61Petition to the Corporation of the City of New York in Common Council, 21 March 1787 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, March 21, 1787. Hamilton was one of eighteen petitioners who, on this date, requested the New York City Common Council to remove a statute of William Pitt located “in the most central Part” of Wall and Smith Streets. The statue, the petition stated, “greatly obstructs the free Passage of Carriages &c., through both Wall & Smith Streets.” DS , Municipal Archives and Records Center,...
62Petition to the Corporation of the City of New York in Common Council, 21 March 1787 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, March 21, 1787. Hamilton and several other residents of Wall Street on this date petitioned the New York City Common Council to raise “the Pavements of the said Street in the middle thereof, so as to throw the Water on each side of the Street.” DS , Municipal Archives and Records Center, New York City.
63New York Assembly. Remarks on an Act for Repealing Part of the Trespass Act, [21 March 1787] (Hamilton Papers)
On motion of Col. Hamilton, the house went into a committee on the bill for repealing part of the trespass act. Mr. Hedges in the chair. Col. Hamilton said that this amendment to the trespass law, was only to repeal that part which was in violation of the public treaty. The courts of justice were at present in a delicate dilemma, obliged either to explain away a positive law of the state or...
64New York Assembly. Remarks on the Quotas to be Assigned the Several Counties of New York, [22 March 1787] (Hamilton Papers)
Col. Hamilton did not suppose that any arguments would have much influence on the decision of this question. There is no criterion to go by and we fall into the greatest uncertainty—a gentleman has told us plainly, that he has been intriguing, and making the best bargain he could for his county. He would not say that New-York had made any conditions—he hoped that the intrigues might not have...
65New York Assembly. Report on the Petitions of Samuel Thompson, Josiah Gale, and Lemuel Conckling, 24 March 1787 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, March 24, 1787. Hamilton, as chairman of a committee on “petitions of Samuel Thompson, Josiah Gale and others, and Lemuel Conckling,” recommended that “the said petitions ought to be taken into consideration, when the House shall proceed upon a report of Mr. Attorney general, on the cases of Elijah Hunter and others.” New York Assembly Journal Journal of the Assembly of the State of...
66New York Assembly. Remarks on an Act to Institute an University Within This State, [24 March 1787] (Hamilton Papers)
Col. Hamilton hoped the house would not recommit the bill. There was no doubt he said but the legislature possessed the right to give this power. There were frequent examples of the kind in Great Britain, where this power has been granted. No disadvantage he said could arise from it; on the contrary, many would be the benefits. He therefore wished the bill might be finished—as no doubt existed...
67New York Assembly. Remarks on an Act Directing a Mode of Trial and Allowing of Divorces in Cases of Adultery, [28 March … (Hamilton Papers)
The house then went into the consideration of the objections of the council of revision to the divorce bill . The said objections being read. Col. Hamilton moved that, the bill pass into a law, notwithstanding the objections of the council. He did not he said like the clause which had been introduced by the senate, and on which the objections of the council were founded, but he would remedy...
68New York Assembly. Remarks on an Act Acknowledging the Independence of Vermont, [28 March 1787] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Chairman, The counsel for the petitioners has entered into a large field of argument against the present bill. He has endeavoured to shew that it is contrary to the constitution, to the maxims of sound policy and to the rights of property. His observations have not been destitute of weight. They appear to have the more force, as they are to a certain degree founded in truth. But it is the...
69New York Assembly. Report on the Petition of Margaret Livingston, 31 March 1787 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, March 31, 1787. On this date Hamilton, as chairman of a committee on the petition of Margaret Livingston, brought in a bill entitled “An act for dividing the township of New Stamford in Ulster county.” New York Assembly Journal Journal of the Assembly of the State of New York (Publisher and place vary, 1782–1788). , 1787, 129. The bill introduced by H was incorporated in “AN ACT for...
70From Alexander Hamilton to Samuel Breese, William Malcom, and Aaron Burr, April 1787 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, April, 1787 ] “Mrs. Bayard Widow of Mr Samuel Bayard deceased has applied to me to arrange with you some provision for her in persuance of the Will of her husband representing her situation as distressed in the extreme, and assuring me that she is willing to do whatever I shall advise towards a fair adjustment of matters between you and her.…” Copy, Hamilton Papers, Library of...
