51George Washington to Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson, [18 December 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
The President requests that Mr —— would give the Letter & statement herewith sent, from the Secretary of War a perusal and return it to him in the course of the day with his opinion as to the propriety of the manner of making the communication to Congress: and whether it ought not, at any rate, to be introduced in some such way as this, (if it is to pass through him to Congress) “Pursuant to...
52To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 19 December 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Providence, December 19, 1791. “I have received your Letter of the 8th. Instant. I shall charge in my present quarter’s and future Accounts, all Monies paid by me into the Providence Bank, as accounted for by the duplicate Receipts forwarded agreeable to your directions.…” ADfS , Rhode Island Historical Society, Providence.
53To Alexander Hamilton from James Reynolds, 19 December 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
When we where last togeather you then would wis to know my Determination what I would do and. you exspess a wish to do any thing that was in your power to Serve me, its true its in your power to do a great deal for me, but its out of your power to do any thing that will Restore me to my Happiness again for if you should give me all you possess would not do it. god knowes I love the woman and...
54To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 20 December 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Newport [ Rhode Island ] December 20, 1791 . “… I transmitted to the bank of Providence by water last friday seven thousand Dollars under the care of an Inspector. The money arrived safe but he has not had an opportunity to return with the Cashiers Receipts. I expect him this day, and will send on a receipt by the first post.” LC , Newport Historical Society, Newport, Rhode Island.
55From Alexander Hamilton to Joseph Whipple, 20 December 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, December 20, 1791. On January 12, 1792, Whipple wrote to Hamilton : “I had the honor to receive your letter of the 20th. of last Month.” Letter not found. ]
56To Alexander Hamilton from Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 20 December 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
On examining the Accounts of Vincent Redman, Collector of the Customs, for the District of Yeocomico River, in the State of Virginia, for the Quarter ending 31st: March 1791, it appears, that he has charged duties on the Sloop Maria, an American Coasting Vessel, under Twenty Tons burthen at the rate of six cents per Ton, per Annum, to the amount of Ninety Cents. As the Collection of those...
57To Alexander Hamilton from Royal Flint, 21 December 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, December 21, 1791. “This letter will be presented you by Dr. Hopkins of Connecticut. He is on his way to Philadelphia, and while he is in that City, I feel a desire that you become acquainted with him. The literary talents of this gentleman, and the liberal way of thinking, he adopts on all public questions of importance, will render him not only a valuable, but a pleasing...
58From Alexander Hamilton to Nicholas Low, 21 December 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I have learnt with no small pain the animosities which seem to be kindling between the adherents to the Bank of New York and the Stockholders of the Bank of the United States; though you will recollect it corresponds with what I expected. The little unpleasant incidents which have attended you personally are not you may be sure indifferent to me; at the same time that I have the consolation of...
59From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Mifflin, 21 December 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, December 21, 1791. Writes to Mifflin concerning Pennsylvania creditors. Copy, Division of Public Records, Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, Harrisburg; copy, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Mifflin was governor of Pennsylvania. With the exception of the last paragraph and the insertion of the name of the state, this letter is exactly the same as H’s...
60To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 22 December 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Providence, December 22, 1791. “I yesterday received your favor of the 23rd. of Novemr. Your approbation of my Conduct in the Case of the Brigt. Betsey, affords me the sincerest Satisfaction; and in future, should similar breaches of the Law occur within this District, I shall proceed in the way you have now suggested, as a less expensive and more speedy Mode of Determination; and, in...
61To Alexander Hamilton from James Reynolds, [22 December 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
Received December 22 of Alexander Hamilton six hundred dollars on account of a sum of one thousand dollars due to me. “Reynolds Pamphlet,” August 31, 1797 . This receipt is printed as document No. V in the appendix of the “Reynolds Pamphlet,” August 31, 1797 . This was the first of two payments of blackmail by H to Reynolds. The second payment was made on January 3, 1792. For background to...
62To Alexander Hamilton from William Allibone, 23 December 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia ] December 23, 1791 . “I have the Honor to call your attention to a Short report on the state of the establishments under my care as follows: The Light House in good order and well Supplied with every thing Necessary for the ensuing Season—the Publick Piers in good repair. The usual exhanges of Beacons & Buoys and those which were relieved brot. up and deposited in their usual...
