Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [17 March 1785]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Hamilton, Elizabeth

[Chester, New York, March 17, 1785]
I have just written to you My beloved by the person who will probably be the bearer of this. Col Burr just tells me, that the house we live in is offered for sale at £2100. I am to request you to agree for the purchase for me, if at that price. If you cannot do better, you may engage that the whole shall be paid in three months; but I could wish to pay half in a short time and the other half in a year. Adieu my Angel
A Hamilton
Chester March 17. 1785


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Wadsworth, 1 April 1785
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Wadsworth, Jeremiah

[New York, April 1, 1785. On April 7, 1785, Hamilton wrote to Jeremiah Wadsworth: “In mine to you of the first instant.” Letter not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Wadsworth, 3 April 1785
From: Wadsworth, Jeremiah
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Dear Sir
Hartford April 3d 1785

I have received very unfavorable accounts respecting Isaac Moses & Co House in Holland. As you have the recet for our Monies I wish you inquire of him if our concerns are so involved in his matters that we shall be liable to any loss in case of his ruine by this misfortune in holland. I am Dear Sir Your very Hum Servant
Jere Wadsworth
Have you any news from Church by ye last Packet? I have not a line.
Col Hamelton


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Henry Laurens, 6 April 1785
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Laurens, Henry

[New York, April 6, 1785. On April 19, 1785, Laurens wrote to Hamilton: “I was yesterday honored by receipt of your very obliging Letter of the 6th.” Letter not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Wadsworth, 7 April 1785
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Wadsworth, Jeremiah

Dr. Sir,
New York April 7th. 1785

In mine to you of the first instant I informed you that the house of Samuel and Moses Myers of Amsterdam had stopped payment in consequence of which an assignment of property had there taken place for the benefit of the English and Dutch Creditors. How far this assignment will operate cannot now be determined; as we are not sufficiently acquainted with the circumstances. It happened the Mr. Moses, who is one of the partners, called upon me to consult me professionally as to the measures I should think it adviseable for him to pursue. I told him of my having his notes for monies due from him to Mr Church on your partnership; but that as I did not think your interest incompatible with his I should freely give him my council. The first steps I advised him to, was to make an assignment of all partnership effects in Pensylvania, Maryland, Virginia and South Carolina to Trustees for the general benefit of Creditors. My reason for this was that in those states partial attachments would lie for the benefit of the persons making them and I have no doubt but that orders would have arrived from different parts of Europe for that purpose before any sent from here could reach either of those places. The fact has turned out as was supposed.
Mr Moses has lately exhibited a sketch of his affairs; in which he makes out seven thousand pounds more than he owes. But as this is but a sketch—as his affairs are very extensive and complicated—it is probable he cannot ascertain their true state, and it is rather to be apprehended that he draws a flattering picture. There is thus far every appearance of fairness in his conduct; and his Creditors here seem inclined to be indulgent.
His object is to obtain a letter of license for five years; there will I suspect be great difficulties in this. He urges against an immediate assignment of his whole property that it will probably, by being precipitately disposed of fall greatly short of the real value to the injury of his Creditors as well as him self. On the other hand, however if it remains with him, as he is very enterprising the result must be a mere chapter of accidents. In the state of his affairs, he exhibits £12000 debts of Isaac Moses and £21000 property. Your demand is against Isaac Moses, so that if his state in this respect be at all accurate and he makes no improper disposition of Isaac Moses’ property, you will be safe; as his private property must first be applied to the payment of his private debts and the ballance to the partnership debts; and so vice versa. He has assured me he will make no disposition to your prejudice. Upon the whole I am of opinion (as he will have much in his power) that it will be most prudent for your interest not in the first instance to be one of those who shall press; if others begin you can keep pace with them; and by indulgent conduct, if others press, I think Moses will be induced to take care of you. He appears to think him self under peculiar obligations to your concern. His general state of affairs is—

Debts due from himself & Copartnership
£91.000

Good Debts and effects belong to himself and partners
 98.000

Surplus
£ 7.000

But supposing the worst there seems to be little doubt that he will be able to pay 15/ in the pound.
Should it not be convenient to you to be on the spot yourself, Let me hear from you on this head.
Mr. Burr has delivered me a declaration against Henly. I find it was a partnership business, so the suit not abated as I at first supposed, by Archibald Blairs insolvency. I shall ask some friend of yours on your account to become bail to the action. As an Atty I cannot do this.
By our advices from Albany I have great reason to apprehend General Schuyler is no more. This I consider as a great loss to his family, friends and the public.
With sincere regards. I remain Dr Sir   Your Obedt sert
P.S—Yrs of the third instant is just handed me.

New York April 7. 1785


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Marquis de Lafayette, 13 April 1785
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Hamilton, Alexander

My dear Hamilton
Paris April the 13th 1785

Altho I have just now writen to McHenry Requesting him to impart My Gazette to you, a very barren one indeed, I feel within myself a Want to tell you I love you tenderly. Your Brother Church Has sailed for America since which I Had a letter from His lady who is in very good Health. By an old letter from our friend Greene I Have Been delighted to find He consents to send His son to be educated with mine. The idea makes me very Happy. I wish, dear Hamilton, you would Honour me with the same Mark of your friendship and confidence. As there is no fear of a War I intend ⟨visiting⟩ the ⟨Prussian⟩ and Austrian ⟨troops⟩. In one of your New York Gazettes I find an ⟨Association⟩ Against the slavery of negroes which seems to me ⟨worded⟩ in such a way as to give no offense to the moderate Men in the Southern States. As I ever Have Been partial to my Brethren of that Colour, I wish if you are one in the Society, you would move, in your own Name, for my Being Admitted on the list. My Best Respects wait on Mrs. Hamilton. I kiss Phil, and the Young lady. Adieu Your affectionate friend
Lafayette
Mention me most affectionately to the doctor, His lady, Genl Schuyler and family, your sister Peggy, Fish, Webb, and all our friends.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from David Beekman, 15 April 1785
From: Beekman, David
To: Hamilton, Alexander

New York, April 15, 1785. “I yesterday saw Mr. Cor[neliu]s P. Low & he is not willing to do anything, & now says the money belongs to the state. He alters his opinion often. Will you be so kind, and take this affair in your hands for me & if you think I can recover it, I beg you will.”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Wadsworth, 17 April 1785
From: Wadsworth, Jeremiah
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Dear Sir
Hartford April: 17 1785

I have this moment received a letter from you of the 7th Instant. Our concern with Moses by his sketch of an account exhibited me at New York was in sundry Vessels. I am so well persuaded that in these concerns we shall loose Money, even if Moses pays all his debts that I would willingly give up 5/ in the pound & ⟨– –⟩ & give discharges for 15/ in the pound. I do not ⟨think⟩ I can be at NYork before the end of June & beg you will do every thing you think proper with Moses. I am glad to find by Mr. Colt who left NYork the 14th that Gen Schuyler is not dead. As to Henlys matter I suppose you will be able to decide on examining the papers exhibited by the plantiff the probability of the suits succeeding or not. If there is like to be any considerable ballance due from Henly I would try to & have him set ye final tryal. I pray you to write me when that will be. It has been reported here that Church has wrote you he has resolved to stay in Europe. I find nothing in yr. letter on this Subject & therefore disbelieve it.
I am dear Sir Your very Hume Servant
Jere Wads⟨worth⟩
Col Hamilton


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Laurens, 19 April 1785
From: Laurens, Henry
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Dear Sir
Charleston S. Carolina19. April 1785

I was yesterday honored by receipt of your very obliging Letter of the 6th. inclosing Mr. Frederic’s Narrative. A tissue of Lies. During the Seige of Charleston, when he pretends he carried arms & to have acted in the Trenches, he was at my Mepkin Plantation, whence some time after the Town fell, he joined the temporary Conquerors; he also seduced his Wife, she thro’ the persuasion of faithful Scaramouch returned, he was afterward captured by an American Cruizer, carried into George Town & claimed by one of my Attornies, he broke thro’ & escaped and had not been heard of till now We learn he is in the Jail of New York.
Scaramouch, Berry & others who know the whole history of my Negroes aver, he never was about the person of our dear departed friend; Our dear friend was too tenacious of propriety to have manumitted a Slave not his own; this is evinced by his conduct to the black Man who was actually with him and who continues with me.
Our dear friend and his father entertained but one opinion respecting Slavery, excepting that his generous Soul would have precipitated a Work, which to make it glorious his father thought he saw could only be accomplished by gradual Steps. Haste would make havoc. Could I but prevail upon my fellow Citizens to prohibit further importations, I should deem it progress equal to carrying all the outworks; my attempts hitherto have been fruitless, I have some ground for beleiving offensive; speaking generally a whole Country is opposed to me, pressing the Business which We had in view would not forward it, nor afford happiness even to the Negroes, witness Frederick’s Case. I am acting therefore agreeable to the dictates of my Conscience and the best lights of my understanding. Some of my Negroes to whom I have offered freedom have declined the Bounty, they will live with me, to some of them I already allow Wages, to all of them every proper indulgence, I will venture to say the whole are in more comfortable circumstances than any equal number of Peasantry in Europe, there is not a Beggar among them nor one unprovided with food, raiment & good Lodging, they also enjoy property; the Lash is forbidden; they all understand this declaration as a Substitute—“If you deserve whipping I shall conclude you don’t love me & will sell you, otherwise I will never sell one of you, nor will I ever buy another Negro, unless it shall be to gratify a good Man who may want a Wife.”
You may remember George in Philadelphia, I had given him absolute freedom before I went last to Europe, he embarked with me, but returned long before I came home, is now about my house and says he does not want to be more free than he is. Yet I beleive no man gets more work from his Negroes than I do, at the same time they are my Watchmen and my friends; never was an absolute Monarch more happy in his Subjects than at the present time I am, how long this will continue is uncertain, but I will endeavor to do right to day.
I think I see the rising gradations to unlimited freedom and view the prospect with pleasure. When We shall be wise enough to stop importation, such happy Families will become more general and time will work manumission or a state equal to it. Policy and Decency will dictate proper reservation; We shall then insure good Servants, good Soldiers, our Strength in time of Need; at present the Number of wretched Slaves, precarious Riches, is our greatest Weakness—but alas! these Southern States are not at this moment in a disposition to be persuaded tho’ one should rise from the dead—God forbid our conversion by too long a Delay, shall be the Effect of a direful Struggle.
But to return to Frederic, he was always a very good Lad before the War, contaminated no doubt by bad Examples in that dreadful Scene. He is according to the Law of the Land my property, I paid a valuable consideration for him to those, meaning the British, who debauched and carried him off. If he is to be freed from my claim, let him be a Slave to no other Man, Your Corporation I should think will interpose, If you my dear Sir can prevail upon him to return, I will receive and put him upon a footing with his fellow Servants, without resenting his past Errors, his future Welfare will depend upon his own Behaviour. Whatever Expences may attend I will repay as soon as I am informed, and shall ever thank you for this friendly interference on my Behalf.
Could Frederic read all this he would perceive his Master is not very anxious to remand him to good Quarters, there was a time when he would have been valued at £100. or £150 Sterling—the time is when I only wish to collect my Family. It would grieve me to hear he was enslaved by any one, who has a shorter claim of property in him than I have. I wish to give him a chance of being rescued from Slavery.
My health is somewhat mended since my arrival in Carolina, but a constitution broken down by Long & close confinement of an aged Man, cannot be recovered by increasing Age—for happiness, since receiving the Wound to which We have alluded, ever green, I have learned to be at least half happy by a quiet submission in every Event; comparatively I am very happy, my landed property remains & I am not in debt.
I beg my dear Sir you will do me the honor to present my respectful Compliments to Mrs. Hamilton and to be assured that with great Respect & Esteem I am, your obliged and obedt Servant


