Title: Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 12 October 1792
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Collectors of the Customs

Sir,
Treasury Department, October 12, 1792.

I request that henceforth immediately at the close of every quarter, you will furnish me with a summary of the amount of all Duties, which shall have accrued in your Office, during such quarter. It will at the same time be requisite to state the Drawbacks (if any) and the payments to Inspectors and other charges by computation, where the true amount cannot immediately be ascertained, in order to know the net proceeds of the Duties as nearly as may be practicable. In all cases where the returns for any past quarter have not yet been transmitted to the Treasury, it will be necessary that the summary statement be forwarded without delay. It is matter of much moment that early information of the product of the Duties should be received by the Treasury; which renders a careful attention to this instruction particularly necessary.
It has occurred that vessels bound to foreign ports have by distress of weather been compelled to put into ports of the United States, where upon proper examination such vessels were found to be unfit to proceed on their voyages, so as to render the transferring of their cargoes to other vessels necessary, and a question has arisen, whether such vessels are liable to the Tonnage duty.

I am of opinion that under those circumstances no Tonnage duty is to be demanded. But regular entries must be made of the cargoes, the Duties paid or secured, and the proceedings for drawing back the Duties must be as in other cases of re-exportation.
With great consideration,   I am, Sir,   Your obedient Servant,
Alexander Hamilton


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Jefferson, 13 October 1792
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Sir
Philadelphia Oct. 13. 1792.

In pursuance of powers which mr Short had confided to me, and urged by the circumstances of the moment, I thought it expedient to desire on the 19th. of April last that no transfer might be permitted of any stock standing in his own name or in the name of any other for his use. The circumstances no longer existing which dictated that caution I desire that the caveat may be considered as withdrawn. I have the honor to be with great respect
Sir   Your most obedt. humble servt
Th: Jefferson
The Secretary of the Treasury


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Tobias Lear, 13 October 1792
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Hamilton, Alexander

United States 13 Octo. 1792

By the President’s command T. Lear has the honor to inform the Secretary of the Treasury that the President has appointed William Lewis to be keeper of the Light-house on Cape Henry, with a salary of four hundred Dollars per annum. The president does not conceive that the circumstance of mr Cormicks being employed to oversee the building of the Lighthouse, tho’ in his favor, as sufficiently strong to recommend him as the most proper person to be Keeper of it.
Tobias Lear. S. P. U.S.
T. Lear has mentioned to the president the Auditor’s wish to go to Virginia, & he has no objection to his going.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 13 October 1792
From: Williams, Otho H.
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Baltimore, October 13, 1792. “Agreeable to your request, of the 8th of last month, I now enclose to you a list of the average freight usually paid from this port. The several rates of the respective articles usually exported from hence, have been ascertained by the Merchants who compose the insurance company, and whose information I deem the most to be relied on.…”


Title: [Americanus], [15 October 1792]
From: “Americanus”
To:

[Philadelphia, October 15, 1792]


Title: Draft of George Washington’s Fourth Annual Address to Congress, [15–31 October 1792]
From: Hamilton, Alexander,Washington, George
To:

[Philadelphia, October 15–31, 1792]

It is an abatement of the satisfaction, with which I meet you, on the present occasion, that in felicitating you on a continuance of the national prosperity, generally, I am not able to add to it information, that the Indian hostilities, which have for some time distressed our N Western frontier, have terminated.
You will doubtless learn, with as much concern as I communicate it, that reiterated endeavours to effect a pacifaction have hitherto issued only in new and outrageous proofs of persevering hostility on the part of the tribes, with whom we are in contest. An earnest desire to procure tranquillity to the frontier, to stop the further effusion of blood, to arrest the progress of expence, to promote the prevalent wish of the Country for peace, have led to strenuous efforts, through various channels, to effect that desireable end; in which neither my own calculations of the event, nor any scruples which may have occurred concerning the dignity of government have been permitted to outweigh the important considerations that have been mentioned.
A detail of the measures, which have been adopted, will be laid before you, from which I persuade myself it will appear to you, that means as proper and as efficacious, as could have been devised have been employed. The issue indeed of some of them is yet depending; but while a favourable one is not to be despaired of, every antecedent and collateral circumstance, discourages an expectation of it.
In the course of these attempts, some valuable citizens have fallen victims to their zeal for the public service. A sanction hitherto commonly respected even among savages has not been sufficient to protect from slaughter the messengers of peace.
It will I presume be duly considered whether the occasion does not call for an exercise of liberality towards the families of the deceased.
It must add to your concern to know that, in addition to the continuation of hostile appearances among the tribes, North of the Ohio, some threatening symptoms have lately been revived among some of those South of it. According to the last accounts, an attack upon the settlements within the Territory of the US

Further evidence however is necessary to ascertain the reality and extent of the evil; and in the mean time defensive precautions only have been permitted.
It is not understood that any breach of Treaty or aggression, on the part of the UStates or their Citizens is even alleged, as a pretext for the spirit of hostility in this quarter. Other causes for it are indicated which it would be premature to particularise.
I have reason to believe that every practicable exertion has been made to be prepared for the alternative of a continuance of the War in pursuance of the provision made by law. A large proportion of the troops authorised to be raised have been recruited—but the number is still incomplete. A particular statement from the proper department, on this subject, and in relation to some other points, which have been suggested, will afford more precise information as a guide to the Legislative consulations; and among other things will enable Congress to judge whether some additional stimulous to the recruiting service may not be adviseable.
In looking forward to the future expences of the operations which may be necessary, I derive consolation from the information, I receive, that as far as the product of the revenues for the present year is known at the Treasury, there is a strong prospect that no additional burthens on the community will be requisite for the supplies of the ensuing year. This however will be better ascertained, in the course of the present session; and it is proper to add, that the information proceeds upon the supposition of no material extension of the spirit of hostility.
I cannot dismiss the subject of Indian affairs, without recalling to your attention, the necessity of more adequate provision, for giving energy to the laws throughout our Interior Frontier, so as effectually to restrain depredations upon the Indians, without which every pacific system must prove abortive; and also for enabling the employment of qualified persons to reside as Agents among the Indians; an expedient of material importance in the sucessful management of Indian affairs. If some efficacious plan could be devised for carrying on Trade with the Indians upon a scale adequate to their wants and under regulations calculated to protect them from extortion and imposition, it would prove here-after a powerful mean of preserving peace and a good understanding with them.
The prosperous state of our Revenue has been intimated. This would be still more the case, were it not for the impediments which in some places continue to embarrass the collection of the duties on home made spirits. These impediments have lessened and are lessening, as to local extent, and as applied to the community at large the spirit of acquiescence in the law appears to be progressive.
But symptoms of an increased opposition having recently manifested themselves in certain quarters, particularly in one where the enjoyment of immediate benefits from the common contributions of the country was to have been expected to fortify the general sense of respect and duty towards the government and its laws and the disposition to share in the public burthens—I thought a special interposition, on my part had become proper and adviseable; and under this impression I have issued a proclamation
Measures have also been begun for the prosecution of offenders: and Congress may be assured that nothing within constitutional and legal limits which may depend on me shall be wanting to assert and maintain the just authority of the laws. In fulfilling this trust, I shall count intirely upon the full cooperation of the other departments of Government and upon the zealous support of all good citizens.
I cannot forbear to bring again into the view of the Legislature the expediency of a Revision of the Judiciary system. A representation from the Judges of the Supreme Court, which will be laid before you points out some of the inconveniences that are experienced. In the course of the administration of the laws, considerations arise out of the structure of that system, which tend to impede their execution. As connected with this subject, some provisions respecting the taking of bail upon processes out of the Courts of the United States, and a supplementary definition of offences against the constitution and laws, and of the punishments for such offences are presumed to merit particular attention.
The interests of a nation when well understood will be found to coincide with their moral duties. Among these, it is an important one to cultivate peace and friendship with our neighbours. To do this we should make provision for rendering the justice we must sometimes require from them. I recommend therefore to your consideration whether the laws of the Union should not be extended to restrain our citizens from committing acts of violence within the territories of other nations, which would be punished were they committed within our own. And in general the maintenance of a friendly intercourse with foreign Nations will be presented to your attention, by the expiration of the law for that purpose, which takes place, if not renewed at the close of the present session.
In execution of the authority given by the Legislature measures have been taken for engaging some artists from abroad to aid in the establishment of our Mint; others have been employed at home. Provision has been made of the requisite buildings, and these are now putting into proper condition for the purposes of the establishment. There has been also a small beginning in the coinage of half dismes and cents; the want of small coins in circulation calling the first attention to them.

