1The Defence No. XXXVI, [2 January 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
It is now time to fulfil my promise of an examination of the constitutionality of the Treaty. Of all the objections which have been contrived against this instrument, those relating to this point are the most futile. If there be a political problem capable of complete demonstration, the constitutionality of the Treaty in all its parts is of this sort. It is even difficult to believe that any...
2From 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.
3From Alexander Hamilton to Jedidiah Morse, [4 January 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
You will confer a favour upon me by permitting me to render you the little service which may be in my power on the present occasion & without compensation. Be assured it will give real pleasure & let that be my recompence. Mr. Kent & I have conferred on your affair. It is necessary for us to see the book in question in order to a safe opinion. Can one be had? With respect & esteem Sir Your...
4The Defence No. XXXVII, [6 January 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
It shall now be shewn, that the objections to the Treaty founded on its pretended interference with the powers of Congress tend to render the Power of making Treaties in a very great degree if not altogether nominal. This will be best seen by an enumeration of the cases of pretended interference. I The power of Congress to lay taxes is said to be impaired by those stipulations which prevent...
5The Defence No. XXXVIII, [9 January 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
The manner in which the power of Treaty as it exists in the Constitution was understood by the Convention, in framing it, and by the people in adopting it, is the point next to be considered. As to the sense of the Convention, the secrecy with which their deliberations were conducted does not permit any formal proof of the opinions and views which prevailed in digesting the power of Treaty....
6Certificate on Robert Lenox, [11 January 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
I certify, that I have an impression on my memory as strong as a circumstance so remote, and of such a nature admits, of my having towards the close of our late war with Great Britain, understood from some of the officers charged on the part of the United States, with the affair of prisoners and from officers of our army, who had been prisoners with the British, that Robert Lenox, now of this...
7From 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.
8From Alexander Hamilton to Maturin Livingston, [18 January 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
I have been informed that not long since at Philadelphia, in presence of a number of persons, you made mention of the altercation which happened between us on the Eighteenth of July last, and by direct comments or insinuations endeavoured to convey the idea that I had acted with want of spirit on that occasion. I owe it to myself to inquire of you what foundation, if any , there may be for...
9From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [19 January 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
The Bearer of this letter is Doctor Bolman whom you have heared of as having made an attempt for the relief of the Marquis la Fayette which very nearly succeeded. The circumstances of this affair, as stated by Doctor Bolman & Mr. Huger, son of B Huger of St Carolina deceased, who assisted, do real credit to the prudence management and enterprise of the Doctor and shew that he is a man of sense...
10From Alexander Hamilton to Maturin Livingston, [21 January 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
It is not my wish to cavil nor can I as a reasonable man have any desire to pursue the question between us further than a due regard to my own delicacy may demand. But having weighed maturely the contents of your letter of yesterday I am obliged to think that it is not sufficiently explicit. The course of your own ideas and conduct hitherto must afford you a consciousness whether on the...
11From 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...
12From Alexander Hamilton to Robert Morris, 22 January 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, January 22, 1796. On February 10, 1796, Morris wrote to Hamilton : “I was preparing to answer your favour of the 22d ulto.” Letter not found. ]
13From Alexander Hamilton to Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, 22 January 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
Give me leave to recommend to your civilities Mr. Winstanly the bearer of this an English Gentleman who came to this City some years. After former generosity and carelessness of temper disposes of a little fortune, he has assumed the business of Landscape Painting and in pursuance of his plan visits your County, which also he is desirous through curiosity of seeing before he goes to Europe. He...
14Certificate on John Hanson by Anthony L. Bleecker, Peter S. Curentius, Alexander Hamilton, John Lamb, and Hercules … (Hamilton Papers)
We the Subscribers do certify that we were acquainted with Capt John Hanson deceased in his life time, and at an early period of the Revolution of the United States, and have satisfactory grounds to believe that he was firmly attached to the cause of the Revolution and to the liberties of this Country. We also certify, that we particularly recollect as eye Witnesses his conduct on a certain...
15From Alexander Hamilton to Rufus King, [29 January 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
If the News Papers till truth it would appear that Massachusettes has anticipated New York. But it is intended by our friends in the Legislature to give some pointed discountenance to the propositions. It was expected that it would have been done to day, but by the divergings of some men who seek popularity with both sides, they have gotten into an unnecessary debate upon the propositions in...