71To Alexander Hamilton from Daniel Coxe, 4 April 1787 (Hamilton Papers)
London, April 4, 1787. “… Interested as I am in a large landed Property in the State of New Yorke; under former Grants of the Crown, and which not having been confiscated, is considered to be secure to me in virtue of the Treaty, I am anxious to be informed, from a Gentleman of your high Professional merit, whether or not, and how far, the Principle of Alienism , is adopted seriously by your...
72To Alexander Hamilton from Marquis de Lafayette, 12 April 1787 (Hamilton Papers)
It is an Age since I Heard from you. Of you I Hear By some of our friends, and in the News Papers. But altho I Have a Right to Complain, I want to let you know the proceedings of our Assembly, which as it is Unusual in France, May Raise Your Curiosity. Our Constitution is pretty much what it was in England Before it Had Been fairly writen down, and Minutely preserved; so that we Have great...
73New York Assembly. Remarks on an Amendment to an Act Relative to Debts Due Persons Within the Enemy’s Lines, [12 April … (Hamilton Papers)
Went into a committee on the bill to repeal the citation acts.… Mr. Hamilton advocated the bill with great ability and candor; he mentioned the bad effects of the present laws; the difficulties that the courts of justice threw in the way of them—and the impossibility ever to amend them is such a manner as to have them acted upon. He urged the influence the opinion of our courts ought to have...
74New York Assembly. Report on the Petition of Henry Ludenton, 14 April 1787 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, April 14, 1787. In his petition, Ludenton asserted that “certain depreciation certificates” had been stolen from him and, after passing through several hands, used for the purchase of a forfeited estate. Ludenton then asked that these certificates be returned. Hamilton, as chairman of a committee, recommended “as an act of generosity in the State,” that the treasurer be instructed to...
75New York Assembly. Motion for Leave to Bring in a Bill on Places at Which the Legislature Shall Meet, [16 April 1787] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton moved for leave to bring in a bill to establish the places at which the ordinary sessions of the Legislature shall be holden. Ordered , That leave be given accordingly. Mr. Hamilton, according to leave, brought in the said bill, entitled An act to establish the places at which the ordinary sessions of the Legislature shall be holden , which was read the first time, and ordered a...
76New York Assembly. Motion that Five Delegates be Appointed to the Constitutional Convention, [16 April 1787] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton made a motion that the House would agree to a resolution in the words following, viz . Resolved , (if the Honorable the Senate concur herein) That two Delegates be appointed, in addition to those already appointed to represent this State at the Convention proposed to be holden at Philadelphia, on the second Monday of May next; and that any three of the persons heretofore appointed...
77New York Assembly. Remarks on a Motion that Five Delegates be Appointed to the Constitutional Convention, [16 April … (Hamilton Papers)
I think it proper to apprise the house of the gentlemen on some of whom I wish their choice to fall, and with a view to which I bring forward the present motion. Their abilities and experience in the general affairs of the country cannot but be useful upon such an occasion. I mean Mr. Chancellor [Robert R.] Livingston, Mr. [James] Duane, Mr. [Egbert] Benson, and Mr. [John] Jay. The particular...
78New York Assembly. Remarks on the Petition of Robert Henry, Robert McClellan, and Robert Henry, Junior, [16 April 1787] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton expressed great regret that he was obliged to oppose this bill; he knew the gentlemen; he knew their peculiarly unfortunate situation, and felt as much for their distresses as any member of the committee. But his objection to the bill, arose from his aversion to any discriminations; there were others, and he was sorry for it, in equally unfortunate circumstances. But he would...
79New York Assembly. Remarks on the Claim of New York City to Fort George, [16 April 1787] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton proposed a resolution, which would set aside the order of the day, and answer the purposes much better, in his opinion; it was to direct the attorney general to enquire into the claim of the corporation to the Fort St. James, and its dependencies, now called fort George; and that the commissioners of the land office have a survey made of the property of the state therein; and that...