The regulation of foreign coins in correspondency with the principles of our national coinage will I doubt not be resumed and completed, being a matter essential to the due operation of the system and to order in our pecuniary concerns.
It is represented that the regulations contained in the law which establishes the Post Office operate in experiment against the transmission of News Papers to distant parts of the Country. Should this, upon due inquiry, be found to be the fact, the Legislative wisdom will doubtless apply a remedy; under a full conviction of the great importance of facilitating the circulation of political intelligence and information.
Information has been received of the adoption of a Constitution for the State of Kentuke. An event so interesting to the happiness of the part of the nation to which it relates, cannot but make a correspondent impression. The Communications concerning it will be laid before you.
It is proper likewise to inform you, that since my last communication on the subject, in further execution of the Acts severally making provision for the public Debt and for the Reduction thereof three new loans have been effected one for 3000000 of florins at Antwerp at 4½ ⅌ Ct and  ⅌ Ct charges and two others each for 3000000 of florins at Amsterdam at 4 ⅌&  Ct ⅌ Ct. charges. Among the objects to which these funds have been directed to be applied, the payment of the debts due to certain foreign officers according to the provision made for that purpose during the last session is included.
H of R.
I entertain a strong hope that the state of the National Finances is now sufficiently matured to enable you to enter upon systematic and effectual arrangements for the regular redemption and discharge of the public debt, according to the right, which has been reserved to the Government. No measure can be regarded as more desireable whether viewed with an eye to its intrinsic importance or to the general sentiment and wish of the Nation.
Provision likewise is requisite for the reimbursement of the loan which has been made of the Bank of the UStates pursuant to  Section of the Act by which it is incorporated. In fulfilling the public stipulation, in this particular, a valuable saving may it is expected be made.
Appropriations for the service of the ensuing year and for such extraordinaries as may have occurred will demand and I doubt not will engage your early attention.
Senate & H of Repres
I content myself with recalling your attention generally to such objects suggested in my former communications as have not yet been finally acted upon and as are not previously particularised.
The results of your joint deliberations, hitherto, will, I trust, be productive of solid and durable advantages to our constituents; which by conciliating more and more their approbation may tend to strengthen and confirm their attachment to that Constitution of Government upon which depend under Divine Providence, union safety and prosperity.
Still further to secure these inestimable ends, there is nothing, which can have so powerful a tendency as the careful cultivation of harmony combined with a due regard to stability in the public councils.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 15 October 1792
From: Ellery, William
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Sir,
Colles Office [Newport, Rhode Island] Oct. 15 1792

This letter will be accompanied by a Statement of fees &c recd. and expenditures made by me from Oct. 1, 1791 to Oct. 1792. and by similar Statements from the Inspector &c &c in this District; by the quarterly return required exceptg a Return of distilled Spirits exported, and a return of Exports, and their value which will be transmitted by the next Post. I have not received the expected Letter from the Comptroller, and therefore have put on an account only of the expenditures on the Light House for the last quarter.
I am, Sir,   Yr. most obedt. servt.
W Ellery Colle
A Hamilton Esqr Secry Treasury


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Randall, 15 October 1792
From: Randall, Thomas
To: Hamilton, Alexander

New York, October 15, 1792. “Please to pay to Tench Coxe Esqr. Three Hundred and Eighty Dollars 77/100 for Oil bought … for the Light house at Cape Henry Virginia.”


Title: Fact No. II, [16 October 1792]
From: “Fact”,Hamilton, Alexander
To:

[Philadelphia, October 16, 1792]

For the National Gazette.
Genuine Truth never deviates into misrepresentation. That an impostor has assumed its name in the National Gazette of the 10th inst. is sufficiently evinced by the following circumstance. The writer, who appears under that signature, after endeavouring to torture certain expressions of the Secretary of the Treasury, into a meaning which, construed with candour, and in connection with their context, never could be put upon them—proceeds thus, “If these opinions seem to be contradicted in any manner or degree by the other observations of this officer, namely, that ‘the creation of debt should always be accompanied with the means of extinguishment,’ and ‘that there should be a constant effort to reduce the present and avoid new debts as far as may be,’ it is most fairly to be explained by allowing for a more cautious language latterly produced by the public alarm taken at such doctrines,” Etc. Now, it happens, unfortunately for this uncandid interpretation, that the first of the above quoted positions (to wit) that “the creation of debt should always be accompanied with the means of extinguishment,” is contained in the very first communication, or report, which the Secretary of the Treasury ever made on the subject of the public debt; in that very report which contains the expressions tortured into an advocation of the doctrine that public debts are public blessings; in immediate connection with the very expressions upon which that construction has been put.
Again: The phrase “critical point,” quoted from a report of the Secretary of the Treasury on Manufactures, is made to refer to that point at which public debts cease to be public blessings; whereas in the true sense in which the phrase is used, it refers really to that point, at which “A public debt may be swelled to such a size, as that the greater part of it may cease to be useful as capital, serving only to pamper the dissipation of idle and dissolute individuals, as that the sums required to pay the interest of it may become oppressive & beyond the means which a government can employ consistently with its tranquility, to raise them; as that the resources of taxation to face the debt may have been strained too far, to admit of extension adequate to exigencies which regard the public safety;” (see page 25 of the report of the Secretary of the Treasury on Manufactures). It is this “critical point,” including a complication of circumstances of which the Secretary speaks, and concerning which he observes, that “where it is cannot be pronounced; tho’ it is impossible to believe that there is not such a point:” this is a further sample of the disposition to mistake and misrepresent. In fine, the just and obvious construction of what the Secretary has said is simply this—that while it cannot be admitted as a general proposition, that public debts are public blessings, with which latitude the doctrine is sometimes laid down, yet there may be particular situations of a country, in which a portion of a public debt, funded on right principles, may be advantageous by supplying a deficiency of actual capital—and that such was the situation of the United States, at the time the question concerning a provision for the public debt was depending, that the proper funding of the existing debt would render it a public advantage—and hitherto at least the position is verified by experience.
Gloomy predictions of the future, it is true, are thrown out, by factious, or hypochondriac politicians; but these being mere predictions, must be referred for their fulfilment or refutation to Time.
In any event, the doctrine charged upon the Secretary of the Treasury, which he emphatically terms “a doctrine inviting to prodigality, and liable to dangerous abuse,” is not attributable to any thing he has said, still less to any thing he has done. If conduct is allowed to be a test of sincerity, the course he took in the last session, in regard to the war with the Indians, is a pregnant and energetic proof of his aversion to an accumulation of debt. Whatever may be the good or ill qualities of that officer, much flexibility of character is not of the number. He is not therefore liable to the suspicion of having disavowed any principle which he really entertains, because it may have excited a degree of clamour.

  Fact.
  Philad. Oct 16


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John F. Mercer, 16[–28] October 1792
From: Mercer, John F.
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Sir
Annapolis Octr. 16th.[–28] 1792

You must attribute the delay of my answer to yours of the 26th. of September to the extreme indisposition of my family. In replying now I cannot avoid noticing the Letter which you address’d to Major Ross at the same time and on the same subject and which that Gentleman consider’d himself as authoriz’d to circulate in an hand-Bill whilst my Election was depending.
Altho we naturally enter with warmth into the feelings of any Gentleman, who even fancies that his integrity has been publickly questioned—yet a mind divested of the impulse of passion must condemn the hastiness of your adopting the vague statements of an avow’d Partizan—nor can it admit that decorum of situation was in the least regarded, in committing your name, with the harsh expressions you have used in regard to me, to be publickly handed about and pasted upon Sign Posts to influence the weak and uninform’d during a contested Election.
So far as your name or conduct has been involv’d in public discussion during the late contest in this District you may render thanks to your Worthy and respectable Friends. It has been involuntary on my part. You have in fact been lugg’d into this business by those who thro’ weakness or wickedness or perhaps both have been already real Enemies to your reputation and may eventually prove more so.
Prompted by a delicacy which your absence imposed I cautiously confin’d my justification against the charges leveled at my conduct, (as far as they related to you and as far as circumstances wou’d permit) to what I had asserted uncontradicted on the floor of Congress—and I am at a loss to conceive how even an hurried impression from the groundless publication to which you refer coud have led you into the Error that I had in any manner represented you as a Stock Jobber or Dealer in Certificates on your own Account—for altho’ in general it may be imagin’d by minds unsophisticated by financial refinement that a Man entrusted with the public Money wou’d lay it out to the same advantage as his own—Yet even pursuing the statement of Major Ross, it must have been no slight infatuation that cou’d lead an intelligent being seriously to suppose that I had accused you of giving 18/. of your own Money for Stock when offered it at 14/.
I stated that in my judgment you had unjustifiably sacrificed the other Interests of the United States to a particular and by no means a meritorious Class—and even the great bulk of that Interest together with the rest of the Community to a few unworthy Individuals, who from their immediate situation on the spot—their connections and information (however acquired) of the intended purchases of Stock on public Account, coud make a certain profitt of the measures of Government by your giving or directing to be given on Account of the United States 20/. for 6 pr Cents when the current price averaged from 17/6. to 18/6 and 12/. for 3 pr Cents when others bought @ 10/. and 10/6 for these were statements that I had before made on the floor of Congress and produc’d in their support the public papers of Philadelphia and New York and after repeated public enquiry, did not understand that they wou’d be denied. And that when you receiv’d Stock, under Sealed proposals for the Sale—where three different parcels were offered at three different prices, instead of taking the whole of the lowest offer, you took equal proportions of each, by which means for elucidation, I stated that you had given 18/. when offered at 14/. and altho’ that these were exactly the prices, is what I cannot precisely affirm, yet that the statement was substantially and effectively true, is what I apprehend, will not be denied. At least if denied, I shall hold myself bound to prove it—nor will it I suppose be urged that any immediate Agent in this business has acted otherwise than in conformity to your orders or those of the Board of which you are a Member. Or that a Majority of this Board have not regularly determin’d in strict unison with your sentiments and views, altho’ more than one may have differ’d with you on the propriety and justice of these principles of promoting public Credit.
But that you were privately interested in any of these, or any similar transactions, directly or indirectly, is what I never conceiv’d myself nor hinted a suspicion of to others. And that I never impeach’d your integrity as an Individual or public Officer (farther than that in the pursuit of public objects) without any other private view than that of encreasing your own influence and attaching to your administration a Monied Interest as an Engine of Government, your political principles differed from my own, may be so construed, in either a public address or private conversation the Certificates enclosed will I hope fully and effectually establish. With respect to my public address they are from Gentlemen, who having been present at the time alluded to by Major Ross and having divided in sentiment on the Election, have maintain’d thro’ life such a Moderation of Character and propriety of conduct, that their impressions from the Statements and sentiments I delivered can in no wise be attributed to a political biass. With respect to my private conversation, they are from Characters whose veracity and direct views being above all suspicion, are those with whom I have been in the habits of the utmost confidence and to whom I have unbosom’d myself without reserve on my Objections to your Administration. These Certificates are taken with a view to justify myself to the World and to prove that I am incapable of taking any advantage of the absence of any Individual to impeach his integrity. They are not intended as a justification to you—the terms of your address to Major Ross, the manner and purposes for which it has been used, forbid this. I refine a publication under the Signature of the Secretary of the Treasury of the United States (an Officer of distinguish’d merit during a great Revolution) stuck up throughout this District among the dirty and infamous libels of a desperate Banditti (copies of some of which I have enclosed) compells me tho’ reluctantly to a reply in terms more explicit and much harsher than I have ever either publickly or privately used before with regard to you.
I am Sir   With due respect &ca   Yr. Ob sr
John F. Mercer
Colonel Alexander Hamilton
Secretary of the Treasury
of the United States


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 16 October 1792
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Williams, Otho H.

