Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Short, 12 November 1791
From: Short, William
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Paris Nov: 12. 1791
Sir

Since my last of the 8th. inst. sent by the French packet, the person expected from Antwerp of whom I then spoke to you has arrived. This letter written in haste & despatched by the post of to-day in the possibility of its arriving at L’Orient in time for the packet, is merely to inform you of the result of my interview with Mr. Wolf of Antwerp the name of the person in question.
I informed you some time ago that I had authorized his opening a loan at 4½ p. cent interest & 5. p. cent commission. At that time no attempt had been made by the Emperor to reduce the rate of interest & circumstances in general were not so favorable to such an object as at present. Of course as Mr. Wolf had not opened the loan but had desired as a condition that I should stipulate not to open any more in Holland at an higher rate of interest, I thought myself founded to consider my former authorization given him as so far void that I might propose to him new terms of commission determining however to grant the 5. p. cent if the rate of interest could not be lowered without it. He insisted for some time on the necessity of being allowed at least 5. p. cent on account of the loan for the U.S. being a new thing, the greater commission he is consequently obliged to allow the undertakers &c. &c. I found so many arguments however to oppose to all these that he at length consented & seems well satisfied to take 4. p. cent for commission, all charges &c. as at Amsterdam, with which I am well persuaded you will be highly satisfied as being applied to a loan at a reduced rate of interest. I have always considered it proper to have the charges on the loans reduced with the utmost rigour, more for the credit of the borrowing power than on account of a small economy. The rate of interest being for the most part the same, the real criterion by which the well informed judge of the credit of the several borrowing powers is the commission they pay on their loans.
This loan will be opened so as to date from the 1st of next month & Mr Wolf assures me that it will be carried through with eclat. He had taken all the preliminary measures in such a manner before leaving Antwerp as to put this matter beyond all question in his own mind. The duration of this loan & mode of re-imbursement will be the same as those made at Amsterdam. Mr. Wolf desired that the U. S. should stipulate not to re-imburse any part before a certain number of years, but as he did not seem to think this essential I have determined to preserve that privilege, although there is little probability of its being made use of within the term of five or six years which he desired. The amount of the loan is to be three millions of florins. Mr. Wolf wished much that I should authorize him to extend it on the same conditions to six millions if, as he was well persuaded, he should find it practicable in the course of a few months. I have not consented to this however because I have thought it best to reserve to the U. S. the right of reducing the rate of interest or commission on the next loan if found practicable, & also because if the bankers at Amsterdam should also make the loan which I have authorized them to open for three millions if it can be done previous to the 1st. of January so as to avoid the tax they mentioned to me, I shall not consider myself at liberty under your letter of the 1st. of Aug. last, to have any additional sum borrowed at 4½. p. cent interest, exclusive of charges. As you have never said any thing to me expressly about the re-imbursement of the Spanish debt & that to the Farmers-general, I shall wait until I hear further from you unless it should become essential to attend to them sooner in which case I shall suppose myself implicitly authorized to apply thereto the money which may be on hand.
I know not what effect the opening this loan at Antwerp will have at Amsterdam. It will certainly produce ill humour among those who are employed in our loans there & who have been accustomed to think that their city was entitled to a monopoly of them. As the present situation of the U. S. however with respect to their arrears to the French government & other exigencies puts them above the effects of such ill humour it is probable it will not be shewn.
I have mentioned to you that the bankers informed me a tax was to be laid by the Dutch government on all loans made after the 1st. of Jany next & that they were of opinion they could have one undertaken at 4½. p. cent interest previous to that period. I have authorized them in that case to do it provided the commission be fixed at 4. p. cent I have as yet no answer, but you may count on being immediately informed of what shall be done in this as well as the loan at Antwerp.
My late letters to you have been of Aug. 8. 23. 30. 31. Sep 3. 23. Oct 10. Nov 8. I have the honor to be most respectfully   Sir   Your most obedient humble servant
W. Short The HonbleAlexander Hamilton Secretary of the Treasury, Philadelphia.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Constable, 14 November 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Constable, William

Philadelphia, November 14, 1791. “… the whole money for interest on the Stock of your friends in Antwerp has been paid as well that on the separate as on the joint stock; in confidence that you will find me a further bond of indemnification respective the separate stock. The truth is that the Gentlemen in Question have not acted like men of business; for, I believe by the law of their country as well as ours a power from A B & C to receive interest upon stock standing in their names is no more a power to receive interest on stock standing in the name of A & B than a power from William Constable to receive interest on Stock standing in his name would be a power to receive interest on Stock standing in the name of Alexander Hamilton. Certain political considerations neverless conspiring with a wish to accomodate you determined me to pass over the obstacle resulting from so radical a defect. But you must tell that Gentlemen that they must transact their business with more accuracy in future.…”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John Jay, 14 November 1791
From: Jay, John
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[New York, November 14, 1791. On December 5, 1791, Hamilton wrote to Jay: “Your letter of the 14th of November duly came to hand.” Letter not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, 14 November 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Seton, William

[Philadelphia, November 14, 1791. On November 17, 1791, Seton wrote to Hamilton: “I am honoured with your Letters of the 11th & 14th.” Letter of November 14 not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James Taylor and Abishai Thomas, 14 November 1791
From: Taylor, James,Thomas, Abishai
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Office of the Agents of No. Carolina [Philadelphia]November 14th 1791
Sir

This Afternoon we were honor’d with yours of the 3rd instant, in which you request to be informed, “Whether the State of North Carolina has ever issued its own Certificates in lieu of those of the United States,” together with our “opinion of the real state of the thing.” In answer to the first after giving the most ample investigation to the subject which the means in our power would admit, we inform you that there is no public act, record, or document in our possession or within the knowledge of either of us which can induce us to believe that that State hath ever issued any Certificates of that description, and we may add that if such a transaction had ever taken place in that State, we conceive that we could not be unacquainted with it. Our “opinion of the real state of the thing” being founded on the result of our enquiries on the subject of the information solicited, we consider the foregoing as fully to include that opinion as any thing we could add on the occasion.
We have the honor to be with the utmost consideration   Sir   Your very obt Servts.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 15 November 1791
From: Ellery, William
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Newport [Rhode Island] November 15, 1791. “… At a District Court held at Providence the last week came on the trial United States vs Thomas Cotrell for aiding and assisting in unlading the Sloop Betsy James Bissel Master without a permit when the Jury found a Verdict for the Plaint. for four hundred Dollars, and Cost of Suit.…”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Tobias Lear, 15 November 1791
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Hamilton, Alexander

United States 15th. Novr. 1791.

By the Presidents command T. Lear has the honor to transmit to the Secretary of the Treasury a letter from Messrs. Triol, Roux & Co. enclosing a copy of a memorial presented by them to the National Assembly of France.
The President wishes when the Secretary may have leisure, that he would take the subject of said memorial into consideration & report thereon to the president.
Tobias LearS.P.U.S.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Ellery, 16 November 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Ellery, William

[Philadelphia, November 16, 1791. On December 5, 1791, Ellery wrote to Hamilton: “I have recd. your letters of the 16th & 17th of the last month.” Letter of November 16 not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William R. Davie, 17 November 1791
From: Davie, William R.
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Halifax, No Carolina, Nov. 17th. 1791.
Sir,

