Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Joseph Whipple, 10 February 1790
From: Whipple, Joseph
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Portsmouth, New Hampshire] February 10, 1790. “I have inclosed herewith returns of the exports from this District.… In these returns will be observed the small proportion of the large quantities of Pot Ashes manufactured in this State that are exported from this District as well as of every other article of our produce.”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Tobias Lear, 11 February 1790
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[New York] February 11, 1790. Transmits a list of the persons the President has appointed collectors, naval officers, and surveyors in North Carolina, and the names of those appointed to fill vacancies in other states.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, 11 February 1790
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Seton, William

[New York, February 11, 1790. The dealer’s catalogue gives the following description of this letter: “Mentions that he will soon have occasion to apply to the Bank of NY for a loan of $50,000.” Letter not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Charles Lee, 12 February 1790
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Lee, Charles

Treasury Department, February 12, 1790. “Your letter of the 31st. of December came duly to hand. A vessel partly the property of Citizens of Rhode Island can neither be registered as, nor admitted to the privileges of an American bottom.…”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 12 February 1790
From: Olney, Jeremiah
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Providence 12th. Feby. 1790
Sir
I have Just been Honor’d with your favr. of 4th Inst. on the Subject of my being Designated by the President to pay the Invalid pensions of this State. You may be assured Sir that it affords me the most Singular pleasure to find that I am so much in the Remembrance of the President as to be Designated by him to Execute that Trust, and my Feelings Sir are no less Gratified in the Reflection that I can in any degree be Serviceable to that unfortunate Class of our Fellow Citizens.
I presume Sir, when the Secretary at War made you the Estimate of Nine Hundred Dollars for the payment of the first half years Pensions that he had not Received the last Return of Invalids paid by this State which I as one of a Committee, had the Honor to Transmitt him on the 1st Inst., as that Return very Considerably Excedes the above Estimate.

I have been Honor’d with Instructions from the Secretary at War, Respecting the Rule to be observed in making the payments.
I am Sorry to inform you that the Convention which is to meet in this State on the first monday in March next for the purpose of Deciding on the New Constitution, has not so Federal a Complection as I Could wish. Last monday was the Day for Electing Deligates throughout the State. We have heard from all the Towns and find on the Closest Calculation that we Can Recon only 32 Feds & 38 Antis. This makes our prospect Doubtful indeed. However the Federal Interest will Exert Every nerve to Effect if posible the Adoption of the Constitution, for without it Poverty & Distress of Every Kind will be our unavoidable lot. The antis have a plan for adjourning the Convention & posponing the Consideration of the Question to September next. Could any thing Come from Congress or Influential Characters in New York to their Friends here in time to lay before the Convention, it would have the Happiest Effect.
I have the Honor to be   Sr.   Your Most Obed. Hum. Serv.
Jereh. Olney
Honbe. Alexander HamiltonSecretary of the Treasury


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Allibone, [13 February 1790]
From: Allibone, William
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Philadelphia, February 13, 1790.] Encloses “Some observations Respecting Further Improvements in the Bay & River Delaware.” Sends a copy “of the Conveyance of A Lot of Land on Cape May.”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Sharp Delany, 13 February 1790
From: Delany, Sharp
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Philadelphia] February 13, 1790. Discusses two objects “intimately connected with your present plan, and also applicable to the present revenue Laws.” The first object “is that of having a Boat in our Bay which … is absolutely necessary to prevent smuggling.” The second “is that of stores” needed for goods deposited by merchants as security.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 13 February 1790
From: Williams, Otho H.
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Baltimore, February 13, 1790. Discusses problems arising under Sections 7, 12, and 22 of “An Act for Registering and Clearing Vessels, Regulating the Coasting Trade, and for other purposes.”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Nathaniel Appleton, 14 February 1790
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Appleton, Nathaniel

[New York, February 14, 1790. Letter listed in dealer’s catalogue. Letter not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Sharp Delany, 15 February 1790
From: Delany, Sharp
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Philadelphia] February 15, 1790. “… I … inclose a Letter received from a very worthy Man the Weigher of this Port, and formerly my Deputy—to You Sir I need not point out the necessity of having such an Officer independent from his Office—the Revenue depending so much upon it—please to bestow a small portion of your time to this subject.”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 15 February 1790
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Williams, Otho H.

Treasury Department 15th. feby 1790
Sir
Your favour of the 18th. of December duly came to hand.
With regard to the difficulty of reconciling the total exemption of Vessels, under twenty tons burthen from tonnage, with the clause you quote from the 23d. Section: you have yourself given the true solution. The word such must be understood. Vessels above Twenty tons are spoken of in the first part of the section and must be supposed to be contemplated in the clause you cite; otherwise that clause would contradict the express exemption granted to Vessels under Twenty Tons. The Construction which I have adopted reconciles the several laws with each other, which is always to be aimed at.
With regard to the fee of two thirds of a dollar to the Surveyor, in respect to the vessels and under the circumstances you specify, I am on the whole of opinion that he is not entitled. The general practice is against the claim, though an allowance may be proper and may require future attention.
I remain Sir   Your obedt. Servt.
A HamiltonSecy of the Treasy
Otho H: Williams EsquireCollectorBaltimore


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Tobias Lear, 16 February 1790
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Hamilton, Alexander

United StatesFebruary 16th. 1790.
Sir
In obedience to the command of the President of the United States, I have the honor to enclose for your information, a letter from M. H. Bird to the President of the United States dated at Charleston S. Ca. 23d January 1790. offering the services of the Houses of Bird, Savage & Bird, and of Mannings & Vaughan to Act as Agents, if such should be wanted in Europe for the purpose of negotiating a loan, or paying of Interest to the European Creditors of the United States.
I have the honor to be with perfect respect Sir   Your most Obt. Servant
Tobias Lear.Secretary to the President of the U. States.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 16 February 1790
From: Lincoln, Benjamin
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Private
Boston Feby 16 1790
Dear sir.

