1From Alexander Hamilton to Fisher Ames, 23 April 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, April 23, 1796. On April 23, 1796, Hamilton wrote to Rufus King : “I have written to Ames this day.” Letter not found. ]
2From Alexander Hamilton to Herman LeRoy, William Bayard, and James McEvers, 16 December 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, December 16, 1796. Discusses the Holland Land Company’s interest in Robert Morris’s proposed negotiations with the Seneca Indians. ALS , Gemeentearchief Amsterdam, Holland Land Company. These documents were transferred in 1964 from the Nederlandsch Economisch-Historisch Archief, Amsterdam. LeRoy, Bayard, and McEvers were partners in a New York City mercantile firm which represented...
3From Alexander Hamilton to Herman LeRoy, William Bayard, and James McEvers, [4 March–18 July 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
I have considered with attention the draft of instructions to Mr. Bayard, which appear to me full and judicious. There are but two points upon which I would submit a reflection or two— I It is prescribed that no money shall be advanced for any quantity of land purchased more than in the proportion of the intire sum to the intire quantity. It is possible that this restriction may be...
4Alexander Hamilton and Richard Harison to Richard Bayley, 19 July 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
We have looked into the Act to prevent the bringing in & spreading of Infectious Diseases in this State. By one of its provisions every Vessel arriving from parts beyond Sea, having on Board forty passengers, is subject to Quarantine of Cause, & may be removed to the place assigned for the same. We think that where the numbers of passengers is so great, the Health Officer may take a reasonable...
5From Alexander Hamilton to William Beekman, [1 March 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, March 1, 1797. ] “Having reconsidered the case of your Uncle (Wm. Beekman’s) Will with the authorities—I advise the Devisees to claim all that by the Partition became his several property & which in my former opinion with Mr. Evertson was considered as passing by his Will, not merely a proportion equal to his interest before Partition in the part which remained to him after...
6From Alexander Hamilton to Barent Bleecker, 20 March 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
I presume you have been informed that pursuant to the power given to me by yourself and the other parties concerned, I purchased at Auction the lands in Cosbys Manor claimed by the Trustees of the Ringwood Iron Company. These lands being in the whole 6761 acres cost £2422.13.10 payable ¼ part down one other ¼ on the first Tuesday of next month (April) one other ¼ on the First Tuesday of...
7From Alexander Hamilton to Phineas Bond, 15 September 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
Two days since a letter was delivered to me with a declaration of the bearer that it came from Mr. Lyston. On opening the cover, I found nothing except a letter from Capt Cochran (which though not addressed would appear to have been written to some public agent of Great Britain) and a declaration of David Wilson and Thomas Marshall respecting the ship Eliza . The superscription of the packet...
8From Alexander Hamilton to Elias Boudinot, 7 July 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
You will oblige me by letting me have an Extract from that part of your Mortgage law in New Jersey which regulates the mode of cancelling Mortgages —also an extract from the Registering Book of the usual manner in which entries for cancelling were made about the years 1771, 1772 and 1773—and by informing me whether these Entries have been adjudged conclusive —though the order or certificate of...
9From Alexander Hamilton to Théophile Cazenove, [12 October 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, October 12, 1796. ] “I have received two letters of the 6th & 10th of October from Judge James Wilson respecting certain tracts of land … to which I reply That some of the conditions in the Contracts between Mr. Wilson & the Holland Company not being yet fulfilled they are not at present obliged nor prepared to make the elections which those contracts reserve to them.… I cannot...
10From Alexander Hamilton to Théophile Cazenove, 22 January 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, January 22, 1796. “Upon Sounding the members of the Legislature, I find that great difficulties will attend a bill so formed as to confirm absolutely & without limitation, existing titles, notwithstanding the alienisation of those who may have acquired Lands —But that a proposition to confirm them, upon the condition of a transfer, within a term of 15 a 20 years, to Citizens, or of...
11From Alexander Hamilton to Angelica Church, [19–20 June 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
If you knew the power you have to make happy You would lose no opportunity of writing to Betsey & me; for we literally feast on your letters. But our impatience increases as the prospect becomes more promising; and you must permit us ever to chide Mr. Church for his tardiness. Expectations must be converted into realities. Life is too short to warrant procrasti[nati]on of the most favourite...
12From Alexander Hamilton to Angelica Church, [25 June 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
I cannot omit the opportunity My Dear Angelica of dropping you a line by your old acquaintance Colonel Noble to inform you that we are all well, strongly agitated between Fear and Hope, but anxiously wishing for your Return. If you are not persuaded that this is one of the dearest objects to Eliza & myself you do us much injustice. The only rivalship we have is in our attachment to you and we...