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Robert Livingston, [25 April 1785]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Livingston, Robert

Dr Sir,
[April 25, 1785]

Mr. W. Livingston mentioned to me lately in New York, that you would wish to have measures speedily taken concerning the controversy between the Chancellor and yourself. Though I am upon the maturest reflection of opinion that the law is with you; yet you know my sentiments as to the uncertainty of the event. Much will depend on the whim of a jury; and therefore previous to entering upon a prosecution which may be long, complicated and expensive, I should be happy you would honor me with your ideas of the practicability of a compromise, and of the conditions, if any, on which you would think it admissible. Suppose the Chancellor would content himself with one Mill, relinquish all pretensions to erecting more, and bind himself in firm covenants not to do it, would you think it adviseable to close with such a mode of settling the dispute? I should be glad to hear from you on the subject; and in the mean time, I will take measures to sound the Chancellor. Should the matter after all come to extremities, I shall do every thing in my power for your Interests; but if it could be terminated to your satisfaction in an amicable way it would give me pleasure to contribute to it.
It may appear to you, Sir, a little extraordinary that I should take occasion in this professional letter to mention politics; but the situation of the state at this time is so critical that it is become a serious object of attention to those who are concerned for the security of property or the prosperity of government, to endeavour to put men in the Legislature whose principles are not of the levelling kind. The spirit of the present Legislature is truly alarming, and appears evidently directed to the confusion of all property and principle. The truth is that the state is now governed by a couple of New England adventurers—Ford and Adgate; who make tools of the Yates and their Associates. A number of attempts have been made by this junto to subvert the constitution and destroy the rights of private property; which but for the Council of Revision would have had the most serious effects. All men of respectability, in the city, of whatever party, who have been witnesses of the despotism and iniquity of the Legislature, are convinced, that the principal people in the community must for their own defence, unite to overset the party I have alluded to. I wish you to be persuaded Sir, that I would not take the liberty to trouble you with these remarks with a view to serving any particular turn; but, from a thorough conviction, that the safety of all those who have any thing to lose calls upon them to take care that the power of government is intrusted to proper hands. Much depends on the ensuing election. You Sir have much in your power; and I have no doubt you will have heared from other quarters and from your immediate connections, a like account of public affairs to that which I have now given.
I have the honor to be with the greatest respect & esteem   Sir   Your obed & hum ser
Alex Hamilton
April 25, 1785


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Cooper and Andrew Craig, 9 May 1785
From: Cooper, William,Craig, Andrew
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Burlington [New Jersey] May 9, 1785. Ask for information and advice on the progress being made in the sale of 40,000 acres in the Otsego Patent.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Duer, [14 May 1785]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Duer, William

My Dear Sir
[Westchester, New York, May 14, 1785]

I wrote you from Albany informing you that the Chancellor had given you till the first of June to bring into Court the money allowed to be due, to wit such part of the principle with interest at five ⅌ Cent as became due to 1776 and the residue of the principal which afterwards became due. I am doubtful whether that letter may not be delayed. I do not now recollect precisely the order but it is pretty nearly as I state and I would advise to write to Lansing for greater certainty. The Injunction continues in the mean time, and will continue if the money is brought in ’till the decision of the cause. I believe you will think this determination of the Chancellor a reasonable one; though I wish it could have been put upon a footing more convenient to You.
I congratulate you on your election. I hope you may not find yourself fettered by some of your Colleagues. Abilities like yours ought always to be employed for the public good; and I have no doubt this will be your object. When I left Albany there was every reason to believe, General Schuyler with all his friends (whose views correspond with yours) would be elected in exclusion of Ford, Adgate, Yates &c.
I remain   Affectionately   Yr. friend & servant
Alex Hamilton
Chester 14th May 1785


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Cornelius Glen, 20 May 1785
From: Glen, Cornelius
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Albany, May 20, 1785. Requests aid in the recovery of money from Daniel Parker and Company.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John D. Coxe and Tench Coxe, 21 May 1785
From: Coxe, John D.,Coxe, Tench
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Philadelphia, May 21, 1785. Request Hamilton to represent them and to provide information on lands in dispute between John and Tench Coxe and Robert Lettis Hooper and James Wilson. Request Hamilton to forward certain legal documents to the commissioners of the Land Office of New York.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Ezekiel Forman, 31 May 1785
From: Forman, Ezekiel
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Philadelphia, May 31, 1785. Asks Hamilton to return John Philips’s bond.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jarvis Coles, 7 June 1785
From: Coles, Jarvis
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[June 7, 1785. According to the catalogue description of this letter, Coles, on Hamilton’s orders, had occupied a house for military purposes. Coles, who after the war was sued by the owner for rent, requested Hamilton to defend him. Letter not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Robert Livingston, 13 June 1785
From: Livingston, Robert
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Dr. Sir
Manor Livingston [New York] 13 June 1785

Your kind & interesting letter of the 25th. April did not come to my hands before the 23 May, when I was at my Iron works endeavouring to git them repaird & to Sett the Furnace going which gave me much trouble & realy exercised my patience & from whence I return’d last Saterday, much fateagu’d, this troublesome Job, am persuaded will appologise for my not answering your polite letter Sooner.
With regard to the practicabelity of a Compromise with the Gentm. in Question I think it Scarcely possible as his pretentions are so very wild, Romantic & Extensive, in so much that he would if in his power take all & leave me none.
Wherefore I think it most prudent for me, to carry on a sute against him, not only for Building a Griss Mill with two pair of Stones & using my waters but also for the proffitts he has & does, make of it, to my prejudice & damage.
And while I am determind not to possess anything to which he can lay a just clame, so my intention is, not to suffer him to possess any to which I have a just right, this in my judgement is Strictly honest, of corse nothing but the Law can deside us, and the Sooner this is enterd upon the Sooner its hoped it will be determind, am fully resolved not to be frightened by any, or all his threats, from time to time thrown out against me, & mean to have my right, and this perswade my Self a jury will give me.
I will however write Mr Duane on the Subject altho I think a Compromise in this Case inadmissable, and thank you kindly for proposing it.
I do not my good Sir, think it any ways Extraordinary you should make mention of the Politics of the present dangerous times, on the Contrary I feal happy in finding your Sentiments so justly accord with mine, and my Sons, as we observed for some time past the pernitious intentions of those you mention, & in order to prevent, & counter act, as much as in us laid, their politics, and prevent ourselves, & Countrye from ruin, which we clearly Saw rappedly decending on our heads, we did endeavour the last year for an alteration in the representation, but without the desir’d Success, while we stood almost alone, as if no one saw the danger, but ourselves, nor did this falure discourage us, but reather hightend our diligence in this last Election, by Compleating the necessary Junction previous to the day of Election we have so often desired & Endeavourd for; by uniting the interests of the Rensselaer, Schuyler, & our family, with other Gentm. of property in the County in one Interest; by which means we Carryed this last Election to a man as you must have heard from your friends, and I trust we Shall always have the like Success provided we Stick Close to Each other; and our Countryes interest; which is our Sincear desire; and of which we Should be Cautious of letting our Enemyes know anything while that may be dangerous: these Sir, are our Sentiments on the Politcks of the times & our firm resolutions to abide by, and to which Shall now most cordially desire your interest and influence in future, remain with respect & Esteem Dr. Sir. your Most Humble Servant
Robt. Livingston
Alexander Hamilton Esqr.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Wadsworth, 15 June 1785
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Wadsworth, Jeremiah

Dr. Sir,
New York June 15. 1785

Before I left Town for Albany some time since, I requested Mr. Duer to mention to you, that I believed it would depend upon yourself to be President of the bank here. Since my coming to Town I find you are elected director; and I have no doubt you may be President if you please. I will be much obliged to you to let me know in confidence whether the appointment if made will be accepted.
You may imagine Your acceptance is a thing I wish for much. It will be of great advantage to the Institution and not disreputable to yourself. As an Inducement, I think I may safely assure you there is a much better prospect of a Charter with the present Legislature than there has been with any former one. Let me hear from you speedily & believe me to be Your friend & servt
Alex Hamilton


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Ezekiel Forman, 17 June 1785
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Forman, Ezekiel

[New York, June 17, 1785. On the back of a letter that Forman wrote to Hamilton on May 31, 1785, Hamilton wrote: “Answered June 17th. 1785.” Letter not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to James Hamilton, 22 June 1785
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Hamilton, James Jr. (1753–1786)

My Dear Brother:
New York, June 22, 1785.