To reduce things involved in confusion, to a state of order, in all cases requires labour and attention. The task is increased by the magnitude of the object, and is rendered perplexing indeed, where there are a deficiency of means and where different interests ably supported, and stubbornly adhearred to, must be combined for the completion of the system in view. To devise a scheme, which shall at once embrace all the great objects, necessary to the restoration of our character and importance abroad, and for the preservation of peace and happiness at home, and to bring it forward with that address and fairness which shall unite the whole, is one of the greatest burdens, the performance of which, has ever been assigned to any of the officers of the United States. Fortunate for the Union the heavy task is yours.
Permit me to say to you sir, and think it not the language of adulation, that notwithstanding the expectations of the people on your appointment, were, from a knowledge of your abilities, raised to a very extraordinary height, yet they suffered no disappointment from seeing your report, saving those who are unfriendly to the great arrangements, necessary to be embraced, for the political salvation of this country. Our best citizens are very desirous of adopting your plan, and their only anxiety now arises from an apprehension lest Congress should so mutilate it, as to destroy its leading and ornimental features, and the necessary and beautiful connexion of its parts, and thereby render it, like all other of our plans of finance, unsystematical imperfect and insecure.
I have attended to the observations of various writers in the public news papers, who seem disposed to question the propriety of your report. I am pleased that neither of them have ventured fairly to represent you, or have dared fully to meet your arguments. A thousand such writers will never lose you a friend in this part of the United States, or lessen your interest here. I know you have a crowd of admirers among us, who never will forsake you, while you are permitted to act yourself.
Suffer me to hope, that if Congress, blind to the interest of the Union, should so mangle your system, as that you could be no longer responsible for the efficacy of it, that you would leave them to attempt an execution of their own plans, if they do not effect it, the blame must fall on themselves as it ought to do; and you reserved, uncensured for a pilot in a season yet more boisterous and distressing, than is the present, to which I think we shall rapedly hasten if your report should be rejected. Although I have thus expressed myself respecting your retiring from office yet God forbid that any infatuation should so possess the minds of Congress as to make the measure necessary either for your own honour or the public good.
I have the honour of being   Dear sir with great   esteem your most obedient servant
B. Lincoln
Alex Hamilton Esq


Title: Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 17 February 1790
From: Treasury Department,Hamilton, Alexander
To: Collectors of the Customs

Treasury DepartmentFebruary 17th. 1790.
Sir

I find that the process marked out in my letter of the 30th. of November for calculating the allowance of 10 ⅌ Cent for prompt payment has by some of the Officers been misapprehended in one particular which is with regard to the first proviso of the 19th. Section of the Collection bill confining the discount to the excess of the Amount of the duties above 50 Dollars.
As the same misapprehension may be more extensive than has come to my knowlege I think it proper to explain myself by a Circular communication.

My intention was solely to determine the principle of calculation without reference to the object of that proviso.
It is clear that the abatement is only to be on the excess. Thus—

If the amount of the Duty were,
Dolls 150

there would be a deduction in the first place of
 50

Excess
100

  10 p. Cent p. Annum for 6 Months
  5.

    Duty to be paid
95

That no difficulty may arise it is proper that it should be understood that any forms which shall be transmitted by the Comptroller of the Treasury for keeping and stating Accounts and making returns are to be observed of course, though no particular direction from me should accompany them; Or in other words, the transmission of such Forms by the Comptroller is to be considered as evidence of their having received my approbation.
I am Sir   Your Obedt. servant
A HamiltonSecy of the Treasy


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Joseph Whipple, 18 February 1790
From: Whipple, Joseph
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Portsmouth, New Hampshire, February 18, 1790. Encloses “a Statement of the emoluments that have accrued to the officers respectively to the 1st. of January.” Discusses “the effect that the late war had on the Mercantile interest to this State—that of turning the channel of business both of exports & imports thro’ the State of Massts.”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Lindsay, 19 February 1790
From: Lindsay, William
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Collectors’s Office Norfolk &Portsmouth [Virginia] 19th. Febry 1790.
Sir

A Captain John Brown of this Port having obtained a Register at this Office for his Sloop Polly found it to his advantage to dispose of his said Sloop in Port au Prince on his arrival there and prior to the sale he lodged his Certificate of Registry in the office of the Admiralty, agreeably to the Laws of the Port. And it appears from the French paper inclosed and copy of a letter from a respectable Gentleman of Baltimore then in Port au Prince that on application for his Register he was refused and the same unjustifiably withheld from him. I therefore wish for your opinion whether from these circumstances he is not entitled to have his Bond cancelled.
I am respectfully   Sir   Your most Ob Servt.
Wm. LindsayCollector
Hon’ble Alexr. Hamilton Esqr.Secretary of the Treasury.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Edmund Randolph, 19 February 1790
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Randolph, Edmund

Treasury DepartmentFebruary 19th. 1790
Sir,

The letter herewith from the comptroller of the Treasury to me and the papers accompanying it will suggest to your consideration some important questions upon which I request your opinion. There are also claims upon the public under the following circumstances respecting which I should be glad to have the benefit of your Judgement. Officers sometimes acting in boards, sometimes individually entrusted with conducting various branches of public business have obtained supplies and services from individuals for the use of the public and in many instances have settled with those individuals in an official capacity and [have settled] acknowledged balances.
The accounts of those officers with the public remain unsettled and perhaps in some cases never may be satisfactorilly adjusted. The individuals demand from the Public the sums due to them, alledging that they have nothing to do with the situation of accounts between those officers and the United States that in performing services or furnishing supplies for the use of the Government they considered those officers as mere agents and confided for payment in the ability and integrity of the Government &c. What are the principles that ought to govern in the like cases?
A. H. Secretary.

P.S. You will please to return the papers with your opinion.

To Edmund Randolph Esquire


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Meletiah Jordan, 20 February 1790
From: Jordan, Meletiah
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Frenchman’s Bay [District of Maine] February 20, 1790. Acknowledges Treasury Department circulars of October 20, and November 20, 1789. States that the question “of receiving Bank Notes payable for Duties” does not arise “there being no vessels in this District that carry on any foreign trade.”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Willing, [20–23 February 1790]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Willing, Thomas

[New York, February 20–23, 1790.] Asks Willing to serve as his “lawful Attorney & substitute & the lawful attorney” of John B. Church “to do and perform all and singular acts matters and things as well touching the transfer and assignment of the Bank Stock and parts of Bank Stock standing in the name of the said John B. C. or otherwise to him belonging in the said capital or joint stock of the said Bank of NA as touching the dividends issues and profits which shall or may grow due or accrue therefrom.”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Heth, 21 February 1790
From: Heth, William
To: Hamilton, Alexander

(Private)
Richmond 21st. Feb. 1790
Dear Sir:

I have snatched up a pen to drop you a few hasty lines—not that I have any thing of real importance Just now to communicate—but to shew, that I am attentive to my promise.
The Executive of this State— to whom is committed the management of the Sinking-fund—on considering your report to Congress, reduced the price which the sd fund was then giving for the Military Certificates of this State, from 8/. to 6/8 in the pound. Capt Marshall & Colo Carrington, I am informed, sold entirely out, as well what they possess’d as original holders, as otherwise. Many other large holders—but no ways famed for political talents, or abilities have also sold out to the Sinking-fund. Very great respect is paid here, to the Judgement & opinions of Capt Marshall; and I must confess that his selling out, has occasioned me to doubt more of the value of the few which I possess, than ever I have before. Having been in habits of the closest intimacy & friendship with him, for many years past, I should have been able to have communicated to you, his reasons in full, for losing that confidence in his Country, which he has hitherto entertained, if he ha⟨d⟩ n⟨ot⟩ left home for Williamsburg, Just as I arrived.
The first part of your report, is highly applauded every where—but the Current of opinion appears to be strongly against all the propositions for a loan. It is said, “they are inconsistent with your Text—Viz—That ample & complete Justice ought to be done, to every class of public Creditors—That the public faith being once solemnly pledged, ought ever to be held sacred &c.”

