Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James A. Bayard, 12 April 1802
From: Bayard, James A.
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Washington 12th April 1802
Dear Sir
The apprehensions you appear to entertain of the effect of the intrigues of a certain person, if you will take my word for it are wholly without ground. I[n] fact little had been attempted & nothing accomplished. I answer only for the time present because I believe the Gentleman is waiting to see the result of the new state of things more completely developed, before he decides upon the Course he will pursue. The apparition in the afterpiece was not unexpected; but the toast was. An intimation was given that if he was sensible of no impropriety in being our guest upon the occasion, his company would be very acceptable. Our calculation was that he had less chance of gaining than of losing by accepting the invitation. We knew the impression which the coincidence of circumstances would make upon a certain great personage; how readily that impression would be communicated to the proud & aspiring Lords of the Ancient Dominion, & we have not been mistaken as to the jealousy we expected it would excite thro’ the Party. Be assured the apparition was much less frightful to those who saw it, than to many who heard of the place where it appeared. The toast was indiscreet & extremely well calculated to answer our views. It will not be an easy task to impose upon the Fœderalists here, united & communicative as they are at present. And you may rely that no eagerness to recover lost power will betray them into any doctrines or compromises repugnant or dangerous to their former principles. We shall probably pay more attention to public opinion than we have heretofore done, & take more pains not merely to do right things, but to do them in an acceptable manner. I perfectly agree in opinion with you as to the propriety of the proposed amendments to the constitution. They are recommended strongly by both reason & experience. You have seen the patchwork offered to us as a new judicial system. The whole is designed to cover one object which the party consider it necessary to accomplish—The postponement of the next session of the Supreme Court to Feby following. They mean to give to the repealing act its full effect before the Judges of the Supreme Court are allowed to assemble. Have you thought of the steps which our Party ought to pursue on this subject. There will be a meeting to concert an uniform plan of acting or acquiescing before Congress adjourns, to be recommended in the manner which shall be thought adviseable. We beg your opinion. You know the value we set upon it, & the influence it will have on our determination. A joint Committee of the two Houses have agreed upon Monday the 26th of the present Month as the day of adjournment.
Yours
J A Bayard.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from David Gelston, 14 April 1802
From: Gelston, David
To: Hamilton, Alexander

New York, April 14, 1802. Directs Hamilton to proceed on behalf of the United States attorney for the District of New York against the Brig Triton, which had arrived in the port of New York from Bristol, England, “with a Cargo of Porter in cases of less capacity than forty gallons beer measure contrary to the laws of the United States.”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to James A. Bayard, [16–21] April 1802
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Bayard, James A.

New-York April [16–21] 1802
Dear Sir.
Your letter of the 12th inst. has relieved me from some apprehension. Yet it is well that it should be perfectly understood by the truly sound part of the Fœderalists, that there do in fact exist intrigues in good earnest, between several individuals not unimportant, of the Fœderal Party, and the person in question; which are bottomed upon motives & views, by no means auspicious to the real welfare of the country. I am glad to find that it is in contemplation to adopt a plan of conduct. It is very necessary; & to be useful it must be efficient & comprehensive in the means which it embraces, at the same time that it must meditate none which are not really constitutional & patriotic. I will comply with your invitation by submitting some ideas which from time to time have passed through my mind. Nothing is more fallacious than to expect to produce any valuable or permanent results, in political projects, by relying merely on the reason of men. Men are rather reasoning tha[n] reasonable animals for the most part governed by the impulse of passion. This is a truth well understood by our adversaries who have practised upon it with no small benefit to their cause. For at the very moment they are eulogizing the reason of men & professing to appeal only to that faculty, they are courting the strongest & most active passion of the human heart—VANITY!
It is no less true that the Fœderalists seem not to have attended to the fact sufficiently; and that they erred in relying so much on the rectitude & utility of their measures, as to have neglected the cultivation of popular favour by fair & justifiable expedients. The observation has been repeatedly made by me to individuals with whom I particularly conversed & expedients suggested for gaining good will which were never adopted. Unluckily however for us in the competition for the passions of the people our opponents have great advantages over us; for the plain reason, that the vicious are far more active than the good passions, and that to win the latter to our side we must renounce our principles & our objects, & unite in corrupting public opinion till it becomes fit for nothing but mischief. Yet unless we can contrive to take hold of & carry along with us some strong feelings of the mind we shall in vain calculate upon any substantial or durable results. Whatever plan we may adopt, to be successful must be founded on the truth of this proposition. And perhaps it is not very easy for us to give it full effect; especially not without some deviations from what on other occasions we have maintained to be right. But in determining upon the propriety of the deviations, we must consider whether it be possible for us to succeed without in some degree employing the weapons which have been employed against us, & whether the actual state & future prospect of things, be not such as to justify the reciprocal use of them. I need not tell you that I do not mean to countenance the imitation of things intrinsically unworthy, but only of such as may be denominated irregular, such as in a sound & stable order of things ought not to exist. Neither are you to infer that any revolutionary result is contemplated. In my opinion the present Constitution is the standard to which we are to cling. Under its banners, bona fide must we combat our political foes—rejecting all changes but through the channel itself provides for amendments. By these general views of the subject have my reflections been guided. I now offer you the outline of the plan which they have suggested. Let an Association be formed to be denominated, “The Christian Constitutional Society.” It’s objects to be

1stThe support of the Christian Religion.

2ndThe support of the Constitution of the United States.

Its Organization.

1stA directing council consisting of a President & 12 Members, of whom 4 & the President to be a quorum.

2ndA sub-directing council in each State consisting of a Vice-President & 12 Members, of whom 4 with the Vice-President to be a quorum & 3rd As many societies in each State, as local circumstances may permit to be formed by the Sub-directing council.

The Meeting at Washington to Nominate the President & Vice-President together with 4 Members of each of the councils, who are to complete their own numbers respectively.
Its Means.

1st

The diffusion of information. For this purpose not only the Newspapers but pamphlets must be la[r]gely employed & to do this a fund must be created. 5 dollars annually for 8 years, to be contributed by each member who can really afford it, (taking care not to burden the less able brethren) may afford a competent fund for a competent time. It is essential to be able to disseminate gratis useful publications. Whenever it can be done, & there is a press, clubs should be formed to meet once a week, read the newspapers & prepare essays paragraphs &ct.

2nd

The use of all lawful means in concert to promote the election of fit men. A lively correspondence must be kept up between the different Societies.

3rd

The promoting of institutions of a charitable & useful nature in the management of Fœderalists. The populous cities ought particularly to be attended to. Perhaps it will be well to institute in such places 1st Societies for the relief of Emigrants—2nd. Academies each with one professor for instructing the different Classes of Mechanics in the principles of Mechanics

especially confidential
{
& Elements of Chemistry. The cities have been employed by the Jacobins to give an impulse to the country. And it is believed to be an alarming fact, that while the question of Presidential Election was pending in the House of Rs. parties were organized in several of the Cities, in the event of there being no election, to cut off the leading Fœderalists & sieze the Government.
An Act of association to be drawn up in concise general terms. It need only designate the “name” “objects” & contain an engagement to promote the objects by all lawful means, and particularly by the diffusion of Information. This act to be signed by every member.
The foregoing to be the principal Engine. In addition let measures be adopted to bring as soon as possible the repeal of the Judiciary law before the Supreme Court. Afterwards, if not before, let as many Legislatures as can be prevailed upon, instruct their Senators to endeavour to procure a repeal of the repealing law. The body of New-England speaking the same language will give a powerful impulse. In Congress our friends to propose little, to agree candidly to all good measures, & to resist & expose all bad. This is a general sketch of what has occurred to me. It is at the service of my friends for so much as it may be worth. With true esteem & regard
Dr Sir   Yours
AH


Title: Speech on Congressional Election in New York City, [21 April 1802]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To:

[New York, April 21, 1802]
General Hamilton has again appeared on the election ground. He found it necessary to harrangue the merchants at the Coffee House on Wednesday last, who view the little General as a God, on the prospect of success in the Second District. He expatiated largely we are told on the persecution, as the General was pleased to term it, sustained by Mr. Sands, the federal candidate of the Second District for Congress. The General was evidently of opinion, consistently with his general politics, that a man ought never to be removed from office but for mal and corrupt conduct. This is a branch of that doctrine which the General advocated in the Federal Convention, and which was received by the assembled multitude of calculating merchants with silent approbation. He conjured them to throw off that sluggishness which had been imposed upon them by their defeat; and declared that, if they were not entirely inert, they could not fail of success against Col. Broome in the Second District. It was with great pleasure, he said, he could declare, that the Second District was principally peopled by gentlemen, whose correct notions of order and good government exalted them above the grovelling democracy of the times. He rejoiced that it is not, like the 6th and 7th wards, absorbed in jacobinism. When the General reflected on the deluded condition of those two wards, he was oppressed with grief. Beside, there was something so unutterably offensive in the idea of a Carman voting contrary to the opinions of the gentlemen by whom he was employed, that no friend of the doctrines of the old school could view it with patience. Nevertheless, he saw no remedy for the evil. Every expedient that human ingenuity could suggest had been tried to correct the mischief. In 1798–9 the merchants entered into a resolution to employ no man who would not vote for the federal ticket. This resolution was rigorously carried into effect. And yet such was the stubborness of the Carmen, that not one of the profession was found to yield to the superior opinions of those gentlemen, who benevolently furnished them with means of support. Failing in this attempt, he had given up all hope of restoring the Carmen to order and good government. And hence prudence dictated that they should make no opposition to Dr. Mitchell in the Third District. The meeting accorded with these sentiments, and each federal man felt a common sympathy for those words.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James A. Bayard, 25 April 1802
From: Bayard, James A.
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Washington 25. April 1802
Dear Sir
I have considered with a great deal of Attention the project recommended in your last letter of connected associations in the different States for the support of our Constitution & religion. The plan is marked with great ingenuity, but I am not inclined to think that it is applicable to the state of things in this Country. Such an association must be bottomed upon a stronger & more active principle than reason or even a sense of common interest to render it successful. There is more material for such an association upon the other side than upon ours.
We have the greater number of political Calculators & they of political fanaticks.
An attempt at association organized into clubs on the part of the Federalists would revive a thousand jealousies & suspicions which now begin to slumber.
Let us not be too impatient and our adversaries will soon demonstrate to the world the soundness of our doctrines and the imbecility and folly of their own. Without any exertion upon our part in the course of two or three years they will render every honest man in the country our Proselyte.
A degree of agitation & vibration of opinion must forever prevail under a government so free as that of the U States.
Under such a government in the nature of things it is impossible to fix public opinion. It is still left to the exertions of good men to prevent infinite evils to which the country is exposed from the selfish and ambitious intrigues of Demagogues.
The Presidents Party in Congress is much weaker than you would be led to judge from the printed state of the votes. Here we plainly discern that there is no confidence nor the smallest attachment prevails among them.
The spirit which existed at the beginning of the Session is entirely dissipated. A more rapid and radical change could not have been anticipated.
An occasion is only wanting for Virginia to find herself abandoned by all her auxiliaries and she would be abandoned upon the ground of her inimical principles to an efficient federal government.
Upon the subject of the judiciary I have had an opportunity of learning the opinions of the Chief J. He considers the late repealing act as operative in depriving the Judges of all power, derived under the act repealed. The office still remains which he holds to be a mere capacity, without a new appointment to receive & exercise any new judicial powers which the Legislature may confer. It has been considered here that the most adviseable course for the Circuit Courts to pursue will be at the end of their ensuing Session to adjourn generally, & to leave what remains to be done to the Supreme Court.
I am with great respect, &c
J.A.B.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Wadsworth, 26 April 1802
From: Wadsworth, Jeremiah
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Hartford, April 26, 1802. On May 19, 1802, Hamilton wrote to Wadsworth: “I have the pleasure of receiving your letter of the 26th. of April.” Letter not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Simeon Baldwin, 1 May 1802
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Baldwin, Simeon

[New York, May 1, 1802. “Capt. Du Buisson who has obtained a decree of restitution of his vessel & cargo tells me that there are some obstacles, which he cannot explain, to his receiving the moiety of the proceeds reserved for the Captors, and remaining as he understands it in deposit with you. As he has solicited my aid which I have promised, you will oblige me by explaining as early as may be the situation of the business.” Letter not found.]


Title: Election by the Triennial General Meeting of the Society of the Cincinnati, 3 May 1802
From: Society of the Cincinnati
To:

Washington, May 3, 1802. “A Ballot was accordingly had; and on counting the Votes it appeared that the following Gentlemen were unanimously Elected to fill the Offices annexed to their names, respectively. Major General Alexander Hamilton, President General.…”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Rufus King, 7 May 1802
From: King, Rufus
To: Hamilton, Alexander

secret and Confidential
London May 7th. 1802.
Dear Sir

As I know of no measure from abroad, which is capable of such extensive and injurious effects as the cession of Louisiana and the Floridas to France, it has been a subject of my unremitted solicitude and attention from the moment of our first suspicions concerning it. Its importance was fully and repeatedly developed to the Ministers of this Country before the conclusion of the Preliminaries, and during the negotiation at Amiens; but no explanation was demanded of France, lest it should embarrass the conclusion of Peace.

Mr. Pinkney absurdly enough is offering to purchase the Floridas of Spain, which has already disposed of them. Mr. Livingston can obtain no answer whatever to his repeated Notes upon this subject at Paris; while we learn for a certainty that an Expedition to be commanded by Bernadotte is already preparing in the Ports of France, and will go directly to the Mississippi, unless the bad state of the affairs of St Domingo should alter its destination. In these circumstances I have thought it prudent to ask this Government to explain itself upon this important measure, and I send you in entire confidence copies of my Letter and of the answer which I have received and transmitted to the Department of State.
In Thornton’s last Dispatches, which I have seen, he reports a Conversation between him and the President in which the latter is represented to have said that this cession would inevitably change the political System of the United States in respect to their foreign Relations, inasmuch as it would lead to jealousies irritation and hostility: and, alluding to the north west boundary of the United States, suggested the expediency of an immediate settlement of it by an agreement to close the boundary by taking for that purpose the shortest line between lake superior and any part of the Mississippi.
With sincere regards   I am, Dear sir,   Your obedient servant

Rufus King


Title: Enclosure: Rufus King to Lord Hawkesbury, 21 April 1802
From: King, Rufus
To: Hawkesbury, Lord

Confidential.
London Ap. 21. 1802
My Lord,

By the Treaty of Alliance concluded at Paris in 1778, between the United States of America and France, with the Exception of New orleans the latter renounced for ever the possession of every part of the Continent of america lying to the East of the course of the River Mississippi. This renunciation, confirming that which had been previously made in the Treaty of 1763, between Great Britain and France, authorized the expectation that France, content with her widely spread dominions, would abstain from seeking an extension of them on this part of the American Continent: an expectation that appeared the more reasonable, inasmuch as the motives to such Extension could not be satisfactorily reconciled with a just Regard to the Rights and security of those Powers, between which this Portion of america is divided, and by which the same is at present possessed.
Contrary, nevertheless, to expectations which have been entertained on this subject, if credit be due to uniform and uncontradicted Reports, the Government of France has prevailed upon his Catholic Majesty to cede to France both the Provinces of Louisiana and the Floridas, and having thus acquired a station at the Mouth, and on both sides of the Mississippi, may be inclined to interfere with and interrupt the open Navigation of the Same.
By the Treaty of Peace, concluded at Paris in 1783, between the United States of america and Great Britain, it is mutually stipulated that “the Navigation of the River Mississippi from its source to the Ocean shall for ever remain free and open to the subjects of Great Britain and the Citizens of the United States.” Without enlarging upon the great and peculiar importance of this Navigation to the United States, a large and increasing Portion of whose People can conveniently communicate with each other, and with foreign Countries, by no other route, I take the liberty thro’ your Lordship to request that the British Government will in confidence explain itself upon this subject, and especially that it will explicitly declare whether any Communication has been received by it from the Government of France or Spain respecting the said Cession, or whether his Britannic Majesty has in any manner acquiesced in or sanctioned the same, so as to impair or affect the Stipulation above referred to concerning the free Navigation of the Mississippi: in a word I entreat your Lordship to open yourself on this occasion with that freedom which, in matters of weighty concern, is due from one friendly Nation to another, and which, in the present instance, will have the effect to do away all those misconceptions that may otherwise prevail in respect to the Privity of Great Britain to the cession in question.
With the highest consideration and respect   I have the honour to be,   Your Lordship’s obedient & most humble servant Rufus King.


Title: Enclosure: Lord Hawkesbury to Rufus King, 7 May 1802
From: Hawkesbury, Lord
To: King, Rufus

Confidential
Downing Street [London]7th: May, 1802.
Sir,

I have the Honour to acknowledge the Receipt of your Confidential Letter of the 21st: Ultimo. It is impossible that so important an Event, as the Cession of Louisiana by Spain to France, should be regarded by the King in any other Light, than as highly interesting to His Majesty and to the United States, and should render it more necessary than ever, that there should subsist between the two Governments that Spirit of Confidence, which is become so essential to the Security of Their respective Territories and Possessions.
With regard to the free Navigation of the Mississippi, I conceive that it is perfectly clear, according to the Law of Nations, that in the Event of the District of Louisiana being ceded to France, that Country would come into the Possession of it, subject to all the Engagements which appertained to it at the Time of Cession; and that the French Government could consequently alledge no colourable Pretext for excluding His Majesty’s Subjects, or the Citizens of the United States, from the Navigation of the River Mississippi.
With regard to the second Question in Your Letter, I can have no Difficulty in informing you that no Communication whatever has been received by His Majesty from the Government of France or Spain, relative to any Convention or Treaty for the Cession of Louisiana or of the Floridas; and I can at the same Time most truly assure you that His Majesty has not in any Manner, directly or indirectly acquiesced in or sanctioned this Cession.
In making this Communication to you for the Information of the Government of the United States, I think it right to acquaint you that His Majesty will be anxious to learn their Sentiments on every Part of this Subject, and the Line of Policy which they will be inclined to adopt, in the Event of this Arrangement being carried into Effect.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Wadsworth, 19 May 1802
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Wadsworth, Jeremiah

New York May 19. 1802
My Dear Sir

I have the pleasure of receiving your letter of the 26th. of April and with it the half barrel of Mess Pork. It is excellent. Nothing could have been more acceptable to me. It is an article I am particularly fond of—& the gift deserves additional value from the Giver. Receive my thanks & believe me always
Yr. sincere & Affect friend

A Hamilton
Col Wadsworth


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Louis André Pichon, 21 May 1802
From: Pichon, Louis André
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Washington, May 21, 1802. The endorsement on Hamilton to Pichon, May 10, 1802, reads: “Repue Le 21 mai.” Letter not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Peter W. Yates, [May 1802]
From: Yates, Peter W.
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Albany, May, 1802.] “The Argument on the inclosed case is to be the next term in new York. I cannot attend. I request you to pay particular attention to this Case & prepare for the argument. The deft. claims under my Br in Law Anthony Bries the eldest son and heir of old Hendrick Bries their father.…”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to James M. Hughes, [3 June 1802]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Hughes, James M.