I mentioned to my friend Judge Iredell when I saw him last at Newbern my intentio⟨n⟩ of moving our next Assembly to address Congress on the subject of receiving our pap⟨er⟩ money in the revenue of the United States collected in this State; and requested him to have a conversation with you on the business, that I might avail myself of your opinion of its propriety and success.
This measure has been suggested to me, by the objections that are made here to the colle⟨ct⟩ion of the excise in specie; the real difficu⟨l⟩ty with which I foresee it will be attended, and its certain operation on the value or exchange of our paper currency: but independent of the policy and convenience of such a measure, I think the State may very wel⟨l⟩ require it of Congress as a matter of Justi⟨ce.⟩ The first emission of this money was ⟨made⟩ for the express purpose of paying the Continental line; the second to purchase Tobacco to pay the interest of the Federal debt, and to answer these purposes more effectually both emissions were made a tender in discharge of private contracts, and have been so received. It is also to be observed, that both these emissions amounting to two hundred thousand pounds were made several years before the constitution was formed, and that this incumbrance made a part of our political situation at its adoption, and had grown out of the old confederation: so that leaving this State to struggle with the task of supporting the credit of this money, even against the measures of Congress, surely has the appearance of great injustice, especially after a general Assumption of the State debts.
The effects of such a measure would I am certain be highly beneficial to the people of this Country, and I think not injurious to the General Government; the paper money which is now generally at ten shillings to the dollar would rise instantly to par, a benefit the people would attribute to its proper cause; the commercial part of the State would be relieved from great and very distressing difficulties, and the demand for specie created by the duties would no longer operate injuriously on the value of our paper money; it would effectually remove the only rational ground of complaint made against the excise, in the interior and western parts of the State, that is the difficulty or as they say impossibility, of procuring specie sufficient to pay that Tax: And would also prevent a very delicate and perhaps dangerous question, that must otherwise soon arise on executions issuing from the Federal Court. These appear to me as objects of some moment, and I take it, form only a part of the good consequences of this measure. There are not more than £140,000, now in circulation, the balance having been taken up by the sinking fund and destroyed, and as the money would certainly rise to par I think the Federal Treasury would run little risk in receiving it; and I cannot prevail upon myself to entertain the idea, that the General Government is so unwieldy a machine as to be incapable of being accomodated to the interests and situations of the different States.
Our Assembly meet at Newbern the first monday of December, and should you think proper to write to me on this subject you will please to direct to me at that place. I would undertake that the State shall give the most satisfactory assurances that the sinking fund Tax shall be continued; and that the Assembly will pass any other law that might be necessary to secure the Treasury of the United States.
I know very well that Gentlemen in official situations are in the habit of respecting no communication, but such as wears the garb of confidence or office. I have no claim to either footing and was I not well persuaded, even from the slight acquaintance I have with you, that you possess a mind of a very different ⟨cast,⟩ I should not have troubled you with this letter.
I have the Honor to be   with great respect   your mo obd
William R. Davie


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Ellery, 17 November 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Ellery, William

[Philadelphia, November 17, 1791. On December 5, 1791, Ellery wrote to Hamilton: “I have recd. your letters of the 16th & 17th of the last month.” Letter of November 17 not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 17 November 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Lincoln, Benjamin

Treasury DepartmentNovember 17 1791
Sir

Your letter of the 2nd instant has been duly received.
You were perfectly right in charging the Schooner Industry with the rate of foreign Tonnage. As the fact stands, it does not appear that the law authorises a restitution; and the parties, in pursuing a second voyage without a Register, after having been once indulged, and admonished, and after sufficient time and opportunity were given them, to procure the necessary papers, can have no claim to further forbearance, even if there was a discretion to grant it.
The 4th Section of the Tonnage ⟨act allows a⟩ restitution of the foreign Tonnage, ⟨which has⟩ been paid on Ships or Vessels of the United States under certain circumstances, prior to the passing of that act, which was in July, and can therefore not apply to any case subsequent to it.
To obviate the difficulty in respect to the terms “dying wood and dying drugs” I shall consider whether an enumeration cannot be formed of those articles. In the mean time I incline to a liberal interpretation of the terms in favor of manufactures.
In mine of the 12th instant I consented that you might discharge so many of the boatmen during the winter season as in your opinion should be deemed proper.
I am, Sir,   with great consideration   Your Most Obed Servant.
Benjamin Lincoln Esqr.Boston.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Seton, 17 November 1791
From: Seton, William
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Bank of New York 17 Novr 1791
Sir

I am honoured with your Letters of the 11th & 14th. The sale of the Bills on Amsterdam shall be arranged at the rate of 6 ⅌ Ct Interest for the term of Credit agreeable to your desire, and furnished in a few days.

Mr Hill was this day paid the Seven thousand Dollars, and Inclosed in his receipt for the same which is Charged to the United States. I have the Honor to be &c
Alexr. Hamilton EsqrSy. of Ty. of the US.


Title: Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 17 November 1791
From: Treasury Department,Hamilton, Alexander
To: Collectors of the Customs

Treasury Deparmt.Nov. 17. 1791.
Sir

On considering several representations which have been made to me relative to the rations for the cutters, I have determined on the following mode of conducting the business.
A price not exceeding twelve cents for each man per diem may be agreed for by you with the Captain or any other person, who will contract to supply the necessary articles. It is hoped that this will enable you to conduct the business in a manner which will be satisfactory to the seamen and consistent with a proper execution of the public service. Should you find it practicable to obtain this supply for less than twelve cents per man per day, your concern for the public interests will, I assure myself, prompt you to do it. The officers may receive the same articles with the seamen or the sum stipulated for them as they may prefer the one or the other.
I have already observed that rations from the date of each commission is all that it is in the power of the officers of the Treasury to admit as compensation for board prior to the officers living on board the cutters. Accounts for the time prior to the date of the commissions may be rendered to the Auditor of the Treasury (in those instances wherein it has not been already done) with such testimonials of their having been engaged and actually in service as in each case they may be able to adduce. It will lie with the examining and accountant officers of this department to determine how far they can be legally admitted.
The number of men and boys being limited by law it is not in my power to add to them.
It will be proper that quarterly accounts terminating as in the customs should ⟨be⟩ regularly transmitted in your own mode ⟨un⟩til forms shall be sent to you.
I am, Sir,   Your obedt. servant


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 17 November 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Williams, Otho H.

Treasury DepartmentNov. 17. 1791.
Sir

There will not be found any provision for the payment of Mr. Edward Swift, whom Captain Gross has shipt to do the duty of Mr. James Forbes now absent, unless Mr. Forbes from a sense of justice and propriety allows it to be done out of his money. It would be well for you to intimate this to Captain Gross, and the more so as he in a former instance made an appointment of his officers, which can only be done by the President of the United States.
I am, Sir,   Your most obedt. servt.
Alex Hamilton Otho H. Williams Esq.Collector Baltimore.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Tobias Lear, 18 November 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Lear, Tobias

[Philadelphia] November 18, 1791. “The President has directed that a commission be made out for Mr Morris, now second mate—as first Mate of the N Y Cutter.…”


Title: Receipt from William Pearce, 18 November 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Pearce, William

[Philadelphia] November 18, 1791. “Received November 18. 1791 of Alexander Hamilton Fifty Dollars on account of Machines for a Cotton Manufactory.”


Title: Report on Imports for the Year Ending September 30, 1790, [18 November 1791]
From: Treasury Department,Hamilton, Alexander
To:

Treasury DepartmentNov. 18. 1791.[Communicated on November 18, 1791]
[To the President of the Senate]
Sir

In pursuance of the order of the Senate, I have the honor to transmit a return of the Imports of the United States so modified as to convey a considerable portion of the information which I conceive they require. I beg leave to observe that this document is a part of a set of papers relative to imports, exports and tonnage, which have been some time in preparation at the Treasury. Some others which are completed will be transmitted to the Senate as soon as they shall have been transcribed.
I have the honor to be, Sir   with the greatest respect,   Your most obedient   & most humble servant
Alexander HamiltonSecy of the Treasury
The Vice President of the United Statesand President of the Senate.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 19 November 1791
From: McHenry, James
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Annapolis 19th Novr. 1791.
My dear Sir.