An opinion prevails too, with many that, if they were to loan at 4 ⅌ Ct. to be pd quarterly, instead of receiving the specie punctually, they would be obliged to take paper; which, like our present warrants for Interest, would be subject to a discount. There is not the least doubt, but numbers of the public creditors would prefer finding their demands at a sure 4 ⅌ Ct. quarterly to that of continuing them with the State at 6 ⅌ Ct. on their present uncertain tenure and I should suppose it wd. be greatly to the Interest of the creditors, to come forward in support of your plan, so as to have the public debt put on a respectable & clear footing rather than suffer it to remain longer on such fluctuating, & uncertain principles.
I am Dear Sir,   With great respect   Your Mo Ob
S Will Heth
The Hon’ble Alexr. Hamilton esqe


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Joseph Whipple, 22 February 1790
From: Whipple, Joseph
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Portsmouth, New Hampshire, February 22, 1790. Submits corrected statement of the annual income of the Portsmouth customs officials.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Sharp Delany, 23 February 1790
From: Delany, Sharp
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Philadelphia 23rd feby 1790
Sir

In this Season when so great a Scarcity of Cash is so sensibly felt I dread to think of the Sums due on my books, within a Month they amount to better than 70,000 dollars. To prepare the parties I send notices fifteen days before the day of payment, and am in great hopes notwithstanding the times, I shall have few delinquents. My reason for mentioning this is to solicit your attention to the providing of safe & secure stores. I am confident they will be wanted, as deposits will be made on a large scale. Security therefore is absolutely necessary, I should not trouble you knowing your mind must be taken up on business of the highest nature, if the spring importations were not so near at hand. I have a plan which I shall offer you on this head, and request if you see Mr Fitzimons, you may speak to him on the subject, with which I think he is well acquainted. I mean the necessity of having such secure stores. If you have had leisure to consider the business of Boats, it would give me great satisfaction to know your opinion. I have offer’d you my sentiments before on this head— one reason that now induces me to trouble You is that a Vessel I seized will soon be brought to trial, and I beleive will be condemned and I am informed by intelligent people she would answer and would Cost but little, not half what one could otherwise be procured for.
I send my weekly Account of Cash and am Sir with great respect
Your most humble Servant
Sharp Delany

Permit me to observe that if Mr Maddison’s principles should be adopted, what a field it would open for the intervention of Chancery powers throughout the Union, in publick as well as private interests. I know Property sold for a trifle which afterwards brought many thousands, and again reduced—Baltimore in particular proves this—and even if a retrospect is had to Sheriffs Sales what a change and fall in the Value of Property! Can these be provided for or redressed?—though justly arising from the Revolution and the establishment of our Nation and Liberties.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Beverley Randolph, 23 February 1790
From: Randolph, Beverley
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Richmond, February 23, 1790. “… Whenever the particular spot, on which the light House, near the entrance of the Chesapeake Bay, is to be erected, shall be marked out, I will immediately execute, and transmit the proper Deed of cession, for the full quantity of Land granted by the act of the Assembly, of Virginia.…”


Title: Report on the Petition of Francis Bailey, 23 February 1790
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To:

Treasury DepartmentFebruary 23d. 1790[Communicated on February 23, 1790]

[To the President of the Senate]
Pursuant to the Order of the Senate of the United States of the 22nd. of February instant, referring the Petition of Francis Bailey to The Secretary of the Treasury
The said Secretary Most respectfully reports
That he has received from the said Francis Bailey, a communication of the Invention to which he alludes in his petition.
That it appears to him difficult to decide, to what extent that Invention will afford the Security against Counterfeiting, which is the Object of it.
That nevertheless he is of opinion, it will be likely to add to the difficulty of that pernicious practice, in a sufficient degree, to merit the countenance of Government, by securing to the Petitioner an exclusive right to the use of his Invention.
That with regard to the employment of the Petitioner to print such papers of a public nature, as may require precautions against Counterfeit; this, in the Judgment of the Secretary, ought to remain a matter of discretion, to be regulated by the success of the experiment and the convenience of the Public.
All which is humbly submitted
Alexander HamiltonSecy of the Treasury


Title: Report on the Petition of Francis Bailey, 23 February 1790
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To:

[New York, February 23, 1790. On this date the Speaker laid before the House of Representatives “a letter and report from the Secretary of the Treasury, on the petition of Francis Bailey.” Letter and report to the House of Representatives not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Willing, 24 February 1790
From: Willing, Thomas
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Phila. feby. 24th. 1790
Sir

I have had this day the honor of your’s inclosing yr. power of Substitution on behalf of Mr. Church. At present the Sale of Stock, & indeed every other Money transaction is nearly at a stand. The Produce of the State, & the Sale of Bills of Exchange will alone command it, untill we receive a Supply from Sea.
Mr. Constable has inform’d me of the purchase he had made of 20 Shares, & when they appear the transfer will be compleated.
I observe what you say respectg. the sale of what remains of Mr. Church’s Shares, & shall do what ever may be in my power to dispose of them whenever I receive the Certificates & your Orders to make the Sale. I am Sir with great respect
Yr. Obedt. Servt.
Thos. Willing
Alexr. Hamilton Esqr.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John Daves, 25 February 1790
From: Daves, John
To: Hamilton, Alexander

New Bern [North Carolina] February 25, 1790. Acknowledges receipt of two bills of exchange of three hundred dollars each.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Angelica Church, [February 1790]
From: Church, Angelica
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[February, 1790]

Many thanks to my dear Brother for having written to his friend at a moment when he had the affairs of America on his mind; I am impatient to hear in what manner your Budget has been received and extremely anxious for your success.
I sometimes think you have now forgot me and that having seen me is like a dream which you can scarcely believe. Adieu I will not write this idea of being lost in the tumult of business and ambition does not enliven my spirits—adieu soy ez heureux au dessus de tout le monde.