I have received your letter of the 31st of May last, which, and one other, are the only letters I have received from you in many years. I am a little surprised you did not receive one which I wrote to you about six months ago. The situation you describe yourself to be in gives me much pain, and nothing will make me happier than, as far as may be in my power, to contribute to your relief. I will cheerfully pay your draft upon me for fifty pounds sterling, whenever it shall appear. I wish it was in my power to desire you to enlarge the sum; but though my future prospects are of the most flattering kind my present engagements would render it inconvenient to me to advance you a larger sum. My affection for you, however, will not permit me to be inattentive to your welfare, and I hope time will prove to you that I feel all the sentiment of a brother. Let me only request of you to exert your industry for a year or two more where you are, and at the end of that time I promise myself to be able to [invite you to a more] comfortable settlement [in this Country. Allow me only to give you one caution, which is to avoid if possible getting in debt. Are you married or single? If the latter, it is my wish for many reasons it may be agreeable to you to continue in that state.
But what has become of our dear father? It is an age since I have heared] from him or of him, though I have written him several letters. Perhaps, alas! he is no more, and I shall not have the pleasing opportunity of contributing to render the close of his life more happy than the progress of it. My heart bleeds at the recollection of his misfortunes and embarrassments. Sometimes I flatter myself his brothers have extended their support to him, and that he now enjoys tranquillity and ease. At other times I fear he is suffering in indigence. I entreat you, if you can, to relieve me from my doubts, and let me know how or where he is, if alive, if dead, how and where he died. Should he be alive inform him of my inquiries, beg him to write to me, and tell him how ready I shall be to devote myself and all I have to his accommodation and happiness.
I do not advise your coming to this country at present, for the war has also put things out of order here, and people in your business find a subsistence difficult enough. My object will be, by-and-by, to get you settled on a farm.
Believe me always your affectionate friend and brother,
Alex. Hamilton.
[Mr. James Hamilton]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Floyd, [7 July 1785]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Floyd, William

[New York, July 7, 1785]
Received of William Floyd Esquire Fifty seven pound and ten shillings being the amount of a note of hand with Interest from him to John Carter alias John Church for Fifty pound New York Currency dated in Philadelphia sometime about the last of April in the year One thousand Seven hundred and Eighty three and which note has been mislaid in my hands. New York July 7th 1785
For John Church
Alex Hamilton


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Angelica Church, [3 August 1785]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Church, Angelica

[New York, August 3, 1785]
You have been much better to me My Dear friend since you left America, than I have deserved, for you have written to me oftener than I have written to you. I will make no apology; for I am sure you will attribute it to any thing else rather than to a defect of pleasure in writing to you.
Mr. Van Schaik delivered me your last; if he were not a man of merit (as he is) your patronage would be a conclusive title to my good will.
But now my Dear Sister let us talk a little of something else that interests us all much more nearly. You have I fear taken a final leave of America and of those that love you here. I saw you depart from Philadelphia with peculiar uneasiness, as if foreboding you were not to return. My apprehensions are confirmed and unless I see you in Europe I expect not to see you again.
This is the impression we all have; judge the bitterness it gives to those who love you with the love of nature and to me who feel an attachment for you not less lively.
I confess for my own part I see one great source of happiness snatched away. My affection for Church and yourself made me anticipate much enjoyment in your friendship and neighbourhood. But an ocean is now to separate us.
Let me entreat you both not precipitately to wed yourselves to a soil less propitious to you than will be that of America: You will not indeed want friends wherever you are on two accounts: One is You will have no need of them: another is that You have both too many qualities to engage friend ship. But go where you will you will find no such friends as those you have left behind.
Your Good and affectionate sister Betsey feels more than I can say on this subject. She sends you all a sisters love: She does not write now because I do but promises to be a more punctual correspondent. I remain as ever Your Affectionate friend & Brother
A Hamilton
Augt. 3d. 1785


Title: Power of Attorney from John B. Church, 3 August 1785
From: Church, John B.
To: Hamilton, Alexander

New York, August 3, 1785. Appoints Hamilton “attorney at law, my true and lawful attorney for me and in my name to my use to ask, demand, sue for, recover, and receive of and from all and every person and persons whatsoever, whom it doth shall or may concern, All and every such sum and sums of money, debts and demands whatsoever which now are due and owing and hereafter may grow due and owing unto me the said John Barker Church.”


Title: Power of Attorney from Nathanael Greene to Jeremiah Wadsworth, 16 August 1785
From: Greene, Nathanael
To: Wadsworth, Jeremiah

[New York] August 16, 1785. On this date Hamilton witnessed a power of attorney from Greene to Wadsworth.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Stephen De Lancey, 12 September 1785
From: Lancey, Stephen De
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Scarsdale [New York] September 12, 1785. Renews request made on May 27, 1785, for information on various legal actions taken to recover numerous debts.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Cleland Kinloch, 20 September 1785
From: Kinloch, Cleland
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Belvoir near Charlottesville, Virginia, September 20, 1785. Discusses measures taken to pay John B. Church the amount of a bond given by the executors of Kinloch’s father’s estate.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Peter Silvester, 24 September 1785
From: Silvester, Peter
To: Hamilton, Alexander

September 24, 1785. Discusses pending litigation between Captain Phillips and Colonel Van Rensselaer concerning a debt contracted by Phillips in 1776.


Title: Certificate for Lieutenant Thomas Pool, [30 September 1785]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Pool, Thomas

[New York, September 30, 1785]
I certify that I was privy to the Petitioners being employed by the Commander in Chief in the manner he mentions and that he made several trips to New York before he was taken up by the British. I further certify that from the accounts repeatedly received at Head Quarters of the treatment he experienced there is no reason to doubt he suffered every thing he could bear without loss of life.
A. Hamilton
New York Sepr. 30th. 1785


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John Adams, 19 October 1785
From: Adams, John
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Sir
Grosvenor Square London Oct. 19. 1785

At the Instance of Mr. Hartley in behalf of his Friend Mr Francis Upton, I advised Mr Upton to apply to some Councillor in New York and particularly to Mr Hamilton, whose Reputation was known to me although his Person was not.
Mr Hartley now requests for Mr Upton a Letter of Introduction. As a total Stranger but by Character, it would be very difficult to find a Pretence to excuse the Liberty I take in presenting Mr Upton to you, and recommending his Case to your Attention. but as we say at the Bar, where I wish I was, Valeat quantum valere potest.

With much Esteem I have the Honour to be Sir your most obedient and most humble Servant
John Adams
Mr. Hamilton


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John Lowell, 19 October 1785
From: Lowell, John
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Boston, October 19, 1785. On October 30, 1785, Hamilton wrote to Lowell: “Mr. Lowe has delivered me your letter of the 19th. Instant.” Letter not found.]


Title: [Elegy on the Death of the Honorable Samuel Hardy, Esq.], [20 October 1785]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To:

[New York, October 20, 1785]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John Lansing, Junior, 22 October 1785
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Lansing, John, Jr.

New York, October 22, 1785. Requests information concerning several cases in which Hamilton was serving as an attorney.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Nicholas Low, 30 October 1785
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Low, Nicholas

[New York, October 30, 1785. “Since you were here I concluded to write a line in answer to Mr. Lowell which I send you open to be forwarded in your letter to Mr Russell. Yr Obed. Ser., A. Hamilton.” Letter not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John Lowell, 30 October 1785
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Lowell, John

New York, October 30, 1785. States that “Mr. Lowe has delivered me your letter of the 19th. Instant.” Discusses the laws governing the attachment of property in New York State and the applicability of Massachusetts bankruptcy laws in New York.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John De Ponthieu Wilkes, 8 November 1785
From: Wilkes, John De Ponthieu
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Sir.
[New York] Nov 8th. 1785

I received just now a Note from Mr. Atkinson which you had written to him for Mr. Hearts obligations to Mr. Mc.Cauley and which I suppose was occasioned by my Message to you yesterday. I am very glad at any rate that the creditors are likely to obtain some settlement But I think at the same time that you have adopted a strange and injurious line of Conduct to me. It is now near six months since I first waited on you on that concern during which I have repeatedly called and left Messages for you requesting a settlement but you did not deign even any answer. I luckily saw you once prior to your going to Philadelphia when you promised me on your return that you would settle it but when you returned no notice was taken of me; you went out of Town again and still when you came back I received no news. I called after several days had elapsed and left word with one of your young Gentlemen that I requested you would see me on Mr. Mc.Cauleys business but without any effect; I wrote to you and sent my servant twice one day and on three successive days without even one line in answer although common civility demanded that, at last you were pleased to signify that you would shortly see me on the subject I waited four days more without hearing one word from you. The trustees and several of the Creditors kept calling on me and they must think I was in fault. I was not willing to assign so derogatory a reason to myself as that I could not obtain an answer from Colonel Hamilton, it would have appeared a very strange one. My Character for Attention to my business was in Question, my Bread depends on my Character & it behoved me to clear it. I called again & not being able to see you, I desired my Compliments and that I requested an early answer as “I was suffering by your neglect.” I desired the Gentleman to make use of those very words. I thought they would have aroused you to a sense of shame for having so long neglected me in a concern which would take so little time to determine and where I was acting as an Agent and neither demanded or wished the least favor. And I confess I felt particularly hurt that in a business where I am so singularly situated I should meet with less attention than is commonly given from one Gentleman to another in the same line of Profession however inferior the circle they move in. You are now Sir acquainted with my motives and if you persist in acting in the same manner you will add injury to injury and in my opinion inconsistently both as a Gentleman and a man of understanding and very much alter the favorable sentiments which I did and ever wished to entertain of your Character.
I am Sir with due respect Your most obedt. Servt.
John Wilkes


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John De Ponthieu Wilkes, 8 November 1785
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Wilkes, John De Ponthieu

Sir:
[New York] November 8, 1785.

