Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Joseph Whipple, 7 October 1791
From: Whipple, Joseph
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Portsmo New Hamp. Octo. 7 1791
Sir

Mr. Flag who was appointed 1st mate of the Revenue Cutter having been absent ever since his appointment has lately returned home, & having enterd into engagements in the Service of a Merchant as Master of a Vessel declines the Acceptance of his Commission which I now return inclosed herewith.
I beg leave to name John Parrot the 2nd Mate to fill the Station of 1st. Mate, his Conduct since he has been in the Service intitles him to this recommendation.
I also beg leave to name John Adams as a suitable person to take the place of Mr. Parrott as 2nd Mate, he is a young man of a reputable Family, has been Several Voyages as Mate of a Vessel & is recommended by several respectable persons—as there was only one Mate on duty, at Capt. Yeatons request I consented that Mr. Adams shoud go on board the 27th. Ulto. & if it shoud please the president to appoint him I hope there will be no impropriety in his Commissions bearing date on the day of his entering on duty.
Mr. Hobert who was recommended for 3rd Mate is at Sea & is soon expected home.
Before the Cutter sailed on the first Cruize I proposed to Cap. Yeaton his supplying the People with Bread & meat at the rate Specified in the Army Rations—and desired him to inform them that the residue of articles or their Value, shoud be made up in Settlement & in the Mean time money shoud be advanced them for the purpose of supplying themselves, with which they were perfectly Satisfied. During the Cruize they fell in with the Cutter Massachusetts whose people they found were furnished with provisions of Bread & Meat & Peas without restriction & with Coffee So this had Such effect on Cap. Yeatons people that he was obliged to dismiss three of them on his return into port. I mention this circumstance to show the Necessity of a Uniformity in the Supplies to these Vessels, as they will have communication with each other. The Scammels Crew caught Fish & were therefore well off for provisions, but Cap. Yeaton is of opinion that without the Aid of Fish which is an uncertain Supply, the quantity of Meat is not Sufficient for people at Sea who cannot be Supplied constantly with Vegetable. I have therefore been under the Necessity of consenting that Cap. Yeaton should Supply his people for the present in the Same manner that Capt. Williams’s people are Supplied managing the Same with prudence. The result of this experiment shall be laid before you.
In consequence of the P.S. to your letter of the 19th. Ulto. I have consulted, what rate pr. Ration in lieu of articles would be satisfactory to the Seamen & find it would greatly exceed the Value of a Sufficient Supply of Provisions, & I do not conceive that any engagements of the Seamen for Supplying themselves would be safe for the Service as no dependence can be had in their providing a sufficient quantity for the Cruize. A person on whom I can depend has proposed to supply the 4 Seamen at 12 Cents ⅌ Ration with a quantity of Provisions which Cap. Yeaton is of opinion would be Satisfactory to the People & which he conceives in necessary, but this quantity exceeds the rations fixed by Law & are as follow.—for 4 Men a Week or 28 Rations

    30
    lb Beef

    8
    lb Pork

    28
    lb Bread

    1½
    lb Coffee

    3
    pints Molases

    4
    Qts. Peas

    14
    Jills Rum

This will give one & half pound Beef or one pound pork in lieu of the Army Ration & adds Coffee Molss. & Peas instead of Vinegar Salt & Soap. This Might be Contracted for, for a year or any less term.
In conformity with your Circular letter of the 21st. Sep. I have proposed to Cap Yeaton & he agrees to receive Nine Cents for the Ration which he is entitled to draw for himself & boys as well as his extra Rations, to which proposal his Mate Also Accedes, So that no rations will be drawn but for the 4 Seamen. Capt. Yeaton would furnish the Component parts of the fixed Ration for 9 Cents but insists on the impossibility of Satisfying the people therewith.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Edward Carrington, 8 October 1791
From: Carrington, Edward
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Richmond October 8th. 1791
Sir,

Since mine of the 4th. Instant, covering some information upon Manufactures, I have received an additional report from General Stevens, Inspector of Survey No. 2, which, together with his letter, and a Copy of one he received from one of his Collectors I now do myself the pleasure to enclose. It was my intention, at first, to have obtained the Reports of all the Inspectors, and then have made a general one, with certain allowances, and remarks, for you. This would have been attended with but little trouble, and although you was good enough to desire that it might be dispensed with, yet I should have done it. The detached manner in which my information comes, & the late period at which I should be enabled to communicate it to you, were I to delay for this purpose, dictates the greater propriety of complying with your dispensation, and giving you the information by parts, as it comes in. You find that Genl Stevens & Mr. Ragsdale, have, both, reported the domestic manufactures made in twenty families, comprehending the various classes of life, from the richest to the poorest. This is done in consequence of a request I made of each Inspector, in order to form a principle of calculation upon the whole number of families in the State, expecting that, as these Gentlemen reside in different parts, such reports might enable us to judge how far a general principle of calculation might be relied upon, or what deviations might be proper to lead the nearest the truth. You will observe that each of these reports already received, take in the whole year 1790; the others will do the same, and as they come to my hands, they shall be forwarded to you.
The enquiries upon this subject gave rise, at first, to suggestions from the Enemies of the Government, that the object was, a Tax upon manufactures. This led to the necessity of the Inspectors effecting their inquiries in such manner as would not favor such an alarm; and this they have been so judicious in, that there is nothing said about it now. Indeed it is generally viewed in the true light, as leading to some project for the encouragement of home Manufactures.
I am with the greatest respect   Sir   Your Most Ob st.
Ed CarringtonSupervisor D V.
Alexander Hamilton Esqr


Title: Enclosure: Edward Stevens to Edward Carrington, 6 October 1791
From: Stevens, Edward
To: Carrington, Edward

Culpeper Court House [Virginia] October 6th. 1791
Sir

Expecting this to be nearly about the time you would wish to be receiving the reports respecting the manufactures of this State, I have made Out and now Inclose you such a one as (I conceived) you required of me; at least as nearly so, as was in my power, And I hope it may be such as will answer. You will understand the information was taken entirely from persons of this County, indeed I found great reluctance in many of my Acquaintances and refusal from others, at least their conduct produced the same effect, as they never could find a proper time to detail to me or set down an Accot. themselves. I trust it will make no diference my geting this intelligence entirely from persons of this County, as I think the circumstances of all the Countys in my Survey is nearly similar, as to Cultivation Produce and Domestic manufactures; except perhaps one or Two of the little County’s in the Lower parts of it. In averaging the Prices of the diferent Articles, I governed myself from the information, as well as by the following Principles. The Linnen Cloth made by the Rich is generally for their negroes which is coarse, that made by the midling Kind, a great proportion is also used in the same way, and that by the lower Sort for their own wear. Therefore a greater part of theirs would be some what of a finer Quality. In the Woolen Cloth both the Rich and the middling by what I could learn was nearly the same Kind, for negroes, and Children some of it mixted colours & others, in the Shape of a Stuff which is imported from Britain and called Jersy’s. The poorest people among us raise few or no Sheep, and what wool they commanly have I fancey is mostly made into Stockings. The Cotton Cloth made by the Rich, a great proportion is for Coverlets, Bedtyckes, Mens wear Jeans &c which is valuable. It is also nearly the case with the middling or at least what they may be deficient in Coverlets Jeans &c they make up in Womens fine Gowns. The Poorest is generally coarse. With respect to Stockings and Shoes, The Rich commonly purchase the greater part of the fine Kinds which they wear and the other Classes dont make such use of them, therefore after taking into Accot. that the largest Quantity are for negroes and the poorest people, think I may be pretty near the value of these Two Articles.
I have received one report of the Stated Trades, or rather a List ⟨of⟩ the names of the diferent Tradesmen, distinguishing whether living in Town or Country; from Mr. Adams of Loudon, he says it was not in his Power to do more, he seems to be of a disposition to oblige and has the Character of a very active attentive, Industrious good man. I have also received from Mr. Yancey of Lousia by way of a Paragraph of a Letter something on the Subject, but in order to give you a better Knowledge of it, than a description, I have taken the Liberty to inclose you a Coppy. In what manner do you wish me to hand them to you? I mean as to waitg until they all come forward to me, and make a General report. I am with very much respect
Sir   Your most hum. Servt
Edward Stevens InspectorRevenue Survey No. 2

ACCOUNT of Manufactures made in Survey No. 2 by Twenty Families from the Richest to the Poorest in the Space of One Year from the 1st. January to 31st December 1790

Classes of Four Families in each Class
Linnen Cloth Yards
Yarn Cloth Yards
Cotton Cloth Yards
Stockinges dift. Kinds Pairs
Shoes dift. Kinds Pairs
Average Price of Each Article wch. was obliged to be conjectural

Lin. Cloth
Yarn do
Cotton do
Stockgs
Shoes

1/6
2/6
3/6
4/6
6/8

First
187
225
700½
51
112
* 1.  82. 2. 6

Second
225
95
440
46
57
† 2.  43. 0. 0

Third
320
24
296
40
38
3. 294. 5. 0

Fourth
254
”
177
28
17
4.  39. 3. 0

Fifth
109
”
68
9
13
  5.  79. 0. 0

537.10. 6

1095
344
1681½
174
237

*1
†2
3
4
5
Note in some instances their was a little mixted Cloths. I should have made a Column for it but as it was not taken notice of in your request, was apprehensive it might derange your System, therfore I proportioned it according to the Stuff it was made of

Edward Stevens Inspector
Revenue Survey No. 2
October 5th: 1791


Title: Enclosure: Charles Yancey to Edward Stevens, [1–5 October 1791]
From: Yancey, Charles
To: Stevens, Edward

[Louisa County, Virginia, October 1–5, 1791]