13From Alexander Hamilton to Angelica Church, [24 September 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
At length, Dear Angelica our apprehensions are realized and your coming is deferred. But though life is too short to render it agreeable to lose even a winter in the passage from hope to enjoyment in any thing which materially interests us—yet if you do really come in the Spring and bring with you Mr. Church it will afford us consolation, because it will leave less ultimately at hazard and may...
14From Alexander Hamilton to Angelica Church, 13 January 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, January 13, 1796. On February 19, 1796, Angelica Church wrote to Hamilton : “Your letters of January the 13th are received.” Letters not found. ] Angelica Church was Elizabeth Hamilton’s sister and the wife of John B. Church, an Englishman. H managed Church’s business affairs in the United States.
15Enclosure: Robert Morris to John B. Church, 17 May 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
via New York Copy ⅌ Wm Penn Colo Hamilton transmitted to me your letter of the 20 Febry last, wherein you complain that I had done wrong & treated you unfriendly “in having prevailed upon him to cancel the Mortgage I had given him on an Estate in Philadelphia, when the Agreemt was expressly made with my Son that the Mortgage should remain as Security to you untill the deferred stock was...
16From Alexander Hamilton to George Clinton, 10 March 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, March 10, 1796. Letter not found. ] Clinton, a veteran of the American Revolution, was a member of the Continental Congress from 1775 to 1776. He served as governor of New York from 1777 to 1795. MS list of letters entitled “General Hamilton to Governor George Clinton,” Columbia University Libraries.
17Petition of Merchants and Masters of Vessels Trading from the City of Albany to the City of New York, [1–19 January … (Hamilton Papers)
To the Congress of the United States The Memorial & Petition of the Subscribers respectfully sheweth That Your Memorialists are Owners or Masters or both of coasting vessels employed ordinarily and exclusively in transporting articles between the Cities of New York and Albany. That by a late Act of Congress constituting the City of Hudson a Port of Entry the Port of Albany has been annexed to...
18From Alexander Hamilton to William Cooper, [16 December 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter with a Post note of a thousand dollars on account of the Mortgage of the lands formerly Holkers in which Mr. Church is interested. The papers respecting this affair in my possession will be looked up & sent to Mr. Laurance by Mondays Post. This letter will serve you as a Receipt. Yrs. truly ALS , from a typescript furnished by an anonymous donor. Cooper, the founder...
19From Alexander Hamilton to Jonathan Dayton, 4 January 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, January 4, 1796. On January 15, 1796, Dayton wrote to Hamilton : “Your letter of the 4th is before me.” Letter not found. ] Dayton, a veteran of the American Revolution, had served in the New Jersey Assembly in 1786, 1787, and 1790 and was a Federalist member of the House of Representatives from 1791 to 1799. Dayton was Speaker of the House from March 4, 1795, to March 3, 1799.
20Enclosure: Theodore Sedgwick to Jonathan Dayton, [19 November 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
Last evening, my dear sir, I had the pleasure to receive your favours of the 12th. & 13th. insts. accept for them and for your friendly congratulation on my appointment to a seat in the senate, my sincere acknowledgments. Believe me, that event, however grateful to my friends, is not pleasing to me. I preferred a seat in the house to any public station whatever, but I had firmly decided to...
21Admission to Practice Law in the United States Circuit Court for the New York District in the Eastern Circuit, [6 April … (Hamilton Papers)
That Alexander Hamilton, Josiah Ogden Hoffman, Brockholst Livingston and Peter Stephen Du Ponceau be and they are hereby respectively admitted to practice as Counsellors of this Court. Whereupon they were respectively qualified as Counsellors and respectively subscribed the oath on the roll of Counsellors. D , RG 21, Minutes, Trial Notes, and Rolls of Attorneys of the United States Circuit...
22From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas FitzSimons, 4 February 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, February 4, 1796. Hamilton endorsed a letter from FitzSimons dated December 17, 1795 : “Ansr. Feby. 4 179[6] agreeing & naming Mr. Lewis —Referees to decide as Judges in Chancellory Law & Fact.” Letter not found. ] FitzSimons, a native of Ireland, was a Philadelphia merchant. He was a Federalist member of the House of Representatives from 1789 to 1795. This is presumably a...
23From Alexander Hamilton to Isaac Gouverneur and Peter Kemble, 19 January 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York ] January 19, 1797 . “You are hereby requested to produce on the Trial of this cause during the present term whensoever the same shall be the letters from the Plaintiff to you whereof a list is at foot.…” ADfS , Free Library of Philadelphia; ADf , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. This is a reference to the case of Louis Le Guen v Isaac Gouverneur and Peter Kemble , which was...
24From Alexander Hamilton to James Greenleaf, 30 July 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
I have carefully reflected upon the subject of your letter of the 27th. instant. Though the data which it presents authorise an expectation of large pecuniary advantage and though I discover nothing in the affair which an Individual differently circumstanced might not with propriety enter into—yet in my peculiar situation, viewed in all its public as well as personal relations, I think myself...