Title: Report on Supplementary Appropriations for the Civil List for 1790, 1 March 1790
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To:

Treasury Department, March 1st. 1790.[Communicated on March 2, 1790]

[To the Speaker of the House of Representatives]
Pursuant to the Act for establishing the Treasury Department, the Secretary of the Treasury respectfully reports to the House of Representatives, that, in addition to the Estimate for the Service of the current year, which accompanied his Report of the 9th. of January, there are various other objects for which an appropriation is requisite, and which are detailed in the Schedules herewith submitted numbered I and II.
Among the objects specified in the Schedule No. I. the House will observe the following:
The erection of a Lighthouse on Cape Henry.
Salaries to the late Commissioners of Loans, from the 30th. of June to the 31st. of December last.
Interest on certain Loans made and necessary to be made for the current service.

Sum requisite to complete the payment of interest on the Dutch Loans to the first of July next.
In respect to which several matters, the Secretary begs leave to state:
First. As to the erection of a Lighthouse on Cape Henry, That the Commonwealth of Virginia, in conformity to the act of the last Session for the establishment and support of Lighthouses &c, has passed a Law empowering its Governor to cede to the United States, as well the Jurisdiction over, as the right of soil in, as much land, not exceeding two Acres, situate at a place called the Headland of Cape Henry, as shall be sufficient to erect a lighthouse upon, which cession, it is of course to be expected, will speedily be completed: And an appropriation of a competent sum is, therefore necessary towards executing the provision of the said Act for erecting a lighthouse at the entrance of the Chesapeak, which, it is of importance to the navigation of that part of the Union, should be accomplished as speedily as possible.
Secondly. As to the Salaries of the late Commissioners of loans: those officers were still in the execution of the duties they had been appointed to perform, when the organization of the present Treasury department took place; and it appeared to the Secretary advisable to continue them in that situation to the end of the year, which has been accordingly done, subject to the discretion of the Legislature in respect to compensation.
Thirdly. As to the interest on loans for the Current service: Those which have been already made were the result of necessity. They have been in great part satisfied, and the residue will shortly be reimbursed out of the product of the duties. But the interest, being an extra expenditure, requires an appropriation. And as a farther anticipation of the receipts into the Treasury, to satisfy immediate demands upon it, will be unavoidable, it is necessary that this, also, should be provided for. Obvious considerations dictate the propriety, in future cases, of making previous provision by law for such loans as the public exigencies may call for, defining their extent, and giving special authority to make them.
Fourthly. As to the sum for completing the payment of interest on the Dutch Loans to the first of July: The rate of Exchange at the present juncture renders it peculiarly convenient to remit from this Country the sum necessary for that purpose. And it is important to the public Credit, that immediate provision should be accordingly made.
The Secretary further begs leave to observe, that occasions occur from time to time, which fall under no stated head of expenditure, for which provision in some mode or other is necessary. A circumstance, at present existing, may serve as an example. There are persons who have been for some time associated in the practice of counterfeiting the securities of the United States in a way which renders detection difficult, and has been productive of numerous impositions on individuals. The apprehension and punishment of these persons is, evidently, a matter of serious public concern, and the necessity of being able to offer rewards for that purpose, is apparent. But the want of a provision for it is an impediment. Whether the appropriation of a moderate sum, for such cases, to be disposed of under the direction of the President of the United States, would not be a proper measure, is humbly submitted to the Wisdom of the House.
Alexander Hamilton. Secretary of the Treasury.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 1 March 1790
From: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.
To: Hamilton, Alexander

New York March 1st. 1790
Sir

In consequence of the permission which you have given I take the liberty to suggest a plan for keeping the accounts of the Funded Debt and for regulating the payment of Interest, which I now submit to your consideration.
Let one Commissioner be appointed in each State or in convenient districts of the union, with instructions to take up & cancell the Certificates now in circulation & to ascertain the Interest thereon to the day which may be fixed for commencing business under the new system. For the sums so ascertained by the Commissioners let Credits be passed in their books and Certificates be given transferrable at the Offices from whence they issued.
Let the several Credits on the books of the Treasury be examined and the Interest in like manner ascertained, & when this is done let a Warrant issue to the Commissioner for New York to credit the sums which may be due to individuals on the settlement of the books of the Treasury in accounts to be opened in his office.
Let a General Account of Funded Debt be opened in the books of the Treasury, to be debited with all the sums settled to the credit of individuals by the Commissioners & to be balanced by accounts to be opened with the books of each Commissioner. The old Certificates taken up by the Commissioners and the accounts on which the settlements are made being returned to the Treasury will afford Vouchers to support their accounts.
The result of this plan will be that the whole amount of the Funded Debt will be known from one account, and the amount of credits to individuals on the books of each Commissioner, from the subordinate accounts—and as the interest on the whole Debt will commence from one period, the necessary estimates may be made with precision.
As the aggregate sum of the credits to individuals on the books of each Commissioner will be known the Commissioners may be permitted to make transfers of any Credits on their books, under such regulations as may be easily devised—and to facilitate the alienation of stock, transfers from the books of one Commissioners, to those of another, may be made by Warrants from the Secretary of the Treasury. This mode will preserve compleat information at the Treasury, of the state of the accounts, & will afford sufficient data to controul the Interest accounts, of the Commissrs.
To enable the Commissioners to keep regular accounts & discharge the Interest punctually, I would propose that the transfer books be closed for fourteen days before the interest becomes payable and in that time let the Commissioners draw out compleat lists of the credits then existing, on which let them compute the Interest which may be due to the several Creditors and prepare the Receipts ready to be signed as the claimants shall appear.
If the accounts are properly kept, the Interest which will appear to be due, will agree with an interest for the like time computed on the gross amount of each Commissioners credit in the Books of the Treasury, to cover which interest, let one Warrant issue, to be accounted for in the following manner.
Let the Commissioners report a list of all the Credits existing on their books, when the transfers are closed in each quarter—and let them transmit monthly statements of the payments which may be made.
To prevent the inconveniencies resulting from unsettled accounts & accumulated balances, let the Interest Books remain in the Commissioners hands only one year after the Interest becomes payable—let them then be transmitted to the Treasury—the Receipts unsigned will agree with the balances of cash on hand—for which let the Commissrs. be debited as funds advanced for the payment of future Interest.
Let these Interest books remain open at the Treasury one other year, & let the balances which then remain unclaimed revert to the public.
This plan will relieve the Treasury from many minute details, to the execution of which the offices are not adequate—it will simplify all calculations of the public Debt—it will prevent forgeries—it will preserve an effectual check on the expenditure of public money—and will tend to distribute the public debts in proportion to the revenues collected in the different parts of the United States.
These being the great objects to be attended to, in a plan of this nature, I am induced to believe, that the leading Ideas now suggested, may be usefully adopted.
I have the honour to be with the most perfect respect, Sir, your Obedt sert
Oliv Wolcott
The Honble. Alexander Hamilton


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Sharp Delany, 3 March 1790
From: Delany, Sharp
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Philadelphia] March 3, 1790. Acknowledges receipt of $8,300 for payment of invalid pensions.