Inclosed you will receive a list of the Stills with their Contents in our County you will please to excuse any Inaccuracies in the want of form as I have greatly hurried in the Business oweing among other causes to the want of Health and being anxious to make my return by the time you directed having found it a very fatigueing troublesome Business. However I have been happy to find the People willing to submit to the duties though not without some disapprobation of the Law through Ignorance of the true meaning, but after explaining the same appear to be tolerably satisfied. And agreeably to your directions I have appointed persons to receive the returns of all the Stills within ten Miles of each of them, to wit Capt James Dabney in the lower part of the County, and Mr William Wash in the upper part of the said County, so that at present, there are Offices opened within ten Miles of every Still in the County and, in order to give the Business the greater Credit the persons I have appointed are of the best Credit & Character. With respect to the other requisitions of the Secretary I do not well know what to say as I have so little time and their being no publick manufactures In Our County except one gun Smith to wit Francis Giddins who Works part of the Year at that Business, And one Wheel rights Shop, to wit Butler Bradburn, though their Are several Persons that do some thing at the Business in the Winter Season, when their Crops are Secured &c. We have a Considerable Number of Carpente⟨rs⟩ Joiners and Blacksmiths. The latter is Cheifly done by Blacks but little more is done then Working and farming Tools &c. Manufactures of Common home Spun is very Considerable in private Families, but we have no fulling Mills in our County, a pretty deal of Cotton & Flax is raised; wool is on the Increase And the Culture of Tobo is on the decline; The farming Business is gaining the assendencey among our People, and upon the whole we are on riseing Ground & becomeing more wealthy and Independent. As to the defects of the Excise Law, I have ha⟨d⟩ very little leasure to peruse it or to spend much thought about ⟨it⟩ but think if the Collectors in the deferent Counties were Aided ⟨by⟩ Assistants it would be convenient. And that the profits at present are no ways equal to the expence and trouble & suppo⟨se⟩ few in the Country can find their Account in holding their Appointsments. You will please to signify to me any furthe⟨r⟩ Instructions that may be necessary as I shall be happy in rendering any service I am able while in my present Office I am &c.
P S   The Price of Mr Giddins Rifles is £4 and smooth Boars £3. The Price of Cart & Waggon Wheels are various from 30/ to 50/ According to their size. Tanner’es we have none but in private families since Mr Culp has removed. The time I have marked against the Stills being employed is as near as we could guess at the usual time, Though few of them will be employed this Year as we have very little fruit. There are also some few Stills in the Country not noticed, as they are not intended to be used and are not in furnicies.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 8 October 1791
From: Olney, Jeremiah
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Custom HouseProvidence 8th. Octr. 1791
Sir

There has lately been instituted in this Town a Bank which will Commence discounting on Tuesday Next, the plan or Constitution of which I have the Honor to enclose you. The President and others, are very desirous that the public monies Received in my office should be Deposited therein, and that Bank notes should be received by me in discharge of Bonds taken for duties. Tho I am Fully sensible of the many advantages that a measure of this sort would afford to the Public and Merchantle Interest, yet as I am not authorized to enter into any Negotiations with the President and directors, I am induced Respectfully to request your particular advice and Instructions on this Subject.
I have the Honor to be with Esteem   Sir   Your most Obed. Hum Serv.
Jereh Olney Collr. Alexr. Hamilton Esqr.Secy. of the Treasury


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, 8 October 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Seton, William

Treasury DepartmentOctr. 8th. 1791
Sir,

It is necessary to inform you that the Treasurers check or order for thirty thousand dollars of the first instant in favor of John Cochran Esq the Commissioner of loans for New York was intended to include your payment of Twenty thousand Dollars on the 1st instant, and the further sum of ten thousand Dollars. I think it proper to apprize you of this lest you may suppose that the Thirty thousand Dollars were to be additional to the Twenty thousand.
The duplicate receipt for Ten thousand Dollars of the 29th Ulto. by the Vice Consul General of France (and Mr. de la Forest) is at hand.
I am   Sir,   Your obedt Servant.
A Hamilton

Willm. Seton EsqrCashier of the Bank ofNew York


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Vincent Gray, 9 October 1791
From: Gray, Vincent
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Alexandria, Virginia, October 9, 1791. On November 10, 1791, Hamilton wrote to Charles Lee: “Mr Gray’s letter of the 9th Ultimo … has been received.” Letter not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John Cochran, 10 October 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Cochran, John

[Philadelphia, October 10, 1791. On October 10, 1791, Hamilton wrote to William Seton that he was sending a letter to the commissioner of loans for New York State. Letter not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 10 October 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Delany, Sharp

Treasury Department, October 10, 1791. “Your letter of the 5th instant has been received. The requisite instructions relative to the boat have been forwarded to the Collector of Wilmington.…”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 10 October 1791
From: Ellery, William
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Collector’s Office [Newport, Rhode Island] Oct 10th: 1791
Sir,

I have received your Circular of the 21st. of last month, and shall observe your directions contained in it. I have also received your letter of the 23d. of the same month with the marginal part of Certife. of Registry No. 60.
I wish to know whether cancelled bonds for Registers may be delivered up to the obligors, or destroyed. I don’t know that they can be of any use after cancelment, and the keeping of them in the office, if useless, will only serve to accumulate papers, which collect very fast. I should be glad too to be informed whether upon Licenses being delivered up, the bonds which relate to them are to be cancelled, and whether such Licenses and bonds, if to be cancelled, or either of them are to be preserved in the office after being delivered up and cancelled. A licensed vessel may have been employed in some illicit trade, and it may not be known until after the License is delivered up, in this case if the bond is cancelled on the delivery of the License, the obligors are discharged from the penalty of the bond.
The substance of the Deposition which in my last I promised to communicate in this, was that he was certain that twenty barrels of sugar, two barrels of Molasses, and between twenty and thirty bags of Coffee were landed from the Brig Seven brothers about 10 or 11 o’clock of the night he arrived in Newport, the value whereof is more than four hundred dollars.
At the same time that a summons issued for the Deponent, the Substance of whose Deposition I have just given, a Summons issued for another person who was also a seaman on board the Seven Brothers in the voyage at the close of which goods were landed from her without a permit; but he has avoided the service and gone to Sea. Indeed if the Deponent had not been hunted and harrassed by the Officer, and influenced by the strong perswasions of his father, who is Inspector of the Port of Bristol, he would not have submitted to a service of the Summons.
A Writ is served on Thos. Cottrel, and a summons issued for a Seaman, who lives in Providence, to appear forthwith before the Judge of the District Court at his Dwelling house to give his deposition in that case. I suspect the Marshall will not be able to serve it, and if he should he cannot compel him to appear in the first instance; and before a compulsory process could issue he would probably be gone. A summons issued for the same man to give evidence at the trial of the Sloop Betsy, and he avoided the service, as the other Seaman referred to did the summons for him in the case of the Seven Brothers.
Permit me on this occasion to observe, that, considering Custom-House Officers, and Informers are, on account of their being interested, not admissible as Witnesses, and seamen are strongly attached to their employers, and under their influence, unless a law is passed by the United States, admitting a capias to issue in the first instance, and to be served by persons other than Officers, it will be extremely difficult to prosecute transgressors of the Revenue Law to Conviction. Marshalls and Depy. Marshalls are almost universally known and whenever a seizure is made, or a prosecution commenced and they appear in any place suspicions are excited, the alarm given, and they who could give testimony disappear.
I send by this post a weekly return of monies received and paid, a monthly schedule of bonds, an Abstract of distilled Spirits exported from 1st. of July to 30th Sept. 1791. Register of Ship Ascension No. 2 granted at Sagg Harbour Decr. 26 1789 Copy of an endorsmt. on Regr. No. 57. granted at this port Novr. 23 1790, a like endorsmt. on Regy. No. 41. granted at this Port Oct. 1 1790, and a like endorsement on Regr. No. 5 granted at this Port 1791, also my quarterly returns, and copies of Certifs. of Registry and Enrollments for the Quarter ending Sept. 30th 1791, and a list of a bank note amg. to One hundred Dollars, one moiety whereof is now transmitted to the Treasy.
I am Sir,   Yr. most obedt. servt.
Wm Ellery Collr A Hamilton EsqrSecry of Treasy


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jedediah Huntington, 10 October 1791
From: Huntington, Jedediah
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[New London, Connecticut, October 10, 1791. On November 22, 1791, Hamilton wrote to Huntington: “I do not think, it will be necessary to require a refund from the officers of the revenue cutter … as mentioned in your letter of the 10th. October.” Letter not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Mifflin, [10 October 1791]
From: Mifflin, Thomas
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Philadelphia, October 10, 1791]
Sir.

The Register General of Pennsylvania, conceiving, that the possession of an accurate list of the State Debt subscribed to the Loan of the United States, would be a considerable improvement to the arrangement of the public accounts in his office has made a request upon the subject, which I beg leave to submit to your consideration; with a view that, if it will not be improper or inconvenient, your acquiescence may be obtained.
I am, with great esteem   Sir,   Your most obedient sevt.

Thomas Mifflin.
Phila: 10 Oct. 1791
To Alexander Hamilton EsqrSecret. of the Ts of the U. S.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Newton, Junior, 10 October 1791
From: Newton, Thomas, Jr.
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Norfolk [Virginia] October 10, 1791. Reports that John McComb, Jr., has completed the foundation of the Cape Henry lighthouse.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, 10 October 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Seton, William

Treasury DepartmentOctober 10. 1791
Sir

The duplicate return of your last purchases has come to hand.
The Commissioner of loans might have issued the requisite Certificate in order to a Transfer to the books of the Treasury, upon the strength of your original Agency; especially as the Transfer was to be in the same names.
But as a different idea has struck him I have written to him the enclosed to obviate difficulty.
With very great consideration   I remain   Sir   Your obedient servt
A Hamilton William Seton Esqr.


Title: Enclosure: William Short to Wilhem and Jan Willink, Nicholaas and Jacob Van Staphorst, and Nicholas Hubbard, 30 September 1791
From: Short, William
To: Willink, Wilhem,Willink, Jan,Van Staphorst, Nicholaas,Van Staphorst, Jacob,Hubbard, Nicholas

Paris Sep. 30, 1791
Gentlemen

I have barely time to acknowledge by the extraordinary of tomorrow the receipt of yours of the 22d. inst. in which you propose that the sec. of the Treasury should settle the rate of commission on the last loan. It would seem that the rate at which any business is to be transacted should be looked for in the powers authorizing the transaction of that business—still if you think this matter will be settled more to your satisfaction by the Sec. of the treasury I can have no objection to your addressing yourselves to him & I can assure you very sincerely that if he & you are well satisfied in whatever manner it may be terminated I shall be perfectly so. The correspondence which has passed between us on the subject will put him fully in possession of the circumstances attending it. I am persuaded that the decision which he will form thereon will be completely conformable to the rules of justice & of course free from objections of any kind. I have the honor to be very sincerely Gentlemen, your most obedient humble servant
W. Short Messrs. W & J Willink N. & J Van Staphorst & Hubbard—Amsterdam


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, [10 October 1791]
From: Washington, George
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Mount Vernon, October 10, 1791]
Sir,

Your letter of the 30th. September enclosing a Contract entered into by the Collector of Wilmington in North Carolina with James McStephens & Henry Toomer for the stakage of the shoals of Cape Fear river, I have duly received. As I approve of the Contract, I have transmitted the same with my approbation to the Collector of Wilmington.
I wrote to you from the head of Elk, informing you of my having made enquiries for a proper character to fill the Office of Supervisor of the District of Delaware, & that the weight of information which I collected, was in favor of one Andrew Barratt &c. Whether a commission was ever filled up for him, or what was done in the matter, you have not informed me. I now however, transmit to you a letter from the Hone. Jno: Clayton Esqr., by which it appears that no person has been appointed, & that he has recommended his son to you as a fit character to fill that office. I wish you to look into this business, and to let me know what, or whether anything has finally been done therein.
I am Sir,   Your Most hble Servt.