25From Alexander Hamilton to Hall and Stimpson, 5 November 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, November 5, 1796. On the back of a letter from Hall and Stimpson, dated October 24, 1796 , Hamilton wrote: “Answered Nov 5, 1796.” Letter not found. ]
26From Alexander Hamilton to Hall and Stimpson, 11 February 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, February 11, 1797. “The suits against Riley as a Partner of Wetmore are expected to be matured for Trial at the ensuing Circuit Court which begins the 20th of March. I should of course want the original documents to establish the Copartnership and the original notes & acknowleged accounts to establish the respective demands of the parties. As the measures preparatory to Trial are...
27To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 8 May 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
Your note of the 5th. instant accompanying the information given to you by G.—— M.—— on the 4th. of March, came safe on friday. The letter he refers to, as having been written to me, is not yet received; but others from Mr. Monroe of similar complexion, and almost of as imperious a tone from that government, have got to hand. That justice & policy should dictate the measures with which we are...
28To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 3 November 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
After my letter of yesterday was despatched to you, the draught of the answer to Mr. Adet was presented for my approbation, with the opinions of the Gentlemen about me, that it would be expedient to publish it, and without delay. It appeared also, by information from the Secretary of State, that as far as public opinion had been expressed on the occasion, that this measure was looked to, &...
29To Alexander Hamilton from Gerrit Boon, 26 January 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
Oldenbarneveld [ New York ] January 26, 1797. Discusses the case of Herman LeRoy, William Bayard, and Boon v Peter Servis and others . ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Boon, a native of the Netherlands, was an agent of the six Dutch banking firms which formed the Holland Land Company on February 13, 1796. H was an attorney for the company. For background to this letter, see...
30To Alexander Hamilton from Edward Stevens, [7 May 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
Almost ever since your Departure I have been confined to my Chamber by a severe and obstinate Catarrh. Tho’ much better, at present, my Health is still so much deranged, that I dread encountering the Warmth of the Summer Months in this City. I have therefore, determined to take a Voyage to Sea, and as I shall visit St. Croix, before my Return, Mrs. Stevens has concluded to accompany me with...
31To Alexander Hamilton from Robert Morris, 8 December 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
I intended to have sent you Bank notes. Disappointments which are in this City day by day happening have prevented, but the above draft of Joseph Higbie in favor of Garrett Cottringer for $1000 will be honored and you can have it discounted, so that I hope this Remittance will answer the Purpose and you will Credit me for the same. I am truly Yrs J Higbies draft 8 Decr at 30 ds on Robinson &...
32To Alexander Hamilton from Rufus King, 2 May [1796] (Hamilton Papers)
The inclosed letter will give you all the information that we have on the Subject to wh. it relates. It seems problematical whether PH. can be induced to agree in the arrangement —some circumstances of which I have lately heard incline me to believe that he will not. Our session will close by the first of June provided no farther impediment is thrown in the way of the Provision for giving...
33To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 6 September 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, September 6, 1796. Second letter of September 6 not found. ] In the “List of Letters from G—— Washington to General Hamilton,” Columbia University Libraries, two letters from Washington to H September 6, 1796, are listed.
34To Alexander Hamilton from Angelica Church, [19 February 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
Your letters of January the 13th are received but no plan of the lot, and no description of the house. I am sensible how much I trouble I give you, but you will have the goodness to excuse it, when you know that it proceeded from a persuasion that I was asking from one who promised me his love and attention if I returned to America; If friendship is only a name, for what do I exchange ease and...
35To Alexander Hamilton from Rufus King, 11 September 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
Immediately after the publication of the Letter from the french Government to their Minister Barthelemi at Basle, announcing their determination to seize the cargoes of neutral vessels destined to the English Ports, I wrote to Mr. Monroe informing him that the Br. Gov. disavowed the having issued any recent order for the capture of neutral Cargoes bound to french Ports as alledged in the...
36To Alexander Hamilton from William Laight, 14 March 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York ] March 14, 1797 . “Had there not been frequent Instances in many respectable Offices in this City where Events of a similar kind have been effected, which I am now solicitous of obtaining, I should deem it presumptuous to address you on the Subject: Let this, in addition to the solicitude of a Parent for the Establishment of a Son in the line of his Profession be my Apology. Edward...
37To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 26 March 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
On the 25th I was favoured with your letter of the 22d. The first measure of calling Congress together had been determined on by the President the preceding evening; and I had the draught of the proclamation inclosed, in my hand, to present to him, when I received your letter. Some other of the measures suggested had been contemplated; and all will receive attention from me & my colleagues. I...