Title: Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 3 March 1790
From: Treasury Department,Hamilton, Alexander
To: Collectors of the Customs

Treasury DepartmentMarch 3d. 1790.
Sir

You will receive herewith an Act of Congress of the 8th. of february last entitled “An Act for giving effect to the several Acts therein mentioned in respect to the State of North Carolina and other purposes.” which I transmit for your government.
I am Sir   Your Obedt Servt.
A Hamilton


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 3 March 1790
From: Williams, Otho H.
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Baltimore, March 3, 1790. States that in the Treasury circular of February 17, 1790, there is a discrepancy in the calculation of the discount for prompt payment of customs duties.


Title: Report on Funds for the Payment of the Interest on the States’ Debts, 4 March 1790
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To:

Treasury Department, March 4th. 1790.[Communicated on March 4, 1790]
[To the Speaker of the House of Representatives]
In obedience to the Order of the House of Representatives, of the second Instant,
The Secretary of the Treasury Respectfully Reports,
That in his opinion, the funds, in the first instance requisite towards the payment of interest on the debits of the individual States, according to the modifications proposed by him in his report of the ninth of January past, may be obtained from the following objects:
An increase of the general product of the duties on goods imported, by abolishing the discount of ten per Cent allowed by the fifth Section of the Act for laying a duty on goods, wares and merchandizes imported into the United States, in respect to goods imported in American bottoms, and adding ten per Cent to the rates specified, in respect to goods imported in foreign bottoms, with certain exceptions and qualifications: This change, without impairing the commercial policy of the regulation, or making an inconvenient addition to the general rates of the duties, will occasion an augmentation of the revenue little short of two hundred thousand dollars.
An additional duty on imported Sugars. Sugars are an object of general consumption, and yet constitute a small proportion of the expense of families. A moderate addition to the present rates would not be felt. From the bulkiness of the article, such an addition may be made with due regard to the safety of Collection. The quality of brown and other inferior kinds of Sugar imported, appears to exceed twenty two millions of pounds, which, at a half cent per pound, would produce one hundred and ten thousand dollars. Proportional impositions on foreign refined sugar, and proper drawbacks on exportation, ought of course to indemnify the manufacturers of this article among ourselves.
Molasses, being in some of the States a substitute for Sugar, a small addition to the duty on that article ought to accompany an increase of the duty on Sugar. This, however, ought to be regulated with proper attention to the circumstance, that the same article will contribute largely in the shape of distilled spirits. Half a Cent per Gallon on Molasses would yield an annual sum of thirty thousand dollars. Our distillers of Spirits, from this material, may be compensated by a proportional extension of the duty on imported spirits.
Snuff, and other manufactured tobacco, made within the United States: Ten Cents per pound on the Snuff, and six Cents on other kinds of manufactured tobacco, would be likely to produce annually, from ninety to one hundred thousand dollars. From as good evidence as the nature of the case will admit, the quantity of these articles, manufactured in the United States, may be computed to exceed a million and a half of pounds. The imposition of this duty would require an increase of the duty on importation, and a drawback on exportation, in favor of the manufacture. This, being an absolute superfluity, is the fairest object of revenue that can be imagined, and may be so regulated, as, in no degree, to injure either the growth or manufacture of the Commodity.
Pepper, Pimento, Spices in general, and various other kinds of groceries. These articles will bear such additional rates, as may be estimated to yield a sum of not less than thirty thousand dollars. Computing, according to the entries in the State of New York, in 1788, the yearly quantity of pepper, and pimento brought into the United States, is not less than eight hundred thousand pounds, of which about a third is pepper. Six Cents on pepper, and four cents on pimento (with drawbacks on exportation) may, without inconvenience be laid.
Salt. An additional duty of six cents per bushel, may, in the judgment of the Secretary, with propriety be laid on this Article. It is one of those objects, which, being consumed by all, will be most productive, and yet, from the smallness of the quantity in which it is consumed by any, and of the price, will be least burthensome, if confined within reasonable limits. If a government does not avail itself, to a proper extent, of resources like these, it must of necessity overcharge others, and particularly, give greater scope to direct taxation. The quantity of this article annually imported, being at least, a million and a half of bushels, the annual product of an additional duty of six Cents may be computed at ninety thousand dollars.
Carriages, such as Coaches, Chariots &c. These articles may certainly be the subject of a considerable duty. How productive it would be, is not easy to be estimated. But it is imagined, that it would yield not less than fifty thousand dollars per annum.
Licences to practisers of the law. Certain law-writings, and various kinds of writings. The extent of this resource can only be determined upon trial; but the Secretary feels a strong assurance, that there may be drawn from it, yearly, not less than two hundred thousand dollars. The system for collecting a duty of this kind, would embrace playing-cards, and some other objects of luxury, which do not fall under the above descriptions, but which are estimated in the supposed product.
Sales at Auction (exclusive of houses or lands, or of those made in consequence of legal process, or of acknowledged insolvency). One per Cent on such Sales would, probably, produce a yearly sum of forty or fifty thousand dollars.
Wines and Spirits sold at retail. These articles are, in the opinion of the Secretary, capable of being rendered far more productive, than has been generally contemplated; and they are certainly, among the most unexceptionable objects of Revenue. It is presumed, that two hundred thousand dollars per annum may, with facility, be collected from the Retail vent of these Articles.
The foregoing objects are those, which appear to the Secretary, preferable towards a provision for the debts of the individual States. There are others, which have occurred to him as supplementary, in case the experiment should discover a deficiency in the expected product; but which, he conceives it unnecessary now to detail. He will only add, that he entertains no doubt of it’s being practicable to accomplish the end, on the principles of his former report, without the necessity of taxing, either houses or lands, or the stock or the produce of farms.
The Secretary, conceiving the design of the House to have been to obtain from him a general delineation only of the funds, competent in his judgment to the provision in question, has refrained from those details, which would be indispensible, if that provision were immediately to be made; and to have furnished which, would have occasioned greater delay, than would, probably, have suited with the present state of the business, or the Convenience of the House. He, with great deference, trusts, that what is now offered will be deemed a satisfactory compliance with their Order.
The Statement required respecting the product of the duties on imports and tonnage to the last of December, as far as returns have come to hand, is contained in the Schedule herewith.
All which is humbly submitted
Alexander HamiltonSecretary of the Treasury


Title: Enclosure: [Abstract of the Nett Proceeds of Duties on Imports and Tonnage], 4 March 1790
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To:

Abstract of the nett Proceeds of the Duties on Imports and Tonnage.

States
From what period
Nett Product of the Duties
Remarks

1789.
Dollars. Cents

New-Hampshire
11th. Aug. to 31st. Dec.
7.789.21½
The Product of the Duties of Boston are only ascertained, up to the 19th. of December.

