From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, [3 August 1796]
To Oliver Wolcott, Junior
[New York, August 3, 1796]
Dr Sir
I have received your letter of the 1st.1 I deplore the picture it gives and henceforth wish to forget there is a Bank or a Treasury in the U States, though I shall not forget my regard to individuals.
I do not see one argument in any possible shape of the thing for the sale of Bank Stock or against that of the other stock, which does not apply vice versa & I shall consider it as one of the most infatuated steps that ever was adopted.2
God bless You
A Hamilton
It will be known on Thursday whether any thing is to be expected here.3
Oliver Wolcott Jun Es
ALS, Connecticut Historical Society, Hartford.
1. Letter not found.
2. H is referring to the provisions of “An Act making provision for the payment of certain Debts of the United States” ( 488–89 [May 31, 1796]). For the provisions of that act to which H took exception, see H to Wolcott, May 30, 1796, note 1; H to George Washington, June 1, 1796. See also Wolcott to H, June 28, 1796; H to Wolcott, July 8, 1796.