The message which you sent me yesterday, and your letter today, were conceived in terms to which I am little accustomed. Were I to consult my feelings only upon the occasion, I should return an answer very different from that which I have, in justice to my own conduct, resolved upon. But in whatever light we are to view each other hereafter, and however harsh and indelicate I may think the method you have taken to obtain an explanation to be, I shall, for my own part, leave no room to suppose that I intentionally gave you any cause to complain. I shall, therefore, explicitly declare, that whatever inattention may have appeared towards you, was solely owing to the continual hurry in which my engagements, for a long time past, have kept me; and that, so far from its having been occasioned by any designed neglect, it was what, under the circumstances, might have happened to my best friend. Indeed, much of what you mention to have been done by you, I am a stranger to. The frequent callings, by yourself and by your servant, did not, that I recollect, come to my knowledge. It is possible some of them might have been mentioned to me, and, in the hurry of my mind, forgotten. Once, I remember, I saw your servant just as I was going out on some urgent business. I sent a verbal message, promising that I would see you; which I intended to do, as soon as I had made up my resolution on the business of the interview. When I received your note I was about sending you an answer in writing; but, upon inquiring for your servant, and finding him gone, I omitted it, with an intention to see you personally.
You say it is near six months since you first applied to me on the business in question. A great part of the time I gave you all the answer I could give you—to wit, that I had written to Mr. Macaulay, and only waited his answer. About two months since, I received it. I have been the greater part of the time out of town on indispensable business. In the intervals I have been occupied about objects of immediate and absolute necessity, which could not have been delayed without letting my business run into utter confusion. Mr. Macaulay’s concerns have been hanging upon my spirits. I have been promising myself, from day to day, to bring them to a conclusion, but more pressing objects have unavoidably postponed it. I thought the delay required some apology to Mr. Macaulay, but I never dreamt of having given occasion of offence to you.
I will not, however, deny, upon a review of what has passed, that there have been, through hurry and inadvertency on my part, appearances of neglect towards you; but between gentlemen and men of business, unfavorable conclusions ought not to be drawn before explanations are asked. Allowances ought to be made for the situations of parties; and the omissions of men, deeply involved in business, ought rather to be ascribed to that cause than to ill intentions.

Had you, in the first instance, expressed to me (in such a manner as respect for yourself and delicacy to me dictated) your sense of these appearances, I should have taken pains to satisfy you that nothing improper towards you was intended by me. But to make one of my clerks the instrument of communication, and the bearer to me of a harsh accusation, was ill-judged and ungenteel. To take it for granted that you had received an injury from me, without first giving me an opportunity of an explanation, and to couch your sense of it in terms so offensive as some of those used in your letter, is an additional instance of precipitation and rudeness. Inadvertencies susceptible of misapprehension, I may commit; but I am incapable of intending to wound or injure any man who has given me no cause for it; and I am incapable of doing any thing, sir, of which I need be ashamed. The intimation, on your part, is unmerited and unwarrantable. After thus having explained my own conduct to you, and given you my ideas of yours, it will depend on yourself how far I shall be indifferent, or not, to your future sentiments of my character. I shall only add, that tomorrow you shall receive from me my determination on the matter of business between us.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John Lowell, 9 November 1785
From: Lowell, John
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Boston, November 9, 1785. States that there is no bankruptcy act in Massachusetts and sends information concerning the transfer of property by a citizen of Massachusetts to a New York creditor.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John De Ponthieu Wilkes, 9 November 1785
From: Wilkes, John De Ponthieu
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Sir.
[New York] Novr. 9. 1785

The moment I received yours I perceived the precipitancy of my own Conduct and was very sorry I had so far mistaken both our Characters to act in the manner I have done. I flatter myself that the same Candor which has dictated yours will be exerted towards mine and that you will only view it as the act of a Man who conceived himself injured. As you have never experienced the cruel reverses of fortune you can scarcely judge how the least insinuation, to their prejudice will affect those persons who have, or how much more suspicious they are of the Behaviour of Mankind towards them.
The morning I left the message for you I had been called upon by one of the Creditors of Mr. Heart who thought it very strange no dividend was made and He insinuated some party must be interested in the delay. It is the first money transaction I have engaged in since my release I felt the insinuation as alluding to me and with a force which perhaps I should not, however, that moment I went to your Office. The next morning when I saw your Note to Mr. Atkinson and found myself totally set aside in a business where I had most undoubtedly been originally neglected I felt myself very much agitated and in that frame of Mind I wrote my last to you. So much I thought it necessary to add in explanation. I am convinced now I have been too hasty and I am sorry for it. It will put me on my Guard in future and I make no doubt prove beneficial to me Provided it has not been the means of hurting me in your Estimation which I am now more desirous than ever of obtaining.
I am Sir with respect your much obliged & most obedient Servant
John Wilkes
Col. Hamilton


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Wadsworth, 11 November 1785
From: Wadsworth, Jeremiah
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Dear Sir,
Hartford Novr 11th 1785

I received your favor of the 29th ulto. Thursday. I have been very uneasy about my stock in the Bank of North America and long before the repeal of the Pensilvania act of Incorporation, I had determined to take the first favorable opportunity to withdraw it. When I was last at New York it was pretty certain the state of Pensilvania would repeal their Act. I then wrote a letter to Mr Pettit of which the inclosed is a Copy—and hoped that would have put me in possession of my money—but it failed and has I am told very much offended the president & directors of ye Bank—and their great Mr Francis the Cashier has been very busy I hear in trying to shew that I have acted inconsistently as he had read a letter to Chaloner which I wrote at an earlier period—in which I gave it as my opinion that their assembly had proceded with “Violence & injustice.” It seems Mr. F. has construed my letter into a censure of the conduct of the President & directors—and is exceedingly angry and so I believe are some of those who have heretofore been my friends. But I am perfectly willing they shoud think & act as they please if I can rescue my property from their grasp and I will come to New York before January and Co-opperate with You & such other friends as we can find in measures that may be most proper to obtain our wishes. Mr Arthur Lee (who has as Many Votes as any body can have according to the present System) proposed to me to join in measures to withdraw our Stock & seemed to be exceedingly anxious & determined to withdraw his. Duer expressed a desire to have us employ our Stock in a private Bank at New York and mentioned the brother in Law of Mr Constable who is a large Stock holder as desireous to withdraw from Phila and join at New York. This was a Scheme I liked pretty well & gave some encouragement to it. but did not agree on any thing, but wished to have Mr Constables brother in Law pursue the same measures with us respecting the Bank of N.A. Mr Constable lately wrote me a letter of which I inclose you a Copy. I wrote him for answer that I could decide on Nothing before I arrived in New York.
I will endeaver to sell Churchs Land as soon as possible—but I have missed the best opportunity of doing it before ye Spring—as our General Assembly is over & Canfield gone home. Mrs W & the Children join me in every good wish. Be assured that I am sincerely & affectionately   Your friend & Humle. Servant
Jere Wadsworth
PS.   Constable is perhaps so bound to Mr Morris he dare not act against ye Bank of NA & Duer Livingston &c. are anxious to have a Bank to play of[f] their Continental paper with. Think of all these things. I will come to you early in December.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Theodorus Bailey, 20 November 1785
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Bailey, Theodorus

[New York, November 20, 1785. On January 17, 1786, Bailey wrote to Hamilton: “An indisposition which has confined me the chief of the time since the receit of your favor of the 20th of november, has prevented me from giving it an earlier attention.” Letter not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John B. Church, 24 November 1785
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Church, John B.

[New York, November 24, 1785. On April 5, 1786, Church wrote to Hamilton: “I am in your Debt and have to thank you for your Letters of the 24 Novr. 6 Decr. & 1st Feby.” Letter of November 24 not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John Auldjo, November 1785
From: Auldjo, John
To: Hamilton, Alexander

New York, November, 1785. “You have herewith the papers relating to the dispute with Mr. Rhinelander, but lest the business should still be treated with the same trifling attention it has hitherto had, I beg you to press for an explicit answer whether Mr. Rhinelander is seriously disposed to bring it to a hearing.”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John B. Church, 6 December 1785
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Church, John B.

[New York, December 6, 1785. On April 5, 1786, Church wrote to Hamilton: “I am in your Debt and have to thank you for your Letters of the 24 Novr. 6 Decr. & 1st Feby.” Letter of December 6 not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Francis Upton, 6 December 1785
From: Upton, Francis
To: Hamilton, Alexander

London, December 6, 1785. “… you will perceive that a considerable tract of land in the province of New York has been long since given in trust by My late Father for the use of myself Brother & Sister. As they are both Minors & Myself but just come of Age, it prevented our making a More early Application to take possession of these Lands; but I am now having the proper writings prepared … to invest me with full powers to Act by myself, or my Attorney, in such Manner as shall hereafter by you be advised; and as soon as they are so prepared I shall either immediately set out myself, or transmit you a proper Autjority to Act for me.”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Robert Howe, 8 December 1785
From: Howe, Robert
To: Hamilton, Alexander

December 8, 1785. “Mr. & Mrs. Wilson … are in very embarassed Circumstances. As I know you have the direction of Baron Polnitz’s House now Empty, if you could acommodate them with a few Rooms thro’ the winter it would be of espestial service to them.”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 11 December 1785
From: Washington, George
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon Decr 11th. 1785

I have been favoured with your letter of the 25th. of November by Major Farlie.