Sir
Treasury DepartmentOctober 16th 1792.

I request that you will have enquiry made on board the Cutter Active, whether she is in possession of a double set of arms muskets, pistols, &ca. The Collector of New York was directed to furnish each Cutter with ten muskets and bayonets, twenty pistols, two chissels, one broad axe and two lanthorns. These articles, it appears, have been shipped by Mr Lamb for each of the Cutters—but none have been received at Norfolk.
In my letter to you of the 7th Ultimo I requested this examination to be made, and if it should be found that the Maryland Cutter had received the quantity of arms and instruments above mentioned twice, I desired that one parcel might be forwarded to the Collector of Norfolk. Mr Delozier mentions in his letter of the 11th instant that Simon Deagle delivered one set of the said articles to David Porter, but the real state of the business is not ascertained.
With great consideration,   I am, Sir, your Obedt Servant
Alex Hamilton
Otho H Williams Esqr.
Collr Baltimore


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Wilhem and Jan Willink, Nicholaas and Jacob Van Staphorst, and Nicholas Hubbard, 16 October 1792
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Willink, Wilhem,Willink, Jan,Staphorst, Nicholaas van,Staphorst, Jacob van,Hubbard, Nicholas

Gentlemen,
Treasury DepartmentOctober 16th 1792.

I enclose you the triplicate of my letter of the 19th ultimo—and have by this opportunity barely to inform you that I have directed the Treasurer to draw upon you for one hundred thousand guilders in addition to the sum mentioned in my letter of the 26th of July last.
I am &c.
Alexander Hamilton.
Messrs. Willink, Van Staphorst, & Hubbard.
Amsterdam.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Tench Coxe, 17 October 1792
From: Coxe, Tench
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Treasury Department, Revenue Office, October 17, 1792. “I have the honor to in-close you a copy of an original Certificate transmitted to me by Thomas Newton Junr. Esquire, and signed by Lemuel Cornick the person employed by him to oversee the building of the Chesapeak light House. It appears from this Document that Mr. John McComb Junr. had completed the execution of his contract on the 2nd Instant. The three Beacon Boats for the three shoals near the entrance of the Bay of Chesapeak having been contracted for in Norfolk for the sum of six hundred and thirty three dollars and two thirds, it has become necessary that provision be made for the payment of that sum into the hands of Thomas Newton Junr. Esqr. to enable him to comply with the public engagement made thro’ him. If your direction be given to the Collector of Norfolk, Mr. Newton who seems disposed to superintend the building will receive it from him as there may be occasion.… I have the Honor to enclose a copy of the Presidents Act of the 4th August relative to the Business of the Revenue.…”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Edmund Randolph, 17 October 1792
From: Randolph, Edmund
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Sir
Philadelphia Octr. 17. 1792.

On my return home, I found your letter of the 6th. instant. My answer is short; being no more, than this, that there is not a single fee or emolument incident to my office; that I have paid the expences without taking any account, as I expected no retribution; and that my salary is 1900 dollars per annum.
I have the honor, sir, to be   with respect   Yr. mo. ob. serv.
Edm. Randolph
The Secretary of the Treasury


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Joseph Whipple, 17 October 1792
From: Whipple, Joseph
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Sir
Collectors Office Portsmouth [New Hampshire] Octr. 17. 1792

Conformably to the order of the Senate of the United States passed the 7th. of May last and with your directions dated the 31st. of August, I have the honor to transmit you herewith, a Statement of my emoluments for one year ending the 1st. of October instant—And also those of the Several Officers who have been appointed by me.
It is with much reluctance that I am led on this Occasion to renew a Subject which must be uninteresting whether viewed in an official light or otherwise. It is respecting my emoluments as Collector of Portsmo: The favourable opinion which I had entertained of the approaching happiness of my country, & the peculiar Satisfaction with which I anticipated the effects of the Federal Government (and which has been amply verified in the administration of the department under which I act) induced me not only to accept but to Seek an Occasion of contributing in some degree towards the execution of it. This ultimately threw me into the office which I now hold, and although the emoluments was not the first object, I entertained an Idea that they would in due time, and when it should be known how to form an opinion of the value of the Services be advanced to an equitable compensation. At the last Session of Congress an addition was made to my emoluments of 100 dollars pr. year & ½ ⅌ Ct. Comm~. This Scarcely yet begins to operate—when it does fully it will yield Several hundred dollars Short of a reasonable reward for the Services, & there will be no kind of consideration for the deficiencies in the three past years, the emoluments of which were

for the first
net 225.92

the second
295. 8

the third
546.88

An unwillingness to relinquish an office that I am not averse to, hath induced me again to mintion this matter to you, and to request that you will be pleased to inform me whether there is a probability of such augmentations being made as will enable me independently of other resources to continue in the execution of it—and whether any further application on my part would be necessary to that end. If the returns now made have any relation to that Object the noticing of the emoluments for the two first years is not I apprehend improper, especially if compensations or grants for deficiencies are admissible.
I think it cannot be conceived that the Services incident to my Several functions as agent for the Cutter superintendent of the Light house & Collector can be executed for less or be worth less than one thousand dollars Net pr. Year, the two former give nothing but are attended with considerable care.
I am with Sentiments of respect & esteem   Sir Your Most Obt. & hume Servt.
The Hon. Alx Hamilton Secy of the Treasy.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Stephen Cross, 18 October 1792
From: Cross, Stephen
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Newburyport [Massachusetts] October 18, 1792. “In my letter of May 25th I mentioned that I should make some Observations respecting my being removed from Office.… Had not the under officers a right to give the other Officers their whole pay or any part of it if they pleased, and what danger of abuse would arise there from if they did. The money represented to be passed by me.… was voluntary left in my hands without any agreement made or suggested by me or by my proposal.… What could be the reason of an enquiery whetter some of the under officers were not my near connections, was there any Impropriety in appointing them, or was it not A disgust some persons took on discovering my sons privately watching A Vessell where I suspected A Fraudelant design which I always ordered when I suspected such design it is a satisfaction howeve[r] to me that those People do not Pretend any neglect or Improper conduct in either of them.…”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Tobias Lear, 18 October 1792
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Lear, Tobias

Dr. Sir,
[Philadelphia] 18th. October 1792.

Before a final step is taken respecting a Keeper of the Virginia Lighthouse, I wish it to be known to The President (what I did not advert to yesterday) that Mr. Cornick was appointed by Colo. Newton to oversee the building of a Lighthouse, for which he will receive a quantum meruit. This is a circumstance in his favour tho’ a very slight one, and such as may be overruled by any other consideration. Propriety, however, requires that it should be brought into the President’s view. If I hear nothing to the contrary to day, the letter to Mr. Lewis will go.
Yrs.
A: Hamilton


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 18 October 1792
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Lincoln, Benjamin

Sir
Treasury DepartmentOctober 18th 1792.

I have received the petition of John Mackay, Master of the Ship Charlotte, praying for a mitigation or remission of the damages found against him by the Jury, together with a statement of facts on the same subject from the District Judge of Massachusetts.
As the fine was in the discretion of the Jury the imposition of one so considerable as two hundred and fifty Dollars furnishes a presumption that there may have been something more than mere unintentional neglect. I request that you will give me any information that may throw light on the subject.
Is it probable that a remission of the interest of the United States only in the penalty imposed could have any disagreeable effect on the minds of the Jurymen, or tend to throw a damp upon the zeal of future Juries?
The present decision at all events does credit to the disposition of the Jury, shewing a firm intention to carry the laws into effectual execution.
I am, Sir, with great consideration,   Your Obedt Servt
A Hamilton
Benjamin Lincoln Esqr.
Collr Boston.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Tench Coxe, 19 October 1792
From: Coxe, Tench
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Sir,
Treasury DepartmentRevenue Office, October 19th 1792.

