To Alexander Hamilton from Ezekiel Gilbert, 18 September 1795
From Ezekiel Gilbert1
Hudson [New York] September 18, 1795. “The appointment of a new Sheriff for Columbia will take place at the meeting of the Council next week.2 As I consider the Office of Sheriff, decidedly, the most influential of any other in the County, and feel the Importance of placing it in proper hands … permit me to suggest my Sentiment.… Among the Competitors for the Office I do most Sincerely hope Capt Peter B Ten Broeck3 may have it.… If you consider this Appointment, civilly, and politically, of as much Consequence as I do … you will not fail bringing into the View of the President of the Council4 my Judgt. upon this point….”
ALS, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
1. Gilbert, a lawyer in Hudson, was a member of the House of Representatives from 1793 to 1797.
2. Appointments to state office in New York were made by the Council of Appointment. The power of nomination was exercised by the governor, who served as presiding officer of the Council.
3. Ten Broeck, an officer in the American Revolution, had served as deputy sheriff of Albany County before Columbia County was separated from Albany County in 1786.
4. Governor John Jay.