Sincerely do I wish that the several State Societies had, or would, adopt the alterations that were recommended by the General meeting in May 1784. I then thought, and have had no cause since to change my opinion, that if the Society of the Cincinnati mean to live in peace with the rest of their fellow Citizens, they must subscribe to the alterations which were at that time adopted.
That the Jealousies of, and prejudices against this Society were carried to an unwarrantable length I will readily grant—and that less than was done, ought to have removed the fears which had been imbibed, I am as clear in, as I am that it would not have done it; but it is a matter of little moment whether the alarm which siezed the public mind was the result of foresight—envy & jealousy—or a disordered imagination; the effect of perseverance would have been the same: wherein then would have been found an equivalent for the separation of Interests, which (from my best information, not from one state only but many) would inevitably have taken place?
The fears of the people are not yet removed, they only sleep, & a very little matter will set them afloat again. Had it not been for the predicament we stood in with respect to the foreign Officers and the charitable part of the Institution I should, on that occasion, as far as my voice would have gone have endeavoured to convince the narrow minded part of our Country men that the Amor Patri[ae] was much stronger in our breasts than theirs—and that our conduct through the whole of the business was actuated by nobler & more generous sentiments than were apprehended, by abolishing the Society at once, with a declaration of the causes, and the purity of its intention. But the latter may be interesting to many, and the former, is an insuperable bar to such a step.
I am sincerely concerned to find by your letter that the Baron is again in straighted circumstances. I am much disinclined to ask favors of Congress, but if I knew what the objects of his wishes are I should have much pleasure in rendering him any services in my power with such members of that body as I now and then corrispond with. I had flattered myself, from what was told me sometime ago, that Congress had made a final settlement with the Baron much to his satisfaction.

My Compliments and best wishes, in which Mrs. Washington joins me, are presented to Mrs. Hamilton.
I am Dear Sir   Yr. Most Obedt. Hble Servt
Go: Washington
P.S. When you see Genl. Schuyler and family I pray you to offer my best respects to them.
Alexr. Hamilton Esqr.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Richard Varick, 20 December 1785
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Varick, Richard

[New York] December 20, 1785. “In the cause of Macaulay v. Ludlow … I will thank you to take the suit to yourself and carry it on.”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John B. Church, 21 December 1785
From: Church, John B.
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[December 21, 1785. On the back of a letter that Church wrote to Hamilton on April 5, 1786, Hamilton wrote: “Letters from J B Church December 21 April 5. 1786.” Letter of December 21 not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Robert R. Livingston, 25 December 1785
From: Livingston, Robert R.
To: Hamilton, Alexander

December 25, 1785. “I recd your notes with Mr. Hoffmans Letter. I have no objections to waving any formalities with respect to the return of the writ of error. I should be extremly sorry if any part of my letter strikes you disagreeably. The passage you allude to was inserted as well to contradict an assertion that I had treated Mr. Hoffmans memory with severity, as to express my resentment at the harsh things that have been publicly said of an ancestor whose memory I am bound to respect.”


Title: Pieter Johan Van Berckel, William Edgar, Sampson Fleming, William Denning, and Alexander Hamilton (for John Barker Church) to Jeremiah Wadsworth, [3 January 1786]
From: Berckel, Johan van,Edgar, William,Fleming, Sampson,Denning, William,Hamilton, Alexander,Church, John Barker
To: Wadsworth, Jeremiah

[New York, January 3, 1786]
Instructions for Jeremiah Wadsworth Esquire
Sir

The step lately taken by the Legislature of Pensylvania in repealing the act by which the government of that state had incorporated the Bank of North America has given rise to questions of a delicate and important nature. We observe with regret that the very existence of the Institution as a corporate body has by this proceeding been drawn into controversy: a circumstance which we consider in so serious a light as to render necessary the most speedy and effectual measures to decide the doubt.
Those who subscribed to the Bank of North America on the faith of the Pensylvania Charter might with great reason urge that so material a change in its situation is, at all events, with respect to them, a dissolution of the contract upon which their subscriptions were made; and that they have a right to reclaim their property. But not being disposed to agitate any questions injurious to the Institution, we are content to wave this right, so long as there remains any prospect of the bank being continued with safety and advantage. This prospect however we deem inseparable from its existence as a corporation; and if this cannot be maintained all hopes of security or utility in our apprehension fail.
Nothing will give us greater pleasure than to find that the Bank of North America has a solid foundation in the Charter of the United States; and that it will on experiment be considered in this light by the laws of that state in which from its position its operations would be carried on; but it appears to us essential that the experiment should be made without delay, in order that it may be ascertained in what light it will be considered by those laws. If these should pronounce that it is no corporation, no prudent alternative is left but to remove it to another state, where it will be protected by the laws, or to leave all those who wish to do it at liberty to withdraw their shares.
While on the one hand public as well as private considerations concur to restrain us from advising any measures incompatible with the Interest of the bank; on the other hand we cannot help feeling great anxiety to know what our true situation is; and to extricate ourselves from one (if such it is) in which we might hazard much more than we intended.
With these views and sentiments, we request you to represent us at the next meeting of the stockholders which is advertised for the ninth instant. There you will be pleased on our behalf to insist that a general resolution be taken to obtain in the most summary mode a judicial determination of this Question—Whether the laws of Pensylvania still acknowlege the bank of North America as a corporate body?—and if they do not, to return at a fixed period, to every proprietor who shall require it, the amount of his stock.
We forbear to recommend a removal to another state because we presume the other part of the alternative will be most agreeable to all parties.
This plan appears to us so intirely unexceptionable, founded on such evident propriety and even necessity, that we are persuaded the stockholders in general are too just and reasonable to refuse it their approbation.
The confidence we repose in your probity and judgment, as well as your own interest in the result, leave us no room to doubt, that you will execute this trust with as much prudence, as decision, and in a manner intirely consistent with your reputation and our own. We have the honor to be   Sir Your obedt & humble servt

P. J. Van Berckel
John Barker Church

William Edgar
by Alex Hamilton his Atty

Sampson Fleming
Wm. Denning

New York January 3d. 1786


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Wadsworth, 9 January 178[6]
From: Wadsworth, Jeremiah
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Philadelphia 9 Jan 178[6]
Dear Sir
Previous to the meeting of the Stock Holders of the Bank, I had several conf⟨erences⟩ with Mr R Morris and he softended down much. He consented to our Propositions, & this day in a very great meeting of the Stock Holders it was unanimously voted to have a legal decision as soon as possible—agreeable to ye instructions I recd from ye Gentlemen at N York. Mr Wilson then observed that the other question was unnecessary as it followed of consequence that each Stock Holder had a right to withdraw his Stock if the decision was against the corporation. I replied that as it had been denied by others I wished ye question to be tried but if it was the Unaniomous opinion of ye Stock Holders present that we had a right [to] Withdraw if ye decision was against us I woud not urge ye matter. Mr G Morris said it was his: but there was one stockholder present who differed from us. He woud second any Motion. Mr R Morris declared it was his wish to finish ye Bank in its present form if we were not a corporate Body by ye Laws of Pa & if ye decision was against us he thot: every Stock Holder might withdraw by right. Nobody objecting, I waved ye question. I then informed ye Stock Holders that great alarms had been given respecting the mode of discounts & that the Directors had been charged with Partiality, and as I saw Mr Wilson present who it was said had great discounts with out complying with ye usual forms, I thot it my duty & interest to thus publicly name him that he might give such explanations as he chose. (I had previously let him know my intention to do this & had his consent). He went into a detail of his schemes, disappointments and discounts which amounted to Near 100,000 dollrs. for which Mr Morris is responsible 10,000 and Other good men, ye remainder, to be paid if the Bank find it necessary one half in 30 the remainder in 60 days. For ye Security of these individuals he has given Mortgages on Lands for more than £100,-000. to Mr Nixon who holds ym. in trust for those who are responsible to ye Bank for Mr Wilson. Mr President made some wise Speeches & some wiser remarks—but as I came to do business & not altercate I did not treat them as the[y] deserved. I will soon be with you & relate every particular. I beg you present my Compliments to the Gentn & inform them we have obtained our wishes as nearly as coud be expected.
I am dr Sir Your very Hum set
Jere Wadsworth


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Robert Milligan, 15 January 1786
From: Milligan, Robert
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Philadelphia, January 15, 1786. Encloses documents necessary for instituting a suit to recover money owed by a client.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Ezekiel Forman, 22 January 1786
From: Forman, Ezekiel
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Philadelphia] January 22, 1786. Requests Hamilton’s opinion on money due on “Middletons Bond.”


Title: Inhabitants of the City of New York to the Legislature of New York State, [January–March 1786]
From: Hamilton, Alexander,Inhabitants of the City of New York
To: Legislature of New York State

[New York, January–March, 1786]
To The Honorable The Legislature of the State of New York
The Petition of the Subscribers Inhabitants of the City of New York respectfully sheweth

That Your Petitioners anxious for the welfare of the community of which they are members have seen with peculiar regret the delay which has hitherto attended the adoption of the Revenue system recommended by Congress in their resolutions of the
That the anxiety which Your Petitioners have all along felt from motives of a more general nature is at the present junction increased by this particular consideration that the State of New York now stands almost alone, in a non compliance with a measure in which the sentiments and wishes of the Union at large appear to unite and by a further delay may render itself responsible for consequences too serious not to affect every considerate man.
That in the opinion of Your Memorialists all the considerations important to a state—all the motives of public honor faith reputation interest and safety conspire to urge a compliance with ⟨these resolutions.⟩
That Government without revenue cannot subsist. That the mode provided in the Confederation for supplying the treasury of the United States has in experiment been found inadequate.
That the system proposed will in all probability prove much more efficacious, and is in other respects as unexceptionable as the various circumstances and interests of these states will permit.
That any objection to it as a measure not warranted by the confederation is refuted by the thirteenth article which provides that alterations may be made if agreed to by Congress and confirmed by the Legislatures of each State; and the conduct of this state itself in adopting the proposed change of the Eighth article is a precedent in which we find the principle reduced to practice and affords a complete answer to every pretence of the Revenue system being unconstitutional.
That as to danger in vesting ⟨the United States with these funds, Your Memorialists⟩ consider their interests and liberties as not less safe in the hands of their fellow citizens delegated to represent them for one year in Congress than in the hands of their fellow citizens delegated to represent them for one year or four years in the Senate and Assembly of this state.
That Government implies trust; and every government must be trusted so far as is necessary to enable it to attain the ends for which it is instituted; without which insult and oppression from abroad confusion and convulsion at home.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Robert Milligan, 4 February 1786
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Milligan, Robert

[New York, February 4, 1786. On February 18, 1786, Milligan wrote to Hamilton: “I am much obliged by your polite favour of the 4th. instant.” Letter not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John Wilcocks, 1 March 1786
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Wilcocks, John

