1The Defence of the Funding System, [July 1795] (Hamilton Papers)
In speaking of the public debt hereafter, to avoid circumlocution I shall denominate the original debt of the UStates the general Debt & the separate debts of the respective States the particular Debts. As often as these terms occur they are to be understood in this sense. The operation of these circumstances generated a variety of different sects holding different opinions. The parties in and...
2Horatius No. II, [July 1795] (Hamilton Papers)
To The People of the U States Countrymen & Fellow Citizens Nothing can be more false or ridiculous, candidly considered, than the assertion that great sacrifices of your interests are made in the Treaty with Great Britain. As to the controverted points between the Two Nations, the Treaty provides satisfactorily for the great and essential ones; and only foregoes objects of an inferior and...
3The Defence No. IV, [1 August 1795] (Hamilton Papers)
An accurate enumeration of the breaches of the Treaty of peace on our part would require a tedious research. It will suffice to select and quote a few of the most prominent and early instances. One of the earliest is to be found in an Act of this state for granting a more effectual relief in cases of certain Trespasses passed the 17 of March 1783. This act takes away from any person (subjects...
4To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 3 August 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
The enclosed was written, as you will perceive, on the 29th. Ulto; & with many other letters, was sent to the Post Office in Alexandria; to proceed with the Northern Mail next morning. But the blundering Post Master of that place, in putting the letters addressed to , put all the letters from me , into my own bag: of course they were returned to me. Since which the unusual (at almost any...
5To Alexander Hamilton from Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 3 August 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, August 3, 1795. On August 5, 1795, Hamilton wrote to Wolcott : “I have received yours of the 3d instant.” Letter not found. ]
6To Alexander Hamilton from William Bradford, 4 August 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
The record of the proceedings in the cause relating to the Carriage Tax is not yet returned —but I expect it this week. I learn however that Taylor, who has published his speech, has advised the defendant to make no further argument & to let the Supreme Court do as they please & that in consequence of this advice no counsel will appear in support of the writ of Error. I have denied that the...
7To Alexander Hamilton from Tench Coxe, [4 August 1795] (Hamilton Papers)
I have been prevented from answering your last letter partly by a journey into the woods, which I have since risqued in person to secure justice in laying the warrants under Ball & Smith, and partly by the difficulties arising with Messrs. Wheelen, Miller & Co. they had from me certain counter Notes for the Greater part of the Notes furnished by them, which I do assure you I was not able to...
8The Defence No. V, [5 August 1795] (Hamilton Papers)
The discussion in the two last numbers has shewn if I mistake not, that this Country by no means stands upon such good ground with regard to the inexecution of the Treaty of peace as some of our official proceedings have advanced and as many among us have too lightly creditted. The task of displaying this truth has been an unwelcome one. As long as a contrary doctrine was either a mere essay...
9From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 5 August 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received yours of 3d instant. You make no mention of having received one from me inclosing another for the Attorney General in which I tell him that I will attend the cause which involves the question respecting direct taxes when notified of the time it will come on. The silence of your letter makes me fear it may have miscarried. I do not wonder at what you tell me of the author of a...
10Philo Camillus No. 2, [7 August 1795] (Hamilton Papers)
For the Argus . Citizen Greenleaf , A Writer , who signs himself Cinna has come forward to refute the argument which has been stated by Camillus , as that of Great Britain, in support of her construction of the article respecting the Negroes. If illiberal insinuation is argument, Cinna is an adept. But he mistakes the people to whom he addresses himself, if he hopes to supply the want of good...
11The Defence No. VI, [8 August 1795] (Hamilton Papers)
There is one more objection to the Treaty for what it does not do, which requires to be noticed. This is an omission to provide against the empressment of our seamen. It is certain that our Trade has suffered embarrassments in this respect, and that there have been abuses which have operated very oppressively upon our seamen; and all will join in the wish that they could have been guarded...
12From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 10 August 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter by Saturday’s Post. The one you inquire about was received. I incline very much to the opinion that this will be the proper course of conduct in reference to the order to seize our vessels with provisions (viz) to send to our Agent the Treaty ratified as advised by the Senate with this instruction—that if the order for seizing provisions is in force when he receives...
13From Alexander Hamilton to the Editor of the Minerva, 11 August [1795] (Hamilton Papers)
The Editor of the Minerva having received information, through an authentic channel, that Mr. Pinckney, our Minister at London, had written to this Country in a manner, which indicated that he had been consulted by Mr. Jay on the subject of the Treaty lately negotiated with Great Britain, and that it had met with his approbation; felt himself warranted in stating these ideas to the public....