63To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Jefferson, [23 December 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
Th. Jefferson presents his respectful compliments to the Secretary of the treasury and incloses him the copy of a letter and table which he has addressed to the President of the United States, and which being on a subject whereon the Secretary of the Treasury and Th: J. have differed in opinion, he thinks it his duty to communicate to him. AL , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Jefferson’s...
64To Alexander Hamilton from William Short, 23 December 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I had the honor of writing to you from hence on the 15th. inst. & of informing you of the posture of the American business here at that time. I am now happy in being able to announce to you the conclusion of a loan here for the U.S. at 4. p. cent interest. The reimbursements are to begin at the end of ten years & to be made in equal parts during the five succeeding. It has been found...
65To Alexander Hamilton from Melancton Smith, 23 December 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Sir I am favored with yours of the 18th Instant. In a letter I wrote to Genl. Knox of the 5th instant I mentioned that that I had seen no Advertisement for a contract for West point and wished to know whether that post was to be supplied under his Orders, as the recruits were or whether a new Contract was to be formed if the latter I offered to furnish the Garrison at ten cents pr Ration. As I...
66To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 26 December 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
This will be accompanied by a duplicate of my letter to you of the 14th. of Octr. last. In your last letter dated Decr. 12th., which I recd. on the 23d., you mention that “No letter of the 14th. of October has been received from you at this office a Duplicate will therefore be requisite.” In your letter of the 17th. of Novr. last you say “your letter of the 14th. ulto . remains to be answered”...
67To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 26 December 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Providence, December 26, 1791. “I have received your Letter of the 14th. Instant: The contents shall be attended to; and the result of the first Instance that occurs, respecting unshelled Coffee, shall be communicated to you.…” ADfS , Rhode Island Historical Society, Providence.
68Report on the Petition of Catharine Greene, 26 December 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury, to whom was referred a petition of Catharine Greene, of the 4th of March 1790, respectfully submits the following report thereupon. The said petition seeks to obtain an indemnification from the United States, against the effects of certain engagements which were entered into by the now deceased husband of the petitioner, the late Major General Nathaniel Greene,...
69Enclosure A: [From Nathanael Greene], 22 August 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
Misfortunes are more or less painful, as they have been brought upon us by folly, extravagance, or imposed by public necessity. Those of the latter kind may be distressing, but cannot be dishonorable. I have long struggled with difficulties, in which I was involved, while in command to the southward, and which I should have laid before Congress, at an earlier period, but from a hope, that I...
70Enclosure B: Extracts from the Secretary of War’s Letters to the Late Major General Greene, [10 July 1782–22 January … (Hamilton Papers)
“The sufferings of your troops have impressed me with the deepest concern, and the very painful sensations, which your relation of them excites, are powerfully enhanced, that these distresses should have been the lot of an army, not only entitled, by special contract, to better fare, but whose meritorious and gallant exertions under the most extreme difficulties, merited a very different fate;...
71Enclosure 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...
72Enclosure 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...
73Enclosure 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...
74Enclosure 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...
75Enclosure 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...
76Enclosure D: [Nathanael Greene to Colonel Carrington], [26 December 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
Robert Morris, Esquire, Financier for the United States, has in his advertisements for receiving proposals for contracts for supplying the army with rations, directed them to be made to me, in the States of North and South Carolina and Georgia; but in his letter of the 17th of October, 1782, he desires me to commit the business to your care and management, should I find it more convenient for...
77Enclosure E: [Nathanael Greene to John Banks], 25 December 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
The comfortable condition, in which you have put the army, from the large supply of blankets and clothing furnished it, claims my particular acknowledgments; for, although I expect the public will make you a reasonable compensation, yet, as you were the only person, who had the will and the means to serve us, our obligation is equally great. I am happy to find, that most, if not all our...
