61From Alexander Hamilton to Timothy Pickering, 21 September 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
Some time since Mr. McCormick spoke to me about the case of his Kinsman Mr. Pitcairn whom Mr. Monroe had prevented from exercising the functions of Consul. I can, in justice, inform you that this Gentleman is well considered in our City and that his political principles have been understood to be very friendly to the French Revolution; nor have we any doubt that his sentiments towards our own...
62To Alexander Hamilton from William Greene, 9 March 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, March 9, 1796. States his determination to abide by whatever opinion Hamilton “should form” in “the case of Messr. John Calogan & Sons.” Discusses his dispute with the firm of Shaw and Randall over a cargo of wine and the writ issued against him for £10,000 damages. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Greene, a native of England, was a New York City merchant with an extensive...
63To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 24 September 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
I have just received your letter of the 21st relative to Mr. Pitcairn. As soon as the President had determined to change our Minister at Paris, I considered it not less necessary to make a change in the Consulate; and Mr Pinckney will go thither with the requisite powers on this subject. I have mentioned to him Mr Pitcairn as the gentleman whom he may safely and advantageously employ in the...
64To Alexander Hamilton from Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 31 March 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
I have recd. your Letter of March 30th. and I consider it as a great acquisition. It developes the origin of a circumstance which came to my knowledge at the close of the last session which filled my mind with inexpressible surprize. To you I will say but in the most perfect confidence that the President had determined on instituting a Commission, but it would not have been composed as you now...
65To Alexander Hamilton from Catharine Bedlow, 2 August 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, August 2, 1796. “Inclosed is the Letter of Helena Soyer which I Should have been Sent you before, but being daily in Expectation of Seeing you, it was defered to be given you till then. I could wish a Leasure Houre will permit you to call & See us as Mr Bedlow Continues Ill unable to transact any Business.” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Catharine Bedlow, the oldest...
66To Alexander Hamilton from John Browne Cutting, 16 May 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, May 16, 1796. “You were good enough to offer me last Decr. what I little thought I should have occasion to accept in May—letters to any of your friends in Congress. Business of greater moment than my claim has incessantly occupied the Secretary of State ever since the documents that support it have been in his possession.… I therefore presume to request of you a single line to...
67Introductory Note: To George Washington, [10 May 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
The opening paragraph of this letter contains the first reference in Hamilton’s extant correspondence to the preparation of Washington’s Farewell Address. Washington first conceived of the idea of a valedictory address in 1792, when he thought that he would retire at the end of his first term in March, 1793. In May, 1792, he asked James Madison to draft a farewell address, and Madison complied...
68From Alexander Hamilton to Charles Williamson, [17–30 May 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
Some arrangements which I have lately made with Robert Morris Esquire for the benefit of my Brother in Law Mr. Church render it interest⟨ing⟩ to me to know from you the precise extent of the Western line of the tract of land you purchased of that Gentleman—I mean a line which was run from the Pensylvania line to Lake Ontario—by whom it was run, how far the accuracy of it may be depended...
69To Alexander Hamilton from Rufus King, 20 April [1796] (Hamilton Papers)
The Petitions of the Merchants and others will be printed today, and it is said they have been signed by almost every Merchant & Trader in the City —Pettit, Barclay, & some few others are exceptions. A counter Petition has been very industriously carried through the City and its Suburbs; and though very few merchants, Traders, or principal mechanicks have signed it, it will shew a long...
70Draft of George Washington’s Eighth Annual Address to Congress, [10 November 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
That among the objects of labour and industry, Agriculture considered with reference either to individual or national welfare is first in importance may safely be affirmed without derogating from the just and real value of any other branch. It is indeed the best basis of the prosperity of every other. In proportion as nations progress in population and other circumstances of maturity this...
71To Alexander Hamilton from Walter Livingston, 22 April 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
Livingston Manor [ New York ] April 22, 1796 . Asks Hamilton to serve as his attorney in a suit against “the Executors of my late brother Robt. C. L. for the recovery of my ⅓ of three Bonds given to him by Mr. Robt. Morris for £3333 23/68 pensy. Curry. each—as a doceur for not biding for the Lands held by Massachusets in this State.… to Consult with Mr. Saml. Jones, respecting the Action...
72From 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.
73From Alexander Hamilton to Theodore Sedgwick, [January 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
I have been reading the report of the Secretary of the Treasury on the subject of direct taxes. I think it does him credit. The general principles and objects are certainly good. Nor am I sure that any thing better can be done. I remember, however, that I once promised you to put in writing my ideas on the subject. I intended to have done it and communicated them to the Secretary. My hurry &...
74[Opinion of William Rawle], [21 June 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
ADf , Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. This is a draft of Rawle’s opinion on Sections 4 and 7 of “An Act for the relief and protection of American Seamen” ( 1 Stat. The Public Statutes at Large of the United States of America (Boston, 1845). 477–78 [May 28, 1796]). This document is endorsed, in an unidentified handwriting: “June 21. 1796 Draft of Opinion William Rawle for...
75From Alexander Hamilton to Timothy Pickering, [10 February 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
If I recollect right, Chancellor Livingston while Secy for foreign Affairs reported a censure upon Our Commissioners who made the peace with G Britain for not obeying their instructions with regard to France. Will you favour me in confidence with the real state of this business? I was at the time a member of Congress. It was immediately on the arrival of the provisional articles. I trust my...
