Alexander Hamilton Papers

From Alexander Hamilton to Tench Coxe, 22 May 1792

To Tench Coxe1

[Philadelphia] May 22d 1792

Sir

Pursuant to the 6th Section of the Act making alterations in the Treasury & War Departments,2 I have concluded to commit to you the general Superintendence of the Light Houses and other establishments relating to the security of Navigation according to the powers vested in me by law.

Information will be given accordingly to the respective Superintendents who will be instructed to correspond in future with you, and take your directions.3

When the Presidents sanction is in any case requisite you will make report to me in order that the requisite submission to him may be made.

I am Sir &c

Alexr Hamilton

The Commissioner of the Revenue

LC, RG 26, Lighthouse Letters, Vol. 1, National Archives; copy, RG 26, Lighthouse Letters Received, “Segregated” Lighthouse Records, Hamilton, National Archives.

1On May 8, 1792, Congress abolished the office of assistant to the Secretary of the Treasury and established in its place the post of commissioner of revenue (1 Stat. description begins The Public Statutes at Large of the United States of America (Boston, 1845). description ends 280). On the same day Coxe, who had been assistant to the Secretary of the Treasury, was appointed commissioner of revenue.

2Section 6 of “An Act making alterations in the Treasury and War Departments” provided that the commissioner of revenue should perform such duties “as shall be directed by the Secretary of the Treasury” (1 Stat. description begins The Public Statutes at Large of the United States of America (Boston, 1845). description ends 280 [May 8, 1792]).

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