Since taking my seat in the Senate, which I have done more in conformity with your opinion than my own, I have used the opportunity it affords of conversing with Mr. Wm. Perry the gentleman I mentioned to you when in Philada. as a person well qualified for Auditor, and have discovered that had he been appointed he would not have refused. I have two reasons for telling you this now. That you may keep him in mind should such a vacancy occur as one that may be fully relied on. That you may also know that beside his being independent or wealthy, he exerted his whole influence to establish our government, continues to exert it for its daily preservation, and possesses a large share of public confidence, especially on the eastern shore where he resides & for which he is a Senator, circumstances which might render him ⟨pe⟩culiarly proper for an officer in the excise ⟨in⟩ case of a new arrangement of the system.
An opinion prevails in our house of ⟨del⟩gates that our constitution wants mending and ⟨now⟩ Mercer Pinkney & Craik are to lead in the business. They do not venture I mean the two first for the last is rather federal, to expose their true reason tho’ they have not been able to conceal it. I cannot tell how the project may terminate but I like our constitution as it stands and trust the people having heretofore found it a good one will not easily be brought to any radical alterations.
Adieu.
James McHenry


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Heth, 20 November 1791
From: Heth, William
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Shillelah [Virginia] 20th. Novr. 1791
Dear Sir

Your private favor of the 10th. Inst found me at home. The death of a most tenderly beloved, & only daughter and the Peculiarly distressing situation of my dear companion in affliction, has chiefly confined me here for three weeks past. There has been but little to do at the Office.

In conceiving that, I had reasons for apologising in the manner I did, for the frequency of my observations; you were right. But you were very wide of the true cause. I never looked for replys to many of my letters. To questions only, I expected answers. But my dear Sir, I dont know, whether I can venture, even in this private way, to tell you why my latter communications have been made with so much reluctance, and that, since June last, I have discontinued making notes on the operations of the Revenue laws, and of such articles, as appeard to be proper objects for higher duties, and of transmitting my observations thereon, as formerly: Because, I have some reason to suspect that the contents of certain letters written by me in May last, as well as I recollect—if not of one of my private letters also, hath been communicated by a certain Clerk in your Office, to a Collector in this State. However, as it is my present intention to see you in January or Feby next I will then, inform you fully of those circumstances, which will enable you to Judge of the propriety of my Suspicions. At present allow me only to say, that, two of my brother Collectors in June last, insinuated to me that my voluminous letters to you, were very troublesome & disagreeable. One of them observed that “by my writing so much, I should be little attended to.” The other declaring, with some degree of self approbation that, “he had written but one letter since he had been in Office”—meaning I suppose a letter of observations remarks &c &c. At another conversation, on my Saying that I had perhaps consumed as much paper in pointing out the defects & imperfections of the coasting act, as all my fees under it would purchase—& that I had got quite tired of abusing it—he replyd with a laugh that “he understood” or “that the fear was, that I had long since tired you with my correspondence.” These observations were made to me in a manner which clearly indicated an opinion that I had considered myself as a man of more information & consequence, in the line of my duty, than any body else, and that, I should be full as well esteemed by you, if was less communicative. However sensibly this Idea, affected my feelings—Yet, having ever entertained the most humble opinion of my abilities & consequence, I was readily enough, disposed to think that, their opinions were very Just: especially when I recollected that, I had not received any answers from you on subjects & to questions which appear to me of importance sufficient to require an immediate reply. Such for Instance, as my earnestly beging last spring to be favord with your construction of the short law respecting Lead “printed & stained or colourd goods—or manufactures of cotton or of linen or both.” (This may not be a correct quotation as it is from Memory. The law is Still differently construed by the Collectors.) I therefore determind never to trouble you as I had done—but barely do my duty—answer such questions as you might ask, &, like my neighbours, trudge thru the business of my office, with as little trouble to myself as possible. But I found, after a long struggle that my pride—ambition—Zeal for the public service,—or, call it what you will—would not suffer me to remain altogether in so negative a character. Hence it was, that I made apologies for some of the many observations which had occur’d to me & which my duty told me was indispensible. You may easily guess the relief which yo⟨ur⟩ present polite, & condescending favor has given to my feelings.
Mr. Campbell, our present Attorney for this District, has confirmd the opinion of Mr. Nelson respecting certain fees under the coasting act. To this gentlemans great talents & abilities you are doubtless no stranger. His reasonings thereon I will transmit to you, with my first Official letter.
I am Dear sir,   With the highest respect   & most sincere affection Yr very hbe st
W Heth The HnbleColo Alex Hamilton


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John Lamb, [20 November 1791]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Lamb, John

[Philadelphia, November 20, 1791]
Dear Sir

Your private letter of the 11th. instant duly came to hand. The inquiry concerning Mr. Rhinelander’s case has been officially answered.
The apples you mention are not yet received, but all the other articles you have been so obliging as to forward have been received; and Mrs. Hamilton joins me in acknowlegements for them. She also desires her compliments to Mrs. Lamb. These marks of friendly attention are particularly acceptable. I only fear they may occasion you some trouble.
Yrs. with great rest

A Hamilton
Phil Nov 20. 1791


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John Fitzgerald, 21 November 1791
From: Fitzgerald, John
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Alexandria [Virginia] Novr. 21st. 1791
My dear Sir

It is with great reluctance I write you particularly as Congress is sitting & I am satisfied you have full employment for every moment of your time, yet I cannot forbear soliciting your kind assistance in favor of establishing a Branch of the National Bank in this town, to effect which a memorial is forwarded to the Directors stating some of the Advantages which would result to the public from it.
I flatter myself that from the Collector’s returns made to you, the Importance of our trade will justify us in this request; add to this that within these last twelve Months we have had a very great accession of Inhabitants; the Improvements made & making for the accomodation & safety of shipping are very considerable, & no town in the United states has a more extensive & fertile back Country for its support. These reasons join’d with what is set forth in the memorial will I hope induce you to think with me that a Branch of the Bank establish’d here will afford benefit to the public as well as to that part of the Community more immediately connected with the place, & be assur’d that were not these my real Sentiments I would not (interested as I am in the event) request you to support the measure. If time permits I shall be happy in a line from you on this subject.

Believe me to be with unfeign’d regard & Esteem   Dear Sir   Yr. Mo Obed Servt.
John Fitzgerald


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Jedediah Huntington, 21 November 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Huntington, Jedediah

Treasury DepartmentNov. 21. 1791.
Sir

From some inadvertence your letter, relative to vessels which put into the district of Newport, was placed among the answered letters, and has therefore lain without due attention.
It is the duty of the Collectors of the several districts to pay attention to all vessels arriving within the same by whatever cause they may be led thither. If forty eight hours are likely to elapse after the arrival it becomes a matter of obligation on the master to enter, and of duty in the Collector to see that he does so. In making this entry certain duties fall upon the officers of the customs, for which a compensation is equitably and legally due. By the form of the law the tonnage must be secured to be paid in such district, though the master of the vessel shall have declared his intention to proceed to another port, and the impost must be secured to be paid, either at the port in which the vessel is, or in that to which she shall be destined. This service and certifying the manifest is attended with some care and trouble to the officer, and they are deemed by the legislature necessary to the protection of the revenue. Under these views of the subject I do not perceive that the vessels belonging to any other district, which shall stop at Newport, can, after the expiration of the time prescribed by law, be exempted from entry.
I am, Sir   with great consideration,   Your most obedt ⟨servt.⟩
Alexander Hami⟨lton⟩ Jedediah Huntington, Esquire,Collector,New London.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 21 November 1791
From: Olney, Jeremiah
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Custom-House,Providence 21st. Novr. 1791.
Sir.