14The Defence No. VII, [12 August 1795] (Hamilton Papers)
The Second Article of the Treaty stipulates that his Britannic Majesty will withdraw all his troops and garrisons from all posts and places within the boundary lines assigned by the Treaty of Peace to the U States; and that this evacuation shall take place on or before the first day of June 1796—the United States in the mean time at their discretion extending their settlements to any part...
15Philo Camillus No. 3, [12 August 1795] (Hamilton Papers)
For the Argus Cinna pursues his animadversions upon Camillus but he gives new proofs that he depends more on the prejudices than on the reason of his auditory. To represent Camillus as the abject apologist of Great Britain and the defamer of his own Country—to render him odious because he does not flatter and nourish public errors, but honestly and boldly tells his countrymen salutary though...
16The Defence No. VIII, [15 August 1795], with enclosure (Hamilton Papers)
One of the particulars in which our Envoy is alleged to have fallen short of what might and ought to have been done respects the time for the surrender of the Western posts. It is alleged, that there ought either to have been an immediate surrender or some guarantee or surety for the performance of the new promise. Both parts of the alternative presuppose that Great Britain was to have no will...
17Enclosure: [Account of Peltries Exported from Canada], [15 August 1795] (Hamilton Papers)
1786 1787 Beaverskins 116,509 139,509 Martinskins 58,132 68,132 Otters Do 26,330 26,330. Minks Do 9,951 17,951 Fishers Do 5,813 5,813 Foxes Do 6,213 8,913
18Hamilton-Oneida Academy Mortgage, [15 August 1795] (Hamilton Papers)
[ August 15, 1795. ] “Be it remembered that on the fifteenth day of August in the Year one thousand seven hundred and ninety five, The Trustees of Hamilton Oneida Academy, to wit Alexander Hamilton, Eli Bristoll, Erastus Clark, James Dean, Moses Foot, Sewall Hopkins, Thomas R. Gold, Michael Myers, Jonas Platt, Jedediah Sanger, John Sergeant, Timothy Tuttle, Samuel Wells, Asahel S. Norton and...
19To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas and Richard Lee and Son, 15 August 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
Leeds [ England ] August 15, 1795 . Announces that the firm’s name has been changed to Richard Lee and Son. LS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. The Lees were a firm of merchants in Leeds. H had served as their agent in the United States in the seventeen-eighties. See H’s Cash Book, March 1, 1782–1791, note 115 .
20To Alexander Hamilton from Marquis de Rouvray, 15 August 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, August 15, 1795 . States that in March, 1790, he gave Henri Jacques Guillaume Clarke, an agent of the Duke of Orleans, two “billets d’honneur” in the amount of twelve thousand livres to cover the cost of a debt incurred by his son for a commission as captain in the Hussars. Complains that Clarke’s suit, commenced in the United States to recover the amount of the notes, is not valid,...
21To Alexander Hamilton from Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 15 August 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
The President has decided that the Treaty shall be ratified & transmitted for exchange immediately and in my opinion he has decided right. I regret that this was not done long since, as I presume much of the party spirit which has been excited would have been prevented. A government like ours can rarely take a middle course on any point which interests the public feelings—delay for whatever...
22To Alexander Hamilton from Edmund Randolph, 16 August 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
I expected to have the pleasure of seeing you here at the supreme court; when I meant to Enter into, a full conversation with you. But being disappointed, I shall only beg you to read a letter, which I have this day written to Mr. Jay; and requested him to shew to you. If I do not mistake, your ideas and mine were not very different as to the provision-order I am dear sir with real esteem and...
23Enclosure: Edmund Randolph to John Jay: Private, 16 August 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
I have forwarded, agreeably to your Excellency’s request, the letter, which you inclosed to me for General Lee. It was always my intention to inform you of the President’s final act on the treaty. This being now taken by an assurance in writing to Mr. Hammond that it would be immediately ratified; and the necessary forms being on the point of completion, little need be added on that head. But...
24Philo Camillus No. 4, [19 August 1795] (Hamilton Papers)
For the Argus Camillus has stated several infractions of the Treaty of peace by us, besides that of the Trespass act, which according to the solution given by our own conduct to the question whether performance was to date from the provisional or definitive Treaty must have been prior to the British infraction by the detention of the posts —(viz) 1 An Act of South Carolina of March 26th 1784...