[New York, June 3, 1802]

Mr. Hughes will please to execute the above order as follows—After deducting the Costs he will pay their proportions to the respective parties except that to Joseph Caste which I will receive.
New York June 3. 1802
Alex Hamilton


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Rufus King, 3 June 1802
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: King, Rufus

By duplicate
New York June 3. 1802
My Dear Sir

I have been long very delinquent towards you, as a correspondent, and am to thank you that you have not cast me off altogether as an irretrievable reprobate. But you knew how to appreciate the causes and you have made a construction equally just and indulgent.
In your last you ask my opinion about a matter delicate and important both in a public and in a personal view. I shall give it with the frankness to which you have a right, and I may add that the impressions of your other friends, so far as they have fallen under my observation do not differ from my own. While you were in the midst of a negotiation interesting to your country, it was your duty to keep your post. You have now accomplished the object and have the good fortune not very common of having the universal plaudit. This done, it seems to me most adviseable that you return home. There is little probability that your continuance in your present station will be productive of much positive good. Nor are circumstances such as to give reason to apprehend that the substitute for you, whoever he may be, can do much harm. Your stay or return therefore, as it regards our transatlantic concerns, is probably not material: While your presence at home may be useful in ways which it is not necessary to particularise. Besides, it is questionable whether you can continue longer in the service of the present adminis⟨tration⟩ consistently with what is due as well to your own character as to the common cause. I am far from thinking that a man is bound to quit a public office, merely because the administration of the Government may have changed hands. But when those who have come into power are undisguised persecutors of the party to which he has been attached and study with ostenstation to heap upon it every indignity and injury—he ought not in my opinion to permit himself to be made an except⟨ion⟩ or to lend his talents to the support of such characters. If in addition to this, it be true that the principles and plans of the men at the head of affairs tend to the degradation of the Government and to their own disgrace it will hardly be possible to be in any way connected with them without sharing in the disrepute which they may be destined to experience.
I wish I had time to give you a comprehensive & particular map of our political situation. But more than a rude outline is beyond my leisure, devoted as I am more than ever to my professional pursuits.
You have seen the course of the Administration hitherto, especially during the last session of Congress; and I am persuaded you will agree in opinion with me that it could hardly have been more diligent in mischief. What you will ask, has been and is likely to be the effect on the public mind?
Our friends are sanguine that a great change for the better has been wrought and is progressive. I suppose good has been done— that the Fœderalists have been reconciled and cemented—have been awakened and alarmed. Perhaps too there may be some sensible and moderate men of the adverse party who are beginning to doubt. But I as yet discover no satisfactory symptoms of a revolution of opinion in the mass “informe in gens cui lumen ademptum.” Nor do I look with much expectation to any serious alteration until inconveniences are extensively felt or until time has produced a disposition to coquet it with new lovers. Vibrations of power, you are aware, are of the genius of our Government.
There is however a circumstance which may accelerate the fall of the present party. There is certainly a most serious seism between the chief and his heir apparent; a scism absolutely incurable, because founded in the breasts of both in the rivalship of an insatiable and unprincipled ambition. The effects are already apparent, and are ripening into a more bitter animosity between the partizans of the two men than ever existed between the Fœderalists and Antifœderalists.
Unluckily we are not as neutral to this quarrel as we ought to be. You saw how far our friends in Congress went in polluting themselves with the support of the second personage for the presidency. The Cabal did not terminate there. Several men, of no inconsiderable importance among us, like the enterprising and adventurous character of this man, and hope to soar with him to power. Many more through hatred to the Chief and through an impatience to recover the reins are linking themselves with the vice-Chief, almost without perceiving it and professing to have no other object than to make use of him; while he knows that he is making use of them. What this may end in, it is difficult to foresee.
Of one thing only I am sure, that in no event will I be directly or indirectly implicated in a responsibility for the elevation or support of either of two men, who in different senses, are in my eyes equally unworthy of the confidence of intelligent or honest men.
Truly, My dear Sir, the prospects of our Country are not brilliant. The mass is far from sound. At headquarters a most visionary theory presides. Depend upon it this is the fact to a great extreme. No army, no navy no active commerce—national defence, not by arms but by embargoes, prohibition of trade &c.—as little government as possible within—these are the pernicious dreams which as far and as fast as possible will be attempted to be realized. Mr. Jefferson is distressed at the codfish having latterly emigrated to the Southern Coast lest the people there should be tempted to catch them, and commerce of which we have already too much receive an accession. Be assured this is no pleasantry, but a very sober anecdote.
Among Fœderalists old errors are not cured. They also continue to dream though not quite so preposterously as their opponents. “All will be very well (say they) when the power once more gets back into Fœderal hands. The people convinced by experience of their error will repose a permanent confidence in good men.” Rescum teneatis—Adieu.
Yrs. ever

A H
R King Esq

P.S. The bearer our acquaintance Wm Bayard continues worthy of high esteem & regard.

A H


Title: Account with Louis Le Guen, [6 June 1802]
From: Le Guen, Louis,Hamilton, Alexander
To:

[New York, June 6, 1802]

Dr.
Louis Le Guen To Alexander Hamilton one of the Trustees &c
Cr.

1802
To Cash paid Mr. Bruerton amount of two Bills of Cost
}
331
1802
By Cash received of Manhattan Bank being the Ballance of the Trustees account
}
175

June 4.
To Cash (Check on Office of D & Deposit)
}
800

Ballance due Louis Le Guen

427.72
June 4
do. received of N Prime for interest of 7000 Dollars to the 13 of May last
}
408.72

do. received of J L being interest on 3000 Dollars to 13 of May last
}
175

do. received of New York Insurance Company for dividend of Stock in the name of Trustees
}
800

Dollars

1558.72

Dollars

1558.72

E E   New York June 6. 1802

A H


Title: Description of Account with Louis Le Guen, [8 June 1802]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To:

[New York, June 8, 1802]

I acknowlege to have received of Louis Le Guen Esquire in deposit for the purposes of his marriage contract with his present wife Mary Le Guen the sum of Twenty Five thousand Dollars which with his consent have been disposed of as follows say Five thousand Dollars in the Stock of the New York Insurance Company standing in the name of the Trustees Five thousand Dollars in a loan to Richard Harrison secured by his Bond and a mortgage on his house in the city of New York (which bond and mortgage are in my possession), five thousand Dollars in a loan to Alexander Hamilton secured by his bond and a mortgage on his house and farm at Haerlem (which bond and mortgage are in the possession of Louis Le Guen) seven thousand Dollars in a loan to Nathaniel Prime secured by a transfer to me of Stock in the Columbian Insurance Company (say one hundred and forty shares) the remaining three thousand Dollars kept at interest at my discretion till further order.

A HamiltonNew York June 8, 1802

NB The Stock in the New York Insurance Company consists of one hundred shares which cost five thousand five hundred Dollars being five hundred Dollars more than are due to the fund for the marriage Contract. I have also in my hands belonging to the said Louis Le Guen a bond of Aaron Burr conditioned for the payment of six thousand seven hundred & thirty Dollars and thirteen Cents secured by the Assignment of certain leases also two promissory notes of the said Aaron which are included in the amount of the said bond.

A H


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John B. Graves, 8 June 1802
From: Graves, John B.
To: Hamilton, Alexander

New York, June 8, 1802. Requests Hamilton’s opinion concerning his claim for reimbursement on a premium that he had paid to insure his cargo aboard the schooner Alert.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Philip Schuyler, 15 [June] 1802
From: Schuyler, Philip
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Junction of Canada with woodCreek [Verona, New York] Tuesday [June] 15 1802
My Dear Sir

On Sunday a letter from Mrs. Church announced the happy delivery of My Dear Eliza, and that She and the child, were in as good health as could be expected and wished for. On this Event, I must Sincerely congratulate you and her. May I soon learn that she is perfectly restored.
It is more than probable that soon after my return to albany I shall have the pleasure of seeing [you] at New York.
The very heavy rains which fell in the two preceeding weeks to this, has injured the country to a very extensive Amount, and retarded the progress of the works for improving the navigation of Wood Creek. I hope nevertheless to finish one lock and Its dam, by the 10th of next month, when I shall return to Albany—passing in my boat thro the lock.
I have been so actively employed since my arrival here on the 2d Instant, that I enjoy perfect health.
We have excellent Mutton here, and as fine and fat Salmon as ever was dished, and I believe as cheap as cod at the New York Market. I gave half a dollar for a very fine one weighing more than 19lt. They are taken four miles and an half from this.
You My beloved Eliza & the Children all participate in my warmest Affections.
Adieu My Dear Sir   Most truly yours

Ph: Schuyler
General Hamilton


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Truxtun, 10 July 1802
From: Truxtun, Thomas
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Perth Amboy [New Jersey] 10th July 1802.
Dear Sir

I pray you to accept a Copy of the medal voted me by Congress as a Small token of the great Respect and esteem with which I have the honor to be
Dear Sir   Your very obt. st.

