91To Alexander Hamilton from Robert Morris, [27 April 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter without date arrived within this half hour & in consequence I run down to Mr Lewis from whom I am just returned he says he has written you two letters, the last of them this morning & it was sent to the Post Office before I got there. If Mr Lewis does me justice he will tell you that I called on him more than once with a strong desire to finish the business. I am mortified not a...
92To Alexander Hamilton from Stephen Rochefontaine, 28 April 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
West Point, April 28, 1796. Asks for Hamilton’s “advice in a very disagreeable case” concerning the aftermath of an abortive duel between Rochefontaine and Lieutenant William Wilson. Describes the case, his continuing difficulties with Wilson and other officers at West Point, and submits “a few Queries which I would wish you to favor with your opinion upon and as soon as convenient, in order...
93To Alexander Hamilton from Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 29 April 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
I have recd. your favour of the 20th. The affair with Bond stands thus, & is truly attended with some perplexing circumstances. The communication states, that provisional orders have been given for the surrender of the Posts whenever the House of Representatives shall have indicated an intention to give effect to the Treaty & when an article shall have been negociated explanatory of the sense...
94To Alexander Hamilton from Rufus King, 1 May [1796] (Hamilton Papers)
In committee of the whole on friday it was resolved by the casting vote of Muhlenburgh the chairman, to make provision by Law for carrying the Treaty with England into Effect. Yesterday the Resolution of the Committee of the whole was passed in the House by 51. against 48. A proposition to prefix to the Resolution a Preamble declaring the Treaty to be injurious to the Interest of the US. and...
95To 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...
96Enclosure: John Marshall to Rufus King, 19 April 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
I pray you to excuse my seeming inattention to the subject alluded to in yours by the last mail. Having never been in habits of correspondence with Mr. H. I coud not by letter ask from him a decision on the proposition I was requested to make him without giving him at the same time a full statement of the whole conversation & of the persons with whom that conversation was held. In doing this I...
97To Alexander Hamilton from William Tatham, 2 May 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
Being fully satisfied that the sentiments of our two very young Representitives in this Country holding the appointments of Charge de Affairs and Consul, of the United States are so different from those you have openly avowed that you will not be amongst the number of their correspondents, a knowledge of your public Character without a personal acquaintance induces me to communicate to you...
98To Alexander Hamilton from Robert Morris, 3 May 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
By a letter this moment received from Colo S. Ogden dated yesterday I learn that he was but then going to N York to accomplish the business I mentioned to you, the sale of 50,000 Acres of Genesee Lands in order to enable me to discharge Colo smiths mortgage. This done, I can give you the Security mentioned in my last and probably your influence with Mr Walker & Mr. seton may help in point of...
99From Alexander Hamilton to Rufus King, [4 May 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
Since my last I have received two or three letters from you. The late turn of the Treaty question makes us all very happy. I hope no future embarrassment will arise. I am intirely of opinion that P.H declining Mr. P—— ought to be our man. It is even an idea of which I am fond in various lights. Indeed on latter reflection, I rather wish to be rid of P.H, that we may be at full liberty to take...
100To Alexander Hamilton from William Lewis, 4 May 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, May 4, 1796. “When I wrote you a few lines some days since I intended writing you more fully before this time, & this I should have done had I not soon after been informed by Mr. Morris that finding you to be very desirous to have security within the State of New York he had written to you offering you a security of lands within that state which he had no doubt but you would most...
101From Alexander Hamilton to Rufus King, [5 May 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
After reading seal & hand on the inclosed. If such things are to be you cannot leave the Senate. Jay is against it at all events till the European storm is over. We must all think well of this business. Adieu Yours Affey Copy, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. The endorsement on this letter reads: “The enclosed letter was for the Pt. RK.” The enclosure was a letter from H to Washington,...
102From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [5 May 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
The letter of which the inclosed is a copy contains such extraordinary matter that I could not hesitate to send it to you. The writer is Mr. G—— M——. I trust the information it conveys cannot be true; yet in these wild times every thing is possible. Your official information may serve as a comment. Very respectfully & affectly I have the honor to be Sir Yr Obed ser ALS , George Washington...
103To 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...
104To 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...
105From Alexander Hamilton to Robert Morris, 9 May 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, May 9, 1796. On May 10, 1796, Morris wrote to Hamilton : “Your letter dated April 9th. but which was written yesterday, I presume, came to hand this Morning.” [ Letter not found. ]
106To 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...
107From Alexander Hamilton to Timothy Pickering, [10 May 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed is a letter which I will thank you to hand to its destination. While I have my pen in my hand, give me leave to mention a particular subject to you. Mr. Pinckney, it is said, desires to return to the U States. In this case a successor will be wanted. If we had power to make a man for the purpose, we could not imagine a fitter than Mr. King . He is tired of the Senate & I fear will...
108To 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...
109Introductory 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...