16From 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...
17Draft on the Bank of the United States, [18 February 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
Cashier of The Bank of The United States Dollars 46 Pay to Mr. Bicknel or bearer Forty six Dollars ADS , Library Company of Philadelphia. Robert Bicknell, a resident of Philadelphia, was proprietor of that city’s New York and Baltimore stages. For H’s trip to Philadelphia, see Robert Morris to H, February 10, 1796, note 2 .
18Opinion on the Claim of Oliver Pollock, [27 February 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
At the request of Mr. Pollock I certify that I have a distinct recollection that in the course of conversations with him, respecting his pecuniary claims on the United States, he expressed the idea of his having further claims on the United States beyond those admitted and liquidated; and that I have also some recollection, but indistinct and imperfect, that when a warrant came to be issued...
19From Alexander Hamilton to Robert Morris, 5 March 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, March 5, 1796. On March 6, 1796, Morris wrote to Hamilton : “I am glad to see by your line of yesterday.” Letter not found. ]
20Introductory Note: To George Washington, [7 March 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
This letter contains the first references in Hamilton’s extant correspondence to what proved to be a protracted dispute over the Jay Treaty in the House of Representatives. The Senate approved the Jay Treaty on June 24, 1795, and the United States ratified it on August 14, 1795. Following British ratification on October 28, 1795, the ratifications were exchanged at London on that date....
21From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [7 March 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
I found Young La Fayette here and delivered him your Letter which much relieved him. I fancy you will see him on the first day of April. Mr. Livingston’s motion in the House of Representatives, concerning the production of papers has attracted much attention. The opinion of those who think here is, that if the motion succeeds, it ought not to be complied with. Besides that in a matter of such...
22From 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....
23From Alexander Hamilton to Robert Morris, 8 March 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, March 8, 1796. On March 12, 1796, Morris wrote to Hamilton and referred to “your letters of the 10th & 8th Inst.” Letter of March 8 not found. ]
24From 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.
25From 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...
26From Alexander Hamilton to Robert Morris, 10 March 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, March 10, 1796. On March 12, 1796, Morris wrote to Hamilton and referred to “your letters of the 10th and 8th Inst.” Letter of March 10 not found. ]
27From Alexander Hamilton to William Loughton Smith, [10 March 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
I observe Madison brings the power of the House of Representatives in the case of the Treaty to this Question Is the Agency of the House of Representatives on this subject deliberative or Executive? On the sophism that this Legislature and each Branch of it is essentially deliberative & consequently must have discretion will he, I presume, maintain the freedom of the House to concur or not....
28From Alexander Hamilton to Rufus King, 16 March 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
I thank you for letter of the . My opinion on the resolution when it first appeared was that the President should answer in substance as follows. (viz) “That it could not be admitted as a right of course in the House of Representatives to call for & have papers in the Executive department essentially those relating to foreign negociations which frequently embrace confidential matters. That...
29From 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...
30From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 24 March 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
I had the honor to receive yesterday your letter of the 22. The course you suggest has some obvious advantages & merits careful consideration. I am not however without fears that there are things in the instructions to Mr. Jay which good policy, considering the matter externally as well as internally , would render it inexpedient to communicate. This I shall ascertain to day. A middle course...
31From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 26 March 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
I perceived by the News Paper that the resolution has been carried. I have not been idle as far a⟨s⟩ my situation would permit but ⟨it⟩ will not be in my power as I had hoped to send you what I am preparing by this day’s Post. The next will carry it. It does not however appear necessary that the Executive should be in a hurry. The final result in my mind, for reasons I shal⟨l⟩ submit in my...
32From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 28 March 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
I am mortified at not being able to send you by this post a certain draft. But the opinion that reasons ought to be given & pretty fully has extended it to considerable length & a desire to make it accurate as to idea & expression keeps it still upon the anvil. But it is so far prepared that I can assure it by tomorrow’s Post. Delay is always unpleasant. But the case is delicate & important...
33From 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...
34Enclosure: [Draft of a Response to Concerns about the Jay Treaty], [29 March 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your resolution and have considered it with the attention always due to a request of the House of Representatives. I feel a consciousness (not contradicted I trust by any part of my conduct) of a sincere disposition to respect the rights privileges and authorities of Congress collectively and in its separate branches—to pay just deference to their opinions and wishes—to avoid...