25The Defence No. IX, [21 August 1795] (Hamilton Papers)
It was my intention to have comprised in two numbers the examination of the second article; but on experiment it was found expedient to add a third. I resume for a moment the subject of indemnification for the detention of the Posts. As an inducement to persist in this claim, we are assured that the magnimity of France would have procured for us its establishment. In the first place this...
26The Defence No. X, [26 August 1795] (Hamilton Papers)
The object of the third article is connected with that of the second. The surrender of the posts naturally drew with it an arrangement with regard to inland Trade and navigation. Such an arrangement convenient in several respects appears to be in some respects necessary. To restrain the Indians on either side of the line from trading with the one party or the other at discretion, besides the...
27From Alexander Hamilton to Philip Schuyler, 27 August 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, August 27, 1795. On August 31, 1795, Schuyler wrote to Hamilton : “I thank for you[r] favor of the 27th Instant.” Letter not found. ]
28The Defence No. XI, [28 August 1795] (Hamilton Papers)
The foregoing analysis of the third article, by fixing its true meaning, enables us to detect some gross errors which have been principal sources of prejudice against it. One of these is that the article gives to the other party a right of access to all our ports, while it excludes us from the ports of Nova Scotia and Canada. It has been clearly shewn that it gives no right of access to any...
29Introductory Note: From Philip Schuyler, [31 August 1795] (Hamilton Papers)
The opening paragraph of this letter contains the first reference in Hamilton’s extant correspondence to a series of business transactions in which he was to be involved for several years as the representative of Schuyler and certain other New Yorkers. When Schuyler wrote this letter, he believed that he, Barent Bleecker, Edward Goold, and William Greene had a claim to a portion of Cosby Manor...
30To Alexander Hamilton from Philip Schuyler, [31 August 1795] (Hamilton Papers)
I thank for you[r] favor of the 27th Instant. Inclose you a line to Mr Nicholas Low who will pay you what money you may want to discharge my proportion of the purchase money, in case a compromise or purchase should be made of the Cosby manor lands. Caty and her Niece arrived here this morning at five O’Clock. I most sincerely wish that My Eliza and the Children had Accompanied them. I dread...
31To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 31 August 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
Since my return to this city, I have recd: a letter from you dated August — We know officially, as well as from the effects, that an order for siezing all provision vessels going to France has been issued by the British government: but so secretly, that as late as the 27th. of June it had not been published in London: It was communicated to the cruisers only, and not known until the captures...
32Notes of Objections to the British Treaty, [August 1795] (Hamilton Papers)
Article II Decius Cato I Posts imperfectly described should be enumerated 1 reparation for loss of Trade by the detention II Boundary assigned by the Treaty of Peace part in dispute may furnish pretext for detaining post 2 compensation for expences of the Indian War III Time limited too remote to hope for performan [ce] 3 public punishment of the British subjects who appeard in arms with them...
33From Alexander Hamilton to Phineas Bond, 1 September 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed is a letter to Judge Morris which speaks for itself. I shall be glad to hear from you on the subject of it & that at any rate if you do not come, you will authorise some discreet person to cooperate with me on your behalf. If you should turn your attention to a law character, it may be well you should know that Messrs. R: Harrison & R Troupe are concerned for the trustees. With esteem...
34From Alexander Hamilton to Robert Morris, 1 September 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
General Schuyler and other persons concerned with him have empowered me to act for them in the case of certain lands in Cosby’s Manor which you and others as Trustees of the Ringwood Iron Company have advertised for sale on the fifth instant. Though from what I learn of the matter, I am led to conclude that my friends have a valid legal title to the premises yet there are considerations which...
35To Alexander Hamilton from Phineas Bond, 2 September 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, September 2, 1795 . A letter which Hamilton wrote to Bond on September 1, 1795 , is endorsed: “answered 2d. Sept.” Letter not found. ]
36The Defence No. XII, [2–3 September 1795] (Hamilton Papers)
The remaining allegations in disparagement of the 3 article are to this effect 1 That the exception of the country of the Hudsons Bay Company owing to its undefined limits renders the stipulations in our favour in a great measure nugatory. [2. That the privileges granted to Great Britain in our Missisippi ports, are impolitic, because without reciprocity.] [3] that the agreement to forbid to...
37To Alexander Hamilton from Nicholas Olive, 3 September 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, September 3, 1795 . On September 4, 1795, Hamilton wrote to Olive and referred to “your letter of yesterday.” Letter not found. ] Olive was a New York City merchant who had migrated from France to the United States in 1793. He became interested in the Castorland project to establish a French colony on land formerly owned by Alexander Macomb on the Black River in northern New York....