110From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [10 May 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
When last in Philadelphia you mentioned to me your wish that I should re dress a certain paper which you had prepared. As it is important that a thing of this kind should be done with great care and much at leisure touched & retouched, I submit a wish that as soon as you have given it the body you mean it to have that it may be sent to me. A few days since I transmitted you the copy of a...
111To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 15 May 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
On this day week, I wrote you a letter on the subject of the information received from G—— M——, and put it with some other Papers respecting the case of Mr. De la Fayette, under cover to Mr Jay: to whom also I had occasion to write. But in my hurry (making up the dispatches for the Post Office next morning) I forgot to give it a Superscription; of course it had to return from N: York for one,...
112Abstract of Points to Form an Address, [16 May–5 July 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
I The period of a new Election approaching it is his duty to announce his intention to decline— II He had hoped that long ere this it would have been in his power and particularly had nearly come to a final resolution in the year 1792 to do it but the peculiar situation of affairs & advice of confidential friends dissuaded political cowardice III In acquiescing in a further election he...
113To 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...
114To Alexander Hamilton from Tench Coxe, 17 May 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, May 17, 1796. On May 31, 1796, Coxe wrote to Hamilton and referred to “my Letter of the 17th. inst.” Letter not found. ] Coxe, who had been first a Loyalist and then a Patriot during the American Revolution, was a member of the Continental Congress in 1787 and 1788, Assistant to the Secretary of the Treasury from 1790 until the abolition of that office in 1792, and commissioner...
115From Alexander Hamilton to Richard Harison, 17 May [1796] (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York ] May 17 [ 1796 ]. “I have seen Mr. Blanchard. He will do what we talked of, except as to the loan of the further sum, which he intirely declines. I will thank you to send for Bouvier and ascertain his final determination; in order that it may be known whether hostilities must ensue or not.…” ALS , New-York Historical Society, New York City. Richard Harison was United States...
116To Alexander Hamilton from Robert Morris, 17 May 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
When you received the Bond & Mortgage Deed transmitted herewith which are dated the 16 Instant you will perceive that there has been all the sincerity in my Professions which you could expect. I have from you experienced that degree of Confidence which consisted with my Character and I have been gratified thereby but the extreme solicitude that has lately appeared on your part leads me to...
117Enclosure: 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...
118From 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...
119From Alexander Hamilton to Richard Harison, 18 May 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York ] May 18, 1796 . “Do me the favour, if possible, to bring Bouvier to a decision this day. Much alarm & suspicion exist with the other party who is unwilling longer to leave unessayed measures of Coertion, if an arrangement cannot be made on the proposed basis.” ALS , New-York Historical Society, New York City. For background to this letter, see H to Harison, May 17, 1796 .
120To 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...
121From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 20 May 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
A belief that the occasion to which they may be applicable is not likely to occur, whatever may have been once intended, or pretended in terrorem , has delayed the following observations in compliance with your desire —and which are now the result of conferences with the Gentleman you named. The precise form of any proposition or demand which may be made to or of this Government must so...
122To Alexander Hamilton from Elisha Boudinot, 23 May 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
I am very happy that your endeavors to extricate Mr. Duer will occasion your so far investigating his affairs, as to enable you to do justice to a very injured character. When the misfortunes of life, or the frowns of fortune have thrown a man in the shade the generality of the world have too little feeling to investigate before they Judge, and too great a propensity to censure unheard, he is...
123From Alexander Hamilton to Robert Morris, 26 May 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, May 26, 1796. On May 31, 1796, Morris wrote to Hamilton and referred to “your letter of the 26 Inst.” Letter not found. ]
124To Alexander Hamilton from James Watson, 27 May 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, May 27, 1796. “Wishing to have the Benefit of your much esteemed Council as a Lawyer in important Cases, if unfortunately I should hereafter be involved in any, I have inclosed you my Note for one Thousand Dollars, payable in five years, with Interest at 5 ⅌ Cent ⅌ annum, which I beg you to accept.…” LS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Watson, a native of Woodbury,...
125From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 27 May 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
The Patterson manufactory being defunct, the persons heretofore employed are thrown out of business and among them Mr. Marshall who erected & directed the Cotton Mill. As this man has proved that he understands himself & is a discreet well-moralled man I am loth that he should be under the necessity of leaving the Country. He is a man of some education. Besides a considerable knowlege of...
126To Alexander Hamilton from Marquis de Fleury, 28 May 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
I hope you have not quitte forgotten an old friend of yours; almost escaped to the misfortunes of our bloody revolution. I have preserved till now my head, but lost the greatest part of my fortune, and my most assured and important propriety is now, what is due to me by the united states. Till the year 1789 I have touched at paris, by the hands of their banker grand the interests of what was...