78Enclosure F: Robert Forsyth to Nathanael Greene, 29 December 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
Some days ago, I was honored with your answer to my letter of resignation; the very warm approbation, given of my conduct in public service, gives me most singular pleasure and satisfaction, and makes me hope for that countenance and aid in private life, which I enjoyed, while I had the pleasure to serve under your command. I must beg your attention to a brig of Mr. Banks’s, which he loaded at...
79Enclosure G: [Nathanael Greene to Robert Morris], 2 February 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the 18th of September, by Mr. Hayward, with the Bills enclosed, I forgot to acknowledge in my last. He promises me the money very soon; Mr. Drayton also promises to pay me very shortly. The clothier’s, quarter master’s and medical departments, together with the bills drawn for two months pay for the officers, give me no small uneasiness, for fear the amount should exceed your...
80Enclosure H: [Edward Carrington to Hugh Rutledge], 4 February 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
The pressing necessities of the army, the late season of the year, and the difficulty of conveying information through the country, in it’s present situation, have prevented that extensive notice of contracts for the subsistence of the troops, which could be wished. General Greene, very early after the contracts were directed to be made, wrote to every character, whose circumstances and views...
81Enclosure K: [Edward Carrington to Nathanael Greene], 18 February 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
I do myself the honor to hand you herewith, a Contract entered into by Mr. John Banks, for the subsistence of the troops in the service of the United States, in the States of North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia, for the present year. I am really concerned, that we have been obliged to close this contract, on the execessive high terms agreed to, but the circumstances, under which we had...
82Enclosure L: [Agreement between John Banks and Neucomen & Collect], [1 May 1786] (Hamilton Papers)
Know all men by these presents, That We, John Banks, for Hunter, Banks and Company, merchants, Richmond, Virginia, and Nathaniel Greene, are held and firmly bound unto Neucomen and Collett, merchants, Charleston, in the sum of seventeen thousand four hundred and eighty seven pounds, eleven shillings, sterling money of Great Britain, for the faithful payment of which, we bind ourselves, our...
83Enclosure M: [Note from Joseph Banks], 7 May 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
Whereas the honorable General Greene did, in the month of April last past, become security for us, John Banks, James Hunter and Robert Forsyth, as for themselves as others concerned, in the sum of thirty two thousand one hundred and twenty five pounds, sterling money, unto Messrs Neucomen and Collett, Harris and Blackford, and James Warington, merchants, Charleston. We, the afternamed, Do, by...
84Enclosure N: [Robert Forsyth to William Allen Deaz], 2 September 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
To all to whom these presents shall come, be seen, or made known,— Greeting. Whereas Benjamin Johnston of the County of Culpeper, in the State of Virginia, in and by his bond or obligation, bearing date, the twenty eighth day of April, in the year of our Lord, one thousand seven hundred and eighty, became bound to Robert Forsyth, then of the Town of Fredericksburg, in the penal sum of ten...
85Enclosure O: [John Banks’ Statement], 3 January 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
It having been suggested, from a misinterpretation 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...
86Enclosure P: [James Taylor’s Testimony on James Hunter], [26 December 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
Norfolk Is. James Hunter, of Portsmouth in Virginia, came personally before me, and made oath on the holy Evangelists, That he never considered the honorable Major General Greene, either directly or indirectly concerned or interested in a purchase of goods, made by John Banks in Charleston, on the proper account and benefit of the following persons only, viz: John Banks, Robert Forsyth,...
87Enclosure Q: Letter from Robert Forsyth, 3 March 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
It having been insinuated by some, and propagated by others, that the honorable General Greene was concerned in the Charleston speculation, with John Banks and Company, and with the contract for the army, I do hereby certify, that the General was in no ways interested in either, with the said Copartnership.
88Enclosure R: Letter from Edward Carrington, 2 March 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Towards the latter end of the year 1782, when the engagement of the State of South Carolina, to supply the southern army with provisions, was to expire, the honorable Robert Morris, Superintendant of Finance, wrote to General Greene, to have a contract formed for supporting the army, from the first of January 1783. General Greene requested my assistance in the business, and public notice, as...