Agreeable to the directions in your Letter of the 10th Instant, I shall on Thursday next, pay into the Bank of Providence, the Balance of my weekly Return of Cash, and continue to do the same, on that Day in every Week, deducting only my Commissions, the Drafts you mention being all paid, and Office Expences are always included in the Return. I wish to be informed Sir, whether the Money thus deposited will be considered at the Treasury as accounted for by me; If so, it will be proper to charge it to the United States, and the retained duplicate Receipt will serve as a Voucher.
I enclose a Draft No. 2282, for 500 Dolls. which I have paid and charged.
I have the honor to be &c.
Jereh. Olney Collr. Alexr. Hamilton Esqr.Secy. of the Treasury


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Seton, 21 November 1791
From: Seton, William
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[New York] 21 Novr 1791
Dear sir,

It is with reluctance I intrude upon your time, but I feel so interested in what has lately passed at Phia. that I cannot refrain indulging myself with some conversation with you on the subject. No doubt you was informd that our Directors immediately after the Directors at Pa. of the Bank of the U. S. were known, wrote a Letter stating their reasons for reserving the 300 Shares of Stock & making a tender of them to that Institution. It appears to me that some how or other, this Letter was prevented from having its proper effect—for we find Committees were appointed who reported in favour of Branches, but took no notice of the offer or of the State Banks. Last Thursday only our President recd an answer to the Letter, saying that the Directors there had resolved that it was inexpedient for the Bank of the US. to commit any part of its Capital in the State Banks, & politely declined our offer. This with the report of the Committee seems to establish the point, that there will be a branch here independent of this Institution—from which every one inferrs its consequent annihilation & our Stock after having rose to upwards of 50 is fallen to less than 18 ⅌ Cent. I cannot bring myself to think it would be either for the general Interest of the public or for the particular interest of the B of the US. that this Institution should clash with their operations, when it is evident that by a juncture we could so essentially aid the Public, to the benefit of both Institutions—⟨however⟩ it is to be feared that a ⟨imputation⟩ or a wish on their part to destroy us, would revive State Politicks to the prejudice of the General Government & give a handle to party, surely some mode may yet be found out to avert the evil. From the great support the Institution has recd from you I trust you will think the subject worthy your attention & if the mode already pointed out is insufficient, that in your wisdom you will be able to point out some other that will bring about so desirable an object as a union with the ⟨two⟩. The Situation of the Bank is at present highly flourishing, but much will depend upon your fatherly care to keep it so. Too sudden an extinction of the public money would oblige us to check our discounts as too large a proportion for the dealers to be able with ease to pay up, especially if the reception of the Impost was taken out of our hands at the same time tho both [of] them we must expect, yet I hope the mode of doing it will be pointd out by you. I hope you will excuse my intruding upon your time.
There are 3 Dividends & the Surplus due to you in Bank, in all amtg to 291 Dolls. Will [you] be so good as to authorize me to sign the Books for you that they may be carried to the credit of your private Account.
I have the honor to be with the highest respect   Dear sir   Your Obliged Obed Hue Ser


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Wilhem and Jan Willink, Nicholaas and Jacob Van Staphorst, and Nicholas Hubbard, 21 November 1791
From: Willink, Wilhem,Willink, Jan,Van Staphorst, Nicholaas,Van Staphorst, Jacob,Hubbard, Nicholas
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Amsterdam, November 21, 1791. On February 14, 1792, Hamilton wrote to Willink, Van Staphorst, and Hubbard: “I am just honored with your several favours of Nov 21st & 24th & December 2d.” Letter of November 21 not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Samuel Gerry, 22 November 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Gerry, Samuel

[Philadelphia, November 22, 1791. Asks Gerry to secure the papers which belonged to the office of the Marblehead collector of customs and which were in the possession of the estate of the late collector, Richard Harris. Letter not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Short, 22 November 1791
From: Short, William
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Paris Nov. 22. 1791.
Sir

In my two last letters of the 8th: & 12th: inst. I informed you of the then position of affairs at Antwerp & Amsterdam. Nothing new can have taken place with respect to Antwerp as I then mentioned to you that a loan was to be opened there for three millions of florins at 4½. p. cent interest & 4. p. cent commission. I shall leave this place in two days so as to sign the contract there at the end of the month.
I mentioned to you also that I had authorized the opening a loan for the same sum & on the same terms at Amsterdam. I have just recieved a letter from the commissioners there in which they inform me that they have postponed it in hopes of being able to raise a loan the beginning of the next month at 4. p. cent interest, & ask my authorisation to do it with an augmentation of charges. This has surprised me very agreeably & I shall of course in answering their letter approve what they have done & give them the authorization they desire. I shall be extremely happy to find their hopes realized & shall take care to inform you of the progress of this business immediately on my arrival there. They state the charges as being somewhat above 5. p. cent.
It is too late now to stop the loan ordered at Antwerp as the prospectus will have been published two days ago, or I should do it; having some apprehensions it may prevent the bankers opening the one they speak of at 4. p. cent. In that case however I shall really suspect they have held out these hopes merely to have a pretext for saying that the translation of our loans to Antwerp prevented the reduction of the rate of interest to 4. p. cent at Amsterdam. It is unfortunately too true that such strategems are considered as legitimate among the most delicate of those who deal in money in the markets of these countries. A very short time will shew however what opinion is to be formed of the prospect which they thus hold out, & which they say is produced by extraordinary & unexpected circumstances, particularly the immense & unforeseen sales of British stock. Such a reduction in the rate of interest is an event pregnant with such a variety of good consequences that it should be aimed at by every possible means. There was every reason to believe it would be effected in the course of the next year, but I own I did not flatter myself with it sooner.
Since my last I have recieved your two letters of Sep. 2. & Oct. 3. As it is the intention of the U.S. to make up the depreciation I am glad to have been informed of it thus early. I communicated it to the commissaries of the treasury who intended as they told me making objections to such payments in future. This astonished me the more as it would be objecting to recieve from a debtor what they pay to a considerably greater amount annually to their creditors. It is well to have anticipated their reclamations since the intention of the U.S. is such. I am persuaded the Ministry would have been too prudent to have rendered public such reclamations & should suppose it highly probable Ternant had acted of himself. The commissaries of the treasury were highly pleased with my communication. I desired they would fix some basis which should be equally just for both parties; it was agreed between us that it would be to ascertain what would have been the rate of exchange between Paris & Amsterdam if gold & silver had continued to circulate in France. They said they would consider of this subject, but nothing has been as yet proposed. I did not mention the mode of selling them my bills for specie, because their laws, & the accidental circumstances of the revolution having rendered gold & silver as articles of merchandize considerably dearer in France than they would have been in the ordinary course of things it is not just that the U. S. should support this real & intrinsic increase. In my letter to which you allude the depreciation was stated as about half the value of exchange. Since then depreciation, I mean the comparison difference between assignats & specie, has gone on much more rapidly than the difference of exchange. There are various & obvious reasons for this.
I have communicated this intention of the U. S. to M. de Lessart who has the interim of the department of foreign affairs. I have not as yet however an answer from him owing probably to the unsettled state of the department.
I had from a former letter concieved that you would have preferred London to Amsterdam in order to establish a credit there. I shall attend however in the manner you desire to what you say on this subject in your letter of Sep. 2.
It gave me much pleasure to find by your last letter that you had noticed to the bankers at Amsterdam the momentary fall in our stock there. The reduction of the rate of interest will of course, as it has hitherto been, be in future the object of our efforts agreeably to your desire, & I am exceedingly happy to have been able to offer you such favorable hopes respecting it, being ever desirous to convince you of my zeal, & give you assurances of the sentiments with which I have the honor to be Sir, you most obedient servant.
W: Short The Honble.Alexander Hamilton Secretary of the Treasury, Philadelphia.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 22 November 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

Treasury Departmt. 22d. Novr. 1791.