G: Washington
Mount Vernon10th. Octobr. 1791.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John Chester, 11 October 1791
From: Chester, John
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Wethersfield] Connecticut, Office of Supervisor,October 11th 1791.
Sir.

In compliance with the request in your Circular of 22d June last, herewith are forwarded a number of letters, which have been recieved, & relate to the subject of Manufactures carried on in this State; together with sundry samples.
After having revolved in my mind several plans for obtaining the necessary information, none was thought of which afforded so flattering prospects, as that which was adopted, of writing to each member in the upper branch of our legislature, as well as to many of the principal manufacturers. The most of my letters have been answered; and if the information is not so full, & complete, as could be wished, still it is the best which could be obtained, & may possibly be of some service.
Accounts of the silk manufactured at Wallingford, and of the linnen & cotton made at N Haven, also letters from several gentlemen on this subject are expected, and shall as soon as they are recieved be transmitted.
I am with the greatest consideration,   Sir,   Your most obedt servant.
John Chester.


Title: Enclosure: Peter Colt to John Chester, 21 July 1791
From: Colt, Peter
To: Chester, John

Hartford July 21. 1791
Dear Sir

The conversation which I had with you some days past on the subject of the Secretarys Letter respecting our manufactures, has given occasion the imperfect History of that Business which accompanies this. I shall leave it to your judgment to make such use of it in your correspondence with the Secretary as you may deem proper—or wholly to suppress it; I am not possessd of sufficient documents on which to ground any details or calculations as to the amount of the products of our different Manufactures or their annual value, a very superficial History of them is all I can pretend to, & this I trust you will find to be the Case with other Gentlemen to whom you may apply for information on this Subject. I have only to subjoin the Names of those persons most likely to give you information respecting this Business in the different parts of the State.
Mr. Josiah Burr of New Haven is the Manager of the Linen manufacture, & is a person of good information. Mr. Robert Walker of Stratford will probably be best able to inform you of the present Situation & Extent of the Duck Manufacture established in that Town. James Davenport Esq of that at Stamford, Mr. Saml Richards that at Farmington, Chaney Whitelsey Esq that at Middletown, Mr. W. Hubbard that at Colchester, Mr. Job. Tabor that at N London, Mr. Daniel L. Coit that at Norwich, Coll. J. Trumbull that at Lebanon & Maj Daniel Putnam of Brooklyne that at Killingsly & its neighbourhood. If it should be judged necessary, I believe I can procure you an accurate return of the Wool purchased & worked up into Cloth & the quantity of each kind manufactured at Hartford since the Commencement of the Business.
I am dear Sir   with very sincere regard   your most obedient hume servant
P. Colt
Colo Jno Chester.
July 1791
A succinct account of the Manufactures carried on in the State of Connecticutt.
The Manufactures of this State naturally present themselv to our view under the following Heads; Those carried on in Families merely for the consumption of those Families; Those carried on in like manner for the purpose of barter or sale; & those carried on by Tradesmen, Single persons, or Companies for supplying the wants of others; or for the general purposes of merchandise, or Commerce.
Those which come under the first description, & which are purely domestic, are the most extensive & important; there being Scarcely a Family in the State either so rich or so poor as not to be concerned therein. These domestic Manufactures are of Linen, of Cotton & of Wool, in their various modifications. Out of those raw materials are made an abundance of Linen, Cotton, Woolen & woosted Hose, worn by all ranks of people; so as greatly to lessen the Importation, particularly of the more ordinary kinds, notwithstanding our increased population & wealth has greatly increased the consumption of those articles. Next to those Branches may be reckoned those of tow cloth, coarse Linens, Linen & Cotton for Shirting & Sheating, table Linen, checked & Striped Linens, and Bedticks; also coarse fustians & Jeenes for mens wear, & white Dimity for the Women. The manufactures of Wool are of various kinds of Cloth for Servants and the ordinary wear of the whole class of our Farmers & most of those who follow any of the usual Trades or labourous occupations. This branch of domestic manufactures is extending itself very fast, both as it respects the Quantity & Quality of the Goods. A great proportion of our most substantial Farmers and mechanicks appear dressed on Sundays and holy days in the manufactures of their Wives & daughters; & this is becoming every day more reputable. We may add to the foregoing list thread, both white & colourd, Lace & fringe for various purposes, and of late sewing Silk.
There is manufactured also large parcels of allmost all the denominations afore recited for the purpose of barter, or sale to the merchants, who export them out of the State—within these few years attempts have been made to extend our manufactures, & for improving the fabricks. This has been attempted either by single persons or by companies, with various success. Of this discription is the Linen manufacture established at New-Haven, from whence large parcels of coarse Linens have been Shiped to the Southern States & to the West Indies. The same kind of manufacture has more recently been established at Middletown and New-London; the Stock at all those places being raised by Subscription, & managed by an Ajent for the benefit of the adventurers. To these may be added the manufacture of Cottons set up by merchants at Glastenbury & Lebanon, on rather a small Scale; & that at Norwich on a more extensive plan, backed with a larger capital. At Farmington there is a small manufacture of checks, both Cotton & Linen, of Bedticks, and of Fustians & Jeenes. The Same person has made some attemps in the Woosted and Woolen Branches, but his Stock is too limited to make much progress. At Stamford is a similar manufacture. All these are carried on by Single persons or merchants trading in Company; and their Stock is generally small. To these may be added the manufacture of Duck in Stratford (which however is principally confined to Families) & that established at Colchester, on the plan of those at Boston. That is both warp & woof are spun, not on wheels, but drawn out in the same Manner as the Yarns for Riggin are in Rope walks.
At Killingly there is a small Manufacture of Woolens begun under the care of a Mr. Kundall, who has received Some encouragement from Goverment, I believe he has only made coarse cloths & Coatings; & those only narrow. I believe neither his capital or knowledge of this Business will justify our expecting much from this attempt, untill he connects himself with persons of more information, & who shall be possessed of the Means of carrying their projects into effect.
I have purposly omited mentioning the Woolen Manufacture which has been established, or rather attempted, at Hartford, as being on the most extensive plan, & which has the fairest Prospect of Succeeding. This Manufacture commenced about three years agone, with a Capital of £1200, raised by voluntary Subscription in shares of £10. each; some of the Subscribers taking more, Some less, as their patriotism or circumstances dictated. This Stock being found too small to effect the veiws of the Company (which were to determin the Question if American Wool would make Cloths equal to British Cloths out of British Wool, & at reasonable prices) was extended by new Subscriptions to £2800. which is the amount of their present Capital. This Stock has been employed in buying Wool, & working it up into Woosted Goods, Narrow & Broad Coatings & Cloths after having been Sorted & prepared in the Manner practised in Great Britain. This Company have received Some aid from Goverment—viz a trifling bounty the first year on Spining—then an exemtion, for two years, of their Workmen from a Poll Tax; & their work Shops from all taxes for the same term of Time. These Same priviliges were extended to the manufactures established at Farmington, New Haven & Killingly. But this indulgence is no longer continued to any of them.
The Company at Hartford had expended So much of their Small capital in Buildings, Impliments &c that they found themselves under the necessity of applying to Goverment for Some Aid. The Legislature being sensible of the Importance of encouraging this infant establishment, granted them a Lottery to raise £1000 to enable them to procure a more compleat Set of machinery, & for extending their Business. This Lottery will probably Net them three Thousand Dollars & enable them to make a further tryal in this laudable attempt, to establish so valuable a manufacture. The Event is yet, hower, very problematical. Those persons concerned in seting up new Manufactures have every obsticle to Surmount which can arrise from clashing Interests, or ancient prejudices; as well as from the smallness of our capitals, the scarcity of Materials & workmen, & the consequent high prices of both. In this respect the obsticals which are opposed to the Woolen manufacture are the greatest. The reasons are too obviouse to need reciting. Some kind of aid therefore, from the General Goverment of the United States will be necessary in order fully to establish Manufactures, for the purpose of Barter or merchandize. Those for domestic purposes only, will be continued from mere necessity. How this is to be effected, those who administer the Goverment must determin. In addition to the foregoing List should be subjoined the manufactures in Wood, in Iron & in Leather, both for home consumption & for exportation. Household Furniture & wheel Carriages of all kinds are made in plenty & prety good Stile, & considerable is exported to the Southern States & to the west Indies. The manufactures of Iron are variouse & extensive & exceed our demands for home consumption, except Cutlery & some part of the Tools used by Tradesmen. Our manufactures of Leather are considerable; so as to make a full supply of Shoes & Boots; Saddles, Bridles, Horse Harness &c even for Exportation. We make also stuff & Silk Shoes nearly Sufficient for the consumption of the State.
As to the quantum of all these manufactures, either those used amongst ourselves, or those exported; or the value of them in Money, I dare not hazard an oppinion, not having the details on which to make the calculation, or ground such an oppinion. But considering the Number of our laborious & active Citizens, & our modes of Living, it cannot otherways than be considerable & it is yearly increasing. The manufactures carried on in our Families may be calculated to increase the value of the products, beyound that of the raw materials as three to one. Those established in factories, such as the woolen manufacture at Hartford, not less than four to one, or even five to one.
When the active Stock of the Citizens shall no longer be embarked in paper Speculations, then we may expect to see part of it turned to the promoting & extending our manufactures & then those which languish and dwindle for want of being supportd with proper Capitals may be expected to prosper & this Country freed from a disgracefull dependance on Europe for their ordinary Cloathing.
P.S. I might have mentioned Tin men, pewterers, Hatters &c & Silver Smith in a great plenty—Braizing Brass founders—& of late Button makers. This last Business is of a recent date, but promises to become extensive.