[New York, March 1, 1786. On March 5, 1786, Wilcocks wrote to Hamilton: “I have your favor of the 1st.” Letter not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Francis Upton, 2 March 1786
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Upton, Francis

[New York] March 2, 1786. States that Upton’s title to lands in New York is clear and advises Upton on measures to be taken to assure possession.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John Wilcocks, 5 March 1786
From: Wilcocks, John
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Alexander Hamilton Esqr.
Sir
Philada. March 5. 1786

I have your favor of the 1st. handed me by Mr. Chaloner. As you have not full & clear information of what has pass’d between Mr. Church, Mr. Moses, Mr. Wadsworth & Myself with Respect to our Company Ships I shall briefly state the Matter. The first mentioned Gentleman was here I think in July with information from Mr: Moses that he was ⅛ concerned & that I would make Him acquainted with all their Business which I explicitly opened to him, & his view with me was that I should become a Purchaser, give him some certain Sum & take upon me all their Voyages & Negotiations. From the diffused & uncertain state of their Funds I totally declined this. He did not in any wise Instruct or leave me a Line of Directions Respecting them. Mr. Moses & Mr. Low also were fully acquainted of every possible means being taken to effect a sale of the Tartar & that it could not be done here; she was sent abroad limitted (as was then thought & in proportion to her Outfit) low, all the freight to be had taken for her, & Owners interested in her Cargo as light as possible. In one particular Negotiation I offered her much lower than Mr. Low affixed her Value in his Correspondence with me on the Subject of her Sale, but she was of a war Construction & unsuitable to every kind of Commerce, therefore all Endeavors were in vain & as impossibilities were not to be expected no alternative was left but such as took place. To acquaint me at this day that what was transacted in August & September last year & then pass’d to account is to be considered as mine is untimely & no Correspondence between Parties will warrant it, and with Regard to Mr. Wadsworth declaration against Adventures they will be found likewise untimely. As to the St. Anne of which my last was the Subject as she was under Charter on her present Voyage near fifteen Days previous to the above mentioned Gentleman’s arrival here & of course the conversation to which you allude, probably this is different from the Representation you may have had of this Business. I shall spare you the trouble of being more minute & pledge Myself that on an investigation I shall be found right. I find it lately determined Mr. Church has ⅛ Interest in this Connexion but at times it has been strongly asserted to the contrary. I shall be sorry he is detained in it against his & your Inclination & shall assist Mr. Chaloner who you have appointed to sell the Vessels to effect it observing that one eighth of a moiety of the St. Anne’s Cargo must be disposed of with that Vessel & this I expect he will accomplish without delay that my proceedings may be on certainty & to prevent detention to the Vessel in Port for want of the concurrence of ⅛ Interest to the prejudice perhaps of the Others concerned. The best prospects have always been adopted for the owners Interest of those Vessels, the utmost done to get Rid of them both here & abroad (as ’twas my earnest desire to part with them) & that no alteration may hereafter take place I depend on Mr. Chaloners fulfiling your Directions speedily or concurring with me for the Employment of the Two Brothers & for which half a freight is offered to two Ports but the Owners depended on to supply the other half. I have made an offer to Mr. Chaloner which he will communicate, requesting your speedy answer. Respectfully   I am   Sir   Your most Obed Servt.
John Wilcocks.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John Chaloner, [10 March 1786]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Chaloner, John

Duplicate
Dr Sir
[New York, March 10, 1786]

On the subject of the Ships I am to request you will sell them on the best Terms you can. I would mean one eighth of them absolutely as they now stand, without any consideration of expences incurred, for all these must come of course into a general account between the concerned. If Mr. Wilcox will give me as much as another so much the better. You may accommodate him as to the time of payment taking a note for the amount. Let me know what you conclude, to whom you sell. Finish the Matter and I will send a Bill of sale.
Yrs with great regard
Alex Hamilton
March 10: 1786


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John Chaloner, [16 March 1786]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Chaloner, John

[New York, March 16, 1786]
March 16th. The above is copy of mine which went by a private hand inclosing the original of a letter to Mr. Wilcox of which the inclosed is a Copy.
Yrs
A Hamilton


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Ezekiel Forman, 22 March 1786
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Forman, Ezekiel

New York, March 22, 1786. Encloses a bond and requests Forman to send “a receipt for it as a payment on account of the legacy in which you are interested.”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John Laurance, 23 March 1786
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Laurance, John

[New York] March 23, 1786. Plans to bring the cause of Benjamin Paine, et al. v. Peter Mesier, Jr. and Jacob Van Voorhees to trial at the next term of the Supreme Court.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John Wilcocks, 24 March 1786
From: Wilcocks, John
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Philadelphia, March 24, 1786. Sends an account of the cargo of the St. Anne and a statement of the amount owed to John B. Church, owner of one-eighth of the cargo.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to the Mayor and Corporation of the City of New York, 28 March 1786
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Mayor and Corporation of the City of New York

New York, March 28, 1786. Signs, with 136 other petitioners, a memorial asking that the “Mayor and Corporation of the City of New York” improve the street in front of the Coffee House, “the usual place of resort for your Memorialists and the merchants of this City.” The memorialists complained that the street “for want of proper regulation and the great concourse of Carts is coverd with filth and is a great nuisance to your Memorialists and to all other persons frequenting that part of the City.”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to ———, 3 April 1786
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To:

[New York] April 3, 1786. “In your affair with Brothers Coste & Co. I have received a declaration. The business must be decided in Chancery. Send me a full detail of the facts upon which I can frame a bill.”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John B. Church, 5 April 1786
From: Church, John B.
To: Hamilton, Alexander

My Dear Sir
London April 5th 1786

I am in your Debt and have to thank you for your Letters of the 24 Novr. 6 Decr. & 1st Feby. I left Directions at Sir Robt. Herries’s that in Case the Baron Polnitz did not Pay the Bill you had drawn on him to send the Holder of it to me and that I would take it up for your Honor, as I have heard nothing from them since I hope it is Paid. Your last brought me a Bill of Lading for £782.10.8 Phila Curry. for which I thank you. I shall be very glad if you could succeed in getting my Money out of the Bank, for after the unwarrantable Lengths they have gone in assisting Wilson I do not think the Property can with Propriety be confided to their management.
I think you have done the best with Respect to Moses’s Matters and I am and shall be perfectly satisfied with whatever you think best to do in those Affairs. With Respect to Kinloch I wrote him that if he would Renew the Bond and Pay me the Interest annually and Punctually in London I had no Objection to let the Principal Remain ⟨some⟩ Years longer. You have the Copy of my Letters both to him and Bowman. I have not Received a Line from either of them. I wish they could be forced to discharge their Debts to me. What has Troop done with Jacob Cuyler? Is the Money yet Recover’d from him? As to the Land I should be glad to have it disposed of as well and as soon as possible for as long as it Remains unsold it is a certain annual Loss of the Interest of the Money and I have not the least Disposition to build, and I would sooner take £2000 for it than not get Rid of it if more cannot be obtained.
Mrs. Church is well; in about two Months she will give me another Boy or Girl; she joins in Love to Mrs. Hamilton and in wishing her well over her trying Time. Jack is grown a fine Boy; he is now at a pleasant Villa which I have purchas’d on the Banks of the Thames three miles from Windsor where we shall soon Repair to pass the Summer. I am My Dear Sir   Your very affectionate Friend & Serv
J B Church
Alexr Hamilton Esqr.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John Wilcocks, [5 April 1786]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Wilcocks, John

Sir,
[New York, April 5, 1786]

I imagine you had not received my letter of the 10th. of March when yours of the 24th. was written. You must have perceived by that, that I do not consider myself at liberty to do any act recognising a concern of Mr. Church in the St. Annes last Cargo or in any other shipment of the same or any subsequent period in any of the vessels in Question
I have the honor to be Sir Your Obed & hum ser
A Hamilton
New York April 5 1786


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John Chaloner, 10 April 1786
From: Chaloner, John
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Dear Sir
Philada. April 10th, 1786

Mr Wilcox has agreed to take the Vessels say two of them the one which saild lately from Cheasapeak and the one now here that daily expected from Lisbon he will not take. He promised me his notes this day for two hundred pounds the sum he is to pay for the two Vessels. I shall propably receive them to morrow. He says he has considerable property on hand belonging to that concern. I think it would be to the advantage of those interested therein to have a seperation it would in all propability facilitate the Sales.
I am Sir Your most Obdt Servant
John Chaloner


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John Chaloner, 15 April 1786
From: Chaloner, John
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Dear Sir
Philada. April 15. 1786

Since my last I have concluded the negotiation with Mr. John Wilcox and have reced from him his note payble in nine months for two hundred pounds being in full for ⅛ of the two Ships St. Anne & Two Brothers.
Our Assembly has rejected the application of the Citizens to establish the Bank. The Stock holders therefore remain in that uncertain situation that you & Col Wadsworth apprehended prior to their last meeting in January; and are likely to continue in this State of Suspence for a considerable time. The April Court at which the Question was to have been determined, is now nearly over and no action brot nor any thing done in the matter by the Directors save that of retain’g Council by the Bank; Col Wadsworth when here apprehended (as does several Stockholders who were present at the meeting) that the Bank were to institute the suit, & employ Council on both sides to argue the matter, so that a speedy & amicable decision of the Question might be obtaind at the expence of the Institution: this I am told is not so understood by the Directors. They mean only to employ Council on behalf of the Bank—nor can I learn that the Question will be brot forward, unless by an adverse suit, wch. is not likely to be brot by any Person here. I am clearly of opinion their object is delay: hopeing that another election may produce an Assembly more favourable to their measures than the present. Knowing Mr Church’s Interest in this Institution I have thot proper to give you the above information and remain with Respect Sir Your most obd hble Servt
John Chaloner
Alexr Hamilton Esqr


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Samuel Broome, 18 April 1786
From: Broome, Samuel
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Alexander Hamilton Esqr
Sir
New Haven [Connecticut] April 18th. 1786