In pursuance of your desire I have the honor to make to you the following Report of the present Situation of the Revenue on Spirits distilled in the United States in Regard to the acquiescence in and opposition to the laws relative thereto.
In the district of New-Hampshire,
No appearance of opposition has occured: but since the promulgation of the Act of the  May last a sense of the benefits resulting to the distillers from its provisions has been communicated from thence.
In the district of Massachusetts,
also there is no appearance of opposition, and altho’ the distillers have from the beginning manufactured more than those of all the other districts wherein the law has been executed, the revenue in the last returned quarter was considerably more than in any of the preceeding. When the defalcation of Molasses, the difficulty of procuring it, and the high price of that raw material are considered, this increase will evince a judicious estimation of the advantages to the Manufacturers resulting from the whole of the laws relative to foreign and domestic Spirits, a satisfaction under the same and an increased confidence in the present establishment of the distilling branch of Business; while it countenances a presumption that the revenue sustains no material injury from Evasion, in that quarter.
In the district of Rhode Island and Providence
there is ground for observations similar to those, which have been made in regard to Massachusetts. It appears that the distilling business in proportion to population is nearly twice as great in this District as in any other, and that the process is so well understood as to warrant an expectation, that the proof and flavor of its grain and molasses Spirits will be rendered in a short time, so like those of foreign Spirits, as to defy discrimination by a great majority of the Consumers. This desireable effect appears to have been commenced thus early in consequence of the difference in favor of the domestic manufacture, created by the laws relative to distilled Spirits.
In the district of Connecticut
this revenue appears to have some degree [of] actual popularity, which indeed seems to be the Case throughout the Eastern States. It is manifest there is no uneasiness concerning it, nor any disposition to embarrass or oppose it.
In the district of Vermont
No unfavorable symptoms have appeared.
In the district of New-York
No discontents exist upon the subject.
In the district of New-Jersey,
the business of distillation from domestic materials is increasing. A few inconsiderable distillers have talked of impeding the execution of the law, but it does not appear that any attempts of that Nature were seriously meditated or have been made. Some complaints have been communicated informally from a respectable quarter in that district, representing the hardship of executing a Revenue law in the greater part of the Union, which is not enforced in all, and suggesting that it might occasion impediments in New Jersey, which are not in the intentions of the people of that district at this time. These remarks were produced by the Deportment of the distillers in the Western survey of Pennsylvaa.
In the district of Pennsylvania
this revenue is variously treated. No opposition has been made in the City and Liberties of Philadelphia. Objections and Prejudices existed there both on the score of business and government. Among the distillers these have so far given way to reflexion that there is no probability of opposition. Indeed I have no doubt that a repeal of all the laws relative to foreign and domestic Spirits would give great dissatisfaction to them. In the Vicinity of German Town which lies in the County of Philadelphia some efforts have been made against the tax. So far as respects actions, these have been confined to a few guarded & covert ones. Declamation and declamatory writing has been freely used, but it is not understood that the Collector for the division comprehending the County of Philadelphia has met any opposition. In the western part of the County of Chester a voilent attempt was made upon the Collector after the destruction of the Collectors sign at German-Town and some of the disorders in the western Survey, which was probably excited by those examples. But from the firmness of the Officer, the decided conduct and good management of one of the Judges of the state common pleas, some of the persons were taken and thro’ the judicious exertions of the Attorney general of the State and of the assistant council retained by the Collector they were duly convicted, and from the Circumstances which occured before and during the trial and appearances since there is no present reason to expect any fresh Difficulty in that Quarter. In the county of Northampton which lies up the Delaware, there are at this Moment some delays and impediments not apparently of a very serious complexion, and which have been owing principally to an aversion to pay a tax which the distillers see is successfully refused in other Quarters. This has been and is the state of the Revenue business on the Eastern side of the Susquehanna, which part of the district contains about three fifths of its whole population. To this may be added the County of York the lowest on the western side of that River and the most populous in the State, and the County of Franklin next westward of it which distill largely and in which no difficulties have been stated to exist. These comprehend above two thirds of the Population of Pennsylvania. In Cumberland the Collector when abroad on duty was compelled to give up the Minutes of his Business by some of the distillers. The supreme Court of the State being then in Session at Carlisle, the Judges took up the matter with decision on the application of the Collector, and the offenders were apprehended and held to bail to abide the legal issue, which there is no reason to believe, will be inconsistent with justice and the laws. There has recently appeared a disposition in a vicinity a little North of Cumberland to avoid the payment of the duty. A particular distiller had taken pains to induce his Neighbours to refuse to pay the Monies, which were soon to become due from them. He was successful but they have since given way and paid the duty. The Instigator continues refractory and legal measures have been instituted. This situation is remote wherefore it is possible the example of the Western Survey may occasion him to receive encouragement and Support from a Vicinity composed in a great degree of the same description of persons. The residue of the District on this side of the Allegany mountain has not shewn any disposition to oppose the law. As the situation of the Revenue in Pennsylvania requires its temper to be accurately stated, it is proper to observe that the above mentioned Dispositions to oppose, which are all that have appeared on this side the Allegany Mountain, relate to a tract of Country comprizing about six sevenths of the population of the State, the Seat of its foreign trade, its principal scenes of manufactures and a very large proportion probably nineteen twentieths of its property. It is however to be observed further that prejudices against this kind of tax exist in the minds of many in different parts of the state, who, being too much influenced by the Name do not advert to the difference between our excise laws and those of Great Britain & Ireland, and who erroneously suppose that the exceptionable parts of those foreign Systems, which have been carefully avoided by Congress have been actually adopted. These Prejudices however are abating.
In the four Western Counties of Pennsylvania the prejudices and opposition are such as almost entirely to defeat the execution of the revenue laws, to render the situation of the complying distillers universally uncomfortable and almost every where dangerous, and to hazard the peace and safety of the persons and property of the Officers of Inspection, and of the civil officers, witnesses and others who may be required to perform legal services or to obey the summons of the judicial-courts.
In the district of Delaware.
some disposition to oppose appeared in one County, but the Resolution of the persons being put to the trial by the firmness of the Collector, the due execution of the law ensued. It is remarked by the Supervisor, that the people of that Vicinity had not paid their State Taxes for a series of years.
In the district of Maryland,
some unfavorable dispositions, rather of discontentment than opposition appeared in the two lowest Counties on the Eastern Shore on the promulgation of the first law. But those were evident misconceptions on the subject, which have been removed, and this being followed by the improvements of the system in the last act the Supervisor is of opinion that, there is no ground of apprehension on that side of Chessapeak. There was for a long time no appearance of discontent on the Western Shore of Maryland but some murmers at the non-execution of the laws in the Western Survey of Pennsylvania and slight symptoms of discontentment, excited by the irregularities in that Survey, have appeared, tho not recently. The revenue seems to have a degree of popularity among the principal planters.
In the district of Virginia
exclusive of Kentucke, the law may be considered as completely in operation so far as it is capable of execution, except in the four North West Counties, where however there has been no opposition. The obstruction has been merely the difficulty of procuring Collectors for the original compensations. These being meliorated, by the last Acts of the President on that subject, the Inspector of the North West Survey is now engaged in the appointment of Collectors. There were some early appearances of dispositions to obstruct the first law in the lower parts of Virginia, but they have been completely checked by the exertions of the Supervisor. More serious dispositions of the same kind appeared in the County of Augusta, but this was eradicated by the voluntary proceedings of the grand Jury of a State Court held at Stanton, which presented certain persons who had associated against the law. The associaters to avoid the legal Consequences, signed a declaration of error and recantation.
In the district of Kentucke,
there was for some time considerable discontentment, and some opposition. The law is but partially in operation there, tho’ it is now in much better train than it has been in that district. There does not appear any reason to doubt, that Kentucke may acquiesce, without any very unpleasant Circumstances in the execution of the law, if external circumstances have not too strong an effect upon the Inhabitants. They complain of the inconvenience to them from the non execution of the law in the Country above them on the Western Waters.

In the district of North Carolina,
On the Sea-borde no opposition has been made but it is lately represented by the Supervisor, that he is apprehensive the law is laxly executed in a great part of the Country towards the Coast. In the fourth Survey (around Halifax) the first law was not carried into execution for want of Collectors, and from pretty strong discontents. But that Survey has assumed a different appearance since the favorable provisions of the second law were promulgated, and the Presidents Act of the 4th of August was communicated to the Inspector. In the 5th. or Western Survey of North Carolina menaces of the property of the Officers and strong dispositions to Violence have appeared. The irregularities in that Survey are not particularly stated by the Inspector who resigned nor yet by the Supervisor, but it is generally mentioned by the former that he has been unable to execute the laws, and by the latter that the discontents and dispositions to opposition which existed before, had suddenly become very voilent. I consider that Survey as the most opposed of any in the United States except No. 4 in Pennsylvania. The Supervisor who appears to have great firmness & considerable weight and popularity does not seem to have any despondency in regard to the final establishment of the law.
In the district of South-Carolina
the appearances of opposition had subsided and it was understood that some respectable disapprovers of the tax, had recommended an acquiescence in it. But latterly obstructions to the execution of the law have again occured, which have been carried so far as menaces so violent and serious as to occasion the Collector to refrain from the execution of his Duty. This was in the quarter adjacent to the Western Survey of North Carolina, and the Supervisor of South Carolina ascribes these new obstructions to the influence of the Western Survey of the Northern District. The opposition in the Western part of South Carolina is very similar to that in North Carolina, as might be expected where similarity of Character exists among people not separated by any substantial Boundaries.
In the district of Georgia,
the Supervisor represents that the alterations made by the Act of May last, seem to afford general satisfaction to the Community and particularly to the distillers, and that nearly the whole duty of the first year, which however is small, had been collected without legal compulsion.
It may be useful to state, Sir, that there has been a great increase of distilleries from domestic materials and of course that the very great difference in favor of domestic Spirits, co-operating with the defalcation and dearness of melasses, has rendered the excise-system really beneficial to the landed interest, of which there is a growing sense among the substantial farmers and planters. It is also true that the greater part of the Town distillers and of the principal distillers in most of the well populated Conties, consider the system as favorable to their Business. Refinements in regard to the danger of what they denominate insensible taxes, prejudices against the Name of excise derived from foreign laws of that kind of a very different nature and really dangerous at least as examples, erroneous opinions that excises are of a more growing nature than other taxes, the want of perception that the Consumer and not the Distiller finally bears the tax, and the objections which every part of Mankind have to taxes of which they are the payers, the aversion of some to this and of others to all government, and the influence of the example, the reproaches & the menaces of the violent few even where the many are really well disposed, are in my opinion the principal, and almost all the Causes of the degree and discontentment and opposition which prevails.