Title: Enclosure: Benjamin Huntington to John Chester, 24 August 1791
From: Huntington, Benjamin
To: Chester, John

Norwich [Connecticut] August 24th 1791
Sir

Your Letter of the 10th Instant has been Recd but being Necessarily Abscent last week could not Attend to the Subject you mention untill Monday last and being on the same Business this Day I found Col Leffingwell on the Same Employ through the Request of Mr. Learnand & we have agreed on a Report as near as we can state one, not only for this Town but for the whole County N London (exceptd) which you will Receive in a Short Time from him. It is Impossible to State the amount of Articles Manufactured in the Several Branches with Accuracy but have done it as near as we can.
There are no Manufactures of Consequence in Stonington Groton Lyme Colchester Franklin Lisbon or Montville saving such as are mentioned in Mr. Leffingwells report. Ship Building and the Cod fishing are the Principal in Stonington but I Suppose these are what the Secretary has had a better account of than we can Collect. The Domestic Manufacture of Coarse Linins and Wollens is very considerable more than Sufficient for the Consuption of farmers Families. As to Inpediments and Encouragements I know of None but what you are Perfectly Acquainted with. The Impediments Complained of by the Mechanics are the assessments on the Trade of Facutised Persons, the Poll tax on apprentices, Equipments & Loss of Time for Military Service and the want of an Increase of Duties on Goods Imported which might be manufactured here.
I will Remember the Design of Congress in Directing the Secretary to Report was the better to Enable the Next Session of Congress to judge what Manufactures to Encourage and to adopt measures for that Purpose (This will extend Principa⟨ll⟩y to Articles Imported which might as well be made here) and to Increase the Commerce between the Northern & Southern States & by that means at once to Increase our Internal Trade & Strengthen the Union as also to promote an Acquaintance and assimulation of Manners among the People in the several States. The good Effects of this Design when accomplished were very Obvious.
I am sir with Esteem & Regard   your Friend & Hume Servt
Benj Huntington Col. Chester


Title: Enclosure: Christopher Leffingwell to John Chester, 30 August 1791
From: Leffingwell, Christopher
To: Chester, John

Norwich [Connecticut] 30th Augt 1791
Dear Sir

Since forwarding Statement of Manufactories have discoverd an Omission of the Manufactoring of Carding Machines and Jennys for Carding & Spinning on the large Scale. Those in Mr Lathrops works were wholly made here by an Inhabitant of this Town who is a Great Mechanical Genius. Machines for Cutting doubling & Crooking Card wire for making Common Cotton & Wool Cards are also made in this Town. Those at Philadelphia & Several in Boston were made by a Nathan Cobb of this place.
I am your most Obed sert
Chrisr Leffingwell Colo Chester


Title: Enclosure: Joseph P. Cooke to John Chester, 12 September 1791
From: Cooke, Joseph P.
To: Chester, John

Danbury [Connecticut] Septr. 12th. 1791.
Sir

In pursuance of your request communicated in your letter the 10th. ult. I have endeavoured to obtain the best information in my power respecting the several manufactures in the northern parts of the County of Fairfield, expecting you will receive from Mr. Davenport all necessary information from the towns upon the Sea-coasts. The inland parts of this County, not yet overstocked with inhabitants, afford the people the means of persuing Agriculture very generally which is their favourite employment, consequently the spirit of manufacturing has not much prevailed, except in the domestic way; that however in the aggragate is very considerable, as their families are principally cloathed in their own manufactures, but to what amount cannot be ascertained with any degree of precision. Making of Nails is also become part of the trade of almost every blacksmith, whereby the importation of that article is entirely at an end. The manufacturing of Hats of all kinds is prosecuted upon a large scale in this town; from the factory of O. Burr and Co. which is probably the largest of the kind in this State, large quantities of hats are sent abroad, as also from several others, although to a much less amount. I took the liberty to communicate your letter to Mr. White one of the partners of that company, and desired him to give such a Statement of their business as would correspond with your ideas; he engaged to do it; and I doubt not he will give a satisfactory account of this business in a letter addressed to you, which I expect will accompany this.
A Cotton manufacture has also been carried on in this town for about two years past, but not to any considerable degree; a company however has been formed this summer past for that purpose; they have purchased a Jenny for spinning and a Carding Machine, have manufactured several pieces of cloth which meet with a ready sale; the prospect is somewhat promising; the greatest difficulty as present is in procuring good workmen that will be steady in business.
The manufacturing of Pot and Pearl Ashes is carried on in much the same manner as I suppose it is in other parts of the State; one or more works in almost every town: the owners complain of too great an interference in this business, perhaps some general regulations on that account might be proper.
The manufacturing of Bar Iron has made a rapid progress within a few years: four years ago there was not a single Forge for that purpose in this County, and I believe never was; within that time eight or nine Iron Works have been erected, in most of which there are two Forges producing upon a mean about twenty tons of bar iron annally, of which a large quantity, after supplying the home consumption which is very great, is exported to New-York, where it meets with a quick market at about 70 Dollars ⅌ ton. These works are supplied with Ore of a good quality from an inexhaustible Bed about seven miles from this town just within the limits of the State of New-York. This important branch of business, being liable to many disasters, requires the unremitted exertions of the Proprietors, and demands public encouragement. A Sliting Mill has for some time been in contemplation, but nothing as yet done, such works would be of great utility to this part of the Country, but they ought not to be too frequent.
With great respect and esteem   I am Sir   your most obedient Servant
Joseph P. Cooke Honble. John Chester.


Title: Enclosure: O. Burr and Company to John Chester, 12 September 1791
From: O. Burr and Company
To: Chester, John

Danbury [Connecticut] Sept 12. 1791.
Honble. J. Chester Esqr
Sir,

Your circular Letter of the 10th. ult., desiring Information respecting the Rise & Progress of Manufactures, was handed to us by the Honble. Joseph P. Cooke Esqr & as you observe, that any Communications by Letter, will answer your Purpose, we have taken the Liberty of addressing this to you, stating the Rise & Progress of our Hat Manufactory, & that of the Saddle Cloth under the Care of Judson White.
And we have subjoined several Impediments under which we concieve, the Hat Manufactory labors.
Perhaps from local & contracted Views, we have not given the Subject that extensive Consideration, which it demands. If we have given any Hints which maybe serviceable to the manufacturing Interest, our Purpose will be answered. Such as they are, we submit to your Candour.
We began the Hatting Business in Janry 1787, with only one Journeyman & one Apprentice. You will see the Progress of it, by the Statement on the other Page. We now employ seven Journeymen & ten Apprentices.
The Price affixed to each Quality of Hats, is at what they now sell by the Dozen, in Lawful Money.

Felt Hats
Girls Do.
plain Castors
Napt Rorums
Beavers.
Beaveretts

1787
305

73

146

10

1788
450

4

50

408

8

17

1789
609

60

65

1104

47

6

1790
443

9

19

1862

85

1791
98

21

1629

30

1905
@ 5/
73
@ 7/6
228
@ 24/
5149
@ 15/
180
@ 39/
23
@ 30/

Plain Rorums

Napt Castors

Ladies

1787

17

1788

10

1789

14

11

1790

99

1791

180

237

41
@ 10/

290
@ 24/

237
@ 15/

The Article of Muskrats of which we use large Quantities in napping our Rorum Hats, have advanced in Price within 15 or 16 Months 30 ⅌ Cent at least, & Hats have fallen in Market full 20 ⅌ Cent in the same Time, owing in a great measure to Persons setting up the Business who never served for the Trade, & not being Judges, have bad Work done which goes to Market, & has injured the Credit of American Hats very much, & must in Time ruin it entirely, except Government adopts some method to prevent such injurious Practices, & make it necessary for Men to serve such a number of years as shall perfect them in the Business. Our Trade is not learned by Observation nor by mathematical Calculation, but by practical Experiments.
This Practice of setting up the Business without serving an Apprenticeship, has the hurtful Tendency to make Apprentices discontented in their Master’s Service, as they see those who have not served at the Trade more than one or two years, employed as Journeymen at full Wages in these Shops: therefore as soon as they have learned to form a Hat, they will say; “if we can by any means get clear of our Masters, we may be Journeymen on Wages too, as we can work as well as those who are employed by these Men.” Hence we see the great Propriety of the English Laws which no doubt have been the means of the Improvements which have brot their Manufactures to such Perfection. What Improvement can be expected in a Shop where the only Person interested is ignorant of the Business?
The Rise of Stock & Fall of Hats, makes it necessary for us to enlarge our Business & as Journeymen are scarce, we are obliged to take a Number of Apprentices; the Poll Tax on these will be a heavy Burden; add to this, the Assessments on Mechanicks which the Listers think must be laid on, in Proportion to the Business appearing to be done. Now as our Hats must be sold in New York by the Dozen, & the Price is from 30 to 50 ⅌ Cent. below what they are sold for by Retail at the Hatters Shops in the Country, this Assessment, you will readily see is very unequal on us.
The Principal Reason of the high Price of Furrs, is ⟨our⟩ not having the Command of the Furr Trade; & a great Part of ⟨the⟩ Furrs which come into this Part of the Country is purchased in Canada by a Person in New York & shipped to England, & from there to that City. And as there is no other Person in that Business at present, he is able to engross the whole of the Furrs, & command the Price.
Some kinds of Furrs are lately imported from Germany & other Parts of Europe, which we hope may be a Relief to us; & together with our Improvements in extending the Stock, will enable us to continue the Business to the Advantage of ourselves & Country, should Government make such Regulations or to encourage Improvements by those who are capable of making them, & prevent Practices which are hurtful to the Credit of the manufactoring Interest.
We are with great Respect, Sr Your   obedt humble Servts
O. Burr & Co.
Judson White began the Saddle Cloth Manufactory in Septr 1790. Since that Time he has manufactured 1258 Yards which sells from 3/6 to 3/9 ⅌ Yard by the Piece, Several Samples of which, we inclose. As it is not convenient to send a Sample of the Hats, we would just inform you, that they may be seen either in our shop in Danbury, or in New York Maiden Lane where we expect to open a Shop sometime this Month.