Massachusetts
10th ditto, to 31st. ditto
113.439.54½

Connecticut
11th. ditto, to 31st. ditto
20.352.87½

New-York
5th. ditto, to 31st. ditto
152.198.97.

New-Jersey
1st. ditto, to 31st. ditto
1.971.51.

Pennsylvania
10th. ditto, to 31st. ditto
188.497.94

Delaware
1st. ditto, to 31st. ditto
6.573.98½

Maryland
10th. ditto, to 31st. ditto
87.751. 6½

Virginia
17th. ditto, to 31st. ditto
142.028.62.

South Carolina
31st. ditto, to 1st. ditto
55.032.61½

Georgia
22d. ditto, to 1st. ditto
  8.850.80¾

Dollars,
748.487.14¾

Deduct for Drawbacks 2 per Cent
  15.689.74

Dollars,
768.797.40¾

Treasury Department, March 4th. 1790
Alexander Hamilton Secretary of the Treasury


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Tench Coxe, 5[–9] March 1790
From: Coxe, Tench
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Phila. March 5th. [–9] 1790
Dear Sir

I observe that your report upon the public debt contains some intimations of an intention of establishing a national Bank, and I learn from other gentlemen at New York that something of the kind is proposed. I do not know any of the outlines of the plan but think it may be useful to lay before you the enclosed paper which was published here during the contest concerning our Bank. It was my first attempt in print, and being written at a moment of violent altercation, it was my study to render it temperate & informing. A friend of mine who happend to take a copy of it with him to England informed me that he had conversed upon it with several directors of the Bank of England and with Doctor Price and some other political Arithmeticians & Oconomists, whose manner of speaking of it has induced me to think it may be worth your perusal. There are little strokes in it, which will be thought little of, when you remember it was first printed anonymously in the public papers. As those heats, which were created in Pennsylvania by the deprivation of the Bank of their Charter have gone off, and as there are in office at New York gentlemen from this State who espoused the different sides I take the liberty particularly to request that the perusal of this paper may at this time be confined entirely to yourself.
I find more difficulty like to arise in the minds of the Members about the state Debts than any other part of your report, as far as I can judge from my letters. All the public creditors here are against the Assumption. Those of the Continent because it will encrease the sum among the owners of wch. the federal revenues are to be divided: & those of the state because they would rather take the chance with her than with the Union. It is unpleasing to our antis because they say we will produce the old demon, consolidation, wch. they raised up as a bugbear to prevent the Adoption of the constitution. Many of the fedsts. & principal country gentlemen do not like it because we owe so little as a state, & possess federal securities to a greater amount. My argument with them all is that the revolution of 1789, for as such I view it, was intended to settle a great number of public difficulties—that this was among them—and that it then was & is now evident that concessions of particular advantages would be necessary to enable us to surmount those difficulties—that this is one of the very few which Pennsylvania, New Yk and other states having small separate Debts can be called upon to make—that an expensive & uncertain administration of our finances must be the Consequence of fourteen systems of revenue, and therefore that we ought to consent to the assumption.
Mr. Brown, who takes this has requested me to mention him to you. I believe I may venture to say no man has shewn more spirit in support of the Constitution, or suffered more in its cause. He is certainly capable in his branch, and his paper is resorted to by several of our first literary & political Characters. With a little aid it might be rendered subservient to every honest purpose public or private, and I cannot say I think either of our other daily papers devoted either to the cause of good government or of good men. You must make great Allowances however, Sir, for what I might say in favor of Mr. Brown for I feel gratitude towards a man that voluntarily exerted himself to stem that torrent of abuse which my activity to carry the adoption of the f. Constitution & the reform of our state constitution occasioned to be poured upon me from one of our presses.
I again notice to you the low rate of exchange here, which may be bought in large Sums for Cash at 12 & 13 ⅌ Cent discount or 145 to 147 ⅌ Cent. It is an interesting fact on your department—& I think it may also be useful to you to observe that one half the crop of Pennsa. of wheat & nearly all the corn remain to be exported. I mention this because I observe a little address to the Prest. of the U.S. in which a request is made that an Embargo may be laid. I believe the wheat crops of the southern & northern grain states however, are in a much greater degree exported than ours. Pennsa. had a very large one, but they I believe were all short in winter grain. In the enclosed paper you will find something to this point under the Phila. head.
I have made my report on Gunpowder & cannon to the Board of Manufs. but, having recd. an injury in my ankle, have not been at any late meeting or able to pay any further Attention to the business—
I have the honor to be with very great respect, dear Sir   Your most obedt. hum servt.
Tench Coxe

9th. Exche. will not command Cash today 145 ⅌ Cent.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Josiah Parker, 5 March 1790
From: Parker, Josiah
To: Hamilton, Alexander

New York, March 5, 1790. Suggests changes in the customs service in the Norfolk, Virginia, district. Believes that Norfolk is too exposed to a possible enemy assault and recommends removal of the collector’s office to Portsmouth, Virginia. Advocates increasing the number of customs officials and placing them at strategic points in order to tighten customs enforcement. Discusses complaints of some officials about inadequate compensation.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Sharp Delany, 7 March 1790
From: Delany, Sharp
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Philadelphia] March 7, 1790. Encloses “weekly Acct of Cash” and a “list of such persons as I have sued.” Has “proceeded in paying the Invalids.”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Joseph Howell, Junior, 8 March 1790
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Howell, Joseph

Treasury Department8th. March 1790.
Sir

I wish you to inform me when Samuel Armstrong Paymaster to the eighth Massachusetts regiment received the Monies upon which a balance remains due from him.
I am, Sir,   Your obedt. Servt.
A Hamilton
Joseph Howell Esquire


Title: Report on the Petitions of William Mumford, Samuel Armstrong, and the Weighers, Measurers, and Gaugers of Portland and Falmouth, Massachusetts, 8 March 1790
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To:

Treasury Department, March 8th. 1790.[Communicated on March 8, 1790]