I have the honor to be with the most respectful Attatchment,   Sir,   your most Obedient Servant
Tench Coxe,Commisr. of the Revenue.
The honble.
The Secretary of the Treasury.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 19 October 1792
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

[Philadelphia] October 19, 1792. “The Secretary of the Treasury … has the honor to observe that the absence of the Auditor renders it requisite for the President to designate the person who shall execute the duty of Auditor in his absence.… The first Clerk naturally presents himself to consideration; and will, it is believed, be adequate to all necessary business.”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Tench Coxe, 20 October 1792
From: Coxe, Tench
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Treasury Department, Revenue Office, October 20, 1792. “I have the Honor to transmit to you certified copies of the Acts of the President of the United States of the 4th of August and of the 29th September relative to the Revenue on distilled Spirits.…”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Jefferson, [21 October 1792]
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Philadelphia, October 21, 1792. Letter not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Bourne, William Channing, John S. Dexter, and Jeremiah Olney, 22 October 1792
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Bourne, Benjamin,Channing, William,Dexter, John S.,Olney, Jeremiah

Gentlemen
Treasury DepartmentOctober 22. 1792

A report has reached this place, through a channel so respectable as to claim notice, that the affairs of the Bank of Providence are in considerable disorder. On this occasion I take the liberty to commit to your care the interests of the United States and to request your aid.
It is probably known to all of you that the Bank of Providence has been made a place of deposit for all the public monies arising within the State of Rhode Island. At the date of the last return, there was a sum of about 25000 Dollars in Bank on account of the United States; for 10000 Dollars of which the Treasurer has been Directed to Draw. But further accessions have probably accrued since, by payments from the respective officers.
Aware that a sudden order to withold the public deposits and withdraw the public money might contribute to render any partial derangement, which may exist, a total one, to the great prejudice of all concerned, I forbear to take such a step.
I prefer to rest a discretionary power in persons who will combine a regard to the public interest with a disposition friendly to the Bank and to the Trade, to act as upon examination circumstances may appear to render prudent and adviseable; in which view, I ask your particular and immediate attention to the matter.
I request you therefore to inquire carefully into the facts represented; and for this purpose, to use this letter as a commission from me to the Directors, and either to continue things in their present state or to withdraw the public monies if practicable and stop further deposits; for which last purpose, your instructions are hereby made obligatory upon the Supervisor of the Revenue & the Collectors of the respective districts.
Perhaps affairs may be so circumstanced as to render it most adviseable to observe a medium between the two modes of proceeding. Or perhaps it may be found expedient and practicable to obtain security from persons of competent responsibility in the direction of the Bank, to indemnify the Government for a limited period, on the condition of a continuance of its countenance and support for such period.
These you will consider as merely hints. Your own judgments on the state of things before you must guide.
I wish nothing to be precipitated, and yet a due caution to be observed.

With much esteem & consideration I have the honor to be Gentlemen   Your Obedient Servant
Alex Hamilton
The Honorable Mr. Bourne Representative
The Attorney of the District
The Supervisor of the Revenue
The Collector of Providence


Title: Contract with George Dannacker and William Young, 22 October 1792
From: Hamilton, Alexander,Dannacker, George,Young, William
To:

Philadelphia, October 22, 1792. A contract for “the several articles of Clothing specified” for United States troops for the year 1793 was concluded on this date.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Gaspard Joseph Amand Ducher, 22 October 1792
From: Ducher, Gaspard Joseph Amand
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Paris Le 22 8bre 1792.L’an 1er. dela République

Je joins ici, Monssicur, plusieurs pièces authentiques pour vous faire connoitre La verité sur Les grands évenements qui ont eu Lieu en france dépuis Le 10 aout der. La Liberté française triomphe de tous ses ennemies en europe, et trouvera, j’espere, d’intimes alliés dans Le Nouveau Monde. Les vrais américains applaudissent Sans doute au courage dont ils nous ont donné L’exemple.
Peut-etre partirai-je bientot pour me rendre au près de vous. Conservez moi votre amitié. Publius, ou Le federaliste vient d’etre traduit et de paroitre en deux forts volumes. Cet ouvrage obtient ici Les succès que je vous avais annonceé il ya trois ans.
J’ai reçu votre Lettre du 22. juin der mais jen’ai pas encore reçues Les Lettres de change que vous vous proposiez alors de M’envoyer.
Je vous embrasse de tout mon Coeur et fais des voeux pour vous et votre famille.
Ducher


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Jefferson, [22 October 1792]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Jefferson, Thomas

[Philadelphia, October 22, 1792]

Mr. Hamilton presents his Compliments to Mr. Jefferson, requests to be informed, if there are any circumstances within his knowlege, more than are mentioned in the in-closed papers, which throw light upon the subject of them; particularly whether the discharge of the Vessels was communicated to The Baron De Steuben at the time it took place or at any time antecedent to the date of the Baron’s last letter to Capt Lewis.
Monday October 22. 1792


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Jefferson, [22 October 1792]
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Philadelphia, October 22, 1792]

Th: Jefferson presents his compliments to the Secretary of the Treasury & is sorry he is unable to give him any information relative to the Ship Renown, having no recollection of the details of the armament of which she made a part. The expedition against Ports-mouth was, as he thinks, by order of the Commander in chief, desiring the aid of the state to the Continental commander. Should it be decided that the vessel & cargo are to be paid for, it should be attended to that tobacco, during the greater part of the war, was not worth more than five or six shillings real money the hundred in Virginia, that probably it was at it’s honest value about the time of this expedition, and that a valuation in tobacco would be made according to it’s price at the moment.

  Oct. 22. 1792.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Jefferson, [22 October 1792]
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Philadelphia, October 22, 1792]

Th Jefferson presents his compliments to the Secretary of the Treasury and in-closes him a statement of the salaries & disbursements of his office here, and as perfect a one as he has materials to furnish of the foreign establishments according to the order of the Senate of May 7. 1792.
Oct. 22. 1792.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, [22 October 1792]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Seton, William

My Dear Sir
[Philadelphia, October 22, 1792]

I will thank you to forward me, as soon as convenient, copies of all the letters you have received from me, respecting the purchase of public Debt. In the hurry of dispatching some of them, no copy was kept. And some incidents of late require, that I should carefully review the ground.
I regretted to have been obliged to draw lately a portion of my intended deposits from your Bank; but I hope to replace & keep it up.
William Seton Esqr


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 23 October 1792
From: Olney, Jeremiah
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Providence, October 23, 1792. Encloses “Account of Emoluments &c.… from Octr. 1791 to Septr. 1792, inclusive; together with similar Accounts from all the Officers appointed by, and acting under me, as Collr. of the Customs for this District.” States that the “average Rates of freight shall be forwarded as soon as it can be obtained from the Merchants.”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 23 October 1792
From: Olney, Jeremiah
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Providence, October 23, 1792. “The Act laying a Duty of 10 ⅌ Cent Ad Valorem on Sail-Cloth, admits of different constructions: I have considered Sail-Cloth and Duck as synonimous, and accordingly charged that rate of Duty on Ravens Duck. Some Importers of this Article here contend that my construction is erroneous, and that Ravens Duck is not, by the Act, chargeable with a higher Duty than 7½ ⅌ Cent, the same as paid on Ticklingburgh, which is often used for light Sails. I wish Sir, for your Opinion on this Point.…”


Title: Metellus, [24 October 1792]
From: “Metellus”
To:

[Philadelphia, October 24, 1792]

For the Gazette of the United States.
The votaries of Mr. Jefferson, whose devotion for their idol kindles at every form, in which he deigns to present himself, have deduced matter of panegyric from his opposition to the measures of the government. ’Tis according to them the sublimest pitch of virtue in him, not only to have extra-officially embarrassed plans, originating with his colleagues, in the course of their progress, but to have continued his opposition to them, after they had been considered and enacted by the legislature, with such modifications as appeared to them proper, and had been approved by the chief magistrate. Such conduct, it seems, marks “a firm and virtuous independence of character.” If any proof were wanting of that strange inversion of the ideas of decorum, propriety and order, which characterizes a certain party, this making a theme of encomium of what is truly a demonstration of a caballing, self-sufficient and refractory temper, would afford it.
In order to shew that the epithets have been misapplied, I shall endeavor to state what course a firm and virtuous independence of character, guided by a just and necessary sense of decorum, would dictate to a man in the station of Mr. Jefferson.
This has been rendered more particularly requisite, by the formal discussion of the point, which appears to be the object of a continuation of a defence of that gentleman, in the American Daily Advertiser of the 10th inst.
The position must be reprobated that a man who had accepted an office in the executive department, should be held to throw the weight of his character into the scale, to support a measure, which in his conscience he disapproved, and in his station had opposed—Or that the members of the administration should form together a close and secret combination, into whose measures the profane eye of the public should in no instance pry. But there is a very obvious medium between aiding or countenancing, and intriguing and machinating against a measure; between opposing it in the discharge of an official duty, or volunteering an opposition to it in the discharge of no duty; between entering into a close and secret combination with the other members of an administration, and being the active leader of an opposition to its measures.
The true line of propriety appears to me to be the following: A member of the administration, in one department, ought only to aid those measures of another, which he approves—where he disapproves, if called upon to act officially, he ought to manifest his disapprobation, and avow his opposition; but out of an official line he ought not to interfere, as long as he thinks fit to continue a part of the administration. When the measure in question has become a law of the land, especially with a direct sanction of the chief magistrate, it it is peculiarly his duty to acquiesce. A contrary conduct is inconsistent with his relations as an officer of the government, and with a due respect as such, for the decisions of the legislature, and of the head of the executive department. The line here delineated, is drawn from obvious and very important considerations. The success of every government—its capacity to combine the exertion of public strength with the preservation of personal right and private security, qualities which define the perfection of a government, must always naturally depend on the energy of the executive department. This energy, again, must materially depend on the union and mutual deference, which subsist between the members of that department, and the conformity of their conduct with the views of the executive chief.
Difference of opinion between men engaged in any common pursuit, is a natural appendage of human nature. When only exerted in the discharge of a duty, with delicacy and temper, among liberal and sensible men, it can create no animosity; but when it produces officious interferences, dictated by no call of duty—when it volunteers a display of itself in a quarter, where there is no responsibility, to the obstruction and embarrassment of one who is charged with an immediate and direct responsibility—it must necessarily beget ill humour and discord between the parties.
Applied to the members of the executive administration of any government, it must necessarily tend to occasion, more or less, distracted councils, to foster factions in the community, and practically to weaken the government.
Moreover the heads of the several executive departments are justly to be viewed as auxiliaries to the executive chief. Opposition to any measure of his, by either of those heads of departments, except in the shape of frank, firm, and independent advice to himself, is evidently contrary to the relations which subsist between the parties. And it cannot well be controverted that a measure becomes his, so as to involve the duty of acquiescence on the part of the members of his administration, as well by its having received his sanction in the form of a law, as by its having previously received his approbation.