80New York Assembly. Remarks on an Act Repealing Laws Inconsistent With the Treaty of Peace, [17 April 1787] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton in a very animated and powerful speech, expressed great uneasiness that any opposition should be made to this bill, particularly as this state was individually interested therein. He felt greater regret from a conviction in his own mind, on this occasion, that the bill should be objected to, as there was not a single law in existence in this state, in direct contravention of the...
81To Alexander Hamilton from Mary Bryant, 23 April 1787 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, April 23, 1787. Asks Hamilton’s assistance in securing a disputed legacy left to her by her husband. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Mary Bryant was the widow of Dr. William Bryant of Trenton, New Jersey.
82Declination of Candidacy for Seat in the New York Legislature, [23 April 1787] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton observing his name in several nominations thinks it his duty to inform such of his fellow citizens as might incline to honor him with their choice at the approaching election, that the adjournment of the legislature to meet at Poughkepsie, which happened on Saturday last renders it impracticable for him to serve them as a member of that body for the ensuing year. The [New York]...
83To Alexander Hamilton from Catherine Bayard, 24 April 1787 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, April 24, 1787. “I wish you Could so Much advance the Settlement of My affairs as to Make Me Receive of the Trustees of Bayards Estate a Sum Sufficient to Provide for My Urgent Expences during your Absence and Reimburse you what you so Obliginly have Sent to Me.…” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Catherine Bayard was the widow of Samuel Bayard.
84To Alexander Hamilton from Augustus Van Cortlandt, 29 April 1787 (Hamilton Papers)
Yonkers, New York, April 29, 1787. Requests that Hamilton take legal steps to secure the payment of money owed Van Cortlandt. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
85To Alexander Hamilton from John Jay, 2 May 1787 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, May 2, 1787. On May 3, 1787, Hamilton wrote to Jay : “I this morning received your letter of yesterday.” Letter not found. ]
86From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, [3 May 1787] (Hamilton Papers)
I this morning received your letter of yesterday. I have seen with pain the progress of the transactions, which have excited irritations between Mr. Livingston and yourself, and as my dispositions to both, in whatever I have had to do with the matter, have been friendly, I should with reluctance do any thing, that might affect either, further than a regard to truth and propriety should make it...
87Statement of Expenses Incurred by Alexander Hamilton and Egbert Benson in Attending the Annapolis Convention, [8 May … (Hamilton Papers)
The People of the State of New York To Egbert and Alexander Hamilton Drs. For our expences in attending the Convention at Annapolis in September last £113 . . 1.4 including the journey thither and back New York to Wit. Egbert Benson and Alexander Hamilton severally make oath and first the said Egbert Benson saith that of the above mentioned sum he did disburse Thirty six pounds three shillings...
88To Alexander Hamilton from P. I. More, 12 May 1787 (Hamilton Papers)
Charleston, South Carolina, May 12, 1787. Requests Hamilton to collect a debt owed More by “Mr. John Tayleur formerly Merchant in this Place, now keeping a Jeweller’s Shop in Queen Street near the Coffee house in New York.” LS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. More was a Charleston physician.
89Credentials as Delegate to the General Society of the Cincinnati, 18 May 1787 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, May 18, 1787. On this date Hamilton filed his credentials and instructions as a delegate from New York to the general meeting of the Society of the Cincinnati held in Philadelphia. Proceedings of the General Society of the Cincinnati, 1784–1884 (Philadelphia, 1887), 31.
90Constitutional Convention. Nomination of William Jackson as Secretary of the Constitutional Convention, 25 May 1787 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, May 25, 1787. On this date Hamilton nominated Major William Jackson as secretary of the Constitutional Convention. Gaillard Hunt and James Brown Scott, eds., The Debates in the Federal Convention of 1787 Which Framed the Constitution of the United States of America. Reported by James Madison (New York, 1920), 18. Of the many editions of Madison’s notes of debates in the...