Title: Enclosure: Amasa Learned to John Chester, 14 September 1791
From: Learned, Amasa
To: Chester, John

New London [Connecticut] 14th Septr 1791
Dear sir,

Agreeably to your request, I have written to several Gentlemen in each Town, in this County, to collect and forward to you, before the 20th Septr, such information on the subject of Manufactures in their respective Towns as the Secretary required.
The domestic manufactures of this Town are the same kind that you find in every other Town; but rather inferior to most, in quantity & quality. The incidental trades, such as Boat-building, sailmaking, Ropemaking, Blockmaking &C &C. varies as the Tide of Business ebbs or flows. They need no laws directly in their favour, depending wholly on the State of Commerce. There are two Saddlers in this Town, who make about 500 Saddles each every year & as many bridles. The prices vary according to the quality from 8 dollars to 20. Most of them are exported to the West Indies some to the Southern States, where they meet the same wares from England. These manufacturers, suppose that the duty on imported Saddles is not sufficiently high. Some Complaint there has been that the duty on tanned leather is too low. In the Island of Hispaniola from whence they formerly brought many raw hides the tanning business has greatly increased & leather is imported instead of hides. I know of no other trades in this Town that labor under any impediment which it is in the power of Government to remove. To enter into a particular detail of all the incidental & domestic trades of this Town, of thier origin, annual produce & State of improvement would be an arduous task and as useless as difficult. Norwich will be able to furnish more necessary information than all the rest of the County. I wrote to Colo Leffingwell, Coit & Lathrop, Gentlemen deeply interested in Manufactures.
With Sentiments of Esteem   Dear sir, your Obedt & hble Sert
Amasa Learned


Title: Enclosure: Jonathan Palmer, Junior, to John Chester, 15 September 1791
From: Palmer, Jonathan, Jr.
To: Chester, John

Stonington [Connecticut] Sept. 15th. AD 1791
Sir

At Mr. Learneds request with respect to Manafactures have to state to you, That we have No regular Established. Factories in this Town, and therefore no pecuniary Incouragements. Our Domestick Are Considerable but to what amount is very doubtfull. The business of Hattmaking has been caryed on long in this Town, but for about One Year has been followed with peculiar Attention And perseverance. They Manafacture enough for the Use of the Town of different Qualities, and which Are I think preferable to ye English. These Hats are Caried, Many of them, to differant States in ye Union for Sale, but ye Hattars Complain that foreign Importations Yet, very Much Injure the business here. Cabinett making has been followed here time Immemorial, and for many years Sufficiently for ye use of this Town and Considerable Shipd. to ye southern States for sale. Our Wollen Manufactory is wholly of the family kind and Judge Sufficent to furnish the Inhabitants, of there Corse wairing aparel, those of a fine Quality are chiefly of Foreign Inportation. Of Coarse Lining in the family way we Manafacture Sufficent for Our Own Inhabitants but our fine, as in the case of wollen we Import from Forigners. The above is the best Statement can at present make as particular valuations would be Intirely matter of gess.
Am sir with Sentiments of Esteem & Friendship   Devotedly Yours
Jona. Palmer Junor Colo. John Chester


Title: Enclosure: Roger Newberry to John Chester, 16 September 1791
From: Newberry, Roger
To: Chester, John

Windsor [Connecticut] 16th Septr. 1791
Sr

Since I received yours of the 10th. of August My Son on whome my dependance has been has been sick and unable to assist me in my business, so that I have been unable to pay much attention to the Subject of your letter. I have wrote to several Gentlement and have recd. no answer except from Alexander King Esq of Suffield whose letter I herewith send you.
The Manufactures of this Town are Mostly in the domestic way such as most of our coarse Woolens & Linnens, chec’d Linnens we import none they are all of home manufacture as are all Linnens under 2/ per yard, and notwithstanding the great increase of population there is not one quarter part of coarse imported Woollens used that there were four year ago. Our Axes Siythes, Hoes, and many other of the large & heavyer kind of edged tools are manufactured among our selves. The Prisons at New Gate will probably manufacture from 15 to 20 Tons of Nails in a year which are sold by large quantities at 6d per pound by retaile at 7d. There is usually in the country large quantities of Tow cloth from 1/ to 1/3 per yard made in the domestick way, brought to market and sent to the Southen States, but this year there has been but little more made than is necessary for home consumption, owing I suppose to moderate crop of Flax last year and the great demand for that article for Sail Cloth and Cordage. It is difficult to fix any time when the above mentioned Manufactures began. They have been gradually increasing ever since the first Settlement of this Country, but have been rapidly improveing ever since the commencement of the late War but more especially since the conclusion of it. And what farther incouragement is necessary I am unable to say. The two cloth is sold according to the labour and expence about it, very low, and I could wish some better incouragement might be given to that manufacture as it imploys a great many women in the country. I am very sorry I have not been able to pay greater attention to the subject, as it is a subject of importance and in which this State is deeply interested. If I shall receive any answers from the other Gentlemen to whome I have wrote I will forward them to you, and am
Your Obedient   Humle Serv
Roger Newberry Honle John Chester Esq


Title: Enclosure: Alexander King to Roger Newberry, 12 September 1791
From: King, Alexander
To: Newberry, Roger

Suffield [Connecticut] 12th. Septemr. 1791
Sir.

In Compliance with your Request of 29th August last, I have sent as Accurate an Estimate as at present can be obtained of the State and produce of the Manufactures of this Town.
Wool The Wollen Manufacture is the Principal and the most Beneficial to the Inhabitants of any that is carried on in this Place. There are in Suffield about 400 Families and about 5 Thousand grown Sheep, which will produce about 25 lb wt. to a Family on an Average. This is all manufactured in the Domestic way except Fulling and Dressing which is done at the Cloathiers Works.
We have One Cloathier in Suffield who carries on a pretty large Branch of Bussiness. In the year 1788 he fulled and Dressed 1500 yd of Wollen Cloath; besides Dying and pressing half as much More; in the year past he has fulled & Dressed 3500 yds of wollen and dyed and presd. about 1800 more which was not fulled; the Cloath thus made is consumed by the Particular Families who manufacture it. The late Premium granted by the Legislature of this State, has in my Opinion contributed to the Increase of Sheep. They have doubled in Number in this Town in less than Four Years; and by proper Attention may yet for a long Time become an increasing Source of Wealth to the Farmer and Manufacturer.
Cotton Of this Article no great Quantities are manufactured in this Place. Some particular Families do a little.
FlaxAbout 20 Thousand Wt. of Flax is Annually manufactured in this Town which is Another important Article of Manufactures, and is done like the Wool in the Domestic Way. The whole of this however is not the Produce of this Town, perhaps One Quarter is purchased from other Places, the usual price of Flax is from 4d to 6d pr lb.
HempThe Culture of Hemp has been attempted this year by some of Our Farmers, how it will produce or how far Succeed is yet unknown. The growth of this year may be Estimated at Two Tuns.
IronThere is a Forge for making Iron Shovels, the Plates are drawn under a Trip Hammer carried by Water. Two Workmen have made the year past One Hundred Dozen. They compute Two & ½ Tuns of Iron and 2500 Bushels of Coal to make 100 Doz. The Owners are now erecting Works upon a larger Plan, to carry Three Trip hammers. They calculate to make 300 Doz yearly for the future and intend to use better Iron than what was work’d last year which was but indifferent. The Price from 7 to 9 Dollars per Doz.
Cotton & Wool Cards Mr Thompson has lately set up making Cotton & Wool Cards in the year past he has made about 12 Hundred pair, he intends to enlarge his Works and expects to make Three Thousand pair a Year.
Nails Very little of this Business is carried on here possibly a Tun of Nail Brads may be worked up in a Year.
Our Black Smiths furnish the Husbandry and Mechanic Tools for the Inhabitants.
Mr Taylor is noted for makeing the best narrow Axes many of which are carried out of the State to Vermont. He makes about 300 a Year Price 6/.
About Ten Tuns of Iron is annually workd up in Suffield & about 10 Thousand Bushels of Coal.
Hides & Tallow 400 Head of Beef Cattle are commonly Bucherd. in Suffield Annually exclusive of those which are killed by perticular Families for their own Consumption. The Hides are manufactured chiefly in Town. Mr Phelps carries on a large Branch of Bussiness and has a very convenient Yard and proper Buildings for the Works, he Usually Tans about 600 grown Hides & 400 Calf Skins besides Sheep and Other Skins. The Other Tanners in Town about 200 grown Hides and one Hund Calf Skins. The price of Hides 2½d calf Skin 5d Seal Leather ⅓ pr lb wt. The Tallow is usually sold to the Tallow Chandler and Soap Boilers in Hartford, fetches about 4d Ruff.
Saddles There are made about  more than what the Inhabitants want for their own Use which are mostly sold out of the state.The Other Branches of Leather Manufactures are mostly made in Town & consumed by the Inhabitants.
Wool Hats Mr Swan commonly manufactures 5 or 6 Hundred wt. of Wool into Hats Yearly. He has made very considerable improvments in making Wool Hats. I have not seen Handsomer or better made Felt Hats either imported or manufactured in America. The price of Hatters Wool is about ⅔ pr lb. wt. Hats from 5/ to 12/.
Potash This Manufacture was early introduced into Suffield in the Year 1761. Mr Zuell and Others Coy of Merchants in Glascow Scotland, Erected Works in this Town to make Potash, which they managed pretty largely for some Years. The Potash then Sold for 60 £ Sterling pr Ton (whether the Bounty was included in that Sum I am not able to say). Since those works were thrown up the Bussiness has been carried on by some of the Inhabitants. To this Time it is computed about 600 Bushels of Ashes will make a Tun after the Old Manner & Process. The New has never yet been tried here. The average price of Ashes about 7d delv’d at the Works. They make about 5 Tons a year which sells in New York for 30 or 31 lawful Money.
Lumber Grangers & Elys Mill erected on the west Bank of Connecticutt River, saws about 300 Thousand feet of Boards Plank and Other Stuff a year. There are 5 or 6 Other Mills in Town which Alltogether probably saw half as much more. Most of the Timber is white Pine floated down connecticutt River in the Spring Freshets. The average price of Boards about 33/ Lawful Mony pr Thousand. 400 Thousand Shingles are made Annually from Timber which comes down the River likewise price about 12/ pr Tousand.