In the theory of our government, the chief magistrate is himself responsible for the exercise of every power vested in him by the constitution. One of the powers entrusted to him, is that of objecting to bills which have passed the two houses of Congress. This supposes the duty of objecting, when he is of opinion, that the object of any bill is either unconstitutional or pernicious. The approbation of a bill implies, that he does not think it either the one or the other. And it makes him responsible to the community for this opinion. The measure becomes his by adoption. Nor could he escape a portion of the blame, which should finally attach itself to a bad measure, to which he had given his consent.
I am prepared for some declamation against the principles which have been laid down. Some plausible flourishes have already been indulged. And it is to be expected, that the public ear will be still further assailed with the commonplace topics, that so readily present themselves, and are so dexterously retailed by the traffickers in popular prejudice. But it need never be feared to submit a solid truth to the deliberate and final opinion of an enlightened and sober people.
What! (it will probably be asked) is a man to sacrifice his conscience and his judgement to an office? Is he to be a dumb spectator of measures which he deems subversive of the rights or interests of his fellow-citizens? Is he to postpone to the frivolous rules of a false complaisance, or the arbitrary dictates of a tyrannical decorum, the higher duty, which he owes to the community?
I answer, No! he is to do none of these things. If he cannot coalesce with those, with whom he is associated, as far as the rules of official decorum, propriety & obligation may require, without abandoning what he conceives to be the true interest of the community, let him place himself in a situation in which he will experience no collision of opposite duties. Let him not cling to the honor or emolument of an office whichever it may be that attracts him, and content himself with defending the injured rights of the people by obscure or indirect means. Let him renounce a situation which is a clog upon his patriotism; tell the people that he could no longer continue in it without forfeiting his duty to them, and that he had quitted it to be more at liberty to afford them his best services.
Such is the course which would be indicated by a firm and virtuous independence of character. Such the course that would be pursued by a man attentive to unite the sense of delicacy with the sense of duty—in earnest about the pernicious tendency of public measures, and more solicitous to act the disinterested friend of the people, than the interested ambitious and intriguing head of a party.
Metullus.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Gouverneur Morris, 24 October 1792
From: Morris, Gouverneur
To: Hamilton, Alexander

My Dear Sir
Paris 24 October 1792

I have receiv’d yours of the twenty second of June & am in the hourly Hope to hear farther from you. I need not tell you that it will give me Pleasure. Enclosd you will find the Copy of a Letter which I wrote to Mr. Jefferson the seventh of November 1791. This with some other Communications at the same Epoch he never acknowledged, I know not why, but I think the Paper enclosd in that Letter will be agreable to you tho not very amusing. It would seem that your Friend Scipio is not much attach’d to Paulus at least if I may judge from some things which I see. However there is a great Chasm in my News Papers which breaks the Thread of my Conjectures as well as of my Information for I have little I might almost say none of the latter but from the Gazettes: of Course I know what passes about two Months after every Body else. Tell me I pray you how Scavola stands affected between the Parties just nam’d. I think he never had a very high opinion of the first mentioned but he was attach’d to Tarquin unmeasurably and that with some local Circumstances may have form’d a stronger Chain that I should otherwise suppose.
You will have seen that the late Constitution of this Country has overset a natural Accident to a Thing which was all Sail and no Ballast. I desire much very much to know the State of Opinions with us on that Subject. Some Gentlemen who considered it as the Achmé of human Wisdom must I suppose find out Causes which Persons on the Spot never dreamt of. But in seeking or inventing these Causes what will be their Opinion of present Powers what the Conduct they wish to pursue. These are to me important Questions. Brutus will doubtless triumph but I wish to feel the Pulse of Opinion with you or rather to know before Hand how it is like to beat. There are pros and cons whose Action I cannot estimate. The Flight of Monsieur de la fayette the Murder of the Duc de la Rochefoucaule and others with many similar Circumstances have I know affected the Ideas of some. But what will be the republican Sense as to the new Republic? Will it be taken for granted that Louis the sixteenth was guilty of all possible Crimes and particularly of the enormous one of not suffering his throat to be cut which was certainly a nefarious Plot against the People and a manifest Violation of the Bill of Rights. Paulus who is no Enemy to Kings will not believe that they are all Tygers but I am not certain that if he were here he would not consider them as Monkeys. However we are done with them in France at least for the present. There are two Parties here. The one consists of about half a dozen and the other of fifteen or twenty who are at Dagger’s Drawing. Each Claims the Merit of having begotten the young Republic upon the Body of the Jacobine Club and notwithstanding the Dispute is very loud and open the People is as fond of the Child as if it were its own. But this has a Relation to antient Manners for there has been a Practice here from Time whereof there is no Memory of Man to the contrary viz that one Sett of Men were employd in getting Children for another Sett. My public Letters and the Gazettes will bring you acquainted with Things here as fully as I can in any Way communicate them. It is not worth while to detail the Characters of those now on the Stage because they must soon give Place to others.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Willing, [24 October 1792]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Willing, Thomas

[Philadelphia, October 24, 1792. Letter listed in dealer’s catalogue. Letter not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 24 October 1792
From: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Treasury Department, Comptroller’s Office, October 24, 1792. “Some time since a claim was presented for settlement by Mr. Samuel Young of this City in favour of William Lewiss late a Soldier of the Virginia Regiment of the Army, which … has been certified by the Register of the Treasury. The delivery of the Certificate was however suspended.… The claim is now renewed by Mr. George Stout who has applied for & obtained Letters of Administration. … It has been conceeded by Stout & is proved by the documents herewith transmitted, that he had no claim upon the property of William Lewiss, than what could accrue to him by virtue of an assignment of the power of Attorney.… Under these circumstances I have judged it to be my duty not to admit Stout to receive the Certificate in favour of William Lewiss.… I take the liberty to request that the … documents may be submitted to the Attorney General of the United States for his opinion.”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Bourne, William Channing, John S. Dexter, and Jeremiah Olney, 25 October 1792
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Bourne, Benjamin,Channing, William,Dexter, John S.,Olney, Jeremiah

Gentlemen
Treasury DepartmentOct 25. 1792

Since mine to you of the 22d. I have reason to believe that the information which gave occasion to that letter was a misapprehension of the party from whom I received it; but whose general accuracy left me no suspicion of such a possibility at the time. I hasten to give this intimation, that no inconveniences may ensue from my first communication.
With perfect esteem I have the honor to be   Gentlemen   Your obed servant
A Hamilton
The Honorable Mr. Bourne
The Attorney of the District
The Supervisor of the Revenue
The Collector of Providence


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 25 October 1792
From: Olney, Jeremiah
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Providence, October 25, 1792. “I have received your Letter of the 12th inst. which removed the apprehensions I before had; and should similar Instances of colusive Transfers occur, I shall refuse credit for the Duties, agreeable to your expectations.”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Seton, 26 October 1792
From: Seton, William
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Dear sir
New York 26 October 1792

Agreably to your desire I now enclose Copies of all the Letters I received from you respecting the purchase of Public Debt. I hope no disagreable event has occurred to cause a review of what was so eminently beneficial to the Community at large.
The present high rate of Exchange & the over great Importations from Europe, I fear will soon begin to drain the Banks of Specie—unless the price of Stocks falls to that point at which the foreigners will purchase.
I am with the sincerest respect & esteem   Dear sir   Your obliged Obed Humb Servt
Wm Seton
A. Hamilton Esqr.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [26 October 1792]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

[Philadelphia, October 26, 1792]

The Secretary of the Treasury presents his respects to the President, and encloses him a letter received yesterday from the Supervisor of New York. The Secretary will have the honor of reminding the President of the subject when he has that of waiting upon him next.
26. October 1792


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Joseph Nourse, 27 October 1792
From: Nourse, Joseph
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Sir,
Treasury DepartmentRegister’s Office 27. October 1792

In the returns from the Treasury Dept. which will be laid before you in pursuance of your Directions founded on the order of the Senate of the United States of May 7. 1792 there will be wanting an Account of the Contingent Expences of the Treasury Department, for Wood, rent and other payment, which have not been considered as forming a Part of the Expence of any particular Office, but which will apply generally to all the Offices of the Treasury Department. Under an Idea that such Expences come within the Intention of the Senate, I have had the said General Account of Expenditures stated, and which I now beg Leave to Enclose, marked

A.
Amounting to
Dollars
478.62.

B.
  “

416.48 ⅔

C.
  “

322.84

D.
  “

696.53.