35From Alexander Hamilton to Rufus King, 2 April 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
Thank you for yours of yesteday. I have no copy of the paper sent. The greatest part went in the original draft though considerably reformed according to joint ideas & somewhat strengthened by new thoughts. A letter I have received tells me that it came to hand after the ground which was acted upon had been formally considered & taken in Council & that it is reserved for future use in the...
36From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 2 April 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
The express is this morning gone off with your letter to Young LaFayette. I foresaw when in Philadelphia certain machinations on this subject. I rejoice in the decision you have come to, in regard to the papers. Whatever may happen, it is right in itself—will elevate the character of the President—and inspire confidence abroad. The contrary would have encouraged a spirit of usurpation the...
37From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [8 April 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
I have done something but not what I intended. The sitting of two Courts & my professional engagements there prevent the execution of my plan. I no longer withold the paper lest circumstances should render it of any use. Most Affecy & resp ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. The New York Court of Chancery met in New York City on the last Tuesday in March; the New York Supreme Court...
38From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 9 April 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
It gives me great pleasure to have the opportunity of announcing to you one whom I know to be so interesting to You as the bearer of this Mr. Motier La Fayette. I allow myself to share by anticipation the satisfaction which the Meeting will afford to all the parties—the more, as I am persuased, that time will confirm the favourable representation I have made of the person & justify the...
39From Alexander Hamilton to John Marshall, 14 April 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York April 14, 1796. On April 25, 1796, Marshall wrote to Hamilton : “Yours of the 14th only reached me by the mail of this evening.” Letter not found. ] Marshall was practicing law in Richmond, Virginia, at this time. In February, 1796, he had made his first and only appearance before the Supreme Court of the United States as an advocate for the defendant in the case of Ware v Hylton ,...
40From Alexander Hamilton to Rufus King, 15 April 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
A letter by yesterday’s Post from our Friend Ames informed me that the Majority (57 concurring) had resolved in a private Meeting to refuse appropriations for the Treaty. A most important crisis ensues. Great evils may result unless good men play their card well & with promptitude and decision. For we must seize and carry along with us the public opinion—& loss of time may be loss of...
41From Alexander Hamilton to Rufus King, 18 April 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
I thank you for your letter received to day. Our Merchants here are not less alarmed than those of Philadelphia & will do all they can. All the insurance people meet to day. The Merchants & Traders will meet tomorrow or the next day. A Petition will be prepared & circulated among the other citizens. I regret that a certain communication was not made. Indeed I think the Executive will be...
42From Alexander Hamilton to Rufus King, [20 April 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
Yesterdays Post brought me a letter from you which gave me pleasure. The papers will apprize you of the proceedings of the Merchants & Traders here on yesterday. There is among them also “unexampled unanimity” & as far as I can judge the current is in our favour throughout the City. Persons to day are going through the different wards. Yrs. sincerely P.S. Our friends in the House will do well...
43From 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....
44From Alexander Hamilton to the Citizens Who Shall be Convened This Day in the Fields in the City of New York, [22 April … (Hamilton Papers)
You have been called together by a description, which necessarily makes your meeting a partial one and excludes a great proportion of your Fellow Citizens, that is as those “who are determined to support the Constitution of the United States, and approve of the proceedings of the House of Representatives with regard to the British Treaty .” As to the first part of the description, those “who...
45From 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. ]
46From Alexander Hamilton to Rufus King, [23 April 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your two letters & shall this day attend to the one which requires it. I see however no objection to it as it stands & I do not now perceive how the further object you aim at could be accomplished in the manner you seem to desire. I have written to Ames this day concerning the course of things in our City. He will communicate to you as, I have not time to repeat. We are...
47From Alexander Hamilton to Rufus King, 24 April [1796] (Hamilton Papers)
I return you a certain draft, with a little substitute for the close of it proposed by Mr. J—— with an eye to your suggestion. Our Petition went yesterday by express. It had more than 3200 signers which is within about 300 of the highest poll we ever had in this City on both sides , at the most controverted election. Nothing can more clearly demonstrate our unanimity & I feel no doubt of equal...
48From 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...
49From 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,...
50From 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...