38To Alexander Hamilton from Robert Morris, 10 May 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter dated April 9th. but which was written yesterday, I presume, came to hand this Morning and I have since the receipt of it and of one from Colo Ogden seen Colo Walker who tells me that he left power with you to adjust with the latter the business of the Mortgage formerly granted by me to Colo W. Smith on behalf of Mr Pulteney &c., therefore I presume it has been settled in some way...
39To Alexander Hamilton from Fisher Ames, 13–14 April 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, April 13–14, 1796. On April 15, 1796, Hamilton wrote to Rufus King and referred to “A letter by yesterday’s Post from our Friend Ames. Letter not found. ] Ames was a Federalist member of the House of Representatives from Massachusetts.
40To Alexander Hamilton from Robert G. Harper, 4 November 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
In passing thro’ this state, My dear sir, and South Carolina, I have taken some pains to ascertain the state of public opinion respecting the leading points of federal politicks, and have enjoyed considerable opportunities of doing so, particularly in the latter state. I believe it will not be disagreeable or wasteful to you to hear the result. I do not believe the states east of the Hudson...
41To Alexander Hamilton from Robert Cowper, 16 April 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
About three weeks past I Recd two letters, one from the post Master of Philadelphia Coining one bearing the Signature of A. Hamilton True Copy of which I now Send you with the Deposistion of Caleb Haskins who Recd the letters at Suffolk and dld. them to Robert Patton post master Philadelphia. Also Send you Copys two others which Came at the Same time and was Conveyed to Philadelphia and back...
42To Alexander Hamilton from John Lowell, Junior, 15 June 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Boston, June 15, 1796. An entry in H’s Law Register, 1795–1804, under the date of June 20, 1796, reads: “See Letter Lowel June 15.” Letter not found. ] Lowell was a Boston attorney and the son of John Lowell, United States judge for the District of Massachusetts. For background to this letter, see Lowell to H, December 19, 1795 . AD , partially in H’s handwriting, New York Law Institute, New...
43To Alexander Hamilton from John Dunn, 28 January 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
Dublin [ Ireland ] January 28, 1797. “I take the liberty of enclosing to you an account current furnished to me by Mr. John Barclay of Philadelphia relative to a fund in his hands by me anxiously desired to be entrusted to your care—A late account of some unfortunate circumstances occurring in Mr. Barclay’s affairs makes me anxious in the extreme that the Property in his hands should be...
44To Alexander Hamilton from Walter Livingston, 17 June 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Livingston Manor, New York ] June 17, 1796 . “In examining my fathers papers yesterday I found a receipt of yours in the following words Viz. Received New York June 8. 1786 of Robert C. Livingston Esquire Twenty five Dollars as a retainer for the Manor of Livingston. Alex Hamilton. I have taken the liberty to mention this because my brother, Henry who is gone down with an intention to...
45To Alexander Hamilton from Rufus King, [4 February 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
[ London, February 4, 1797. Letter not found. ] Letter listed in Rufus King’s “Memorandum of private Letters, &c., dates & persons, from 1796 to Augt 1802,” owned by Mr. James G. King, New York City.
46To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 13 February 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
In the moment I was closing & dispatching my letters to the Post Office, I learnt from the Attorney General of the U.S. that you would be here on the 17th. My mind being continually uneasy on Acct. of Young Fayette, I cannot but wish (if this letter should reach you in time, and no reasons stronger than what have occurred against it) that you would request him, and his Tuter, to come on to...
47To Alexander Hamilton from Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, 3 March 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Charleston, South Carolina, March 3, 1796. On June 5, 1796, Pinckney wrote to Hamilton : “I wrote to you the 3d: of last March.” Letter not found. ]
48To Alexander Hamilton from Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 26 July 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, July 26, 1796. On July 30, 1796, Hamilton wrote to Wolcott and acknowledged “the Receipt of your letter of the 26th.” Letter not found. ]
49To Alexander Hamilton from Stephen Rochefontaine, 10 May 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
West Point by Peekskill, May 10, 1796. “I have had the honor to transmit to you in the course of last week, a Letter detailing the affair which passed between Mr Wilson, a Lieut. in the Corps, and myself; the Injuries offered on both sides had been settled agreeably to the rules of honor adopted by gentlemen, and in consequence of a Particular agreement made by the two seconds; two days after...
50To Alexander Hamilton from Rufus King, 17[–18] April [1796] (Hamilton Papers)
In general I agree in the Course you recommend. Separate Bills will be reported to the House this morning, providing for the Sp. Ind. & Alg. Treaties—they will pass the H. and be sent to the Senate by the middle of the week. I percive no impropriety in adding to the first of these Bills recived by the Senate, and in succession to each of them if requisite, a Provision for the Br. Treaty. Such...