Wheel Carriages Mr. Dewey is noted for making the Best Wheels for Carriages of all Sorts. He makes some Chairs and Chaises every year but generally this kind of Work is for the Use of the Inhabitants and Also ye Cabinet work which is made in Town.
Casks There may be a Thousand Casks made in Town yearly besides what the Inhabitants use for Cyder.
Salt Petre Has been manufactured in the Time of the War, but is now imported cheaper than we can make it.
Earthern Ware A Small Quantity of this Article is made in Town about 9 Kilns a year valued at 12 £ pr Kiln. This Bussiness was first set up here in 1782.
Wooden Dishes The Ancient Characteristic Manufacture of Suffield is Over. Our Materials are gone.
Perhaps I have enumerated Articles in the foregoing Account, which were not expected if so you will use them or not according as you think proper. I am Sir with Respect & Esteem
Your Humble Sert
Alexr. King Honble: Roger Newberry Esquire


Title: Enclosure: John Treadwell to John Chester, 21 September 1791
From: Treadwell, John
To: Chester, John

Farmington [Connecticut] Septr. 21st AD 1791
Sir

Pursuant to your request I wrote to a Gentleman in each of the towns of Southington Berlin and Bristol for the necessary information on the subject manufactures in those towns, but have received no answer except from Mr Andrews of Southington. The account he has given and the estimates he has made I have reason to conclude are pretty correct, and with very little variation, as to common manufactures, will apply to the towns of Berlin and Bristol whose circumstances are very simular to those of Southington regard being had to the number of inhabitants in the respective towns, and indeed for substance will apply to this Town, though I believe a greater proportion of foreign Cloths are used here than in those towns, and from a general view of the Subject I should conjecture that something more than one third of the whole expense of clothing the inhabitants of this town is laid out in foreign Articles.
The manufacture of articles of clothing in this town has hitherto been carried on in the family way chiefly and these manufactures particularly the woollen have of late, in some families attained a good degree of perfection. The woollen manufactuory at Hartford has contributed much to the defusion of knowledge in this branch to the people particularly in the vicinity, and in that respect, at least, has been highly useful, but the woollen & cotten manufactures of various fabrics and various qualities are carried on with apparent success, by a Mr. Brownson of this town as a regular trade. He has employed for a year or two past perhaps about fifty persons in his Business though not all or the most of them at his factory. He expects the present year to make about ten thousand yards of cloth of woollen & cotten. Some of his fabrics are very fine and good, and generally his cloths, are found for service to excell those of like fineness that are imported, but he has not as yet been able to give them that complete finish which foreign cloths have, and consequently, they do not command that ready market in cash that imported cloths do. He finds a market for them however in the way of barter, but it commonly takes two or three turns before he can convert them into money and this is an inconvenience he cannot remove for want of proper machinery to give a high finish to his cloths, which his property will not enable him at present to procure. His profits however notwithstanding this disadvantage are sufficient to enable him to pursue the business, and he seems to be in a state of gradual progression toward perfection.
Mr Martin Bull of this Town a Goldsmith ⟨for⟩ about two years past set up the manufacture of Coa⟨t⟩ buttons being I suppose the first who has set up the business in this State. This manufacture is in its infancy but is however by no means unworthy of Notice in its present state. The buttons are made of hardned tin, very serviceable and of a good appearance, and in no respect inferiour to a great proportion of imported buttons. He has made several thousand dozen, and informs me that a boy of sixteen may make 200 Gross in a year, the profits would be considerable were it not for the exceeding ⟨low⟩ price of some of the Matthewman buttons import⟨ed from⟩ Europe. He can afford them for 10/ pr gross for co⟨at ⟩ for vest buttons but it seems the Merchant will not take large quantities at that price as imported ones are something cheaper, a sample of the buttons is inclosed.
The manufacture of Hats is about to be carried on here upon a pretty large Scale. About twenty persons are expected to be employed in the House erected for that purpose but what success the Undertakers will have is uncertain. The furr branch of that business be sure labours under great embarrassments at present which cannot be removed without the aid of Government, whatever may be done with it.
Since the receipt of your Letter I have been wholly occupied in business I was appointed to do by the General Assembly in October last, and on that account have found it impracticable to pay that attention to this Subject, which was necessary to afford you the expected information or to do it within the time requested, add to this the failure of two of the Gentlemen to whom I wrote for information, I presume it will not be thought strange that the Information I am able to give you on the Subject is so very imperfect.
I am   Sir   your most obedt humbe Servt
John Treadwell


Title: Enclosure: Elezur Andrews to John Treadwell, 14 September 1791
From: Andrews, Elezur
To: Treadwell, John

Southington [Connecticut] Septemr. 14th. 1791
sir

Agreeable to your Request I have endeavoured to obtain such Knowledge as to give you as Just a statement as I possibly could as to the Manufactories in this Town.
It is not in my power to give you accurate account as I could wish. The greatest part of Woolen & Linen Cloaths wore in this Town are Manufactured by different Families in this place. (A very Small proportion of Foreign cloaths are made use of.) Silk is made by a number of Families in this Town. Hatts Chiefly worn by the Inhabitants are made in Town. Boots and shoes are mostly made of Leather Tanned in Town and by Shoemakers who reside here. We have an Oil Mill nearly compleated owned by Mr. Asa Barns which I believe will make a very considerable of oil from Flaxseed.
I have made an estimate not fully found on my own Judgment but the opinion of some Others of the undermentioned articles Manufactured in this Town & their prices.

2000.
yards fulld.
Cloath
at 4/6

1800.
Do. not fulld.
Do
2/–

6000.
Do. Linin
Do
1/2

800
Hatts
Do
@ 6/–

80.
p. Boots
24/.

2000
pr Shoes great & small
@ 5/–

1000
runs Silk
@

I am sir with Respect your huml servt.
E Andrews


Title: Enclosure: Chauncey Whittelsey to John Chester, 27 September 1791
From: Whittelsey, Chauncey
To: Chester, John

Middleton [Connecticut] Septr. 27th. 1791
Col: Chester
Sr:

I have recd. but two Letters in answer to those I wrote, in Consequence of your Application upon the Subject of Manufactures, one from Chatham, the other from Killingworth; the one from Killingworth was accompanied by one from Mr. Elliot to Mr. Lane, which I forward you as it contains some Information, upon the Subject of manufacturing Steel, which may eventually prove of some Consequence.

In the Town of Chatham are the two distilleries one of Rum, the other of Geneva, the one lattle set up, the other about eighteen years since, but did but little, untill last year; when the former distilled about 30,000 Gals, the latter about 10,000. There is likewise a forge for Iron, sett up thirty years agone, or more, but is at such a distance from the place of Landing, & the owners so poor, it is not carried on to very great Advantage, it produces but about twenty Tuns of Iron annually; which is sold for 25/. pr. hundd. There are two Quarries of Freestone, the one worked for a great Number of years, the other lately opened; from thence are obtained Stones for every use, for which those kind are proper, & which are there worked, for the various purposes for which designed. Parhaps it is the best Quary in this part of America.
In this town is a Snuff Mill, first set to work last fall, which has done some Business; what it is annuall produce will be is not easey to determin; the Snuff is sold in Bottles of half a pound each, for 30 Dolrs pr. Gross; the works are carried on under the protection of a Patent, granted to a Company at East Hartford.
The Business of making pot & pearl Ashes, is carried on in several parts of this State; but as I have recd. no particular Information, I can only observe, that in this Town one sett of works makes about five Tuns annually.
We have in this Town a Stock of about 250£—L Money employed in a Linnen Manufactory. It is a temporary Matter sett agoing about two years & an half ago, for the purpose of an Experiment, by a Number of Subscribers; and will probably fail, when the term of their Subscription expires. The articles principally made, are coarse Linnens under the name of oznaburgs, of which are made about 4000 Yds in a Year, which are sold on an Average @ 10d. pr. Yd by the Bolt.
Checks sold @ 1/6 and upwards by the piece
Striped Linnens @ 1/6
Sheetings from 1/6 to 1/9

Of the last Articles no large Quantities are made.
The difficulty of disposing of the Goods for Cash in hand; & of getting a price that will afford a small profit on the Stock, is an embarrisment upon any Business of this kind.
Thro’ out the County we are furnished with Tanners who supply Leather for almost if not quite every Use, for which it is wanted. This is wrought up by different Tradesmen, into the various Articles which are wanted by their several Customers, such as, Shoes, Boots, Saddles, Harnesses &c &c. Most of our riding Carriages are likewise made by our own Mekanicks.
The Smith supply us with Scythes & Axes, in Abundance; one Shop in this Town, turn out about one hundred Dozen of those Articles in a Year, which he sells for ten Dollars pr. dozen. This is done beside the other Smith work, he carries on.
The Articles of Nails is principally made among ourselves, and sold by retail 9d. pr. lb. The Business is carried on by our common Smiths; I am not acquainted with any, that make it their capital Object.
As to the domestic Manufactures from Woollen, Flax, Cotton, I can add nothing to the observations, you read to me when last at your house; The Subject is such as not to admit of vary exact Calculations, without more labour and expence than can be expected under present Circumstances. I can only observe in general, That our farmers are mostly clothed by the produce of their farms, improved by the labour of their Families; and those Woollens which are made in this, are parhaps equal to any in the World, for the use of the day-Labourer. Considerable Quantities of Cloth are made for the purposes of barter; in that Way as well as for private Cloathing the Manufactures of this State, appear to be continually extending themselves.
I omitted in its proper place to mention an Iron works in Killingworth set up in 1763 which manufactures about eight Tuns pr. Annum, and sells @ 30/. pr. C. In the same Town are three Works for Pot and Pearl Ashes, which manufacture, one that was erected in 1766, 3½ Tuns pr. Annum, one 1786, 26 Tuns, one lately set up, has worked but one Tun.
I am Sr: with Respect   Your Obedient Humble Servant
Chauncey Whittelsey


Title: Enclosure: Hezekiah Lane to Chauncey Whittelsey, 16 September 1791
From: Lane, Hezekiah
To: Whittelsey, Chauncey

Killingworth [Connecticut] Sept. 16th. 1791
Sir

Since writing the Letter respecting Manufactures I have received this which I send you for more particular Information about the Steel Works.
Hezh: Lane Chauncey Whittelsey Esq.Middletown


Title: Enclosure: Aaron Elliott to Hezekiah Lane, 14 September 1791
From: Elliott, Aaron
To: Lane, Hezekiah

Killingworth [Connecticut] Sept 14th Ad 1791
Sir

Agreeable to your request of information, respecting the Steel Furnace, from the Supervisor of Middlesex County; for the information of the Secretary, of Congress; I would Observe
The Furnace, was built by My Father Colo Aaron Elliot, about Fivety, Yeares past, for the purpose of Manufacturing Blistered Steel. It was at first but small, for the sake of Experiment: afterwards inlargd, so as to contain about 25 Ct: (And was the only one in the New England States at the time of the act of Parlement prohibiting aney others being built) And remaind in that cituation untill the commencement of the War, between Great Britain, & the Colonies; at which time the demant became so great, that my Father found himself under the necessity if Inlarging it; which was accordingly done, so as to contain about 2 Tun 10 Ct.
My Father, usd commonly to Manufacture, about 40. or 50. Tuns pr. Year: The price he commonly sold at; was £42 Y: Mony, pr Tun. It might now be afforded at £32: as I have made sundry improvements,& lately, at considerable expence, Inlargd the Works to contain 4 Tun, at a blast; & with but small additional expence is manufacring of it. And were there sufficient encouragemt might easily, inlarge it now so as to contain 10. or 12 Tun.
As to encouragement from this State; there is none; of a bublik nature.
My circumstances, are such, that I am not able, to carrey it on extensively; I have manufatured this Year 4 Tun only; but the Works, is capable of Turning out One Hundred Ton, with Ease, Yearly.
As to Quality; I make Blister, & Faggt, Steel, which answers well, for all kinds of Country use. And had I encouragement, coud make German, Steel, equal in quality to aney made in Germaney.
In hast, am Sir, your Friend. & Humb. Servt
Aaron Elliott Hezekiah Lane Esqr