Thomas Truxtun
Honorable General HamiltonNew York


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Gilbert McClaghry, 15 July 1802
From: McClaghry, Gilbert
To: Hamilton, Alexander

July 15, 1802. States that he is destitute and asks Hamilton to help him collect the commutation and ration money of his brother, John McClaghry, who died while serving in the Continental Army.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to ———, 23 July 1802
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To:

[July 23, 1802. The description of this letter in the dealer’s catalogue reads: “enclosing a letter of introduction to ‘Mr. Lowel, Son of Judge Lowel deceased, who is a very respected member of the Essex Junto’ & mentioning a financial matter.” Letter not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Rufus King, 23 July 1802
From: King, Rufus
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[London, July 23, 1802. King’s description of this letter reads: “General Hamilton. Determination to return home &c.” Letter not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Ernst Frederich von Walterstorff, 5 August 1802
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Walterstorff, Ernst Frederich von

[New York, August 5, 1802. On April 20, 1803, Walterstorff wrote to Hamilton and referred to “Your favr. of the 5th. August.” Letter not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Albert Gallatin, 6 August 1802
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Gallatin, Albert

[New York, August 6, 1802. On August 13, 1802, Gallatin wrote to Hamilton: “I had the honor to receive your letter of the 6th instt.” Letter not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Rufus King, 6 August 1802
From: King, Rufus
To: Hamilton, Alexander

London August 6th. 1802
Dear Sir

I wrote to you two days ago by a private ship, as the Packet goes in a day or two I avail myself of the Opportunity to inform you that I have sent to the Secy of State my Resignation, and requested to be relieved in time to return home in April next. As there is reason to apprehend that we may be at war with all the barbary powers, as well as morocco I have asked for a Passage home in a Frigate or other public vessel; in case this accomodation be refused, I have decreed my Agent Mr Low to ingage & send me a vessel from New york.
The grounds or reason of the morocco war is said to be our refusal to allow the morocco merchants & Govt. to supply Tripoli with corn; the same claim has been made & refused by our consul at Tunis, and may be followed by a similar Conduct as has been adopted by Morocco. Add to this, intelligence is just in (how authentic I am at present unable to determine) that two of our merchant ships have been carried into Algiers. This Regency is elated with the late success of its cruisers against the portuguese, and is likely to incur a formidable attack from France, which certainly has the prospect of embarking a powerful army in the Ports of Spain to attack and destroy Algiers!
with sincere respect   yr’s &c

R King

I am going next week to Holland, thence thro the low Countries to Spa on my way to Paris where we shall spend four or six weeks & return at the meeting of Parliament in Novr. How happy shd. we be if you & Mrs. H. could be of our party. I shd. add that I have leave to make this Excursion.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Rufus King, 6 August 1802
From: King, Rufus
To: Hamilton, Alexander

London Aug 6. 1802

After further enquiry, I annex little credit to the notice posted at Loyds’, that two american vessels had been carried into Algiers. Two vessels the Franklin morris master, and the Rose (master not known) said to be of Philadelphia, are reported to have been taken by the cruisers of morocco or some other of the Barbary Powers. These are also the vessels which are mentioned at Loyds as having been carried into Algiers.
Having no late intelligence, which affords reason to believe that Algiers is disposed immediately to break with the U S, I am inclined to suppose these captures, if made, have been made by some of the other pirates.
The Project of France is to embark her Army going agt. Algiers in the spanish ports, and it is quite probable that Spain will be called upon to assist in defraying the Expences of marching and embarking, as well as in transporting this army to Africa, notwithstanding she has as we understand very recently expended a large sum to confirm her Peace with this Regency.
If the fortune of France prevail on the Shores of Africa, these regencies will become more reasonable, if they be not extirpated. A part of Bonapartes Egyptian Plan, was to have colonized the Shores of Africa, and although the acquiring the treasure, which is said (tho I suspect erroneously) to be accumulated there, are assigned as the leading motives of the Expedition, it is more likely to be a step towards the accomplishment of the Project in which the chief Consul was foiled in Egypt.
very faithfully yrs

Rufus King


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Louis André Pichon, 12 August 1802
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Pichon, Louis André

[Washington, August 12, 1802. The endorsement on Hamilton to Pichon, August 6, 1802, reads: “Repue Le 12.” Letter not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 14 August 1802
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.

Grange [New York] August 14. 1802
My Dear Sir

When you were last in Town I promised to communicate to you the outline of a project by which I think you may enter upon a career of business beneficial to yourself and friends. My almost constant attendance at Court ever since you were here has retarded its communication, which I shall now make.

Let a commercial Capital be formed to consist of 100 000 Dollars divided into shares of 1000 Dollars each.
¹⁄₁₀A subscriber to pay in Cash one tenth of his subscription and for the residue 7 ⅌ Centum per annum. It will then be his interest to pay up as soon as he can.
The subscribers to form a Partnership under the firm of Oliver Wolcott & Co., Oliver Wolcott alone to have the signature of the firm and the active management of the affairs of the Company; with an allowance of 1500 Dollars per annum out of the profits for the trouble of management besides his share of profits as a Partner.
Oliver Wolcott and two others of the partners to form a board of Direction, to plan &c.
Clerks and all incidental expences to be paid out of the fund.
The objects of the Company—

1
Agencies for purchase & sales of lands Stock &c.

2
Factorage of Cargoes consigned on commission purchases of goods on Commission &c in brief “the business of a Commission Merchant merely.”

3
Purchases at Auction and sales of the articles purchased.

4
Loans of money on deposit of goods with a right if not redeemed in time to sell on commission—Perhaps

Speculative enterprises in navigation and com⟨merce⟩ to be excluded.
In a company thus formed under your management I should be willing to become a partner for from 5 to 10 000 Ds. and I have no doubt that the Capital will be readily formed of confidential and trust worthy characters who would ensure great credit to the House.
I am also confident that when it should be known in Europe that certain characters were of the Company, it would attract a good portion of profitable employment.
I will enter into no further detail. If the project impresses you favourably, come to New York & we will give it form & finish & prepare for the Execution. Do not lightly reject it.
Yrs.   very truly

A Hamilton
Oliver Wolcott Esq


Title: Mortgage by John Laurance, John B. Church, and Alexander Hamilton to Robert Gilchrist, 21 August 1802
From: Laurance, John,Church, John B.,Hamilton, Alexander,Gilchrist, Robert
To:

New York, August 21, 1802. Laurance, Church, and Hamilton give a mortgage to Gilchrist on an undivided one-half of Townships 9, 10, a portion of 17, and certain lots in Townships 21 and 15, all located in Scriba’s Patent, as security for the payment of $21,765. By the terms of the mortgage each is to pay Gilchrist $7,255 in five equal annual payments with interest from May 18, 1802.


Title: Promissory Note to Theodosius Fowler, 21 August 1802
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Fowler, Theodosius

New York, August 21, 1802. “… Alexander Hamilton … shall pay to … Theodosius Fowler … the sum of One thousand four hundred and fifty one Dollars lawful Money aforesaid on or before the eighteenth day of May next with lawful Interest for the same from the eighteenth day of May last then the Obligation to be Void.…”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Gouverneur Morris, [25 August 1802]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Morris, Gouverneur

[Grange, New York, August 25, 1802]
Dear Sir

It was my intention to have come to see you this afternoon, among other things to confer about the affair of the loan. But the uncertain state of the weather & some bodily indisposition prevent me.
As to the security for the loan: I hold it to be the better opinion that no foreigner can be in any form a cestuy que trust of land—that consequently no conveyance directly for the security of the money lender will be legal. But Mr chaumont is Guarantor & He is a Citizen. A conveyance to countersecure him will be valid, which in the result will protect the money lender. This therefore is the form I propose to give the business.
As to Tillier I want your definitive.
Have the Clerk brought down and engage to pay what ballance may be due from the Company—he shall immediately deliver up the maps & field books & shall deposit with the Master the bill of Exchange & shall give every facility possible on his part to accelerate a final settlement. Surely this is the best course in the view of interest & humanity.
Mr. Church requests you to renew the inclosed, & send it to him. If you forward the renewed note by the bearer, I will take it to Town with me in the morning.
Yrs. very truly

A H
Aug 25
G Morris Esq


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Gouverneur Morris, 31 August 1802
From: Morris, Gouverneur
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Alexander Hamilton Esqr.New York
Morrisania [New York] 31 Aug. 1802
My dear Sir

Enclosed you have a Letter for you I have this Instant received from Leray. I must add a word respecting that same Bill of Exchange. I have agreed to pay to Mr. Tillier whatever the Company shall owe him and Thereby confirm what I have said to you upon that Subject but it is upon the express Condition that the Bill in Question be deposited, in your Hands if you please, so that I may be possest of it eventually as Assets of the Company. I am fully convinced that they can owe Nothing to Mr. Tillier but in any and every Case that Bill must come at last into my Hands. Leray will be here on Saturday Morning and will expect to meet you and receive from you the field Books of No. four. I wish you could contrive to come over early in the Day so as to a Business I will mention and which he did not because it was not then matur’d and he is obliged to leave this on Sunday Morning. It relates to our friend who is now with me.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Gouverneur Morris, [4 September 1802]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Morris, Gouverneur

[Grange, New York, September 4, 1802]
My Dear Sir

I fully intended to have dined with you to day but going to Town the two last days & forgetting that I ought to observe a regimen, I have brought back in some degree the complaint which lately annoyed me & which requires to be well watched. This must deprive me of the pleasure of seeing you.
I send Schedules of the papers required of Tillier, all which have been put into my hands—the bill to remain ’till the close of the affair, the other documents to be delivered to your order.
I also send a draft of the Trust deed. It endeavours to comply with your suggestion as far as can be done without running foul of the danger desired to be avoided.
Yrs. very truly

A H
Grange Sep 4th.

Your guests are invited to dine with us Thursday next. Will you make one?