The Secretary of the Treasury has the honor respectfully to submit to the President of the United States, a Contract made by the Collector of Portsmouth for keeping & supplying the Light house at the mouth of that harbour for six months. It is supposed that this agreement has been confined to the term of six months in order to a future commencement in the beginning of the year. The conditions of it are the same as those of the preceding Contract, provided the supply be made in Hake Oil, & the extra expence of Spermaceti Oil, if it should be found necessary, does not appear liable to exception.
Alexander Hamilton


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Joseph Whipple, 22 November 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Whipple, Joseph

[Philadelphia, November 22, 1791. On December 10, 1791, Whipple wrote to Hamilton: “I have recd. your letter of the 22 Ulto.” Letter not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Richard Wylly, 22 November 1791
From: Wylly, Richard
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Loan Office, Georgia, November 22, 1791. “I have the honor of enclosing you my account against the United States for Stationary, Printers bill and hire of a Clerk.… As I did most of the business myself until the 25 of June I only employed a Person occasionally to assist me; after which time I found I could not dispatch the business without a Clerk constantly to attend in the Office, to whom I allowed at the rate of 400 dollars ⅌ annum, which I hope You will not think too much, as there are Merchants Clerks here who received larger Salaries. I did not keep an exact account of the Stationary, but I suppose it amounted to what I have charged.…”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, 23 November 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Olney, Jeremiah

Treasury Department Novr. 23rd 1791
Sir,

Your letter of the 11th October has been duly received.
Although, if it had occurred to you to forbear the institution of a suit, until application could have been made in due course for a remission of the forfeiture incurred, I should under the circumstances, of the case have approved of your conduct, yet it is certain, that you were strictly in order in every step you took and have furnished no cause for disapprobation or censure. You would not have been justifiable, in withdrawing the Action, which had been commenced, upon the receipt of my letter of the 24th of September, as has been supposed.
I feel a persuasion too, from the manner in which you stated the case to me, [as well as my general impression of your sentiments and views,] that you not having proceeded in the mode above intimated, rather than in that, in which you did proceed, was occasioned by an impression on your mind, that the latter was most consonant with your duty.
With great consideration   I remain Sir   Your obedt Servant
Alexander Hamilton Jereh. Olney EsqrCollector of Providence


Title: Report on Imports for the Year Ending September 30, 1790, 23 November 1791
From: Treasury Department,Hamilton, Alexander
To:

Treasury DepartmentNov. 23. 1791.[Communicated on November 24, 1791]
[To the President of the Senate]
Sir

I have the honor to transmit to the Senate, in further obedience to their order, an estimate exhibiting the value, at the several places of shipment, of all foreign goods, wares and merchandize imported into the United States, during the year ending on the 30th. day of September 1790. The principal objects of this document are to exhibit the portion of our consumption which is supplied by each foreign nation, and the aggregate value of the whole of our importations.
I have the honor to be with the greatest respect, Sir,   Your most obedt. & most humble servt.
Alexander Hamilton The Vice President of the United Statesand President of the Senate.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Constable, [24 November 1791]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Constable, William

[Philadephia, November 24, 1791]
Dr Sir

I have examined the draft herewith returned & perceive no objection to it. It can have no effect in severing the joint responsibility of the persons for what remains.
I infer from the draft & take for granted the fact is that this release to part of the Obligers is pursuant to an arrangement between the whole. This is necessary to the propriety of the measure towards them. They agreeing, the present form of the thing is indifferent to you.
Yrs. truly
A H
Nov 24. 1791
Wm. Constable Esq


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 24 November 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Lincoln, Benjamin

Treasury DepartmentNov. 24, 1791.
Sir

The President has received a petition from the keeper of the light house at Portland (Joseph Greenleaf) setting forth that his compensation is fixed below the rate at which he can afford to perform the service. It is understood that it was not a matter of contract, but that it was fixed at that rate after his appointment to the duty. Your opinion on the sufficiency of the allowance and on the degree to which it may be expedient, if at all, to increase it, are desired.
I am, Sir,   Your most obedt. servant
Benj. Lincoln Esq.CollectorBoston.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 24 November 1791
From: Olney, Jeremiah
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Providence, November 24, 1791. “Though I have no doubt but that the Schooner Alice was within Four leagues of Land when the Officer from on board the Argus Cutter demanded a Manifest of Captain Andrus; yet I have thought it prudent, before I commence a Prosecution, to put the question to Capt. Maltbie, in a letter which I have written to go by this Post. The Vessel is the property of Messrs. Brown & Francis of this Town.…”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Wilhem and Jan Willink, Nicholaas and Jacob Van Staphorst, and Nicholas Hubbard, 24 November 1791
From: Willink, Wilhem,Willink, Jan,Van Staphorst, Nicholaas,Van Staphorst, Jacob,Hubbard, Nicholas
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Amsterdam, November 24, 1791. On February 14, 1792, Hamilton wrote to Willink, Van Staphorst, and Hubbard: “I am just honored with your several favours of Nov. 21st & 24th & December 2d.” Letter of November 24 not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Alexander J. Dallas, 25 November 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Dallas, Alexander J.

Treasury Department, November 25, 1791. “I request you to make my acknowlegements to the Governor for the Copy of the Laws transmitted to me by his direction.…”


Title: Report on Tonnage for the Year Ending September 30, 1790, 25 November 1791 [28 November 1791]
From: Treasury Department,Hamilton, Alexander
To:

Treasury Department, November 25, 1791.[Communicated on November 28, 1791]
[To the President of the Senate]
Sir:

In further obedience to the order of the Senate, I have the honor to transmit a return of the Tonnage of all the vessels employed in the import, coasting, and fishing trades of the United States, for one year, ending on the 30th September, 1790. This document will be found to exhibit the degree in which American and foreign vessels participate in every branch of the commerce of the United States, except the export trade, for which a similar return is now in preparation.
I have the honor to be, with the highest respect, sir, your most obedient and most humble servant,
Alexander Hamilton, Secretary of the Treasury.
The Vice President of the United States and President of the Senate.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, 25 November 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Seton, William

[Philadelphia] November 25. 1791
My Dear Sir

I seize the first moment of leisure to answer your letter of the 21st.
Strange as it may appear to you, it is not more strange than true, that the whole affair of branches was begun, continued and ended; not only without my participation but against my judgment. When I say against my judgment, you will not understand that my opinion was given and overruled, for I never was consulted, but that the steps taken were contrary to my private opinion of the course which ought to have been pursued.
I am sensible of the inconveniences to be apprehended and I regret them; but I do not know that it will be in my power to avert them.
Ultimately it will be incumbent upon me to place the public funds in the keeping of the branch; but it may be depended upon that I shall precipitate nothing, but shall so conduct the transfer as not to embarrass or distress your institution. I have not time to say more at present except that if there are finally to be two institutions, my regard for you makes me wish you may feel yourself at liberty to take your fortune with the Branch which must preponderate.
With great regard   I remain   Yrs
A Hamilton Wm. Seton Esquire


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 25 November 1791
From: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.
To: Hamilton, Alexander

T.DC. Off Nov. 25. 1791
Sir,

Applications are frequently made respecting accounts which remain dependg in this Office, on which I have already delivered my opinion and made reports while I served in the Office of Auditer of the Treasury.
In some cases special appeals were made to my predecessor in Office, & in other cases when no appeals were made; the principles on which the accounts were stated, appear to be interesting to the public & to the claims of individuals.
As it was clearly intended by the Legislature in their Act for establishing the Treasury Department that all accounts, should be examined by the Comptroller of the Treasury, for reasons affecting the public, & for the purpose of securing to claimants an appeal from settlements made by the Auditer; I have supposed that considerations of duty to the public & to individuals, as well as motives of delicacy which respect myself, required that accounts of this description should be made subject to some special regulation.
I therefore have taken the liberty to make this representation & to request that you would cause such arragements to be made as shall in your judgement be suitable & expedient.
I have the honour to   be with the greatest   respect Your obed servt
O.W. To the Honle A H.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Hawkins, 26 November 1791
From: Hawkins, Benjamin
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Senate Chamber [Philadelphia] 26 novr. 1791
Dear Sir,