Title: Enclosure: William Williams to John Chester, 29 September 1791
From: Williams, William
To: Chester, John

Lebanon [Connecticut] 29 Sepr 1791
Sir

In answer to your Letter of ye 10th Augt Ulto. thro the multiplicity of Business & avocations, I am able to give you a very imperfect account of Manufactures in this County, & I suppose quite inadequate to the Secretarys Wishes. There are manufactures of Linnen Cloths carried on in very many Families in this Town & County, & large quantities are made, many private Looms for weavg in Families beside what is wove by those whose stated business it is, the Cloths are of perhaps every quality below superfine; and are sold at about the prices which foreign Linnens of the same fineness are, but generally more durable. Also large quantities of wool is spun up in Families, & generally wove by professors of that are, & dressed & prepared by the Clothiers of which there are three or four in this Town, & ye same proportion I believe in other Towns of ye County of Windham. The Cloths are of good qualities & various, most of them of the midling kind, very durable; Colours fixed & hansome of almost every hue are given them by the Dyers. There is one Cargill at Pomfret who carries on the Clothier Business to a very considerable degree, one Condall at Killingley. They manufacture large quantities of Woollen Cloths, many of them in Colour & quality fit for Gentlemen of any Character, also at Windham & such other Towns, Workmen who have considerable skill in the business. These Cloths, considering their quality & durability, are sold lower than imported Cloths, the particular quantities it is impossible for me to assertain, without more time & expense than can be afforded by one, who has spent almost all his hitherto Life in public Service with little emolument to himself thereby. The high price of Labour, & plenty of Lands prevent greater progress & perfection in these & other ⟨–⟩ of Manufactures. What is done in this County is by Individuals at their own cost & risque. The Genl Assembly granted a small Lottery for the encouragement of Condalls Works, which I believe is not yet drawn. The Silk manufacture in this County is principally at Mansfield the best Information I can give you respecting that & sample of ye work, is contained in a Letter from Consnt Southworth Esq. which is inclosed. There is a Cotton Manufacture in this Town set up about a year since by Majr Tilden & 2 or 3 Partners. They have made considerable quantities of Fustian, Jeans & various Cloths, equal in Color & quality to the wishes of ye Consumers, & they are not deficient in Pride & ambition, they are I trust more durable than imported of the same quality, & are sold rather under. They have no public encouragement, & I fear will not be able to prosecute the business, to advantage much longer, without some public aid, their Buildings & Machinery having been expensive, & they not yet sufficiently furnished.
There [are] also almost every kind of Handy Crafts men among us professing the several Trades. Edge Tools of every kind are made in great perfection & the prices of all kinds of Manufactures are very much governed by that of imported, as the makers (think they) can’t afford their articles under & cant get more.

I had ye fullest assurance of Col. Grosvenor, of a particular Information relative to Cargill & Condalls, Woolen Factories, & have delayd writing you on ye Acco. in daily expectation of it, but have yet recivd nothing.
All the Information I am able to give at prese⟨nt⟩ will be of little advantage to the Secretar⟨y⟩ I trust, but I hope & doubt not, but ⟨what⟩ he will obtain, aided by his own Genius ⟨and⟩ penetration will enable him to make a Report as satisfactory useful, & acceptable as they have hitherto been.
I am Sir with esteem & regard, your   most obedt & very humble Servant
Wm. Williams
PS if I sho’d. not attend ye Supreme Court of Errors, it will be on acco. of my concern with my two Sons, who were lately innoculated for ye small Pox at N London.
Happen to be out of paper, fit to use.
Honble Jno. Chester Esqr


Title: Enclosure: Constant Southworth to William Williams, 1 September 1791
From: Southworth, Constant
To: Williams, William

Mansfield [Connecticut] Septr 1st 1791
Sir

The manufactures carried on in this Town, are in the domestic way, and differ very little from those of other Towns in the County, except in the Article of Silk; Woollens and Linens are made here in most Families for domestic Use, and are many of them nearly equal in beauty to European Cloths of the second rate, and far exceed them in strength and durability.
The culture of the Mulberry tree and raising of Silk has been attended to, by a considerable number of people in this Town for some years past. It was first set on foot by Messrs. Hanks and Aspenwall, natives of this place, who became inspired with a sort of Agricultural enthusiasm, on reading the late ☞ Doct Elliots Treatise on Field Husbandry, with great pains and after many disappointments they at length introduced the White Mulberry, which is now cultivated with great facility in a high and free Soil; low and marshy ground being unfavourable to this tree, by its exposure to the late, and early frosts in Spring and Autumn, which prove fatal oftener than the severity of Winter: there is made in this town the present year about Two hundred pounds weight of raw silk after being properly wound from the cacoons and dried; on which there is a Bounty given by Government of two pence per Ounce, to continue to the year 1794. The business of Winding, or as it is commonly called realing the silk, is now well understood, though at first it was very indifferently performed. Silk is made from twelve pounds weight in a family, down to the Smallest quantity, without much detriment to other Business; two or three weeks however of laborious exercise, and Strict attention is necessary, for those who raise the largest Quantities. The Silk is of a good Quality, and might be wrought into the most Useful and elegant fabrics in the Silkway, could persons Skilled in the business be Obtained—by the force of genius and application Some have been produced; particularly handkerchiefs of the Barcelona Wale, Buttons in imitation of the Imperial, and ribbands of the Padusoy kind, all of which are very durable. As you Sir desire this information for the benifit of the Secretary of the Treasury of the United States, I have inclosed a sample of the Sewing Silk and buttons, into the former of which the raw silk is chiefly manufactured, and sold at much the same price with that imported. A number of persons concerned in this business applied to the Legislature of this State and Obtained a Charter of Incorporation in 1789 with ample powers; and exemption from taxation of public works they might erect, for the term of twelve years under the Name and Firm of the “Director, Inspectors and Company, of the Connecticut Society of Silk Manufacturers.” No special advantage can be derived from this grant, however generous, until workmen can be obtained Skilled at least in some One branch of the silk manufacture, I imagine that of Stockings would be the most advantagious as the Silk is capable of being so wrought as to make them both elegant and serviceable, and I think there are few gentlemen who would not be fond of Wearing American silk in that way. I have not a sample of the ribband by me, but you may be assured sir that it is the most durable of any thing possible that can be wrought, which has flexibility enough in it, to tie up the hair, for which purpose they are worn by the Honorable Mr Wadsworth Representative in Congress, and by the Honble Mr Chester and other gentlemen in this State.
The culture of the Mulberry tree is increasing, and I believe it would be very easy in a few years for most families in this State to produce annually each one pound weight of raw silk without injury to other domestic business, this, with the larger quantities that would naturally be raised by many, whose situation was favourable in a particular degree, would find employment for Some, and amusement for others, and supersede the necessity of importing an Article which has long drained this State of her money and richest commodities. But you will pardon me Sir for presuming to hazard any Opinion on a Subject so diffuse, and be pleased to accept the above Information from   Sir your most Obedient   and very humble servant
Constant Southworth Honorable William Williams Esqr


Title: Enclosure: John Mix, Junior, to John Chester, 7 October 1791
From: Mix, John, Jr.
To: Chester, John

New Haven [Connecticut] October 7th 1791
Respected Sir

Being in a very Great hurry and a Croud of business I did not give You so Perticular an account of the Skelleton Rimd. Buttons, (when I wrote you on the subject of the Button Manufactory.) as I could have wished. I therefore take this Opportunity to inform you Sir.
The Skelleton Rimd. Buttons are of those kinds which I gave you a Sample of some with Cloath with white Rims, and some with yallow, and some White Hard metal Buttons with white Rims, and some with Yallow. They are a kind of Button much Approved of, by the first Class of People, and are used on Superfine and Midling Cloaths. The Manufacturing of them is attended with a Considerable Expence and I never have hear’d of thier being made in any other Button Factory on the Continent of America but ours. The ground work of these Kind of Buttons are made much in the same manner as our Common white metal Buttons are But the makeing of the Rimms is attended with much the greatest Labour. The white Rimms. are made with Silver Plated on Copper which is thick; this goes through the Plating Mill a great number of times untill it is very thin. Then Mashienery is Constructed for Cuting out the rimms, another for Raising them and a second & third and so on that the Button and Rimm is Carried through upwards of Twenty hands or ⟨o⟩therwise handled as many times before it is fit for Market, the Stock is but trifeling the Labour and Mashienery is much the greatest on those Kind of Buttons. The Yallow Rimd is much the same Except Puting on the Silver onto the Copper. We are now Enlarging this Branch of Buttons and mean to Carry it on Exstensively with the others if we Can have Incouragement. It must of Course be a great Saving to the Country by keeping the money with us which Otherwise would be sent away in Large Quantities for the high pris’d Buttons which are not equal in Beauty goodness & Doration to those we make. There has been great Quantities of Rimd. Buttons Import from Europe which have been Sold for One Dollar & a Quarter per Dozen (Coat Buttons) which are far Inferior to ours of the Same Kind which we Sell for Six Dollars per Gross.
Sir I would Likewise Inform you that we are making Preparations for Manufactorying the Common Horn Button, and the Best Kind of Horn Buttons. Also the Paper Japand. Butt⟨on⟩. We have a Person Lately from Europe who has the Skill perfectly who is a Gentleman who is able and has Engaged to Instruct and teach us every thing Necessary in the making of them, and the Constructing the Tools and Apparatus to Carry on the same to advantage, Provided we Can have the Patronage and Support of Goverment.
I am Sir with Esteam and Respect, Your most   Obedient & very Humble servant
John Mix Junr.
P.S. For perticular reasons I said nothing to you Sir on the Subject of the Last mentioned Buttons, neither would I wish to have it Communicated at present to any this Side of New York.
Honle. John Chester Esqr.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Nathaniel Hazard, [11 October 1791]
From: Hazard, Nathaniel
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[New York, October 11, 1791]
Sir