Title: Indenture: James Donatien Le Ray de Chaumont, Gouverneur Morris, and Alexander Hamilton, [4–5 September 1802]
From: Le Ray de Chaumont, James Donatien,Morris, Gouverneur,Hamilton, Alexander
To:

[New York, September 4–5, 1802]

This Indenture made the fourth Day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and two Between James Donatianus Le Ray de Chaumont of the first Part, Gouverneur Morris of the second Part and Alexander Hamilton of the third Part.
Whereas it hath been agreed by and between the Parties of the first and second Part that the said Party of the second Part shall pay to the said Party of the first Part the Sum of fifteen thousand Dollars Money of the United States of America in Consideration whereof the said Party of the first Part hath agreed to pay to Alexander Hamilton the Party of the third Part the annual Sum of one thousand five hundred Dollars of like Money as aforesaid every Year during the Life of Robert Morris of Philadelphia in the State of Pennsylvania Esquire and Mary his wife and during the Life of the Survivor of them in four equal quarter Yearly Payments the first of the said Payments to be made on the Day of the Date hereof and every quarterly Payment thereafter to be made three Months in Advance, Upon the Trust Nevertheless and for the Uses and Purposes herein after mentioned—and in order to secure the Payment of the said annual Sum of one thousand five hundred Dollars in quarter yearly Payments as aforesaid, the said Party of the first Part hath agreed to mortgage to the said Party of the third Part, the Tract of Land herein after particularly described.
Now therefore this Indenture witnesseth that the said James Donatianus Le Ray, the Party of the first part together with Grace his Wife in consideration of the Sum of fifteen thousand Dollars of like Money as aforesaid to him in Hand paid by the said Party of the second Part at the Time of the Execution of these Presents, the Receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, and also in consideration of the Sum of one Dollar to him in Hand paid by the Party of the third part at the time of the Execution of these Presents the Receipt whereof is also hereby acknowledged, Hath granted, bargained, sold, aliened, released and conveyed and by these Presents Doth grant, bargain, sell, alien, release and convey to the said Party of the third Part and to his Heirs and assigns: forever all that certain Tract of Land situate, lying and being in the County of St Laurence, formerly Clinton in the State of New York, being designated on a certain Map of a Tract of Land commonly called Macombs Purchase, by Township Number thirteen in Lot Number thirteen, being bounded as follows, Beginning at the north East Corner of Town Number Twelve at a Spruce standing in a Swamp marked T. No. 9, 10, 12, 13 and running thence East five hundred and fifty Chains to a large Hemlock standing in the East Line of great Lot No 3 marked T No 10, 13—thence South as run in the year 1796 by M. Mitchell, five hundred and fifty six Chains to a Stake fifteen Links North East of a Beech marked T No 13, 15—Thence west five hundred and forty eight Chains to an Hemlock marked T No 12, 13, 14, 15—Thence North five hundred and sixty Chains to the Place of Beginning Containing thirty thousand six hundred and twenty seven acres, be the same more or less; And also all the Estate, Right, Title, Interest, Claim and Demand both in Law and Equity of the said Party of the first Part, and all Dower and Right of Dower of the said Grace his Wife, of in and to the same, and the Reversion and Reversions, Remainder and Remainders, Rents, Issues and Profits thereof, To have and to hold unto the said Party of the third Part his Heirs and assigns forever—Upon Condition Nevertheless that if the said Party of the first Part or his Heirs, executors, administrators or assigns shall pay annually and every year during the Life of the said Robert Morris and Mary his Wife and during the Life of the Survivor of them, to the said Party of the third Part or to his Executors or administrators the Sum of one thousand five hundred Dollars of like Money as aforesaid in four equal quarter yearly Payments, the first Payment to be made on the Day of the Date hereof—and each and every succeeding Payment to be made three months in advance; and if Default shall be made in the Payment of any of the said Sums of Money, legal Interest thereon from the Time the Payment ought to have been made; or if the said Party of the first Part or his Heirs, Executors, administrators or assigns shall at any Time hereafter transfer to the said Alexander Hamilton the Party of the third Part or to his Executors or administrators so much of the Debt of the United States of America bearing an Interest of three per Cent per Annum as that the annual Interest thereof shall amount to the Sum herein and hereby intended to be secured to be paid to the said Party of the third Part his Executors and administrators in Manner as aforesaid every Year during the Life of the said Robert Morris and Mary his wife and during the Life of the Survivor of them, to be held by the said Party of the third Part his Executors and Administrators in Trust to receive the Interest thereon as it shall accrue and to apply the same in the Manner herein directed in and by the Trust hereby created and after the Decease of the said Robert Morris and Mary his Wife, in Trust to transfer the same back again to the said Party of the first Part or to his Executors, administrators or assigns. Then and in either of the above Cases this present Indenture and the Estate therein and thereby created and conveyed and every Article Matter and Thing therein contained, shall cease and become void, any Thing therein contained to the contrary notwithstanding.
And if Default shall be made by the said James Donatianus Le Ray, his Heirs, Executors or administrators in the Payment of any of the Sums of Money herein and hereby intended to be secured, then and in such Case the said James Donatianus Le Ray hereby authorises and empowers the said Party of the Third Part his Executors or Administrators to sell all or any Part or Parts of the above described Premises at Public Auction for the best Price or Prices that can be gotten for the Same and out of the monies arising from such Sale or Sales in the first Place to receive the amount of such Sums of Money herein secured to be paid as may be in arrear and unpaid, with Interest thereon from the Periods when the same respectively ought to have been paid; and with the Residue of the Monies arising from such Sale or Sales to purchase so much of the Debt of the United States, bearing an Interest of three per Cent per annum as that the annual Interest thereof will amount to the said Sum of one thousand five hundred Dollars herein intended to be secured to be paid every year in Manner as aforesaid during the Life of the said Robert Morris and Mary his Wife and during the Life of the Survivor of them rendering the overplus if any, after deducting the Costs and Expences of such Sale or Sales, to the said James Donatianus Le Ray, his Executors or Administrators. And if such Purchase of the Debt aforesaid shall be made, the said Party of the third Part his Executors and administrators are hereby authorised and empowered by the said Party of the first Part to hold the same for the Purpose of receiving the Interest thereon as it shall become due, to be applied in the Manner directed in and by the Trust herein and hereby created; and after the Decease of the said Robert Morris and Mary his Wife in Trust to transfer the same to the said James Donatianus Le Ray, his Executors, administrators or assigns.
And the said Parties to these Presents hereby declare the Trust upon which the Party of the third Part and his Executors and administrators shall receive the Monies herein before secured to be paid to him and them, to be as follows, to wit, In Trust to pay the said Monies as he or they shall receive the same to the said Mary Morris during the Time of her Natural Life, for the use and Purpose of her Maintenance and Support and to be applied by her when so received for such Purpose, in such Manner as she may elect and deem most convenient; and after her Decease, if the said Robert Morris her Husband shall survive her, upon the farther Trust to pay the said Monies so as aforesaid to be received to the said Robert Morris for his Maintenance and Support to be applied by him the said Robert Morris, when so received for such Purpose, in such Manner as he may elect and deem most convenient.
And the said James Donatianus Le Ray for himself, his Heirs, Executors and Administrators covenants to and with the said Alexander Hamilton, his Executors and Administrators that he the said James Donatianus Le Ray, his Heirs, Executors or Administrators shall and will pay to the said Alexander Hamilton or to his Executors or Administrators the said Sum of one thousand five hundred Dollars every Year during the Life of the said Robert Morris and Mary his Wife and during the Life of the Survivor of them in four equal quarter Yearly Payments and will make the first Payment on the Day of the Date hereof and each and every succeeding Payment three Months in Advance; and also shall and will pay Interest at the Rate aforesaid upon all and every of the said Sums of Money in the Payment of which Default shall be made, from the respective Periods at which the said Payments ought to have been made—and for the true and faithful Performance of this Covenant and of every article and Matter herein contained on the Part of the said James Donatianus Le Ray or of his Executors, Heirs or Administrators to be performed and kept, he hereby binds himself, his Heirs, Executors and Administrators unto the said Alexander Hamilton his Executors & Administrators in the penal Sum of thirty thousand Dollars.
And the said Alexander Hamilton for himself, his Heirs, Executors and Administrators hereby covenants to and with the said Gouverneur Morris his Executors and Administrators that he the said Alexander Hamilton, his Executors or administrators shall and will pay over the said Monies herein and hereby secured to be paid to him and them every Year in the Manner herein before specified, during the Life of the said Robert Morris and Mary his Wife and during the Life of the Survivor of them, as he the said Alexander Hamilton or his Executors or administrators shall receive the same to the said Mary Morris during her Life for the uses and Purposes herein before expressed; and after her Decease to the said Robert Morris her Husband, if he shall survive her, to and for the Uses and Purposes also herein before expressed—and also if Default shall be made in the Payment of the said Sum of one thousand five hundred Dollars every Year during the Life of the said Robert Morris and Mary his Wife and during the Life of the Survivor of them in quarter yearly Payments in Manner as is above provided, and as Default shall be made in any of the said Payments, he the said Alexander Hamilton, his Executors or Administrators will use due Diligence and take all reasonable and legal Measures to recover the same from the said James Donatianus Le Ray, his Heirs, Executors or Administrators; and shall and will in all Things well and faithfully execute the Trust herein and hereby created.
And the said Alexander Hamilton for himself, his Heirs, Executors and Administrators covenants to and with the said James Donatianus Le Ray, his Executors, Administrators and assigns that if it shall so happen in the Execution of the Trust herein and hereby created, that any of the Debt of the United States shall become vested in him the said Alexander Hamilton, his Executors or Administrators by any of the Provisions herein contained then and in such Case he the said Alexander Hamilton or his Executors or Administrators, after the Purposes of such Trust as is herein and hereby created shall have been completed, and after the Decease of the said Robert Morris and Mary his Wife, shall and will transfer the said Debt to the said James Donatianus Le Ray or to his Executors, administrators or assigns.
In Witness whereof the Parties to these Presents have hereunto set their Hands and Seals the Day and Year first above written.
Le Ray
Gouv. Morris
Received on the Day of the Date of the within Indenture from Mr. Gouverneur Morris the Sum of fifteen thousand Dollars being the Sum within agreed to be paid by the said Gouverneur Morris to me on the Day of the Date of the said within Indenture.