The legislature of North Carolina will soon be in Session, and I think it of considerable importance, that they should be informed of the Reasons Why you have refused to that State, the right, claimed by their executive, to subscribe their certificates or notes, issued prior to the first of January 1790, and received into the treasury. I therefore request the favour of you to give me such information on this subject as you may judge proper.
I request the favour also of your opinion on the 17 sec. of the act making provision for the debt of the United States. That you may clearly comprehend my object in this request, I will state the following Quere; Is the State of North Carolina entitled to receive from the United States, an interest ⅌ centum per annum, upon so much of the sum, as shall not have been subscribed, equal to that which would have accrued on the deficiency, had the same been subscribed, in trust for the non subscribing creditors; to continue until there shall be a settlement of accounts between the United States & the individual States &ca.?
I have the honor to be, very   Sincerely Dear Sir   your most obt. servt.
Benjamin Hawkins Honbe. Alexander HamiltonSecretary of the Treasury.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Jedediah Huntington, 26 November 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Huntington, Jedediah

[Philadelphia, November 26, 1791. Orders Huntington to “pay annually to the Surveyor of Stonington the Sum allowed by the Collection law.…” Letter not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John Ross, [29 November 1791]
From: Ross, John
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Philadelphia, November 29, 1791]
Dear Sir

The inclosed is Sent for your peruseal, and the letter Sketched for Mr Flint for your consideration, and to be altered by you if necessary. If however approved to be Sent in its present form, be pleased to Sign it, and I shall, convey it to be signed by the Other Commissioners, at N York & delivered. Excuse my troubling you.
With much Respect I am   Yours &ca
J: RossNov. 29th. 1791.
Alexander Hamilton Esqr.


Title: Enclosure: Royal Flint to John Ross, 15 November 1791
From: Flint, Royal
To: Ross, John

New York Nov. 15. 1791.
Sir

I have before me your favor of the 11th instant and am sorry I can make no reply that will give you satisfaction. The partners of the late firm of Daniel Parker & Co have not yet exhibited their accounts in such a manner as to render a close of them practicable. Nor have I now, any more than I always have had, the least expectation that this object will ever be accomplished. If the Commissioners of the trust think proper I will put the bonds into the hands of an Attorney to be put in suit. The Books of the company are all as forward for settlement, as they can be, with the documents I have already received. Mr Grant who knows more of this business than any other person will be here in ten days; after I have seen him I will write you more fully. In the mean time I have the honer to be   sir   with great respect   your obed srvt
Royal Flint Jno Ross Esq


Title: Enclosure: Trustees for Daniel Parker and Company to Royal Flint, 30 November 1791
From: Daniel Parker and Company,Flint, Royal
To:

Philadelphia 30th November 1791
Sir

Our last to you was dated 23d. of April and having now before us your letter to Mr. Ross of the 15th. Instant informing him that your application to the respective Partners of the late Firm of Daniel Parker & Co. have had no Effect in forwarding the Settlement of their Accots. with each other and that moreover, you have no expectation now of this objects being accomplished. That being the case Sir! we conceive it incumbent on us, as Commissioners appointed in the Act which invest the power and trust in you, to discharge our duty as much as possible, accordingly, we give it as our opinion that the Bonds of the Partners be immediately put in Suit for the Penalty.
The Creditors are suffering, and have much cause to complain of Neglect and delays on the part of Daniel Parker & Co. In Justice therefore to them, We do by this further authorize you to pursue every possible Legal measure, under the Powers you are possessed of, to facilitate the Recovery of the Penaltys for their Security. We are
Sir   Your most humble Servants
Royal Flint Esqr.Joint Agent & Trustee forDaniel Parker & Co. & for their Creditors.New York.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 29 November 1791
From: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.
To: Hamilton, Alexander

T. DC Off Nov 29th. 1791
Sir

I have the honour to submit to your consideration and decision a form for regulating the manner of rendering the accounts of expences of the revenue Cutters and take the liberty to request your instructions respecting the rate of Commissions to be allowed.
I have &
The Honble A H


Title: Enclosure: [Form Stating the Accounts of the Revenue Cutters], 29 November 1791
From: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.
To: Hamilton, Alexander

T.DC. Office
Sir

Enclosed you will receive a form for stating the accounts of the Revenue Cutters and your direction.
It will be expedient that an account should be opened in your books for the expences incurred under this agency, which will be closed quarterly and for the amount of which you will debit the United States in your quarterly account Current as Collector of the Revenue for the district of .
The rations of the Officers & Mariners you will please to allow according to such prices as shall from time to time be authorized by the Secretary of the Treasy.
A Commission of  ⅌ Cent is allowed for your extra trouble in this business which you will please to charge in the abstract of expences to be rendered according to the inclosed form, independent of and in addition to, the Commission to which you are otherwise by Law intittled.
I am &c


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Short, 30 November 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Short, William

Duplicate
Treasury DepartmentNovember 30 1791
Sir

Your letters of the 23rd. and 31st. of August and 3d of September remain unacknowledged. Mine to you of the 1st. of August 2nd. September and 3rd. of October will much abrige what is necessary to be said at this time.
The prices of the public debt here rendering it questionable whether it be any longer the interest of the United States to prosecute the idea of purchases with monies borrowed at 5 ⅌ Cent, and there being reasons of the moment against beginning the redemption of the six per Cents, I have concluded to forbear drawing for the second Million of Guilders mentioned in my letter of the 1st. instant. Except therefore one million of the last six which has been drawn for, the intire loan is to be applied to European purposes.
In directing this application you will bear in mind that there will be payments to be made on account of the Dutch Loans for which the proper reservations are to be made.
In your letter of the 23d. of August you mention that “in June next the first reimbursement is to take place on the loans made at Amsterdam,” and the Commissioners in some of their letters speak of the time of that reimbursement as approaching.
Hence I conclude that some mistake has arisen, as by the Contracts in the Treasury it appears that the first payment of principal of the first Dutch Loan namely that for 5,000.000 of florins contracted the 17th of June 1782 is not to take place till the 1st. of June 1793.
It will be proper to have an explanation with the Commissioners on this point; lest an error should have crept into the copies of the Contract sent to the Treasury; which however from the whole circumstances appears scarcely possible.
All payments for interest or otherwise which shall be necessary to be made upon the Dutch Loans during the year 1792 are intended to be made out of the monies borrowed abroad which will leave in the Treasury here the sums that ought to be remitted for interest as a part of the two millions of Dollars authorised to be borrowed by the act making provision for the reduction of the public debt.
After the year 1792 remittances for interest will go from hence. But it is probable that for some time to come, we shall have to depend on loans abroad for the reimbursement of the installments of principal, which may be falling due.
I observe the idea that a Guarantee would be necessary, in the case of a Loan made in England. This circumstance I was not apprised of. It appears to me inadmissible.
I also observe what has passed concerning the charges on the last loan. You will perceive from my letters above referred to the light in which this subject of charges has presented itself to my view.
With the truest consideration and esteem I have the honor to be, Sir,   Your most Obedt servant
Alexander Hamilton William Short Esqr.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Angelica Church, November 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Church, Angelica