76To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 26 June 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter without date, came to my hands by Wednesdays Post; and by the first Post afterwards I communicated the purport of it (withholding the names) to the Secretary of State; with directions to bestow the closest attention to the subject, and if the application which had been made to the Minister of France, consequent of the Capture of the Ship Mount Vernon, had not produced such an...
77The Warning No. III, [21 February 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
The Paris Accounts inform us that France has lately exercised towards Genoa an act of atrocious oppression, which is an additional and a striking indication of the domineering and predatory Spirit by which she is governed. This little Republic, whose territory scarcely extends beyond the walls of her metropolis, has been compelled, it seems, to ransom herself from the talons of France by a...
78From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [10 August 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
About a fortnight since, I sent you a certain draft. I now send you another on the plan of incorporating. Whichever you may prefer, if there be any part you wish to transfer from one to another any part to be changed—or if there be any material idea in your own draft which has happened to be omitted and which you wish introduced—in short if there be any thing further in the matter in which I...
79To Alexander Hamilton from Ann Mitchell, [1796] (Hamilton Papers)
My Father—James Lytton Senr. deceased—Planter of the Island of St Croix in the year 1769—In his Will confirmed by his Majesty—he bequeathed ¹⁄₇ of his Estate to my Brother James Lytton Junr.— ²/₇ths to his Children to be divided when the youngest was of age—²/₇th to my deceased Sisters Son John Hallwood—and in consequence of my being married to a man unfortunate in his conduct—he nominated my...
80From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 29 March [1796] (Hamilton Papers)
I wish the inclosed could have been sent in a more perfect State. But it was impossible. I hope however it can be made out & may be useful. It required more time to say all that was proper in a more condensed form. In considering the course to be pursued by the President it may be well he should be reminded that the same description of men who call for the papers have heretofore maintained...
81From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, [7–10 March 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed are two letters which I will thank you to hand on. I have just seen Livingston’s Motion concerning Instructions &c. My first impression is that the propriety of a compliance with the call, if made, is extremely doubtful. But much careful thought on the subject is requisite. Yrs truly PS. I hand you also a letter from Mrs. Church to Mr. Beametz —which I will thank you to send to Mr....
82To Alexander Hamilton from John Steele, 23 September 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to acknowledge your letter of the 20th. inst. and to return you my unfeigned thanks for the polite and friendly manner in which you were pleased to speak of my appointment. Next to the pleasure which attends a faithfull discharge of duty, it will always afford me the highest gratification to be classed among those who are favored with your approbation. John Sitgreaves the...
83From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, 10 March 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
I had the honor duely to receive Your Excellency’s letter of the 4th instant. I did not immediately answer it from an indistinct and confused recollection that a state of things existed in reference to the opposite party which did not permit my being concerned for the State. It now appears that I was not mistaken, and that I cannot with propriety execute Your Excellency’s desire. With perfect...
84To Alexander Hamilton from Robert Liston, 30 September 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
Mr Bond has communicated to me a letter written by you to him on the 15th of this month, on the Subject of the Ship Eliza, captured by Captain Cochrane, and afterwards retaken by the Master and carried into New York. The letter signed by Captain Cochrane and enclosing a declaration of David Wilson and Thomas Marshall, which you received under a Blank Cover, was in fact intended for you, though...
85From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, [5 August 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
The Bank of New York is willing to make the loan of 324 000 Dollars to you (I mean the exact sum of about this amount, if you desire it, which one of the laws you mentioned authorises to borrow) on these terms to advance all but two hundred thousand Dollars when you please—to advance the two hundred thousand Dollars, by way of reloan, when that sum, payable in October, becomes due. The term of...
86Enclosure: [Conditions of the Sales of the Lands], [25 June 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
The Conditions of the Sales of the Lands belonging to the Am Iron Compy on the 10. 11 & 18 Decemr. 1795 was Vizt ¼ To be paid to Peter Goelet on or before 11 OClock to Morrow Morning ¼ On the first tuesday in April next with Lawfull Intrest. ¼ On the first tuesday in October next with Lawfull Intrest. And the Residue on or before the first tuesday in April 1797 with Lawfull Intrest.
87To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 10 August 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
The principal design of this letter, is to inform you, that your favor of the 30th. Ulto, with its enclosure, got safe to my hands by the last Post, and that the latter shall have the most attentive consideration I am able to give it. A cursory reading it has had, and the Sentiments therein contained are extremely just, & such as ought to be inculcated. The doubt that occurs at first view, is...
88To Alexander Hamilton from Robert Morris, 18 May 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
I wrote a letter last night to you & one to Mr Church, but as these must go by some private hand who will carry Safe my Bond & Mortgage I send this by Post to let you know that those papers are duly executed & the Mortgage acknowledged by Mrs Morris & myself before Judge Wilson. They shall be sent by the first safe Conveyance I can meet with by Dr Sir Yrs LC , Robert Morris Papers, Library...
89From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 20 April 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the 18th. instant. The money paid me for you shall be placed to your Credit in the Office of Discount & Deposit as you desire. The British Ministry are as great fools, or as great rascals, as our Jacobins—else our Commerce would not continue to be distressed as it is by their Cruisers, nor would the Executive be embarrassed as it now is by the new proposition....
90From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [11 November 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
My anxiety for such a course of things as will most promise a continuance of peace to the country, & in the contrary event a full justification of the President, has kept my mind dwelling on the late Reply to Mr. Adet & though it is a thing that cannot be undone, yet if my ideas are right the communication of them may not be wholly useless for the future. The more I have considered that paper...