127To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 29 May 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, May 29, 1796. On June 1, 1796, Hamilton wrote to Washington and acknowledged “Your letter of the 29th.” Letter not found. ]
128From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, [30 May 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
I perceive Congress are invading the Sinking Fund system. If this goes through & is sanctionned by the President the fabric of public Credit is prostrate & the Country & the President are disgraced. Treasury Bills & every expedient however costly to meet exigencies must be preferable in the event to such an overthrow of system. Yrs truly ALS , Connecticut Historical Society, Hartford; copy,...
129To Alexander Hamilton from Tench Coxe, 31 May 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Whelen & I do not understand that he had made a proposition to you to let Mr. Church take back what remains in their Hands of Mr. Church’s original interest in the lands sold him & Company. You will find on a revision of my Letter of the 17th. inst. that it does not convey that Idea and you will perceive on reflection that it could not. The matter stood thus. When you were here at the...
130To Alexander Hamilton from Robert Morris, 31 May 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
I am sorry that the Omission & inaccuracy of description in the Mortgage Deed as expressed in your letter of the 26 Inst. should have occasioned you any farther Trouble in Mr Churchs Business. The Omission of the name was owing to that Tract not having been conveyed to the parties for whom it was intended by Colo Ogden, who made an Agreement short of my terms the Object being to discharge...
131Design for a Seal for the United States, [May 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
A Globe with Europe and part of Africa on one side—America on the other—the Atlantic Ocean between. The portion occupied by America to be larger than that occupied by Europe. A Colossus to be placed on this Globe, with one foot on Europe, the other extending partly over the Atlantic towards America, having on his head a quintuple crown in his right hand an Iron -Sceptre projected but broken in...
132From Alexander Hamilton to James Watson, [May 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
The handsome general retainer you have offered me & the handsome manner in which the Offer is made claim my acknowlegement. But it will not consist with any rule of Action to avail myself of it. I have in other instances engaged for Individuals on these terms, to take as a retainer 100£ and afterwards to charge services performed at the established rates. Though it was my intention to avoid...
133From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, [May–August 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, May–August, 1796. ] “I have been applied to for an opinion concerning the Georgia Claim.… I will thank you for the Report of the Attorney General on that subject, to Congress.…” Copy, Connecticut Historical Society, Hartford. This is a reference to the claims of the Georgia Yazoo land companies which were organized in 1795. For information on these land grants and their revocation,...
134From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 1 June 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
I am told the Executive Directory have complained of Mr. Parish our Consul at Hamburgh. Perhaps the complaint may be ill founded but perhaps also he was indiscreet in giving colour for it. Admit too that he is a good man. Yet we must not quarrel with France for pins and needles . The public temper would not bear any umbrage taken where a trifling concession might have averted it. Tis a case...
135From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 1 June 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the 29th was delivered me by Mr. King yesterday afternoon. I thought I had acknowleged the Receipt of the paper inquired for in a letter written speedily after it—or in one which transmitted you a draft of a certain letter by Mr. Jay. I hope this came to hand. I am almost afraid to appear officious in what I am going to say; but the matter presses so deeply on my mind that...
136To Alexander Hamilton from Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, 5 June 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
I beg leave to recommend to your attention the Bearer of this Letter Mr: Benjamin Huger, a Gentleman of family & fortune in this State; he is the Son of Major Huger who unfortunately fell at the lines of Charleston in 1779, & the Eldest Brother of the Mr: Huger who was imprisoned by the Austrians for attempting the rescue of the brave Marquis la Fayette. He intends to travel with his Lady this...
137To Alexander Hamilton from Lawrence Kercado, 6 June 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, June 6, 1796. States that he is the Vicomte de Kercado, a cadet member of the princely family of Rohon in Brittany, that he had lived in Santo Domingo, that he had come to Charleston, South Carolina, in 1791, and that he and his family are now living at Elizabeth, New Jersey. States that he has given orders for his property in Santo Domingo to be sold and that he wishes to go...
138To Alexander Hamilton from Abraham Van Vechten, 6 June 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Albany ] June 6, 1796 . “The Cause of Guernsey will not be tried until October Term.… It is to him a Cause of the greatest importance. His all is at Stake, and he is both able & willing to pay liberally for the Services of his Council.” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Van Vechten was an Albany lawyer and Federalist politician. In 1796 Governor John Jay appointed him attorney for...
139To Alexander Hamilton from Jonathan Williams, 8 June 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, June 8, 1796. “I thank you for your friendly offer and, in conformity, request you to let me know what proposals Mr Macomb is willing to make. My Demand is $17530 Dollars, being the difference arising on the unperformed Contract made with me by Mr. Duer on the Companys acct. agreeably to the terms of the partnership. I bought the $50000 six ⅌ Cents and paid for them in specie...
140From Alexander Hamilton to Robert Morris, 9 June 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, June 9, 1796. On the June 17, 1796, Morris wrote to Hamilton and referred to “your favor of the 9th.” Letter not found. ]