[To the Speaker of the House of Representatives]
The Secretary of the Treasury, on the petitions of William Mumford, and Samuel Armstrong, and of the Weighers, Measurers and Gaugers of the District of Portland and Falmouth in the State of Massachusetts, referred to him by an Order of the House of Representatives of the twenty sixth of February past,
Respectfully Reports,
That the claim of William Mumford is of a nature not warranted by usage in like cases, and leading to inconvenient consequences. The duty he performed was that of his principal; as necessary towards his own exoneration after his service and salary had expired. It would be an inconvenient general rule, that an officer, in winding up his affairs with the Treasury, is to receive a compensation for the time spent in it; and if it would not be proper one with regard to a principal, it consequently could not be so with regard to his agent. Here appear no peculiar circumstances. And the principal has been settled with.
That, as to the petition of Samuel Armstrong, the circumstance he mentions respecting his forage-account, must stand on general principles. Being too late in his application for settlement, he is, of course, precluded by the existing regulations. Nor can this circumstance be a consideration (in which light it seems chiefly to have been mentioned) for the offset or discount prayed for. The propriety of this must depend on what would be proper as a general rule. And it is not admissible as a general rule, that the stock or debt of a nation should be received in discharge of balances in the hands of public Agents. There has been a provision for admitting a discount in certain cases by a resolution of Congress of the third of June 1784. If the petitioner’s case should fall within the intent of that provision, there will be no need of a special interposition in his favor. If it should not, such interposition would not be, in the opinion of the Secretary, advisable. The balance due from the petitioner is for monies put into his hands in the year 1783, for the pay and subsistence of the Regiment of which he was paymaster: the persons to whom it was due not having been to be found.
That the object of the petition from the Weighers, Measurers, and Gaugers of the District of Portland and Falmouth will be included in the report, which the Secretary will, as speedily as possible, lay before the House, in conformity to their Order, respecting the operation of the present Impost and Tonnage Laws.
All which is humbly submitted
Alexander Hamilton,Secretary of the Treasury


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Richard Harison, 10 March 1790
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Harison, Richard

Sir
Treasury DepartmentMarch 10th. 1790.

Inclosed is a power of Attorney from one of two persons interested in the Certificate referred to in it which is in their joint name. They are not general partners. You will observe the nature of the description and the manner of the execution. Is it a good power?
The question often arises in the Treasury Department how far a power executed by one partner, or person interested in stock jointly with others, for transferring the joint stock is valid.
I request your opinion, after mature consideration on this point, and also whether it be essential that the power should expressly designate the stock as joint stock, or whether other words sufficiently describing particular Certificates may serve as a substitute.
I remain Sir   Your Obedt. Servant
A HamiltonSecy of the Treasy
Richard Harrison Esqr.Attorney for the district of New York.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 10 March 1790
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Lincoln, Benjamin

Treasury Department 10th. March 1790
Sir

Herewith you have copy of the Act for the establishment and support of Lighthouses, beacons, buoys and public piers. Among other things contained in it, you will perceive that it is made the duty of the Secretary of the Treasury to provide by contracts to be approved by the President of the United States, for rebuilding when necessary and keeping in good repair the Light houses, Beacons, Buoys and public Piers in the several States, and for furnishing the same with all necessary supplies, and also to agree for the Salaries, wages, or hire of the person or persons appointed by the President for the Superintendance and Care of the same.
I am now to inform you, that the President of the United States has been pleased to commit to you, for the present, the general superintendance of the establishments of the nature mentioned in the said Act which are within the State of Massachusetts, and to appoint for the special care of each particular establishment the following persons

For Boston, Thomas Knox
For Cape-Ann, Samuel Houston
For Plumb-Island,  Lowell
For Nantucket, Paul Pinkham

being the same persons who have heretofore had the charge of those establishments at the respective places.
It is understood, that the widow of the late General Warren has under the State had the superintendance of the Light house at Plymouth; but whether this has been nominal or real is not known, nor how far public considerations may cooperate with personal ones to recommend a continuance of the arrangements. On this subject your opinion is requested.

As the establishment at Portland has not been completed, it is thought adviseable to defer an appointment for that place.
The part of the business which will chiefly require your agency, is, the providing for keeping in good repair the Light houses, beacons, buoys and public piers in your State, and for the furnishing the same with necessary supplies. The Law contemplates the doing of this by contracts and makes the agency of the Secretary of the Treasury with the approbation of the President, necessary in forming those contracts. By contracts were probably intended agreements to repair and supply those establishments for certain fixed terms of time, at determinate rates. This, as it respects supplies will be easy and proper, but it will not, I apprehend be practicable with regard to repairs, which are too casual to admit of an estimate accurate enough to be the ground of previous contract. They must be provided for, as the occasion arises, and if possible by a contract for each particular occasion, to satisfy the Law as far as may be.
The making of the necessary contracts, is committed to you, but to satisfy the law (in respect not only to supplies, but to other matters) where the object admits of delay they might be sent on to me for ratification.
You will observe that the expences of the establishments in question are only to be defrayed by the United States to the fifteenth of August next, if the respective States do not in the mean time make cessions of them to the United States. I do not learn that Massachusetts has yet made such cession. Therefore your contracts for the present must not go beyond the above mentioned day. You will have, in the first place to ascertain what supplies are already provided. The expences must be paid out of the monies which come to your hand.
The compensations to be allowed to the Superintendants at the respective places are

Boston per annum Four hundred Dollars
Plymouth. ⅌ do. Two hundred & forty ditto
Cape Ann ⅌ do. Four hundred—ditto
Plumb Island ⅌ do. Two hundred & twenty ditto
Nantucket ⅌ do. Two hundred & fifty ditto
These compensations have been regulated by those given by the State, and appear, considering the nature of the service, and compared with what has been practised at this place, ample. Your opinion, how far they are sufficient, or more or less than sufficient, will be acceptable Œconomy should be united with competency of reward, and by consulting it in cases of little trouble or responsibility, it will be more in the power of Government to be liberal in those of a different description.
With regard to such inferior agents as may be requisite, you will adjust the allowances according to your judgment of what is right, transmitting a statement to me.
Nothing is yet determined in respect to your own compensation for the trouble you will have in this business. A reasonable one will be a matter of course. The present Session of Congress too will decide, whether the arrangements now made, ought to be temporary, or continued.
As it is the duty of the Secretary of State to make out all civil commissions, and as there is no person at present in the execution of that office, and as a new form for this species of commissions is deemed adviseable, it is judged by the President expedient, to defer sending forward the commissions.
I am therefore to request that you will notify the parties concerned of their respective appointments; and (taking it for granted that you will afford your aid as desired) of your own; and will give such directions as you judge proper, conformably to the Law and these instructions.
I am, Sir, Your obedient Servant
A HamiltonSecy of the Treasy


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Joseph Whipple, 11 March 1790
From: Whipple, Joseph
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Portsmouth, New Hampshire, March 11, 1790. Calls attention to an omission in Hamilton’s calculation of the discount permitted for prompt payment of customs duties in the Treasury Department circular of February 17, 1790.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Richard Harison, 12 March 1790
From: Harison, Richard
To: Hamilton, Alexander

New York 12 March 1790
Sir,

In Consequence of your Letter of the 10th. Instant, I have considered the Power of Attorney Enclosed to me, and am of Opinion that it is not sufficient for the Transfer of the Certificate which it refers to. It cannot be imagined that the Securities of the United States are negotiable in a Manner less guarded than the promisory Notes or Bills of Exchange of Individuals, and it has been determined that where they are payable to several Persons (not in Partnership) the Right to transfer is in all collectively, but not in any one seperately.