My Friend Robert Fearon Esquire, will have the Honor of delivering this to you. He is the Nephew of John Foxcroft Esquire, the late British Post Master General. He has Business in Virginia to transact, respecting the Affairs of a Coll. Mercer, in which the President of the United States had some personal Agency, so far back as 1773.
He wished to know from me, in what Mode he could with most Propriety, introduce private Business, to so distinguished a public Character. I advised him to get a Line from some of his numerous respectable Acquaintances, to the Secretary of the Treasury, whose Politeness to his Countrymen of all Ranks, who wish Access to him, would doubtless be readily extended to an European Gentleman.
When we were together at Philadelphia, he learned from me, that I had paid my Respects, Sir to you, as a revered, former Fellow Citizen, & had received those Civilities, which are uniformly shewn to all such of them, as waited upon you for your Commands.
Mr. Fearon’s Selection of me, as a Favor to him, is what I should wish for as an Honor, if personal Acquaintance would warrant it.
To a Desire solely, of gratifying the Wish of a Gentleman in a strange land, I am indebted for both the Occasion, & the Honor of, subscribing myself, at this Time,
With the highest Respect   Sir   Your most obedient, & very humble servant

Nathl. Hazard
New york 11th. Octor. 1791


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Nathaniel Hazard, [11 October 1791]
From: Hazard, Nathaniel
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[New York, October 11, 1791]
Sir

I should not have so soon addressed you again but to apologize for a Freedom, I reluctantly took, & would not have done for any American. An english Gentleman Robert Fearon Esqr. has Business respecting the Estate & Affairs of a Coll. Mercer in Virginia, in which in 1773 the President had a personal Agency. At his Request, I barely present him for official Information. He is the Gentleman who dined with me in Company lately with Dr. Johnson & Mr. Wolcott. He has been regularly bred to the Law at the Temple, & came out from England to Virginia, from whence his Uncle John Foxcroft Esqr. I believe originally came, I mean the late Postmaster General. He has Letters from Governor Franklyn & others to distinguished Characters in America. He is here much caressed by the English. He does not admire however I find Sir John Temple. I became acquainted with Mr. Fearon on my late Journey to Philadelphia, I found him a polite amiable young Gentleman, & was flattered with the Attachment he shewed me after I had apprised him, to prevent Misapprehension, that I was a plain Citizen & not a fashionable Man. He hurried from Philad to return with me. We had a gay & agreeable Tour especially on our Way to Philad, attended with some very odd & laughable Adventures. He had Letters to the British Consul, & several eminent Merchants in Philad. He barely made his Bow to the Consul. His Wish is an american Introduction, & no Doubt he has Curiosity to see the American Premier. The Earl of Wycombe’s three Curiosities are to see New England, the President, & Premier. Mr. Fearon who returns to England in the Spring, will give a better Account of America, I suspect, than the Marquis of Lansdowne’s Son. He staid a very few Days in New york. Dr. Johnson dined one Day with him at Sir John’s; he said he was a well behaved young Gentleman & appeared to be fond of Information. Sir John asked Leave of Coll. Burr to introduce him, he I believe never went. He travelled Post thro’ New England. Dr. Dwight (who was lately in Town) marvelled that he left New haven, on Commencement Day. He is to go from Boston to Virginia by Sea. If this is the british Mode of acquiring Information—God help them! I presume this young Lord will be a proper Bureau Aid du Camp to Lord Sheffield; who I pray fervently will attack Mr. Coxe. I should glory in volunteering with him, as an Aid.
Mr. Fearon returns to America to settle in his Profession in Virginia. He is an unbiassed young Englishman, offers well as to at least decent Abilities. His Billetts discover Wit, as well as Politesse. I mean to correspond with him, when he settles, & learn truly the Interior of So. Politics. He is domestic with a Number of principle People there. An ill Impression has been attempted upon him, as to the President’s Inacessibility & Distance; it was done by a Refugee Officer. I effaced it. Fearon is domestic with Governor Franklyn, yet appears to be a Whig. He is observant, & I dare say the British Premier will catechise him.
I go to Connecticut to attend the Assembly with my fraternal Friend, Mr. Maxwell on Business, he has Edwards our Advocate & Pilot. I will press Turn Pike Roads & the national Manufactures in Jersey upon my Connecticut acquaintance. Laurence will I beleive try it here in January. I will write from New haven.
Vale
P.S. I am afraid you will think me intrusive in Fearon’s Business. A Letter to Mr. Coxe, would not have gratified him. He told me, thus “Bond will I know, present me in Form, but I want to reconnoitre ‘en famille’ both President & Premier.” I also feel uneasy at my last, unguarded, written Chat. As a public Man, I respect you more highly than any Man living, Ledyard’s Death, as a Friend, ought to wound me more deeply that any private Man’s in Existence. I know your Time is more than filled up. I wish barely Three Words “All is well” & two Letters—thus, A.H.
Inclosed is Peter Pendulum. It came from the East. O. W. when here said Halt! on that Business. I have wrote Halt! & I mean to say Halt! next Week. I have sent unknown to Fenno “Ventoso.” It is a general & liberal Squib. There is a Parson Palmer at Philadelphia, an Universalist. I will borrow your Envelope. Please to read the next Letter, I write to him, & suppress it, if you think best.

Bogert can explain, why I trouble you now with my Letter to him, if an Apology is necessary.
Octor. 11th. 1791


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 11 October 1791
From: Olney, Jeremiah
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Custom HouseProvidence 11th. October 1791
Sir.

In directing the District Attorney to file a Libel against the Brigt. Betsey, John Arnold Master, from Bordeaux, and then acquainting you with the Case and the favorable circumstances attending the breach of the Law, I acted, in my Idea, so perfectly consonant to a plain and positive Law, and your Instructions, that I thought Malice itself could not blame me; but some Interested Men (particularly Welcome Arnold Esquire, who was before much offended with me for putting his Bond in Suit) have clamoured loudly against me, with a view of exciting Prejudices in the Minds of some Persons unfavorable to the executive part of my Conduct: They say I had no right, when it appeared there was fraud intended, to have given the information to the Attorney, until after I had received your directions to do it; That after the information was given, it was my Duty, on application of the Owner, to have taken a Bond, and released the Vessel; That even after the Libel was filed and a special Court ordered by the Judge to be held on the 17th instant in this Town, it was in my power to withdraw the Action; and which, on the receipt of your Letter of the 24th ulto., it was my Duty immediately to do, that she might proceed on a foreign Voyage. As neither the Law nor your Instructions submit anything to my discretion in the Case of this Vessel, I conceived myself not warranted to comply with the several particulars above mentioned, the first of which was not Requested, but is now said to be what I ought to have done. I am anxious to do my Duty, and whatever I believe that to be I shall invariably execute, regarless of the Consequences; but then it is certainly reasonable to Hope for, and I flatter myself I shall have, your Approbation and Support. If Sir, it shall appear to you that I have done my Duty in this Affair, I respectfully and earnestly entreat, in order to heal my wounded Feelings, that you would generously signify your Approbation of my Conduct at an early period.
With the highest respect,   I have the honor to be &c.
Jereh. Olney Collr. Alexr. Hamilton Esqr.Secy of the Treasury.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [11 October 1791]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

[Philadelphia, October 11, 1791]
Sir,

The Post of this day has brought me your letter of the 7th. instant, the commands of which shall with great care & no less pleasure be executed.
I wrote you on the sixth a letter; of which the enclosed is a copy.
With the truest & most respectful attachment,   I have the honor   to remain   Sir, &c.

A. Hamilton
Philadelphia11th. Octo: 1791.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 11 October 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

PhiladelphiaOctr. 11. 1791
Sir

Lord Wycomb having mentioned to me his intention to pay you his respects at Mount Vernon, I beg your permission to present him to you.
The personal acquirements and merits of his Lordship conspire with a consideration for the friendly dispositions and liberal policy of his father, the Marquis of Lansdown, towards this country, to constitute a claim in his favour to cordial notice.
I have the honor to be With the most respectful attachment, Sir, Your obedient & humble servant
A Hamilton The President of the United States


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 11 October 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Williams, Otho H.

Treasury DepartmentOctr. 11th. 1791.
Sir,

Your letter of the 3rd instant has been received. There can be no doubt that horses and other live stock imported from foreign countries must be considered as an object of trade, or vendible commodity, and of course as subject to duties.
To obviate the adoption of this rule in a general sense, I think it however necessary to observe that I consider negroes to be exempted from duties on importation. A formal question has in another case been put to me on this point.
I am Sir   Your obedt Servant
A Hamilton Otho. H. Williams EsqrCollr. Baltimore


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Edmund Randolph, 12 October 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Randolph, Edmund

[Philadelphia, October 12, 1791. On October 18, 1791, Randolph wrote to Hamilton: “The attorney-general of the United States does himself the honor of replying to the questions, propounded by the secretary of the Treasury of the United States, in his letter of the 12th of October 1791.” Letter not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Nathaniel Gorham, 13 October 1791
From: Gorham, Nathaniel
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Boston Oct. 13th 1791.
Sir

In contemplating yours relative to the manufactories of this State, I am apprehensive we shall not make so good a figure as in reality we ought to do and the reason is that the goods & articles made in this State are of such a nature as not to appear in a very conspicuous light, altho they are not the less usefull.
About twenty years ago the importation of European goods into this State was nearly double to what it is at present. This will be accounted for by some People by asserting that the Connecticut trade has taken a turn from hence to N York. This is in a great degree true, but it must be observed that this place never posse⟨ss⟩ed the whole of it; a considerable part allways going to N York.
But it is further to be observed that a great part of New Hampshire & allmost all Vermont has come into existence since the period above mentioned, & a great part of those People come down to Boston to trade especially in the Winter, fully equal in my opinion to those who came from Connecticut—besides which the People in this State have very much increased within twenty Years.
How then is it to be accounted for that the Importations are not now so large? I answer because the People in their own Families & for their own use manufacture double to what they did 20 years ago. It is now worth the observation of the curious traveler through N England to observe (more especially out of the great Roads) the cloathing of the Country Family, & he will find their common cloath allmost wholly made by themselves. Let him at night veiw the Bed & beding & he will find it the same from the Bed Tyck to the Pillow case. This has given a most powerful check to the importations, & with other concuring causes has rendered the People of this Country at the present moment the happiest on the face of the Earth & so far as I can recollect historey, does not furnish any instance of a People equally happy. In short I believe it is not in the case of Human nature to be exceeded & the People seem sensible of it—all uneasiness and murmuring being at an end & good humour & chearfullness universally privaling. Those branches of business that are carried on to any effect & of importance are contained in the several inclosed papers. They will some or all of them probably succeed which will be a stimulous to further attempts, & I believe little or no doubt can be entertained but that we shall be manufacturing as fast as circumstances make it necessary or convenient.
I am with great esteem   & regard Sir Your Most Humble Servt
Nath Gorham Hon Alexander Hamilton Esqr