Amounting to Dollars
1914.47.⅔

I have the Honor to be sir   with the greatest Respect   Your most obedt: hb: Servt.
J:N:
The Hon: Alexr. Hamilton Esqr.
Secy. of the Treasury


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Stephen Cross, 29 October 1792
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Cross, Stephen

Treasury Department, October 29, 1792. “I duly received your letter of the 18th instant, to which I shall reply at the first moment of sufficient leisure.…”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Henry Knox, 29 October 1792
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Knox, Henry

Sir
Treasury DepartmentOctober 29. 1792

Herewith you will find a Warrant for Thirty five thousand dollars for the use of the Quarter Master generals department. I request that you will direct it to be received in Bank post Notes, which for greater security had better be made out in the Name of the Quarter Master General. Experience shews that these Notes answer as well as specie, and Considerations of the Moment induce me to wish that there may be no transportation of Specie at this time from the seat of Government.
I have the honor to be   very respectfully, Sir   Yr. Obedient servant
Alexander Hamilton
The Secretary at War.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 29 October 1792
From: Williams, Otho H.
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Sir
Baltimore 29th October 1792

I took occasion to mention to you while I was absent from my Office, that a necessary attention to my health required my leaving Baltimore for a time.
My stay in the Country was attended with so many indications of returning health that I thought the time well spent; and was returning home full of confidence that business would again be a pleasure to me when a very unexpected and violent attack on my breast banished all my sanguine expectations, and reduced me almost to the last extremity.
An Hemorrhage from the lungs, which continued several days, attended by the most alarming symptoms, made it requisite, in the opinion of my Physicians, to make among other applications repeated and liberal use of the launcet which, in addition to the loss of blood from the lungs and a fever, which attended me for about two weeks, weakened me extremely.
I have happily recovered much apparent health and strength, but my lungs remain very sore and irritable: and my Physicians recommend a Voyage to some of the West India Islands for the Winter as the best means of restoring my health perfectly.
Although I am sensible, in all situations, of my responsibility for the execution of the duties of my office I would not willingly leave the continent without the consent of the President. It is, Sir, with a view to obtain from you the favor of asking permission of the President that I give you the trouble of these particulars. I trust you will pardon the liberty.
The unanimous opinion of my Physicians and the universal solicitations of my friends press my speedy departure, an early answer to this letter will therefore much oblige
Sir, Your Most Obedient and   Most Humble Servant
O. H. Williams
A Hamilton Esqr.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 29 October 1792
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Williams, Otho H.

Sir
Treasury DepartmentOctober 29th 1792.

I herewith transmit you the copy of a letter written by the Collector of Salem to the Attorney for the District of Massachusetts respecting certain Persons, who, it is stated, have left that State and gone to Baltimore, being indebted to the United States for duties bonded, without leaving sufficient property to secure the debt.
I have to request that you will take such measures as you shall be legally advised to pursue, for securing the United States concerning the bonds in question. In doing this I must call your attention to the 44th or strictly the 45th Section of the Collection law, which, in certain cases, gives a priority to the United States.
With great consideration,   I am, Sir, your Obedt Servt.
Alexander Hamilton
Otho H Williams Esqr
Baltimore


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 30 October 1792
From: Ellery, William
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Sir,
Colls Offe. [Newport, Rhode Island] Oct. 30 1792

My bondsmen as Commr of the Loan-Office have applied to me to know whether my bond had been cancelled. It was not in my power to give them positive information. If my accounts as Commr of the Loan-Office have been adjusted and found to be right as I presume they have, I wish that bond may be transmitted to me; unless it is cancelled, or it should be contrary to usage to deliver up bonds under such circumstances. If the latter I should be happy to be made acquainted with the reasons on which such usage is founded. If my accts. have not been adjusted I wish it may be done as soon as possible.
I am, with great consideration   Sir, Yr. most obedt. servant
Wm Ellery
A Hamilton Esqr.
Secry Treasy


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Charles Lee, 30 October 1792
From: Lee, Charles
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Sir!
Collectors Office Alexandria [Virginia] 30th. Octr. 1792

A considerable sum in cut silver is now in my Office, which has been accumulating for some time past, as in no case except now and then it has been in my power to pay any part, in discharge of a Treasury Draft. An offer to pay this kind of money to a holder of a warrant upon this Office, gives dissatisfaction, and supposing this kind of money might be useful at the mint, I have thought it my duty to communicate the matter to you.
I am Sir! very respectfully   Your most Obedt. Servant
Charles LeeCollector at Alexandria.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 30 October 1792
From: Olney, Jeremiah
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Providence, October 30, 1792. “In conformity to your circular Letter of the 4th of June last, I enclose a copy of the rough Estimate of Duties on the Cargo of Brigantine George William, from Bordeaux, which contains an Abstract of the Invoices exhibited, and the computations made toward ascertaining the Duties, previous to taking the Bonds. A note at the bottom of the Abstract, will show how nearly the Two first Criterions correspond with each other; but I am not possessed of the requisite information to discover how nearly the Third agrees with the other Two.…”


Title: A Plain Honest Man, [30 October–17 November 1792]
From: “Plain Honest Man”
To:

[Philadelphia, October 30–November 17, 1792]

For the Gazette of The UStates
In consequence of the intimation contained in the first Number of the Vindication of Mr. Jefferson which originated in the American Dayly Advertiser that “if any doubt should be suggested of the authenticity of the extracts published they should be immediately made accessible to others” a person called upon Mr. Dunlap to obtain an inspection of those originals. He replied, that they had not been left with him; neither [was he possessed of the necessary information where to direct an enquirer;] but that if desired he would by advertisement notify to him the application for a perusal of the letters. A statement of this answer, as extraordinary as it was unexpected, was prepared to be inserted in this Gazette and was communicated to Mr. Dunlap with a view to verifying its accuracy. The Evening before that destined for its appearance Mr. Dunlap called upon the person and informed him that the Originals [were now to be seen &] would be communicated to any person who might incline to see them—observing at the same time that [it appeared to him] it could not be necessary to publish the statement which has been mentioned, as intended. This was accordingly foreborne.
On the  [a] Note appeared in Mr. Dunlaps paper of that day which after commenting on the disingeniousness of some doubts hinted in one of the papers under the signature of Catullus gives “notice, that any Gentleman of known honor and delicacy, who shall be named to the Editor, of the American Dayly Advertiser shall have an opportunity of examining not only the passages extracted but the intire contents of the original letters.”
What Gentleman of real delicacy would be willing to present himself under the professed character of a “Gentleman of known honor and delicacy” at the hazard of being affronted by a rejection, to obtain the proffered access? Is not an offer so clogged a felo de se? What is the natural inference?

If I am not Mr Printer a “Gentleman of known honor and delicacy” I hope you will not think the worse of me for being only
A plain Honest Man


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Jefferson, 31 October 1792
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Sir
Philadelphia Oct. 31. 1792.

I have the honor to in-close you sundry communications from the Minister of the U.S. at Paris, which relating to the Treasury department I can only offer myself for the conveyance of any instructions or authorities which it may be expedient to send him.
I am with great respect Sir   Your most obedt. humble servt.
Th: Jefferson
The Secretary of the Treasury


Title: Enclosure: Gouverneur Morris to Thomas Jefferson, 1 August 1792
From: Morris, Gouverneur
To: Jefferson, Thomas

Paris 1. August 1792.

My last was of the tenth of July. Mr: Livingston, who is on his way to America, presents an opportunity of writing, which must not be neglected, altho’ I am engaged at present in Examination of the account received from the Commissioners of the Treasury. I have already mentioned to you, Sir, that the whole of this account is open, and I must now observe that I do not find myself particularly authorized to make the final adjustment. If it becomes necessary, I will do it, but I shall avoid it as long as I can. In respect to the Payments made and making in america, I am at ease, because there I have your orders, but not so in regard to those made by Mr. Short. I shall hope, however, to be favored with your instructions in consequence of his communications. I shall write particularly respecting the account, when I have gone thro’ it.