91Constitutional Convention. Appointment to Committee for Establishing Rules for the Constitutional Convention, 25 May … (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, May 25, 1787. On this date, Hamilton, George Wythe of Virginia, and Charles Pinckney of South Carolina were appointed a committee to prepare “standing rules & orders” for the Constitutional Convention. Hunt and Scott, Debates Gaillard Hunt and James Brown Scott, eds., The Debates in the Federal Convention of 1787 Which Framed the Constitution of the United States of America....
92To Alexander Hamilton from Jacob Sarly, 26 May 1787 (Hamilton Papers)
Delaware Mills near Trenton, May 26, 1787. “On my arrival at Newyork your Letter was handed me.… I will endeavour to fulfill the proposition I made of paying the Remainder due on the Bond I gave, previous to my leaving Newyork for England which will be in the Course of the next Month; for the Ballance which will satisfy one half of the Debt, I will put such Security in your hands as I trust...
93Constitutional Convention. Motion that Representation in the National Legislature Ought to be Proportioned to the Number … (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, May 30, 1787. The Convention having before it a proposition by Edmund Randolph that “the rights of suffrage in the National Legislature ought to be proportioned to the quotas of contribution, or to the number of free inhabitants, as the one or the other rule may seem best in different cases,” Hamilton “moved to alter the resolution so as to read ‘that the rights of suffrage in...
94Constitutional Convention. Second of Benjamin Franklin’s Motion that Proposed Executive Serve Without Pay, 2 June 1787 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, June 2, 1787. On this date Benjamin Franklin moved that the expenses of the proposed Executive should be paid but that he should receive “no salary, stipend fee or reward whatsoever” for his service. “The motion was seconded by Col. HAMILTON with the view he said merely of bringing so respectable a proposition before the Committee, and which was besides enforced by arguments that...
95Constitutional Convention. Second of a Motion by James Wilson and Remarks Thereon, 4 June 1787 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, June 4, 1787. James Wilson on this date made a motion, which Hamilton seconded, that a motion by Elbridge Gerry stating “that the National Executive shall have a right to negative any Legislative act which shall not be afterwards passed by parts of each branch of the national Legislature” be replaced by a provision “so as to give the Executive an absolute negative on the laws....
96Constitutional Convention. Objection of Order, 4 June 1787 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, June 4, 1787. To a motion by James Wilson, seconded by James Madison, that “a convenient number of the National Judiciary” act with the executive in vetoing acts of the national legislature, Hamilton made “an objection of order … to the introduction of the last amendment at this time.” Hunt and Scott, Debates Gaillard Hunt and James Brown Scott, eds., The Debates in the Federal...
97Constitutional Convention. Remarks on the Virginia and New Jersey Plans, [15 June 1787] (Hamilton Papers)
Col. Hamilton cannot say he is in sentiment with either plan— supposes both might again be considered as federal plans, and by this means they will be fairly in committee, and be contrasted so as to make a comparative estimate of the two. Yates, Secret Proceedings and Debates Robert Yates, Secret Proceedings and Debates of the Convention Assembled at Philadelphia, in the Year 1787, For the...
98Alexander Hamilton’s Notes, [18 June 1787] (Hamilton Papers)
Introduction I Importance of the occasion II Solid plan without regard to temporary opinion . III If an ineffectual plan be again proposed it will beget despair & no government will grow out of consent IV There seem to be but three lines of conduct I A league offensive and defensive, treaty of commerce, & apportionment of the public debt.
99James Madison’s Version, [18 June 1787] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton , had been hitherto silent on the business before the Convention, partly from respect to others whose superior abilities age & experience rendered him unwilling to bring forward ideas dissimilar to theirs, and partly from his delicate situation with respect to his own State, to whose sentiments as expressed by his Colleagues, he could by no means accede. The crisis however which...
100Robert Yates’s Version, [18 June 1787] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton. To deliver my sentiments on so important a subject, when the first characters in the union have gone before me, inspires me with the greatest diffidence, especially when my own ideas are so materially dissimilar to the plans now before the committee. My situation is disagreeable, but it would be criminal not to come forward on a question of such magnitude. I have well considered...