PhiladelphiaNovember  1791
My Dear friend

What is the reason that we have been so long without a line from you? Does your affection for us abate? If it does you are very ungrateful: for I think as kindly as ever of My Dear Sister in Law and Betsey has lately given me stronger proof than she ever did before of her attachment to you. Guess if you can what this is. If you can’t guess, you must wait for an explanation until we meet once more.
You may think this as remote as a certain day, that pious folks talk so much about. But you will be disappointed—I hope too agreeably. Things are tending fast to a point, which will enable me honorably to retreat from a situation in which I make the greatest possible sacrifices to a little empty praise, or if you like the turn better, to a disposition to make others happy. But this disposition must have its limits.
Will you be glad to see us in Europe? For you will never come to America.
This will be delivered to you by Mr. Morris, son of Robert Morris. He is not a dilatanti fellow; but he is a deserving young man. And you must be civil to him.
Betsey joins me in embracing you and in assuring you that we are ever most Affectionately Yrs.
Adieu
A Hamilton Mrs. Church


Title: Memorandum from Oliver Wolcott, Junior, [November 1791]
From: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Philadelphia November, 1791]. Encloses extract of a letter, dated August 22, 1785, from Nathanael Greene to the President of Congress. Observes that “Baron Glaubeck was allowed pay as a Captain from March 9, 81. to August. 24 1782 & pd.… A sum far less than Genl. Green had advanced.”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Nathaniel Appleton, 1 December 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Appleton, Nathaniel

Treasury DepartmentDecember 1. 1791.
Sir

I have directed the Treasurer to transmit you draughts for fifty five thousand dollars towards payment of the quarter’s interest ending the 31st. of December. These draughts are with blanks for the direction as heretofore, and may be filled with the name either of the Collector of Boston or of the Cashier of the Bank of North America, New York or Massachusetts. One half of these bills may at once be disposed of, if a demand occurs, upon either of the Banks of North America or New York. For the residue it is presumed you will find sufficient sums in the Bank of Massachusetts and in the hands of the Collector of Boston. There appeared to be on the 13th. of November a balance of twenty two thousand two hundred and fifteen dollars in the hands of the latter. You will however do well to consult with him, in order to ascertain what sum you may rely upon in time.
You will without delay inform me how far there is a probability that the sum transmitted, together with the former draughts remaining in your hands, will be adequate to the object, and you will report to me weekly the amount of the sales you shall make.
I am, Sir,   Your obedt. servant
A Hamilton

PS   You will of course understand that you are to make use of the drafts which have remained in your hands, equally with those now announced, as far as may be necessary.
Nathl. Appleton Esq.Commissioner of LoansMassachusetts.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Short, 1 December 1791
From: Short, William
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Antwerp Dec. 1. 1791
Sir

I arrived here the day before yesterday & learned from M de Wolf that the loan mentioned to you in my letters of the 12th. & 22d of November was already contracted for, except a small portion which he reserved for the public according to the usage of this place & which he should continue open ten or fifteen days. The loan is to be dated from to-day & the undertakers are to have five months to furnish the money in equal portions monthly with the privilege of furnishing it sooner if they please as at Amsterdam. He has no doubt it will be furnished much sooner.
I passed the act before the Notary yesterday, a copy of which will be forwarded to you with this letter if it can be prepared in time, to obtain on it the ratification promised. The terms of interest & commission have been already mentioned to you.
The amount of this loan will be remitted to France in proportion as it is recieved here, as well to avoid double interest as to leave it the smallest time possible at the risk of the U.S. Nothing was settled before I left Paris as to the manner of indemnifying France for depreciation. I mentioned to you why the sale of my bills for specie at Paris would be disadvantageous. The government do not remit this money to Holland, as you had been informed. On the contrary they have specie brought from thence to satisfy such demands in France as exact specie. I imagine that the indemnity must be made them at the close of the payments by estimation formed on principles which it will not be difficult to agree about. The price of exchange is regularly & daily settled. The price of gold & silver is published also daily, but the manner in which this commerce is carried on & its accidental fluctuations render it by no means a true standard or one which would suit the U.S.
I had the honor of informing you in my late letters of the payments made out of the loan of six millions conformably to my orders. They amounted to three millions of florins which I had desired the bankers of the U.S. to remit to France & f 560,000. paid to the French bankers at Amsterdam. I had supposed of course there would remain in their hands of the 6,000,000, f 2,440,000 which was the part you had directed to be kept at your disposition except the f 60,000 paid above the f 500,000 to the French bankers as formerly mentioned. I have lately recieved however a letter from our bankers in which they state f 2,200,000 as the whole of the balance that will remain in their hands. How this happens I cannot say, but suppose they must have received other orders for disposing of this money as mine extend only to f 3,560,000. Should your draughts be recieved for the f 2,500,000, directed to be reserved, still I do not apprehend any inconvenience, as if no loan should be previously made at Amsterdam, the deficiency may at the worst be supplied from hence.
You will have learned from my several letters the progress of affairs here & at Amsterdam. Before having any reason to believe that the U.S. would be able to reduce the rate of interest this year at Amsterdam, & assured by our bankers that all loans made there after that period would be subjected to a tax of 1. p. cent, I authorized a loan here at 4½. p. cent interest & 5. p. cent commission. Circumstances becoming more favorable before that authorisation was acted under I determined to endeavour to make use of them to ameliorate the terms of commission & succeeded in the manner mentioned to you. During this time the bankers represented to me that the increasing abundance of money at Amsterdam gave them hopes that they might succeed in effecting a loan at 4½ p. cent. early enough to avoid the tax & therefore requested my authorisation for them to sieze the first favorable moment to conclude an engagement with the undertakers at 4½. p. cent. Nothing was said about charges, but their former letters left me no doubt that they counted on an augmentation, & they wrote me soon afterwards in answer to my letters on the subject that the reduction of interest would of course augment the charges, they could not say how much precisely until authorized to make propositions to the undertakers. As soon as I had fixed the business of the loan at Antwerp I limited them to the same charges of 4. p. cent & authorised their opening a loan at 4½. p. cent interest for f 3,000,000 if it could be done before the operation of the tax. In answer they say they postpone it in hopes of soon effecting a loan at 4. p. cent interest with an augmentation of charges somewhat above five p. cent, & desire my authorisation as mentioned to you in my last. I mentioned to you also that it was then too late to stop that agreed for here, under circumstances quite different from those then stated at Amsterdam; & the effect I apprehended it might produce on our bankers there to whom it had been notified since their writing above, although it is probable they had either information or suspicions respecting it sooner. I was not mistaken in my apprehensions. On my arrival here I found a letter from them waiting for me in which they express fully their mortification at a loan being opened here. They gave various reasons to shew the impropriety & danger it may be of to the credit of the U.S. & finally desire that if any opportunity should present itself for stopping it that it may be done as being “absolutely necessary to insure the success of a loan at Amsterdam at 4. p. cent.”
Their letter may be reduced to the following substance which I give you in its own order. Their surprize that it did not occur to me from the relation they stand in to the U.S. to ask their opinion upon the measure, that they would then have told me that Antwerp is not a new source of credit to the U.S. as the monied men here place their money in the loans in Holland, that the Undertakers will be piqued at this & avail themselves of any circumstance to shew their resentment, that those who operate a solitary piece of business will not be as well disposed if as able as they are, to advance any monies for regular payment of interests, that borrowing money out of Amsterdam would denote the credit of the U.S. being exhausted there & be a mortifying reflection, though an untrue one, on the respectability of the U.S., that a debtor’s borrowing money here, there & wherever he can find lenders supposes great wants or small means of satisfying them & be a basis of discredit, that borrowing at different places under the same power limited as to its amount, may prevent giving the moral certainty required in such cases where personal respectability & credit are out of the question, of the power’s not being exceeded. They had misconstrued an expression in my letter which I used in notifying to them this loan, so as to infer that the wants of the U.S. were considerable, & that therefore the offers from Antwerp had been accepted; & they say in consequence that if I had deigned to inform them confidentially of the extent of these wants they would have informed me candidly how far they could be supplied there. Whereas I meant that the wants of the U.S. were such that they were sufficiently master of them to execute the design of reducing the rate of interest even at the risk of diminishing the sums loaned.
I answered their letter yesterday & found no difficulty in obviating the several objections they made. On the whole I continued the authorization of making the loan at 4. p. cent interest informing them that no more would be made at an higher rate, that this was authorised here, as they knew, before any hopes were held out of reducing the interest below 5. p. cent this year at Amsterdam & that it had been too late to have revoked it or I should have done it not from any apprehension that it could prevent a loan at 4. p. cent at Amsterdam, but because it was better raising money at 4. p. cent than 4½. & that if the loan was not effected at 4. p. cent I should remain fully persuaded that the hopes they had held out had been too sanguine & never believe they had been frustrated by this loan which was already engaged. I observed also that I supposed the dispositions of the undertakers would depend very much on those by whom they were employed, but that if not & they were sufficiently unjust to desire any other monopoly of the loans of a country than that which arises from negotiating them on better terms, I should imagine they (the bankers) would agree with me that it was an additional reason for desiring not to depend solely on their will. I know not what effect my letter will produce though I cannot doubt that if any opportunity presented itself in this moment for exercising their resentment with some degree of efficacity that it would be made use of. As that cannot be done however, interest will probably resume its proper weight & induce them to exert themselves as hitherto. Should they not effect the loan at 4. p. cent it will be an indisputable proof to me, that the suspicions they had entertained of the loan here, had more influence in exciting the hopes they held out than its accomplishment can have had in frustrating them.
I own however that I wait with some degree of anxiety for the event, for although what I have mentioned, is my firm persuasion yet it is possible you may think otherwise; & even the possibility of the measure which I have taken, procrastinating so desirable an event as the reduction of the interest on the loans to 4. p. cent, would augment much the distrust I have always entertained as to myself in this business & which I took the liberty of communicating to you.
In any event however I cannot doubt Sir that you will consider the authorisation given for the loan here, as indisputably proper at the time & under the circumstances it was given, with which you were regularly made acquainted. I must add also in justice to myself that if any doubts could possibly have been entertained respecting the measure at that time, they would have been removed by the confidence of the advantages resulting from it, entertained & expressed by Mr. Morris with so much constancy & uniformity, & whose opinions could not but have weight with me proportioned to the proofs of the confidence reposed in him by the President of the United States.
This letter will be sent by the way of London & will be followed soon by another informing you of what shall have been done at Amsterdam, & adding assurances of the respect & attachment with which I have the honor to be Sir, you most obedient humble servant
W: Short The Honble.Alexander Hamilton Secretary of the Treasury Philadelphia