Le Ray
Witnessed byThomas Cooper

J. Leray agrees in Consideration of one thousand Dollars pd to him by Gouverneur Morris that the within mentioned Annuity shall be sixteen hundred instead of fifteen hundred Dollars he having received sixteen thousand 5 Sepr. 1802.

Le Ray


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Cooper, 6 September 1802
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Cooper, William

New York September 6. 1802
Dear Sir

I congratulate you and myself on your victory over Brockholst. Whether your interest is much promoted by it or not is of small consequence—In the triumph of vanquishing such an enemy. That you know was your principal inducement and I know that you will be willing to pay well for it.
I have been deliberating whether to charge you 200 or 100 pounds for my services in this cause. In fixing upon the latter I am afraid I shall offend you. But I love to show my moderation & therefore whether you are angry or not I will only have One hundred.
This I beg you to remit without delay. I have been building a fine house and am very low in Cash; so that it will be amazingly convenient to me to touch your money as soon as possible.
I wish you many pleasant moments & that you may be able to steer clear of the Court of Errors. I have fought so hard for you that I am entirely exhausted.
Yrs. with great regard

A Hamilton


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James Donatien Le Ray de Chaumont, 6 September 1802
From: Le Ray de Chaumont, James Donatien
To: Hamilton, Alexander

General Alex. Hamilton Esq
Morisiana [New York] Sepr. 6. 1802
Sir

I Regret very much that I have not had the pleasure to see you at Morisiana, and hope at the Same time that this Cool weather will have restored your health.
I include here a receipt for the papers which belong to me and which are absolutely necessary to take with me in the Journey I am going to undertake. As I am to be at particular day at Albany I send you an express to desire you in case you cant go to town today to give him an order that he may get the papers in your office. I must set of this afternoon else I will not arrive in time & Mr. Constable will be gone to Montreal &c &c.
I am going to make him sign the paper you had drawn and which I think will answer all purposes.
With great regard I remain Sir   Your most humble & obedient Servant

Le Ray

Mr. T. Cooper is Kind enough to take charge of this and will give you the receipt on receiving the papers.


Title: Receipt from Louis Le Guen, [10 September 1802]
From: Le Guen, Louis
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Morrisville, Pennsylvania, September 10, 1802]

Jai Ce Jour: 10. Septembre 1802. recu du General Hamilton trois Cents cinquante d’ollars, Pour Linterest d’un ân sur La Somme de Cinq milles dollars, mentionnee au dit Bond. Morris Ville 10 Septe. 1802.

L Le Guen


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Herman LeRoy, 19 September 1802
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: LeRoy, Herman

Grange [New York], September 19, 1802. Informs LeRoy of an arrangement he has concluded with Henry Sands to assign Sands’s mortgage on lots in Brooklyn to the Bank of New York, which, in turn, would sell the mortgaged property and use the proceeds to discharge Comfort Sands’s debts. States: “Going tomorrow morning to attend the W Chester Circuit which may occasion an absence of three or four days.”


Title: Enclosure: [Description of Ohio Company Tracts], [3 October 1802]
From:
To:

five compleat shares of Land (including the several lots heretofore drawn for the said shares in the name of the said Alexander Hamilton Esqr.) in two several tracts of land situate in the county of Washington, in the Territory of the United States, north west of the river Ohio, and in that part thereof purchased by the aforesaid Compy of associates, the said two tracts of Land in which the shares hereby granted and conveyed are located, are the same two tracts granted and conveyed to us the aforesaid Grantors, in trust as aforesaid by the said Letters Patent, bearing date the Tenth day of May, in the year of our Lord one Thousand seven hundred and ninety Two. One of the said Tracts contains besides the Several lots and parcels of land reserved & appropriated to particular purposes, seven Hundred and fifty thousand acres, and the other said Tracts contain two hundred fourteen Thousand, two hundred and Eighty five acres; as by reference to the said letters patent will more at large appear. The whole number of shares in the aforesaid company are Eight Hundred and twenty two.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, 16 October [1802]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Hamilton, Elizabeth

Peeks Kill [New York] October 16 [1802]Saturday.

I have just arrived here and shall stay till tomorrow.
It has always appeared to me that the ground on which our Orchard stands is much too moist. To cure this a ditch round it would be useful, perhaps with a sunken fence as a guard. But this last may be considered at a future time.
If you can obtain one or two more labourers, it may be adviseable to cut a ditch round the Orchard—three feet deep by three feet wide at the bottom. The clay that comes out of the ditch will be useful to give firmness to our roads and may be used for this purpose.
Yet you will consider this merely as a suggestion & do as you shall think best after you shall have ascertained whether you can procure any better materials for the purpose. But remember that mere sand & stones will not answer.
Very Affectionately My beloved   Yrs.

A H
Mrs. H


Title: Indenture: William Constable, Ann Constable, Alexander Hamilton, and Gouverneur Morris, [20 October 1802]
From: Constable, William,Constable, Ann,Hamilton, Alexander,Morris, Gouverneur
To:

[New York, October 20, 1802]

