making use of untrue certificates. This Section would be applicable in the case you state, as the certificate accompanying the Rum must be deemed untrue relatively to the article. I am of opinion that, though...
32From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 6 September 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
The excuses made by the owners of the Lighter, as stated in your letter of the 17th. Ulto, may be true but as they are the mere allegations of the Defendants, you will percieve the impropriety of considering them as sufficient to justify them. The seizure of a Boat under such circumstances was a prudent & necessary step, and it seems proper that you consider further whether the law does not...
33From 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...
34From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 25 January 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
As it has become my duty to prepare a plan for the consideration of Congress, respecting the encouragement of Manufactures it is of course my wish to ⟨secure in⟩formation, which can be had on the Subject. I shall therefore be obliged to you, for such ⟨– – particular⟩s, as may assist me in forming a right judgement of the means, which may be proper to be pursued. The several kinds of...
35From 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...
36From 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...
37From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 24 June 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, June 24, 1790. “No official information has been yet received of the Cession of the Light House at Portland Head.… If you could procure … an Account of the Cost of the Light House, so far as it is built—the height to which it is carried—the height to which it is proposed to be carried, and an estimate of the expence that will attend the Completion of it, I shall be obliged...
38From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 1 February 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
The Trustees of the sinking fund have thought fit to commit to you the making of purchases of the public debt to the amount of fifty thousand Dollars pursuant to the Act making provision for the reduction of the public debt. To enable you to execute this trust (which I doubt not you will chearfully undertake) I have directed the Treasurer to forward to you fifty thousand dollars in Notes of...
39From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, [22 January 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, January 22, 1791. On February 23, 1791, Lincoln wrote to Hamilton and referred to “your letter of the 22nd ultimo.” Letter not found. ] PAH Harold C. Syrett, ed., The Papers of Alexander Hamilton (New York and London, 1961– ). , VIII, 61–62.
40From 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...
41From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 10 September 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, September 10, 1790. On September 17, 1790, Lincoln wrote to Hamilton : “Your private letter of the 10th came by the post the last evening.” Letter not found. ]
42From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 21 July 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
In the District of Edgar-town there is a Harbour called Holmes hole, where the Collector has appointed an Inspector (Ebenr Smith). It is represented to me, that many vessels come to anchor in that harbour, which are destined for other ports, and it is thought expedient to keep a boat there, for the purpose of boarding vessels, receiving manifests, and to transmit them to the ports, to which...
43From 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,...
44From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 18 February 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
It appears from the abstract of unclaimed interest, rendered by the Commissioner of loans of your State, that you have a credit on his books for 337⁵⁰⁄₁₀₀ Dollars, being the amount of interest on 15,000, 6 per Cent and 15,000, 3 per Cent Stock, for the quarter ending the 31st of March 1791. This Stock is supposed to have been purchased by you under the Act making provision for the reduction of...
45From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 4 February 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, February 4, 1792. On February 15, 1792, Lincoln wrote to Hamilton : “Your two letters one under the 2d & the [other] under the fourth instant came to hand this evening.” Letter of February 4 not found. ]
46From 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...
47From 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,...
48From 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,...
49From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 28 January 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, January 28, 1790. Directs Lincoln to distribute ship registers to the Massachusetts collectors. L[S] , RG 36, Collector of Customs at Boston, Letters from the Treasury and Others, 1789–1809, Vol. 1, National Archives; copy, RG 56, Letters to the Collector at Boston, National Archives; copy, RG 56, Letters to Collectors at Small Ports, “Set G,” National Archives.
50From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 30 April 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
I have in a late report to the house of Representatives in substance proposed, what you mention in your Letter of the 15th Inst. respecting coasters. There is also a proposition before the house, contemplating a provision for boats to secure the revenue against fraudulent practices; it will therefore be best for the present to wait the result. I am Sir Your Obedt Servt L[S] , RG 36,...