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Nathaniel Appleton, 2 December 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Appleton, Nathaniel

Treasury DepartmentDecember 2 1791
Sir

I have upon reflexion concluded to authorise You to dispose of the whole of the draughts mentioned in my letter of yesterday upon either of the Banks of North America or New York in preference to the other mode then proposed. But in case you should find no demand for the whole or part of the draughts upon the two banks; it is to be understood that you are at liberty to avail yourself of the alternative first mentioned, as to the residue.
I am, Sir   Your Obed Servant.
Alexander Hamilton Nathaniel Appleton Esqr.Commr of LoansMassachusetts


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Wilhem and Jan Willink, Nicholaas and Jacob Van Staphorst, and Nicholas Hubbard, 2 December 1791
From: Willink, Wilhem,Willink, Jan,Van Staphorst, Nicholaas,Van Staphorst, Jacob,Hubbard, Nicholas
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Amsterdam, December 2, 1791. On February 14, 1792, Hamilton wrote to Willink, Van Staphorst, and Hubbard: “I am just honored with your several favours of Nov 21st & 24th & December 2d.” Letter of December 2 not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Nathaniel Appleton, 3 December 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Appleton, Nathaniel

Treasury Department December 3d 1791
sir

On the receipt of this letter I request You to deposit in the Bank of Massachusetts for sale, the Bills of the Treasurer of the united States for 55,000 Dollars, (or such of them as remain unsold) which have been transmitted to you agreably to my letter of the 1st instant.
I am, sir,   Your Obedt Servt
Alexander Hamilton Nathl: Appleton EsqrCommissr of loansMassachusetts


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John Chaloner, [3 December 1791]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Chaloner, John

[Philadelphia, December 3, 1791]
Sir

I request you will not take any step respecting the land mortgaged by Mr. Holker for Mr. Church’s debt without first consulting me.
I am Sir   Your obedient servt

Alex Hamilton
December 3d. 1791
John Chaloner Esqr.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 5 December 1791
From: Ellery, William
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Newport, Rhode Island] December 5, 1791. “I have recd. your letters of the 16th & 17th of the last month, and the contents of them will be duely regarded. The construction you give to the Provision in the Act of the 3d. of March 1791 I am happy to find corresponds with the opinion I had entertained.…”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John Eager Howard, 5 December 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Howard, John E.

Treasury DepartmentDec. 5th. 1791.
Sir.

It appearing to me, that the attention of the Legislature of Maryland may be necessary to the removal of an inconvenience under which the subscribers of the debt of that state now lie, I do myself the honor to make the requisite communication to your Excellency.
The 18th. section of the act making provision for the debt of the United States suspends the payment of interest in respect to the debt of any State which shall have issued its own certificates in exchange for those of the United States, until it shall be satisfactorily made to appear, that the certificates issued for that purpose by such state have been re-exchanged or redeemed, or until those, which shall not have been re-exchanged or redeemed shall be surrendered to the United States. It is understood that the measure contemplated in this section was adopted by the State of Maryland, that is, that a sum of state certificates was issued in exchange for an equal sum of certificates of the federal debt, and that although a part of those state certificates has been redeemed, others to a considerable amount have not been re-exchanged or redeemed, but that many of them have been subscribed to the loan of the assumed debt. It will conduce as well to the order of the finances as to the convenience of the public creditors, [the payment of Interest to whom must otherwise be suspended,] if measures can be taken by the government of Maryland to make the balance unredeemed and unexchanged to appear, and if they should direct the surrender of the amount of such balance in certificates of federal debt in their old form. Should the surrender of them in that form be impracticable from the circumstance of the subscription of federal debt, which was directed by the legislature, an equal sum of six per cent, deferred and three per cent stock, in such proportions as the balance or deficiency would produce on subscription, may be paid in lieu of the certificates in their old form. This will be at the election of the state, and can be affected by no circumstance but their own convenience, as there can be no pecuniary advantage or disadvantage in either mode.
Should this subject require further explanation, the Commissioner of Loans, on your signifying your desire to him, can probably possess you of the necessary information, or should any thing occur which he cannot elucidate, it will give me great satisfaction to make the necessary communication.
I have the honor to be with the greatest respect, Sir.   Your most obedt.   & most humble servant
Alexander HamiltonSecretary of the Treasury
His ExcellencyThe Governor of Maryland.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, 5 December 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Jay, John

Philadelphia December 51791
My Dear Sir

Your letter of the 14th of November duly came to hand.
A temporary absence from this place, some ill health, and much occupation have delayed an acknowlegement ’till this time.
Aware of the inconveniences, to which you refer, from the want of a proper provision for defraying the expences of the Courts—I inserted in the estimate presented at the beginning of the session a sum for an appropriation in aid of the fund heretofore designated, which has not been found sufficiently productive. I was not consulted when that provision was made or I could have foretold that it would prove inadequate.
Accounts from all quarters bespeak the same content which you mention as prevailing in the Country which has fallen under your observation.
There is I hope no danger of the error you mention, though the passions of some folks would in particular respects lead to it, if they could have their way.
Mrs. H joins in Compliments to Mrs. Jay.
With respectful & affectionate attachment   I remain Dr Sir   Your Obed serv
A Hamilton The Honble Chief Justice Jay