Mr James Jarvis informed me a few weeks past that you was willing to take my Son Samuel P Broome into your office. It will be an additional favor if you will leave it optional in me untill next Fall to send him or not. My present Situation forbids a decision immediately.
I will thank you to inform me by letter at the return of my Son the bearer hereof the terms upon which you can admit him in Your office, and the term he must Continue with you. He is young (not yet Seventeen years old) therefore will want very Particular Care taken of him. This I am Sure will be Carefully attended to by you. I am   Sir   Your most obed servt
Sam Broome


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Nathaniel Hazard, 21 April 1786
From: Hazard, Nathaniel
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Sir
New York 21st. April 1786

I took the Freedom a few days since to address you in Behalf of a deserving Citizen and thank you for your friendly Interference. I am not to beg it again in Favor of that unfortunate Corps to which I belong. I claim it as your Friend Sir. You will doubtless startle at this Expression, from a Man you are but barely acquainted with. The friendliest Act an honest Man can wish to receive from another, is to have his Character vindicated from false and unmerited Aspersions when absent. I have as much of the Milk of human Kindness in me I hope as most Men, and ever wished the vanquished Adherents to Britain might be treated with Humanity and Tenderness; and that past Errors might be buried in Oblivion. I did not however see the Necessity of granting to those, whose Temper and Biass must as yet invitably be unfriendly to national measures, and partial to british Interests; an immediate Participation of the important Rights of Eligibility to Places of Trust; nor could I conceive that it pressed itself. Drawing therefore (I hope with Sentiments of Candor and Liberality) with many of those whose want of either Quality, lessens themselves, and their Cause in the general Estimation; I have frequently expressed my disapprobation that a man of Science and a brave officer, who had rendered important Services to the Country before the war as a Man of Letters, and a very eminent ones during its Continuance, both in the Cabinet of our Illustrious Chief and in the Field, should be bitterly censured for Supporting Sentiments different from theirs and mine, (on that one Occasion) which I verily believed proceeded from an elevation of Sentiment, and too generous a Spirit of Magnanimity, I had oftener Noticed in our bravest and best officers than any other Class of Men. To return to the Business of my Letter; We had a Bill before the Senate, the main object of which was barely to have Commissioners appointed, to enquire whether any of us and who had been ruined, and to report to the next Legislature as they should think fit; it barely rubbed through. Our humble Request is but to be heard before ruined, and that we are dragged to Prison, by hungry british Agents who are fast collecting from Philadelphia and other Quarters as the Session of the Assembly draws to a Close, and hover like Cormorants over the devoted Carcasses of their captive Debtors. Some of them are little illiberal insolent Upstarts, and Riders for their manufacturing Masters, brutal and barbarous as the Savages that tortured the unfortunate Colonel Crawford; To goad and Sting men of Feeling, who freely coin their Life Blood into Guineas to give them immediate and ample Satisfaction, was it in their Power is not Less Cruel. We would wish Sir, that such a man a Coll. Remsen, once so independent, a worthy Citizen, ever humane, benevolent and public Spirited, may not have his House sold by execution, and his Family turned into the Streets; without even a bare Inquiry into his Situation and Demerits. Yet this probably will be the Case in the Assembly, unless General Schuylers Connections in it, have right Ideas of the humble and harmless Boon we ask. I can in Confidence venture to tell you, it has been a moot Point with me, whether to apply to the present House or not. I am tired of supplications, and protested to the Committee of Merchants, my great aversion to signing another Petition. I prevailed on them to adopt my Plan of originating a bill in the Senate, as a Body of Men who at Least ought to possess more Information and Feeling than the other House. General Schuyler had been uniformly understood by the Petitioning Merchants Committee, as so unfriendly to their Interests, that they thought it vain to apply to him. I have not the Honor to be personally known to him, but having known him as a public man and Friend to his Country, from those early Days when a Stripling, I used to attend the Debates of the Assembly, and hear him lash a Sett of callous impenetrable Wretches, who stood buff to wit, Satire and sound Reasoning, and eternally skulked behind the Question; I told the Committee it was impossible a man of his Rank Understanding & Patriotism, could be unfriendly to those who had suffered severely; and pressed such of them as had the Honor of being acquainted with the General, to converse with him on the Subject. It was done; and it has now even ceased to be a wonder that General Schuyler is as friendly to our Cause as others. I will make no apology on this Business, confident that so far as you conceive our request is reasonable, and a Refusal of it would be cruel It will give you Pleasure to have an opportunity of serving us by using your Influence in our Favor.
I am Sir   Respectfully your very huml. Servt.
Nathl. Hazard.


Title: Appointment as Commissioner to the Annapolis Convention, 5 May 1786
From: Bancker, Abraham B.,McKesson, John
To: Hamilton, Alexander

State of New York
In Senate [New York] May the 5th. 1786

Resolved (if the Honorable the Assembly concur herein) that Robert R. Livingston, James Duane, Egbert Benson, Alexander Hamilton, Leonard Gansevoort and Robert C. Livingston Esquires, or any three of them, be Commissioners on the part of this State, to meet with such Commissioners, as are, or may be appointed by the other States in the Union; at such Time and place, as shall be agreed upon by the said Commissioners; to take into consideration the Trade and Commerce of the United States; to consider how far an uniform System in their Commercial Intercourse and Regulations, may be necessary to their common Interest and permanent Harmony; and to report to the several States, such an Act relative to this great Object, as when unanimously ratified by them, will enable the United States in Congress Assembled, to provide for the same; and that the said Commissioners or any three of them do make a report of their proceedings to the Legislature at their next Meeting.

Extract from the Journal
Abm. B. Bancker Clk
State of New York
In Assembly May 5th. 1786
Resolved that this House do concur with the Honorable the Senate in the said Resolution.
An Extract from the Journals
John McKesson, Clk


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John B. Church, [6 May 1786]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Church, John B.

[New York, May 6, 1786]
By the last Packet I sent you the first of a set of bills of which the inclosed is second for £400 Sterling drawn by Constable Rucker & Co: on Mr John Rucker. I remitted you £782.10.8 Currency by the Roebuck packet. I have written you largely on other matters to which I have received no answer. This being term time I cannot inlarge but I shall write you fully in a short time. I am anxious to hear from you. I momently expect an addition to my family. Betsy is well and joins me most Affectionately to Mrs: Church & your self. General Schuyler & Mrs: Schuyler are still with me and in good health.
Yrs: sincerely

New York May 6: 1786
John Barker Church Esqr:


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Peter Pillet, 14 May 1786
From: Pillet, Peter
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Philadelphia, May 14, 1786. States that he has been “recommended by Mr. Jon. Chaloner of this City to put my interest into your hands.” Describes a controversy which Pillet wishes Hamilton to settle.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Peter Pillet, 17 May 1786
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Pillet, Peter

[New York, May 17, 1786. The endorsement in Hamilton’s writing on Pillet’s letter of May 14, 1786, to Hamilton reads: “Letter from Mr. P. Pillet. Ansd. May 17. 1786.” Letter not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Sempill and Company, [20 May 1786]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Sempill and Company

Gentlemen
[New York, May 20, 1786]

On the recommendation of Mr. Nicholas Cruger of this City, I take the Liberty to commit to your care a small matter in which I am interested. I am informed that Mr John Hallwood a relation of mine who died some time since in St. Croix has by his will left me one fourth part of his Estate. The amount I imagine is not very considerable; but whatever it may be I shall be glad to have it collected and remitted. Mr Hallwoods estate I believe consisted intirely in his share in his Grand fathers estate Mr James Lytton; whose affairs have been a long time in a dealing Court but one would hope are now ready for a final settlement. Doctor Hugh Knox can give you further information on the Subject.
As I know money concerns in your Island rarely improve by delay, if things should not be in a train to admit of an immediate settlement, I shall be ready to effect this, to transfer my claim to any person who may incline to the purchase at a discount of five and twenty per Cent. This however I submit to your discretion and authorise you to do whatever you think for my interest. Inclosed I send you a Power of Attorney which I presume you will find competent. Should it be in my power to render you any services here I shall with pleasure obey your commands.
I am with much consideratio⟨n⟩ Gentlemen Your Obedt. servant

New York May 20th. 1786
Messrs, Sempill & Co


Title: Enclosure: To Sempill and Company, [20 May 1786]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Sempill, John,Amorey, William

[New York, May 18, 1786]
Know all Men by these presents, that I Alexander Hamilton of the City of New York, Counsellor at Law, have made, ordained, authorized, constituted and appointed, and by these presents do make, ordain, authorize, constitute and appoint John Sempill and William Amorey of the Island of St. Croix Merchants jointly and severally my true and lawfull Attornies, for me and in my Name, and to my Use to ask, demand, sue for, recover and receive of all and every person whomsoever in the said Island of St. Croix, all and every Sum and Sums of Money Debts, Legacies and Demands whatsoever which now are due, owing and coming unto me, and in default of payment thereof, to have use and take all lawfull ways and means in my Name or otherwise for the Recovery thereof, by Attachment, Arrest or otherwise, and to compound and agree for the same, and on Receipt thereof acquittances or other sufficient Discharges for the same for me and in my Name to make seal and deliver, and to do all lawfull Acts and Things whatsoever concerning the premisses as fully in every Respect, as I myself might or could do if I was personally present, and an Attorney or Attornies under them or either of them to make for the purposes aforesaid, and at their pleasure to revoke, hereby ratifying allowing and confirming all and whatsoever my said Attornies or Attorney shall in my Name lawfully do or cause to be done in and about the premisses by virtue of these presents—In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my Hand and Seal the eighteenth Day of May in the Year of our Lord one Thousand seven Hundred and eighty six.