89Enclosure S: Letter from Edward Carrington, 2 March 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Sometime in the early part of the year 1783, during General Greene’s residence in Charleston, I received a message from him, requesting my attendance at his quarters. Upon my coming there, I met with General Wayne. General Greene told us, he had desired our attendance, in order that we might be present at an interview, he was about to have with Mr. John Banks, whom he had sent for—that he had...
90Enclosure T: Letter from Anthony Wayne, 31 May 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Being called upon by the widow and the executors of the late Major General Nathaniel Greene, to relate such circumstances with regard to the situation of the army, and of the transactions between a certain Mr. John Banks and the General, as came within my knowledge, as second in command in the Southern District; I think it unnecessary to go into a minute detail of every circumstance respecting...
91Enclosure U: Letter from Charles Pettit, 16 March 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
Your favor of the 11th instant was handed to me yesterday-afternoon, desiring my evidence respecting General Greene’s disappointment of monies, he expected from Banks and Company, which were to have been paid in Philadelphia. How far the facts, within my knowledge, and the circumstances arising from my transactions, will tend to establish the material points, I am not ascertained; but I shall...
92Enclosure V: Letter from Nathaniel Pendleton, 4 June 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
In consequence of an application from the executors of the late General Greene, to relate what I know, concerning his securityship, for the payment of certain monies for John Banks and others, I have written the following statement of facts, which is all, I can remember; and many of them happening so long since, and having no written memorials to refer to, I cannot exactly ascertain or...
93Enclosure W: Letter from William Burnet, 21 July 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your favor of the 19th instant, informing me, that it had been suggested, that General Greene was a partner with the House of John Banks and Company—that the evidence of their partnership had been in my possession, I having received it among my sons papers; and that General Greene, in his life-time, induced me, by some means or other, to relinquish the said evidence to him; and...
94Enclosure X: Letter from John Mathews and Richard Hutson, 30 October 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
We feel ourselves happy, in this opportunity, afforded us, of attempting to do justice to the injured reputation of the late Major General Greene, whose eminent services to this Continent in general, must have greatly endeared his memory to every true friend to the American revolution; and whose distinguished and effectual exertions, for the recovery of this State, from the possession of the...
95Enclosure Y: Letter from Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, 2 November 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Having been requested to relate all that I know of General Greene’s connection with the late John Banks and Company and to declare, how far interested he was in their speculations, and having acquired, in my professional line, a considerable knowledge of their affairs, I think myself bound to give the following information. In the summer or autumn of the year 1782, John Banks, and some other...
96Enclosure Z: Letter from William Washington, 6 November 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
It gives me much pleasure, that I have it in my power, to state an occurrence, which cannot fail, with an unprejudiced mind, to remove every suspicion relative to an improper connection in speculation in trade, between the late General Greene, and John Banks and Company, in the spring of 1783. Several days after a report had prevailed in Charleston, and it was generally believed, that an...
97To Alexander Hamilton from John Davidson, 27 December 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Annapolis, December 27, 1791. On January 9, 1792, Hamilton wrote to Davidson : “I have recieved your letter of the 27th ultimo.” Letter not found. ] Davidson was collector of customs at Annapolis.
98To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Mifflin, [27 December 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
In order to enable me to answer your letter of the 21st instant, I directed the Comptroller general to furnish me with the necessary information upon the subject of your inquiry; and you will now receive an extract from his report. But as this may not be deemed satisfactory, I have given that Officer instructions to confer with you upon the subject; and, I hope, that after a full and candid...
99From Alexander Hamilton to Melancton Smith, 27 December 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I accept your proposals for Supplying the post of West point for the ensuing Year, at nine and one half cents per ration, pursuant to your letter of the 23rd. instant. I am Sir Your Obt. Sert. Copy, RG 217, Miscellaneous Treasury Accounts, 1790–1894, Account No. 2052, National Archives; LS , sold at Swann Galleries, November 3, 1949, Lot 52.
100To Alexander Hamilton from Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 27 December 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, December 27, 1791. “I have examined the memorial of Wm. W. Smith for himself and as Administrator to Gilbert Tennent deceased and of Joseph Eaker by his Attorney George Hunter, and report the following state of facts and opinion thereon. That it appears from the books and documents appertaining to the late Hospital Department, that Wm. W. Smith continued in the service of...