101John Lansing’s Version, [18 June 1787] (Hamilton Papers)
Hamilton—The Situation of the State he represents and the Diffidence he has of his own Judgment induced him to Silence tho his Ideas are dissimilar from both Plans. No Amendment of Confederation can answer the Exigencies of the States. State Sovereignties ought not to exist. Supposes we have Powers sufficient. Foederal an Association of States differently modified. Diet of Germany has Power to...
102Rufus King’s Version, [18 June 1787] (Hamilton Papers)
Federal is an association of distinct Govt: into one—these fed. Govt. in some instances legislate on collective bodies, in others on individuals. The Confederation partakes of both—Piracies are cognizable by the Congress—&c. Our powers have this object—the Freedom & Happiness of our Country—we must go all lengths to accomplish this Object—if the Legislatures have no powers to ratify because...
103Constitutional Convention. Plan of Government, [18 June 1787] (Hamilton Papers)
A I The Supreme Legislative Power of the United States of America to be vested in two distinct bodies of men—the one to be called the Assembly the other the senate; who together shall form the Legislature of the United States, with power to pass all laws whatsoever , subject to the negative hereafter mentioned. B II The Assembly to consist of persons elected by the People to serve for...
104Constitutional Convention. Remarks on the Abolition of the States, [19 June 1787] (Hamilton Papers)
Col. Hamilton coincided with the proposition as it stood in the Report. He had not been understood yesterday. By an abolition of the States, he meant that no boundary could be drawn between the National & State Legislatures; that the former must therefore have indefinite authority. If it were limited at all, the rivalship of the States would gradually subvert it. Even as Corporations the...
105Constitutional Convention. Remarks on the Necessity for a National Government, [19 June 1787] (Hamilton Papers)
Col. Hamilton , assented to the doctrine of Mr. Wilson. He denied the doctrine that the States were thrown into a State of Nature. He was not yet prepared to admit the doctrine that the Confederacy, could be dissolved by partial infractions of it. He admitted that the States met now on an equal footing but could see no inference from that against concerting a change of the system in this...
106Constitutional Convention. Remarks on the Organization of the House of Representatives, [21 June 1787] (Hamilton Papers)
Col. Hamilton considered the motion as intended manifestly to transfer the election from the people to the State Legislatures, which would essentially vitiate the plan. It would increase that State influence which could not be too watchfully guarded agst. All too must admit the possibility, in case the Genl. Govt. shd. maintain itself, that the State Govts. might gradually dwindle into...
107Constitutional Convention. Remarks in Support of a Three-Year Term for Members of the House of Representatives, [21 June … (Hamilton Papers)
Col. Hamilton urged the necessity of 3 years. There ought to be neither too much nor too little dependence, on the popular sentiments. The checks in the other branches of Governt. would be but feeble, and would need every auxiliary principle that could be interwoven. The British House of Commons were elected septennially, yet the democratic spirit of ye. Constitution had not ceased. Frequency...
108Constitutional Convention. Remarks on Wages to Be Paid Members of the National Legislature, [22 June 1787] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton apprehended inconveniency from fixing the wages. He was strenuous agst. making the National Council dependent on the Legislative rewards of the States. Those who pay are the masters of those who are paid. Payment by the States would be unequal as the distant States would have to pay for the same term of attendance and more days in travelling to & from the seat of the Govt. He...
109Constitutional Convention. Remarks in Opposition to the Payment of Members of the National Legislature by the States … (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton renewed his opposition to it. He pressed the distinction between State Govts. & the people. The former wd. be the rivals of the Genl. Govt. The State legislatures ought not therefore to be the paymasters of the latter. Hunt and Scott, Debates Gaillard Hunt and James Brown Scott, eds., The Debates in the Federal Convention of 1787 Which Framed the Constitution of the United States...
110Constitutional Convention. Remarks on the Ineligibility of Members of the House of Representatives for Other Offices … (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton. In all general questions which become the subjects of discussion, there are always some truths mixed with falsehoods. I confess there is danger where men are capable of holding two offices. Take mankind in general, they are vicious—their passions may be operated upon. We have been taught to reprobate the danger of influence in the British government, without duly reflecting how...