Sealed and delivered in the presence of Balthr. De Haert. Jo. Strong
}
Alexander Hamilton

To all to whom these presents shall come or may in any wise concern, I Balthazer De Haert Notary public, duly constituted and appointed by letters patent under the great Seal of the State of New York, residing in the City of New York, do hereby certify, declare and make Known, that on the Day of the date hereof, personally appeared before me, Alexander Hamilton of the said City Esquire, and sealed and delivered the within written Letter or Power of Attorney as and for his Act and Deed, for the use and purposes within mentioned in my presence, and in the presence of Joseph Strong, who hath also subscribed his Name as a Witness thereto. In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my Hand and affixed my Notarial Seal The eighteenth day of May in the year of our Lord one Thousand seven Hundred & eighty six.
Balthr. De Haert
Not: publ:
This done in the Presence of Jo. Strong


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John B. Church, 23 May 1786
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Church, John B.

[New York, May 23, 1786. On June 10, 1786, Hamilton wrote to Church: “I have only time to inclose you a duplicate of my Letter of the 23 of May.” Letter not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Richard Varick, 24 May 1786
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Varick, Richard

[New York] May 24, 1786. Encloses “a draft of the trust deed with the papers relating to it” and asks Varick to make the necessary amendments.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Marinus Willett, [24 May 1786]
From: Willett, Marinus
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[New York, May 24, 1786]
I do hereby Certify that on Casting up the Votes in the several Poll lists returned to me by the Inspectors of the General Election held in the several Wards of the City and County in April last it appears that Alexander Hamilton Esqr. was by plurality of Voices duly Elected one of the Representatives of the General Assembly for the City and County of New York.
Given under my hand at New York this 24th. Day of May 1786.
M. Willett, Sheriff,
Alexr Hamilton EsqrPresent


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Lawrence and Morris, 31 May 1786
From: Lawrence and Morris
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Dear Sir,
[New York] Wednesday Morning 31st May 1786.

We are much concerned, that the matter has been so long delayed, respecting the return of the money, you have been so very obliging as to lend us. Every moment since the Receipt of your Note of the other day, we have been expecting to receive the money, from different Persons indebted to us in this City, under their most solemn assurances of payment, & it would have been more agreeable to us, as well as yourself, to have had the Cash, than to be troubled with the discounting a Note. Excuse us therefore my good Sir, that from the disappointments, which at present prevail, We are under the necessity of troubling you with the Note, but in the present situation of things, We cannot do better.
Accept our thanks for this instance of your politeness, and be assured, We shall be happy in any occasion of returning the Favor.

We are wth. great regard. Dear Sir   Your much obliged & Obedt. servants.
Lawrence & Morris

the Discount We will seale
}

seperately wth you when ascertained

A. Hamilton Esqr


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [May 1786–April 1788]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Hamilton, Elizabeth

[May, 1786–April, 1788]
Three or four days since I wrote to My angel by the Post, since which I have received a letter from her. I am very unhappy to hear that my beloved is out of health. Heaven grant it may soon be restored. I entreat her to take care of herself & keep up her spirits. I cannot yet determine what will be our stay here and consequently I can make no determinations about my love; but I feel that it will be impossible for me to submit to a long separation however inconvenient it may be to incur the expence which will attend her coming here. I entreat you my charmer to let me hear from you as often as possible; for I stand in need of every consolation you can give for my absence from your dear bosom. Give my love to my darling Philip & kiss with all possible tenderness the other two. Adieu my dearest angel. Heaven bless you
A Hamilton


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Francis Upton, 5 June 1786
From: Upton, Francis
To: Hamilton, Alexander

London, June 5, 1786. Sends duplicate of a letter addressed to Hamilton on December 6, 1785.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John B. Church, [10 June 1786]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Church, John B.

My Dear friend,
[New York, June 10, 1786]

Being to set out in few minutes on a Circuit I have only time to inclose you a duplicate of my Letter of the 23 of May and of a Bill of Lading for a Sum of money by the last packett: the last I say; but I believe she has not yet set Sail. I have given direction to the Broker to make Insurance for you.
I have spoken to a friend to collect some more proper gold & Silver for you; which will be forwarded by the first Opportunity after my Return.
Yrs. unalterably
A Hamilton
New York June 10th. 1786


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John Thomas, [22 June 1786]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Thomas, John

Sir
[New York, June 22, 1786]

I think it necessary to apprise you that in my opinion you will not be safe in taking paper money on Executions without the consent of the parties: and in those which I have sent to you that consent I believe can not be obtained This is a matter however which I mention to you in confidence for your own safety. I would not wish to have much said about it, till you should be under a necessity of explaining yourself lest it should injure the Credit of the paper on its first appearance, to which (whatever be my opinion of the measure itself since its has been adopted) I would not wish to be accessory.
I am Sir Your obd. Servant.

New York June 22d: 1786
John Thomas EsquireSheriff of Westchester


Title: Oration before the New York State Society of the Society of the Cincinnati, 4 July 1786
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To:

New York, July 4. 1786. According to the transactions of the New York State Society, the meeting of the society was “opened by an oration delivered by Colonel Hamilton.”


Title: Report of a Committee of the New York State Society of the Society of the Cincinnati, [6 July 1786]
From: Morris, Richard,Hamilton, Alexander,Brooks, David,Dunscomb, Edward,Troup, Robert,Committee of the New York State Society of the Society of the Cincinnati
To:

[New York, July 6, 1786]
The Committee to whom were referred the proceedings of the Society of the Cincinnati, at their last General Meeting, beg leave to report: that they have attentively considered the alterations proposed at that meeting to be made in the original Constitution of the Society; and though they highly approve the motives which dictated those alterations, they are of opinion it would be inexpedient to adopt them, and this chiefly on the two following accounts:

1st. Because the Institution, as proposed to be altered, would contain in itself no certain provision for the continuance of the Society beyond the heirs of the present members; this point (being left to the regulation of charters which may never be obtained, and which, in the opinion of this Committee, so far as affects this object,) ought never to be granted, since the dangers apprehended from the Institution could then only cease to be imaginary when it should secure the sanction of a legal establishment. The utmost the Society ought to wish or ask from the several legislatures, is to enable it to appoint trustees to hold its property, for the charitable purposes to which it is destined.
2d. Because, by a fundamental article, it obliges the Society of each State to lend its funds to the State, a provision which would be improper for two reasons: one, that in case the Society might be able to dispose of its funds to much greater advantage, the other, that the State might not always choose to borrow from the Society.
That while the Committee entertain this opinion with respect to the proposed alterations, they are at the same time equally of opinion, that some alterations in the original constitution will be proper, as well in deference to the sense of many of our fellow citizens, as in conformity to the true spirit of the Institution itself.
The alterations they have in view respect, principally, the duration or succession of the Society, and the distinction between Honorary and Regular Members. As to the first, the provision intended to be made appears to them to be expressed in terms not sufficiently explicit, and as far as it may intend an hereditary succession, by right of primogeniture, is liable to this objection, that it refers to birth what ought to belong to merit only, a principle inconsistent with the genius of a Society founded on friendship and patriotism. As to the second, the distinction holds up an odious difference between men who have served their country in one way and those who have served it in another, a difference ill-founded in itself, and improper in a Society where the character of Patriot ought to be an equal title to all its members.
The Committee, however, decline proposing any specific substitute for the parts of the original Constitution which appear to them exceptionable, as they are of opinion, any alterations necessary to be made, can only be digested in a General Meeting of the Society, specially authorised to agree upon and finally establish those alterations. With a view to this, they beg leave to recommend that a Circular Letter be written from the Society to the different State Societies, suggesting the expediency of instructing and empowering their delegates at the next General Meeting, to concur in such alterations as may appear to that meeting proper, after a full communication of what shall be found to be the sense of the several societies.
Rd. Morris, Alexander Hamilton, D. Brooks, E. Dunscomb, Rob. Troup.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Philip Schuyler, 11 July 1786
From: Schuyler, Philip
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Albany] July 11, 1786. “A passage of thirty two hours brought me to my family. Mrs. Schuyler … altho mending is still not perfectly in health. Inclose you the mortgage which Mr. Loudon is to assign to me. Pray as soon as you can send Mr. Renselaer the papers I requested; his tenants seem at present in good humour and anxious for their leases.”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Wooldrige, 20 July 1786
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Wooldrige, Thomas

New York, July 20, 1786. Describes measures needed to satisfy the claims of Wooldrige’s creditors.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Robert Totten, 31 July 1786
From: Totten, Robert
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Stamford [Connecticut] July 31, 1786. “Be pleased to inform me what prospect you realy have of softening the present insolvent act of new York, and if you suppose my well known situation may have any claim to … indulgence with the representatives of the state of new York. I am determined not to venture myself into a goal and be at the caprice of a few of my creditors; every thing else I will submit to with cheerfulness and rectitude even to delivering my shirt if they should require it.”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Ebenezer Hazard, 1 August 1786
From: Hazard, Ebenezer
To: Hamilton, Alexander

New York, August 1, 1786. Requests Hamilton’s opinion on questions concerning a government contract for carrying the mail.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Robert Harpur, [2 August 1786]
From: Harpur, Robert
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Sir,
[August 2, 1786]

At the Request of Genl. Schuyler, We have made a Copy of all the Poll Lists of the Counties of Albany and Montgomery, which copy was to be left with you to be forwarded to him. The Secretary estimated the Expences with which the Genl. was acquain[t]ed previous to the undertaking. And you was to be good enough to disburse the sum—being £10—which be pleased to deliver to the Bearer on your Receipt of the papers.
Your most obedt. servt.
Robt Harpur, D secry
2 Augt. 1786

Recd. 2 Augt. 1786. of Col. Hamilton ten pounds, the fees of the Secretarys Office for copying all the Poll Lists of the Counties of Albany and Montgomery for and by order of Genl. Schuyler.
Robt Harpur, D. secry


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Bell and Woodmass, 4 August 1786
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Bell and Woodmass

[August 4, 1786. On August 4, 1786, Hamilton wrote to John B. Church: “I have written to Messrs. Bell and Woodmass by this opportunity.” Letter not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Samuel Broome, 18 August 1786
From: Broome, Samuel
To: Hamilton, Alexander

New Haven [Connecticut] August 18, 1786. Encloses “an order on The Honble. Nathan Miller Esquire a Delegate in Congress from the State of Rhode Island in your favor for £110.18.”