38From Alexander Hamilton to Nicholas Olive, 4 September 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, September 4, 1795. Acknowledges receipt of Olive’s “letter of yesterday.” States that Olive’s dispute with his “late partners” has been referred to arbitrators, who will either transfer “the management … of your late partnership” or “constitute an indifferent person as Receiver and Agent for it.” ALS , Mr. Hugh Fosburgh, New York City; copy, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress....
39From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 4 September 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
I had the pleasure of receiving two days since your letter of the 31 Ulto. A great press of business and an indifferent state of health have put it out of my power sooner to attend to it. The incidents which have lately occurred have been every way vexatious and untoward. They render indispensable a very serious though calm and measured remonstrance from this Government, carrying among others...
40The Defence No. XIII, [5 September 1795] (Hamilton Papers)
The 4th and 5th articles of the Treaty from similarity of object will naturally be considered together. The fourth, reciting a doubt “whether the River Mississippi extends so far Northward as to be intersected by a line to be drawn due West from the Lake of the Woods in the manner mentioned in the Treaty of Peace” agrees, that measures shall be taken in concert between the two Governments to...
41To Alexander Hamilton from Elie Williams, 7 September 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, September 7, 1795. “At the time of my appointment as Agent for Militia supplies of provision, no allowance was fixed or mentioned for my subsistance… I find … that without your interference I shall very probably be left without relief or remedy on that score. … I beg leave to request you will be good enough to say something about it either in a letter to myself or Mr. Wolcott. …”...
42The Defence No. XIV, [9 September 1795] (Hamilton Papers)
The sixth article stipulates compensation to British Creditors for losses and damages which may have been sustained by them, in consequence of certain legal impediments, which since the Treaty of Peace with Great Britain, are alleged to have obstructed the recovery of debts bona fide contracted with them before the peace. To a man who has a due sense of the sacred obligation of a just debt, a...
43The Defence No. XV, [12 and 14 September 1795] (Hamilton Papers)
[ It is the business of the seventh article of the treaty, to provide for two objects: one, compensation to our citizens for injuries to their property, by irregular or illegal captures or condemnations; the other, compensation to British citizens for captures of their property within the limits and jurisdiction of the United States, or elsewhere, by vessels originally armed in our ports, in...
44The Defence No. XVI, [18 September 1795] (Hamilton Papers)
The second object of the seventh article, as stated in my last number, is “compensation to British Citizens, for captures of their property within the limits and jurisdiction of the U States, or elsewhere by vessels originally armed in our ports, in the cases in which the captured property having come within our power, there was a neglect to make restitution .” This precise view of the thing...
45To Alexander Hamilton from Ezekiel Gilbert, 18 September 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
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. 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...
46From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 20 September 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
A slight indisposition prevented my meeting you at E Town which I should otherwise have done with great pleasure. It is wished for a particular purpose to know who are the Writers of Valerius Hancock Bellisarius Atticus . If any thing about them is known in a manner that can be depended upon I will thank you for it in confidence. The fever in this Town has become serious. The alarm however...
47The Defence No. XVII, [22 September 1795] (Hamilton Papers)
The VIII article provides merely that the Commissioners to be appointed in the three preceding articles shall be paid in such manner as shall be agreed between the parties at the time of the exchange of the “Ratification of the Treaty, and that all other expenses attending the Commissions shall be defrayed jointly by the two parties the same being previously ascertained and allowed by a...
48To Alexander Hamilton from Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 26 September 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
I have recd. you Letter of the 20th. and regret the cause which deprived me of the pleasure of seeing you. Nothing is known of the authors to which you allude. The “Features of the Treaty” were doubtless painted by Dallas. Doctrs. Logan & Leib, Bache, Beckley, T. L. Shippen, are much suspected —S. Sayre of New Jersey is I understand very violent—perhaps the avowed intemperance of these men...
49From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 3 October 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the and thank you for the information. As to Randolph, I shall be surprised at nothing—but if the facts come out, his personal influence is at all events damned. No colouring will remove unfavourable impressions. To do mischief he must work in the Dark. What you say respecting your own department disquiets me; for I think we shall for the present weather all...
50To Alexander Hamilton from Samuel Ogden, 5 October 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
Newark [ New Jersey ] October 5,1795. “Being informed that Mr Dessasure has lately resigned his Office as director of the Mint; and that several Characters of the very first respectability of this State, have recommended to the President of the United States, David Ford, as a proper person to succeed him; I take up my pen to inform you, that I think him very well Quallified to fill that...