This Indenture made the twentieth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and two Between William Constable of the City of New York in the State of New York Gentleman and Ann his wife of the first part and Alexander Hamilton and Gouverneur Morris of the same State Esquires of the second part. Whereas by a certain agreement entered into and made before Mr. Lewis Fevot Notary public residing at Lausanne in Switzerland on the twenty fifth day of March last past between Mr. George De Ribaupierre de Grandson of Lausanne aforesaid Banker acting for and in the name of the said William Constable, and also for and in the name of Mr. James Donatien LeRay de Chaumont Citizen of the United States in virtue of their respective powers of the one part and Mr. Jean Frederick Houst de Grandson of the Canton of Leman in Switzerland of the other part, the said George de Ribaupierre de Grandson for and in the name of the said William Constable did acknowledge himself to be indebted to the said Jean Frederick Houst de Grandson in the Sum of two Hundred thousand Livres of Switzerland (four Livres of Switzerland being equal in value to one Crown of six Livres of France) to be paid in Gold or Silver according to the value weight and exchange of that day within the period of ten years computing from the first day of April then next ensuing with the Interest from the same date at the rate of six ⅌ centum ⅌ annum payable at the House of the said Jean Frederick Houst de Grandson at Lausanne aforesaid or at such other place whether in France or Switzerland as he should by one years previous notice direct, and in half yearly payments that is to say on the first days of October and April in each and every of the said years, the first of the said half yearly payments to be made on the first day of October then next ensuing. And whereas by the same agreement the said George de Ribaupierre de Grandson for and in the name of the said William Constable in order to secure to the said Jean Frederick Houst de Grandson the payment of the said Sum of two hundred thousand Livres of Switzerland with the Interest for the same at the Rate, and at the times, and in the manner aforesaid did engage and agree to pledge and Hypothecate the several Tracts or Towns of Land hereinafter described, and for this purpose to make and execute in the said State of New York all such acts conveyances and assurances as by counsel learned in the Laws of the said State should be deemed and pronounced to be most valid and effectual. And whereas by the same agreement as a further security for the payment of the same principal Sum, and of the Interest thereupon in manner aforesaid the said James Donatien Le Ray de Chaumont acting by the said George De Ribaupierre de Grandson duly authorised for that purpose did become the Guarrantor and Surety of the said William Constable thereby binding and pledging himself his heirs Executors and Administrators for the payment of the said principal Sum and Interest in case default should be made in the payment of either on the part of the said William Constable as by the said agreement a true copy whereof is hereunto annexed may appear. And whereas in order to fulfil the objects of the said agreement and to give effect to the intentions of the parties thereto in respect to the security intended to be provided by the Hypothecation of the said several Tracts of Land in the manner the most valid and effectual which the existing Laws of the said State of New York do permit it has been advised and recommended by counsel learned in those Laws that the said Lands shall be granted and conveyed to Trustees upon Trust to enure and serve as a Counter Guaranty to the said James Donation LeRay de Chaumont his heirs Executors and Administrators to the end that if default shall be made in the payment of the said principal Sums or Interest in and by the said contract or agreement secured to be paid or any part thereof on the part of the said William Constable his heirs Executors and Administrators the said James Donatien LeRay de Chaumont his heirs Executors and administrators may be fully reimbursed and indemnified for and against all payments losses and damages whatsoever in consequence of such default and enabled to fulfil his Guaranty to the said Jean Frederick Houst de Grandson without detriment to himself or themselves respectively. And for this purpose with powers to the said Trustees forthwith upon such default to Grant bargain sell and convey the same premises or such part thereof as may be necessary. And the monies thence arising to pay and apply towards the reimbursement amd exoneration of the said James Donation LeRay de Chaumont as such Guarantor and Surety. And whereas the said Alexander Hamilton and Gouverneur Morris have been named and appointed as such Trustees and they have respectively consented to accept the Trust. Now therefore This Indenture Witnesseth that the said William Constable and Ann his wife in consideration of the premises, and also in consideration of the Sum of One Dollar to them in hand paid by the said Alexander Hamilton and Gouverneur Morris the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged Have Granted, bargained, sold, released conveyed and confirmed, and by these presents Do Grant bargain, sell, release convey and confirm unto the said Alexander Hamilton and Gouverneur Morris their heirs and assigns All those certain Tracts pieces and parcels of Land situate lying and being in the County of Clinton, the county of Saint Lawrence and State of New York being part of the Great allotments Number One and Two of Macombs purchase from the said State, to wit, Town Number Seven of the said Great allotment Number One, which said Town Number Seven in the Map, Survey and Subdivision of the said Great allotments Number One and Two made by Benjamin Wright in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and filed according to Law in the Office of the Surveyor General of the said State is described as follows viz. Bounded Westerly by the division line of Great allotments Number One and Two, Northerly by Town Number Four, Easterly by Town Number Eight, and Southerly by Town Number Ten and contains twenty seven thousand nine hundred and thirteen acres of Land. The North third of Town Number Nine of the said Great allotment Number One Containing ten thousand seven hundred and twenty six acres, which Town Number nine in the said Map Survey and Subdivision is described as follows viz. Bounded Easterly by the Eastern boundary of the said Great allotment Number One, northerly by Town Number Six Westerly by Town Number Eight, and Southerly by Town Number Twelve and contains thirty two thousand one hundred and seventy eight acres of Land. Town Number Ten of the said Great allotment Number One, which said Town in the said Map Survey and Subdivision is described as follows viz. Bounded Westerly by the division line of Great allotments Number One and Two, Northerly by Town Number Seven, Easterly by Town Number Eleven and Southerly by Town Number Thirteen and contains Twenty seven thousand six hundred and eleven acres of Land. Town Number Sixteen of the said Great allotment Number One, which said Town in the said Map, Survey and Subdivision is described as follows viz Bounded Westerly by the Division lines of Great allotments Number One and Two, Northerly by Town Number Thirteen, Easterly by Town Number Seventeen, and Southerly by Town Number Nineteen and contains twenty six thousand six hundred and forty two acres of Land. The Southwest quarter of Town Number Twenty Three of the said Great allotment Number One Containing seven thousand five hundred and twenty one acres of Land, which said Town Number Twenty three in the said Map Survey and Subdivision is described as follows viz. Bounded Easterly by Town Number Twenty four, Northerly by Town Number Twenty, Westerly by Town Number Twenty two and Southerly by Town Number Twenty six and contains twenty two thousand five hundred and sixty three acres of Land. The Middle third of Town Number Twenty five of the said Great allotment Number One containing eight thousand six hundred and fifty four acres and two thirds of an acre of Land which said Town Number Twenty five in the said Map Survey and Subdivision is described as follows viz bounded Westerly by the division line of Great allotments Number One and Two, Northerly by Town Number Twenty two, Easterly by Town Number Twenty six, and Southerly by the Southern boundary of Great allotment Number One adjoining to Totten & Crossfields purchase and contains Twenty five thousand nine hundred and sixty four acres of Land. And Town Number Eleven of the said Great allotment Number Two, which said Town in the said Map, Survey and Subdivision is described as follows viz Bounded Easterly by Town Number Twelve Northerly by Town Number Fourteen, Westerly by Town Number Ten, and Southerly by Town Number Eight, and contains twenty eight thousand one hundred and forty seven acres of Land making together One hundred and thirty seven thousand two hundred and fourteen acres and two thirds of an acre of Land with the Hereditaments and appurtenances to the same several Tracts pieces or parcels of Land belonging or in any wise appertaining. To have and to hold all and singular the said premises with the appurtenances unto the said Alexander Hamilton and Gouverneur Morris their heirs and assigns to the proper use and behoof of them the said Alexander Hamilton and Gouverneur Morris their heirs and assigns forever as joint Tenants and not as Tenants in common. In Trust nevertheless for the uses and purposes following that is to say, upon Trust whenever and as often as default shall be made by the said William Constable his heirs Executors or administrators in the payment of the said principal Sum and Interest or any part thereof according to the Tenor true intent and meaning of the said Contract (whereof a Copy is hereunto annexed as aforesaid) forthwith after any and every such default to bargain and sell (at a public vendue or otherwise at their discretion) the whole or so much of the premises hereby granted and conveyed as shall be at any time and from time to time sufficient and necessary to pay the said principal Sum and Interest or such part thereof in respect to which default shall have been at any time made and thereupon in their own right as Trustees or if need be as the Attornies or Attorney of the said William Constable and Ann his wife for that purpose constituted by these presents by one or more good and sufficient deed or deeds conveyance or conveyances in the Law to Grant and Convey the same to purchaser or purchasers thereof in fee simple. And the monies arising from such Sale or Sales first deducting the reasonable charges and expences attending the same to pay and apply to and for the exoneration and reimbursement of the said James Donatien LeRay de Chaumont his heirs Executors and Administrators in respect to the Guarantee aforesaid and in conformity with the agreement or contract aforesaid so that the said James Donatian LeRay de Chaumont his heirs Executors or administrators may in no event be subjected to any loss damage or detriment by reason of his said Guaranty. And upon this further Trust to pay the over plus monies to arise from such Sale or Sales if any there shall be after satisfying the whole of the said principal Sum with the Interest thereupon, and the costs and charges of such Sale or Sales to the said William Constable his Executors or administrators, but in case the said William Constable his heirs Executors or Administrators shall well and truly pay and discharge the said principal Sum, and the Interest thereupon and every part thereof according to the Tenor true intent and meaning of the said contract or agreement or in case any part of the said premises shall remain unsold after the said principal Sum and Interest shall have been fully paid and discharged and the said James Donatien Le Ray de Chaumont his heirs Executors and Administrators fully exonerated and indemnified for and on account of the said Guaranty by the said William Constable his heirs Executors or administrators, then upon this Further Trust, that is to say to Grant release and convey so much of the said premises as shall remain so unsold to William Constable his heirs and assigns in fee simple. In Witness whereof the parties to these presents have hereunto set their hands and Seals the day and year before written.

Alexander Hamilton
Gouvr. Morris
Wm. Constable
Ann Constable


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [27 October 1802]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Hamilton, Elizabeth

[Albany, October 27, 1802]

I was made happy My beloved Eliza by the receipt of two letters from you which gave me the delightful intelligence that you & my dear Children were well. I shall be glad to come and receive the assurance in person.
This moment I came from Court & I fear I shall not be disengaged from it before Saturday. Judge of my impatience by your own.
Adieu My darling Eliza

A H

I am quite well
Wednesday Evening Octo⟨ber 2⟩7


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John V. Henry, 31 October 1802
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Henry, John V.

Pitts Field [Massachusetts] Oct 31. 1802
Dr. Sir

I left with a Watchmaker at Albany my watch to be put in order & forgot it when I came away. I believe the name of the Watchmaker is Howal. He lives near the Court House, obliquely SouthWest.
Do me the favour to get it from him and send it to me by a safe opportunity; paying the expence.
Yrs.   with much esteem

A Hamilton
John V Henry Esqr


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Constable, 30 November 1802
From: Constable, William
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[New York] 30 Novr. 1802
Genl. Hamilton.

I have conversed with Mr G M since I had the Pleasure of seeing you relative to my being authorized to settle the Lands contained in the Deed of Trust. He sees no possible Objection to my having such Authority, the Money & Bonds received being paid over for the Use of the Lenders & will execute any Thing that you will order made out for the Purpose. May I request that you will direct Mr Ogden to have such Power made that I may have it completed before Mr Morris goes to Washington.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William R. Putnam, 6 December 1802
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Putnam, William R.

New York Decr 6. 1802
Dr. Sir

The multiplicity of my engagements has diverted my attention from a remittance to you on account of the taxes of my lands in your quarter. I count upon your good will that no inconvenience will have ensued & I now enclose Fifty Dollars. It will be satisfactory to me to know that it has reached you and whether any further supply will be promptly requisite; also what are the present prospects as to the sale of these lands.
With great esteem & regard   I remain Dr Sir   Yr Obliged & obedt servant

A Hamilton
Wm. R Putnam Esq


Title: Account with John McComb, Junior, [8 December 1802]
From: McComb, John, Jr.,Hamilton, Alexander
To:

[New York, December 8, 1802]

State of acct. between Genl. Hamilton and John McComb Junr.

amt. of Contract for finishing the Dwelling House
$1875–0

571 ds board as pr. agreement @ 3/ (done Last Year)
214–

amt. of Extra work is uncertain

Dolls
2089–

1802
Cr

June 2d
By Cash recd
$400

July
By Cash
400

Sept. 12th
“ Cash
400

Decm. 8th
“ Cash
150

1350–


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William R. Putnam, December 1802
From: Putnam, William R.
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Marietta, Territory Northwest of the River Ohio, December, 1802. On January 17, 1803, Putnam wrote to H and itemized H’s account, which contained: “1802 Decmr to postage of a letter.” Letter not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Richard Peters, 8 January 1803
From: Peters, Richard
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Philada. 8. Jany. 1803
Dear Sir