   Treat. upon Bills of Exch. p. 16. cites 2 Edit Dougl. 630 N. 134.

Where a general Partnership subsists, and the Securities of the Public form a Part of the Partnership Stock, I think that the Case would be different.
With Regard to the Description of the Certificates, I should think that a precise Designation of them as joint Stock the most regular was not absolutely necessary, if it appeared with sufficient Certainty & all proper Parties joined in the Power.
I am with the highest Respect &ca.   Sir,   Your obedt Servt.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Willing, 12 March 1790
From: Willing, Thomas
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Philadelphia] March 12th 1790
Sir.

I have consulted the Directors on the Subject of yr. letter of the 8th Inst. in which you say you shall shortly have Occasion for a loan of 50,000 Drs. We found it necessary to stop our Discount last Week, & I think we shall not find it convenient to open it again for three or four Weeks to come. If yr. application shou’d be postponed till the Middle of next Month, I have no doubt but we shall be able to furnish Bank paper at 30 or 60 Day’s for the Sum you mention. Perhaps it may be done sooner if necessity presses you, & supplies come into the Bank in the usual manner with our Spring Trade—but the Directors must determine at the Moment of application for such large Sums as you require—they can’t now say what they will, or may be able to do a Month hence. You will however be persuaded that it will give us pleasure at all times to render you every facility & accommodation in Our power.
I have the honor to be Sir, for the P. D. & Co. of &c; Yrs &c,
TW. Prest.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 12 March 1790
From: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Treasury Department, March 12, 1790. Has “examined the accounts of Thomas Barclay.” Believes “that the final settlement thereof was delayed merely for the purpose of determining what compensation Mr. Barclay ought to receive for his services.” Itemizes Barclay’s charges against the United States, and states that “If the whole of these charges are admitted, the balance due to Mr. Barclay … will be livres 74,719 2 5.”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 13 March 1790
From: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Treasury Department, Auditor’s Office, March 13, 1790. “General Moses Hazen whose accounts with the United States have been the subject of a lengthy and tedious altercation is desirous of receiving a Certificate on account of the balance which has been stated to be due to him.…”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Meletiah Jordan, 15 March 1790
From: Jordan, Meletiah
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Frenchman’s Bay [District of Maine] March 15, 1790. States: “I did myself the pleasure to write you the 24th. 25th. & 29th. December.” Transmits “two quarterly returns of the exports from this District, two Abstracts of Duties arising on Tonnage, two Abstracts of pay to Inspectors &c with my accounts current for the two last quarters.” Explains “the expense attending the seizing of the Schooner Betsey.”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 18 March 1790
From: Williams, Otho H.
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Baltimore, March 18, 1790. “The arrangement made in this State by the Government thereof; for the payment of Invalids was by appropriations of the County taxes which were to be reimbursed out of the state Treasury. By this arrangement the unhappy sufferers were permitted to reside among their friends, and received their subsistence at home. In consequence there has been more attention, than formerly, to their demands. I have not yet received from the Executive of this State the compleat list by which, according to instructions recd. from the Secretary of the department of War, I am to be exactly governed in this Payments, and therefore do not Certainly know what may be demanded; But I have reason to believe that there are very few invalids who have not received the first half yearly Payment from 5th March 1789. And I give you the information that you may determine whither it would not be eligible to draw out of my hands the money intended to be applied to that purpose at present.…”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 19 March 1790
From: Lincoln, Benjamin
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Boston, March 19, 1790. “I have written to the several keepers of the light-houses in this State, excepting the keeper of the light house at Plymouth, informing them that the President of the United States has been pleased to continue them in their present appointments.… Mrs. Thomas the widow the late General Thomas, not Warren has been considered as the keeper of the light house at Plymouth.…”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Willing, 22 March 1790
From: Willing, Thomas
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Philada. March 22d. 1790
Sir
The scarcity of Money has produced a stagnation in every kind of business, beyond any thing I have known—the few who have the command of Cash here, have turn’d their Eyes to Bills of Exchange—these have got as low, as 45 nay even to 42½ ⅌ Ct. & untill Exchange shall rise considerably, I dont expect to see any demand for Stock, or Public Certificates. A Single Share has been sold day by day, at 400 Drs. & none have been offered at a lower rate, that I know of—a reduction of 7½ on the price, wou’d not now command the Cash. The best way for you, is to send the Certificates & I will get the most I can, not exceeding any deduction you may fix—but having them at hand, I will retail them even by a Single Share, to accommodate you as soon as its possible. To fall the price, will avail little, when the want of purchasers, arrises from the scarcity of Money, & the great temptation from the price of Bills of Exchange.
I am most respectfully Your’s
Thos. Willing


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Sharp Delany, 23 March 1790
From: Delany, Sharp
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Philadelphia] March 23, 1790. “It is with no small degree of diffidence I address you again on the Subject of a Boat in our Bay.… I am induced to request your sentiments on the subject—for the motives for smugling being encreased—means of prevention especially at first setting out should also be taken.…”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 24 March 1790
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Delany, Sharp

[New York, March 24, 1790. On April 30, 1790, Hamilton wrote to Delany “I refer you to my Letter of the 24th march.” Letter not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Joseph Whipple, 24 March 1790
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Whipple, Joseph

[New York, March 24, 1790. On May 31, 1790, in a letter to Hamilton, Whipple referred to “your letters of the 30th January & 24th March last.” Letter of March 24 not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Matthew Parke, 27 March 1790
From: Parke, Matthew
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Boston, March 27, 1790. “In consequence of being recommended to you by the Honbl. Fisher Ames, Esqr. I have had the honour of writing you Several Letters respecting my Administration on the Estates of a number of Persons, late in the American Navy, no answer to either of which Letters have I yet received.… If the appointment you have had since my application to you has prevented, or may Still prevent you from attending to the business, I wish you to be kind enough to inform me by Post.”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 29 March 1790
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Delany, Sharp

Treasury Department March 29th 1790.
Sir:

You will please to obtain a certificate from the Cashier of the Bank of North America, expressing the sums paid in the said Bank by you in the course of the present month, upon which a warrant shall be issued for the amount.
You will not fail transmitting the said certificate by Thursday’s mail, in order that it may reach me on Saturday.
I am Sir   Your Obed’t Serv’t
A. Hamilton.
Sharp Delany, Esq.Collector for the Port of Philadelphia.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Meletiah Jordan, 29 March 1790
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Jordan, Meletiah

[New York, March 29, 1790. On July 1, 1790, in a letter to Hamilton, Jordan referred to “your letter of March 29th.” Letter not found.]