Title: Enclosure: The Commissaries of the French Treasury to Gouverneur Morris, 2 August 1792
From: Commissaries of the French Treasury
To: Morris, Gouverneur

Trèsorerie Nationale,
Paris le 2 Aout 1792. l’an 4e de la liberté

Nous avons reçu, Monsieur, votre lettre du 30 juillet. Nous ferons volontiers recevoir à Amsterdam les ommes que les Etats unis sont dans l’intention de rembourser à la nation française à compte de leur dette, et nous en chargerons M M. Hoggeur Grand et Compe. les memes banquiers qui ont jusqu’à present suivi toutes les operations relatives à cet remboursement.
A l’égard du taux du change auquel devra se faire le nouveau remboursement et que vous nous invitez à fixer, nous aurons l’honneur de vous observer que, lorsque M. Short nous eut fait connoitre la resolution qu’avoient prise les Etats unis de ne point profiter, dans les remboursements qu’ils pourroient nous faire, de la défaveur ou se trouvoient les changes à l’égard de la France; nous lui proposames, à cet effet, d’autoriser les banquiers des Etats unis à recevoir nos récépisses pour la valeur en Florins de Banque, qui devoient nous etre comptés à Amsterdam, de manière à pouvoir régler en définitif le change, non pas d’après les cours, tels qu’ils existent depuis longtems, mais d’après le pair du change connu entre Paris et Amsterdam. Mais cette somme qui avoit paru alors simple et juste ne peut en ce moment etre proposée, puisque les pertes que peut éprouver la France dans ces remboursemens paroissent devoir etre seulement comprensèes, en vertu d’une transaction postérieure aux remboursemens et pour la quelle vous avez besoin d’autorisation spéciale. E’n conséquence, Monsieur, et attendu qu’il est très important pour la tresorèrie de se procurer le plutot possible le numéraire qui doit nous revenir par l’effet du nouveau remboursement, nous proposons, ainsi que vous le désirez, que le change auquel nous serons fait les nouveaux paiemens à Amsterdam soit fixé, suivant le cours actuel à vue qui doit etre porté au moins à 32½.
Si vous agreès cette proposition, Monsieur, nous vous prions de nous en informer et de nous instruire egalement du moment où vous aurez donné ordre à vos Banquiers d’Amsterdam d’effectuer les premiers paiements.
Les Commissaires de la Tresorie Nationale.
M. Morris, Mtre. des Etats unis de l’Amerique.


Title: Enclosure: The Commissaries of the French Treasury to Gouverneur Morris, 9 August 1792
From: Commissaries of the French Treasury
To: Morris, Gouverneur

Paris le 9. Aout 1792 An 4. de la Liberté

Notre lettre du 2. de ce mois, Monsieur, ayant tardé à vous parvenir par des causes que nous ignorons, nous aurons attention pour que cet inconvenient ne se réprésente plus de vous faire porter celles que nous aurons l’honneur de vous ècrire.
Les erreurs que vous croyez qui existent dans le compte que nous vous avons remis, donnent lieu à des recherches qui sont être faites; elles exigeront un peu de tems, mais aussitot que nous aurons tous les renseignemens necessaires nous nous haterons de vous les communiquer.
Votre observation, Monsieur, sur la remise que vous vous proposer de faire faire à M. M. Hoguer Grand, &. Cie, nous fait craindre de ne nous être pas assez clairment expliquér par notre lettre du 2 de ce mois.
En y exprimant que le change auquel seroient faits les nouveaux paiemens à Amsterdam seroit fixé suivant le cours actuel à vue, qui devroit être porté au moins à 32.½. nous n’avons point entendu admettre la perte résultante du cours de ce change sur l’opération, mais seulement que le dit cours serviroit uniquement à indiquer une base pour regler dans la suite la perte que pourra éprouver la France, abstraction faite de celle qui a lieu aujourdhui sur les assignats, et seulement d’aprés le pair du change connu entre Paris et Amsterdam. C’est ce que nous avons prévu en vous marquant que la compensation seroit reglée, par une transaction posterieure lorsque vous auriez reçu l’autorisation speciale que, vous attendez pour prendre un parti definitif.
En effet, Monsieur, lorsque Monsieur Short nous proposa de la part du Congrès des indemnités pour les payemens précédens relativement aux revolutions. Survenues dans le cours des changes, nous lui observames que nous ne pouvions décider cette question, dont la solution concernoit le Ministre des affaires etrangeres, mais que pour l’avenir le moyen qu’il n’y eût aucune difficulté à cet égard seroit que les remises que le Congrès feroit faire servient effectués en florins, et que jusqu’au compte définitif on laisseroit toute entiere la question de l’evaluation des chànges, dont one se borneroit à prendre une note à la date des payemens.
C’est dont Monsieur, sans alterer le fond de cette mesure, déterminée par l’intention que nous a été manifestèe de la part du Congrès, mais en adoptant simplement la forme qui paraissoit vous convenir le plus, que nous avons indiqué le change à 32½ sur la remise que vous comptrez faire faire a M. M. Hoguer, Grand & Cie.
Nous sommes persuadés, Monsieur, que les développemens que nous venons de faire sont conformes à vos vues, et ne peuvent apporter aucun changement à vos dispositions, dont nous vous prions d’agreer tous nos remercimens.
Les Commissaires de la Trésorerie nationale.
M. Morris. Ministre Plenipre. des Etats unis. Rue de la Blanche à Paris


Title: Enclosure: Gouverneur Morris to Thomas Jefferson, 16 August 1792
From: Morris, Gouverneur
To: Jefferson, Thomas

Paris 16. August 1792.

I shall send herewith a Packet containing my Correspondence with the Commissioners of the Treasury, relative to our Debt, and in the same packet you will find a Letter from Mr. Cathalan to you relative to a Riot at Marsielles &c.
I have already had occasion to mention to you, Sir, that I did not find myself authorized to go into the Settlement of the account finally with the Commissioners of the Treasury. This observation I must again in this place repeat and add that notwithstanding my utmost Efforts, I have not been able to bring the minister of foreign affairs to consider for a moment the Question referred to me respecting the Sums paid and paying in america. What is still more surprising is, that the minister of the marine, altho’ authorized to treat with me for supplies to the colony of St. Domingo, has done nothing in that affair. Two ministers have occupied that place since the Decree. Each has given me various rendezvous, but neither has appeared at the time and place because circumstances of the moment have obliged them to attend to something else. Indeed the Executive of the late Constitution has been at the last agony for this three months, and of course has thought more of saving it’s life than of doing it’s Business. The present Executive is just born and may perhaps be stifled in the Cradle. If a general arrangement could have been made with the late Government for paying the whole of our Debt at some fixed Exchange so as to do Justice and fulfil the honorable intentions of the United States, I should have been well pleased, and altho’ not exactly authorized, should probably have taken on me to make the needful Engagements and in so doing I should have made a grave Sacrifice to the Public because I wish of all things to be free from any pecuniary Transactions, for I know by experience that the utmost possible Purity will not prevent malicious insinuations which, however unfounded, will always find some believers. It appears, however, a probable Event that before our Debt be paid we may experience some considerable losses on exchange not to mention the dead charges which are considerable too. It has therefore appeared to me most advisable to make one general statement and settlement of the whole, and if it shall appear that we have gained and that they have lost by the modes of Payment, then to give a good round sum as a compensation and, as it were, gratuitously, because by that means we have the Reputation of the good we do, and the sacrifice we make, and because otherwise the agents of this Government might attribute to their address an advantage gained instead of giving Credit to our generosity for a Compensation granted. And it seems important to establish the latter Idea because it cannot fail to extend our credit throughout the world and consequently to facilitate all pecuniary operations which here-after we may have occasion to make.


Title: Meeting of the Commissioners of the Sinking Fund, [31 October 1792]
From: Commissioners of the Sinking Fund
To:

[Philadelphia, October 31, 1792]

At a meeting of the trustees of the sinking fund, on the 31st day of October, 1792,
Present: The Secretary of State, the Secretary of the Treasury, and the Attorney General of the United States.
Resolved, That the resolutions of this Board, by which Samuel Meredith, Esquire, the agent for the sinking fund in the city of Philadelphia, hath been restricted to sealed proposals of sale, be rescinded; and that he be at liberty to purchase stock, according to the prices, limited in his last instructions, either openly, and without sealed proposals, or with sealed proposals, as to him shall seem expedient.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [31 October 1792]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

[Philadelphia, October 31, 1792]

The Secretary of the Treasury presents his respects to the president of the U: States, encloses the arrangement for retrospective compensations to officers of the Revenue, which, agreeably to the intimation of the president, has been retained. Mr. Hamilton will wait on the President between 12 & one to give the explanations desired.
Wednesday Morning 31. Octr. 1792.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 31 October 1792
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

Treasury Departmt. Octr. 31. 1792.

The Secretary of the Treasury has the honor respectfully to communicate to the President an authenticated copy of the Contract for the last Loan made in Holland, for three millions of florins, bearing date the 9th. of August 1792, at a rate of four per cent interest, of which Contract a ratification of the President as hereto-fore, is required.
Alexander HamiltonSecy. of the Treasury.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Tobias Lear, 1 November 1792
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Hamilton, Alexander

United States, 1st Novr. 1792.

By the Presidents’ command T. Lear has the honor to return to the Secretary of the Treasury, the authenticated copy of the Contract for the last Loan made in Holland, which has been submitted to the president; & to inform the Secretary, that as soon as he shall have prepared the form of the ratification, the President will execute it.

T. Lear.S. P. U S.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Smith, 1 November 1792
From: Smith, Thomas
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Philadelphia] November 1, 1792. Forwards information required by the Senate order of May 7, 1792.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Joseph Whipple, 1 November 1792
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Whipple, Joseph

[Philadelphia, November 1, 1792. On November 30, 1792, Whipple wrote to Hamilton: “I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 1st. instant.” Letter not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 1 November 1792
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Williams, Otho H.

Treasury DepartmentNovember 1st. 1792
Sir

The Post of to day brought me your letter of the 29th of October, which I immediately communicated to the President, and hasten to make known to you his consent to your undertaking the voyage recommended to you. It is not doubted that due care will previously be taken to secure the proper management of the public business in your absence.
My most sincere and cordial wishes for the restoration of your health will accompany you.
With great consideration & esteem   I remain Sir   Your obed servant

Alex Hamilton
Otho H Williams Esqr


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Jefferson, 2 November 1792
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Jefferson, Thomas

Treasury DepartmentNovember 2d. 1792

The Secretary of the Treasury presents his respects to the Secretary of State; incloses a contract for a loan lately concluded which has been submitted to the President and approved. It is now transmitted in order that a ratification in the usual form may be prepared and executed.