Yours of the 29 Decr. I did not receive ’till the Day before Yesterday. I marvel that you should be a dissappointed Politician. I am a mortified but not dissappointed one. You must have foreseen the Catastrophe which has befallen us. I was a Cassandra because more of a Looker on, than one playing the Game. Much useless Pains did I take in the Case of the House Tax &c &c to earn among my zealous Brother Feds the Character of a Half paced halting Politician. But I saw the Race would not be to the Swift; tho’ no one laments more than I do their being distanced.
A Garden is too sequestered a Position for one whose Mind cannot be confined within its Limits. A strong Passion for horticultural or rural Persuits has sometimes lulled, but has never yet eradicated the stronger Propensities for political Operations. In old Times it was more the Fashion for People to quit great public Scenes, for the Still-Life of the Country. Yet I believe there were few, when Time was younger, who did not cast “a longing lingering Look behind.” Make your little Farm your Plaything—but see that you have other Business, that you may afford to pay for the Rattle. It is well you have anything to withdraw you from unpleasant Contemplations. I should be very happy to give you Instructions, in one of the few Subjects you do not know better than I do. I wish your Retreat was not so distant from the City; both on Account of your frequent Calls to it, & because it would be serviceable both to your Farm & the Town, to remove the Filth with which it abounds. You must depend on Manure from more proximate Sources. Your Soil is the one calculated for Plaister of Paris; but if the Sea Air mixes with its Atmosphere, it will not succeed. The Theory of Plaister I started in my little Publication some Years ago, I find from many Experiments, perfectly correct. The least Mixture of marine saline Particles with the Gypsum, neutralizes that Substance; & converts the Mass into Sulphate of Soda, or Glauber Salts. The operative Principle is the Sulphuric Acid, a Mixture of common Salt with this, will render it totally or paritally inefficacious, for agricultural Purposes. Accident, or Absence of Sea Air, may have permitted the operation of the Plaister occasionally. But do not believe those who tell you about the Magic of sowing it in Rain, in Preference to Sunshine. The Plaister does not vanish; & is subject to the Influence of the Air, & all it brings along with it, after the Clouds have shut their Flood Gates. It is no great Expence to make Trials on your Land. Read my little Collection; which you may get in New York, if the Pastry Cooks have not singed it away. It contains all I can say on that Subject. I have strewed Plaister more than 30 years & was the first who applied it extensively. I have often failed, but in general I have succeeded. Therefore be not discouraged by a Failure or two.
If you dedicate your Farm to Grass, divided it into small Fields; say 5 or 6 Acres each. Let them be well cultivated with cleaning Crops, so as to destroy all the noxious Weeds or Grasses. The great Mistake of young Farmers, & the Disgrace of slovenly old ones, is to be in too great a Hurry in laying their Grounds for Grass. The Pests of bad precedent farming choak all their Crops. Spare no Expence to destroy Weeds, by cutting them before ripe, & frequent deep ploughing, with covering Crops. Weeds are the Jacobins of Agriculture. If you do not destroy them, they will certainly ruin you. Trench ploughing is the surest Way to get rid of them. If I can find a little Essay I wrote many Years ago on this Subject, I will send it to you. You must make compost of all the Trash of your Farm, mixed with what little Dung you have & Lime or Cystic Shells. Have you any Pond or River Mud? This with Ashes to give it Stimulus is good for your Land.
I sow my Grass Seeds at all Seasons, as Circumstances require. On my Wheat Fields in February—with Oats or Barley in the Spring also then with Flax—With Buckwheat in July—with Turnips in August. Timothy succeeds best in the Autumn. I cannot tell what is the best Seed for your Ground—if wet, Timothy or Hard Grass—if dry red clover mixed with Timothy or orchard Grass according to Situation. The latter absorb the superabundant Juices of the Clover, & while growing preserve the Crop from lodging or laying down. Salt your Clover when you are putting it into the Stack or Mow. A Bushell to 4 or 5 Tons. I would chearfully send you Clover Seed; but we have none better than your own. Sowing it thick or thin makes it fine or coarse. I generally sow 8 Pounds or Pints to the Acre & I find it fine enough. I have tried Luzerne, Onobrychis or Sainfoin, Burnet &c &c, but I stick to the red clover because it sticks to me. The others cost more than they come to.
I am glad you have this little Syren to seduce you from public Anxieties. But take Care that the meretricious Charms of this new Flame does not make too great Drafts on your Purse. I wish she may often bring me into your Memory. If any of your Details should require any Advice I can give, it will always be at your Service. This Advice, however otherwise useless, will give me Oppertunities of repeating the sincere Assurances of Esteem, with which I always am
very affectionately yours

Richard Peters

Mrs P & my whole House desire to be remembered with Affection to Mrs H and your Family.

Genl Hamilton


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William R. Putnam, 17 January 1803
From: Putnam, William R.
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Territory Northwest of the River Ohio]Marietta January 17th 1803
Dr Sir

Your favor of December 6th has been duly receiv’d. You mention inclosing fifty dollars, the letter contained but thirty, consisting of one twenty, and one ten dollar bill; the letter and seal appeared in good order. Inclosed you’ll find the receipt for the payment of your taxes for the year 1802 and here follows a statement of my acct.
A Hamilton Esqr Dr

1802
July to ballance of a/c for 1801
$8.23

Decmr to postage of a letter
25

to cash paid for taxes
20.09

to my commission
 4

33.57
$33.57

Pr Conr. Supr Cr
By cash per post Decmr 1802.

 30.

Ballance debt
  3.57

This ballance will be included in the statement for 1803—when the amount of taxes is known. The prospect of sale of land in the Ohio Companys purchase is not very flattering at present—owing to two circumstances—the United States have such quantities for sale in small tracts upon credit—And as yet the proprietors of the Company have not generally been disposed to sell at all—and many of those who are disposed to sell, choose to do it in whole shares than in parts. Most of the persons coming to settle in our country are unable to purchase a share, and were they able, they would not as the parts of a share are as disconnected as any other lands in the country. Untill it is known that the proprietors will generally sell their lands in seperate tracts, and partly upon credit, it cannot be expected settlers will apply for them. Most of the land composing your five shares may be said to be of a good quality—and some day will command both price & settlement. Your taxes have been augmented for the want of payment on the first of Novr last fifty per Centum which was not convenient for me to prevent—expecting daily to have receiv’d your money. I have the honor to be
Dear Sir your most obedient Hb Servt

Wm Rufus Putnam
The Honl A Hamilton Esqr.


Title: Election by a Meeting of the Society for Promoting the Manumission of Slaves, 1 February 1803
From: Society for Promoting the Manumission of Slaves
To: Hamilton, Alexander

New York, February 1, 1803. “… The Society proceeded to Ballot for their ann[u]al officers, when, on Counting the votes, the following persons appeared duly elected vizt … Alexander Hamilton … Consellor.…”


Title: For the Evening Post, [8 February 1803]
From: “Pericles”,Hamilton, Alexander
To:

[New York, February 8, 1803]

Since the question of Independence, none has occurred more deeply interesting to the United States than the cession of Louisiana to France. This event threatens the early dismemberment of a large portion of our country: more immediately the safety of all the Southern States; and remotely the independence of the whole union. This is the portentous aspect which the affair presents to all men of sound and reflecting minds of whatever party, and it is not to be concealed that the only question which now offers itself, is, how is the evil to be averted?
The strict right to resort at once to War, if it should be deemed expedient cannot be doubted. A manifest and great danger to the nation: the nature of the cession to France, extending to ancient limits without respect to our rights by treaty; the direct infraction of an important article of the treaty itself in withholding the deposit of New-Orleans; either of these affords justifiable cause of War and that they would authorize immediate hostilities, is not to be questioned by the most scrupulous mind.
The whole is then a question of expediency. Two courses only present. First, to negociate and endeavour to purchase, and if this fails to go to war. Secondly, to seize at once on the Floridas and New-Orleans, and then negociate.
A strong objection offers itself to the first. There is not the most remote probability that the ambitious and aggrandizing views of Bonaparte will commute the territory for money. Its acquisition is of immense importance to France, and has long been an object of her extreme solicitude. The attempt therefore to purchase, in the first instance, will certainly fail, and in the end, war must be resorted to, under all the accumulation of difficulties caused by a previous and strongly fortified possession of the country by our adversary.

The second plan is, therefore, evidently the best. First, because effectual: the acquisition easy; the preservation afterwards easy: The evils of a war with France at this time are certainly not very formidable: Her fleet crippled and powerless, her treasury empty, her resources almost dried up, in short, gasping for breath after a tremendous conflict which, though it left her victorious, left her nearly exhausted under her extraordinary exertions. On the other hand, we might count with certainty on the aid of Great Britain with her powerful navy.
Secondly, this plan is preferable because it affords us the only chance of avoiding a long-continued war. When we have once taken possession, the business will present itself to France in a new aspect. She will then have to weigh the immense difficulties, if not the utter impracticability of wresting it from us. In this posture of affairs she will naturally conclude it is her interest to bargain. Now it may become expedient to terminate hostilities by a purchase, and a cheaper one may reasonably be expected.
To secure the better prospect of final success, the following auxiliary measures ought to be adopted.
The army should be increased to ten thousand men, for the purpose of insuring the preservation of the conquest. Preparations for increasing our naval force should be made. The militia should be classed, and effectual provision made for raising on an emergency, 40,000 men. Negociations should be pushed with Great-Britain, to induce her to hold herself in readiness to co-operate fully with us, at a moment’s warning.
This plan should be adopted and proclaimed before the departure of our envoy.
Such measures would astonish and disconcert Bonaparte himself; our envoy would be enabled to speak and treat with effect; and all Europe would be taught to respect us.
These ideas have been long entertained by the writer, but he has never given himself the trouble to commit them to the public, because he despaired of their being adopted. They are now thrown out with very little hope of their producing any change in the conduct of administration, yet, with the encouragement that there is a strong current of public feeling in favour of decisive measures.
If the President would adopt this course, he might yet retrieve his character; induce the best part of the community to look favorably on his political career, exalt himself in the eyes of Europe, save the country, and secure a permanent fame. But for this, alas! Jefferson is not destined!

Pericles.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John Guillemard, 22 February 1803
From: Guillemard, John
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Gower Street. [London] 22 feb. 1803.
Sir

I take the liberty of introducing to your acquaintance and recommending to your attentions the Earl of Selkirk a young Nobleman whose merits you will soon be able to appreciate and respect. I shall be excused for my motive’s sake, which is not only to render him Service but to assure you that neither time nor distance have diminished the high sense I entertain of the attentions with which you sometimes honoured me during my residence in the United States. I have the honour to be Sir your obliged and obedt. humble servant.

J. Guillemard.
Gen. A. Hamilton &c &c


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jonathan Lawrence and Jonathan Dayton, 4 March 1803
From: Lawrence, Jonathan,Dayton, Jonathan
To: Hamilton, Alexander

New York, March 4, 1803. “The foregoing are Copies of our letters to Meeker Denman & Co on the subject of Insurance.…”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, 5 March 1803
From: Pinckney, Charles Cotesworth
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Charleston, South Carolina, March 5, 1803. On March 6, 1803, Pinckney wrote to Hamilton: “I wrote you a few lines yesterday.” Letter not found.]