Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 6 May 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Lincoln, Benjamin

Treasury Department,6 May 1791
Sir,
I have transmitted the accounts enclosed in your letter of the 27 Ultimo to the Auditor of the Treasury. The stock which you fund in the Massachusetts office you will cause to be transferred to the Treasury, and for this purpose you will make application to Mr Appleton, the Commissioner of Loans. As the loan office certificates can be funded at the Treasury, it will be best that you transmit them hither for the purpose, taking great care to do it under such circumstances and with such precautions, that in case of accident you can clearly prove their transmission.
I am, sir, with great consideration,   Your Obedt Servant
A Hamilton
Benjamin Lincoln Esq.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Jefferson, 7 May 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Jefferson, Thomas

Treasury DepartmentMay the 7. 1791
The Secretary of the Treasury has the honor to inform the Secretary of State that there are in the bank of North America Bills at ten days sight for the sum of 32.175 Guilders, which the Cashier is directed to hold for him. A warrant is enclosed for the sum of 13000 dolls. in his favor, the money for which is intended to procure those bills for the purpose of obtaining a recognition of the treaty with the new Emperor of Morocco.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Joshua Wentworth, 7 May 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Wentworth, Joshua

[Philadelphia, May 7, 1791. On September 7, 1791, Wentworth wrote to Hamilton: “Your letters of the 7th May & 22d June were duly received.” Letter of May 7 not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 8 May 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Charleston [South Carolina] May 8, 1791. “Mr. Cogdell, the Collector of Georgetown appearing on enquiry a proper person to be appointed Inspector of Excise for that Survey, you will signify his appointment to that Office.… Capt. Robert Cochran seems in all respects best qualified to command the revenue Cutter on this station, and I have in consequence appointed him to that Office.…”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Pierpont Edwards, 9 May 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Edwards, Pierpont

Treasury DepartmentMay 9th. 1791
Sir
Your account being allowed and certified by the District Judge must be forwarded to the Auditor of the Treasury, who will put it in a course of adjustment according to the forms of the Treasury.
You ought also to empower some person on the spot to receive and remit to you the amount of your account. The remittance can commonly be negotiated by a draught on one of your Collectors.
I am with great consideration   Sir   Your obed serv
⟨Alexander H⟩amilton
Pierpoint Edw⟨ards⟩


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Andrew Porter, 9 May 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Porter, Andrew

Treasury DepartmentMay 9th. 1791
Sir
I have concluded to comply with the request contained in your Letter of the 23d of April last and have given directions Accordingly.
In doing this I merely yield to a disposition to Accomodate as much as may be in my power to the wishes of Individuals, convinced that what is directed to be done can make no difference in the legal effect of the Transaction.
I am Sir   Your Obedt Servant
A Hamilton
Mr. Andrew Porter


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, 9 May 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Seton, William

Treasury Department,9 May 1791
Sir,
I am desirous of making a further payment to Mr William Hill, of five thousand Dollars on account of his contract for cloathing for the Troops. The Bank of New York will oblige me by making him a payment of that sum, & taking his receipt for the same, as on that account. This sum will be charged, during the vacancy of the Comptroller’s Office, to the seperate account for the United States, as in the former payment.
I am, sir   Your Most Obedt Servant
A HamiltonSecy of the Treasury

Wm Seton Esqr.Cashier of the Bk of N Yk
PS. The Treasurer has been directed to send you for sale Two hundred thousand Guilders to be disposed of on the same terms with the last—that is at 36⁴⁄₁₁ ninetieths per Guilder payable in sixty days, or in Ninety with the discount for thirty. Instead of two good names or two firms, one good name and a deposit in any species of the Stock of the United States, at its lowest current value, to an amount equal to the sum purchased will suffice.
A Hamilton


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Short, 9 May 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Short, William

Treasury DepartmentPhiladelphia May 9th. 1791
Sir
Since mine to you of the 13th. of April, I have received your several letters of the eighteenth and thirtieth of December, the fifteenth of January, the seventh, seventeenth and twenty second of february.
Thanking you for the copious information they contain, I assure you, that the further developement of the business has increased my satisfaction with the course you have pursued. The issue of the loan set on foot by you, is too favourable to the credit of this Country not to be particularly pleasing.
I was apprehensive, that inconvenience might attend the restriction by which you are required to defer opening a new loan, till the preceeding one has been communicated and approved. And I doubt not, that the President will readily consent to remove it on perceiving that it has occasioned embarassment. He is expected to return to this place by the middle of June; though as I have written to him on the subject, it is probable that I shall, before his return, receive orders to give you greater latitude.
My letter of the 13th. of April will have enabled you to open a second loan, either in Holland, or in the place to which Mr. Morris alludes—if the supposed opportunity shall have been found real and shall not have passed by. It certainly would be very desireable to be able to resort to more markets than one and if one of those markets should happen to be England it would not be the worse on that account. I think there is a train of good consequences involved in the idea of opening the purses of monied men in that Country to the Government of this. I suspect nevertheless, that it would not be long tolerated.
My objections to the negotiation you announce for obtaining a transfer of the debt due to France, have been confirmed by your subsequent communications.
You are informed that a million and a half of the last loan is destined for France and authorised immediately to apply a million. I am now to inform you that directions have been given to the Treasurer to draw for Eight hundred thousand. Leaving funds for answering this sum, you are at liberty to complete the payment of the whole sum destined for France, as speedily as you think fit.
When the President returns I shall take with him a definitive arragement, and give you a general view of the dispositions intended to be made.
With great consideration and esteem   I have the honor to be   Sir Your obedt. servt.
Alexander Hamilton
William Short EsquireChargé des affaires of the United Statesat the Court of France


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Smith, 9 May 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Smith, Thomas

[Philadelphia, May 9, 1791. On June 8, 1791, Hamilton wrote to Smith: “You will perceive on reexamination that you have misconceived the instruction contained in my letter of the 9th Ulto.” Letter not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Charles Weissenfels and George P. Weissenfels, Junior, 9 May 1791
From: Weissenfels, Charles,Weissenfels, George P., Jr.
To: Hamilton, Alexander

New York, May 9, 1791. Seek to obtain either a Government appointment or a pension for their father.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Joseph Whipple, 9 May 1791
From: Whipple, Joseph
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Portsmouth, New Hampshire, May 9, 1791. “I this day recd from the Collector Benj Lincoln Esqr. of Boston 12 ps Canvas which I presume are intended for Sails for the Cutter. I had engaged the Canvas of the Mafactory here but have now Countermanded it.… Be pleased to advise what articles for equiping the Vessel or for Stores are to be forwarded that I may avoid making unnecessary purchases.”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 9 May 1791
From: Williams, Otho H.
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Baltimore, May 9, 1791. “I transmit you a copy of a report of the Surveyor of this district respecting a compari[s] on of Dycas’s Hydrometer with the Substitute. This is the first report which I have received upon the subject, and in consequence have directed the Surveyor to discontinue the use of the Substitute.”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Richard Cuyler, 10 May 1791
From: Cuyler, Richard
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Albany, May 10, 1791. “My Father (Mr. Jacob Cuyler). has shewn me your polite Favor to him of 8th. Apl. by which observe you continue to hold his Application in Veiw, but that nothing had yet Occurred. With Regard to an Office, of Collector of the Revenue, would with pleasure Accept, should I be so fortunate, as to be favored therewith.…”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 10 May 1791
From: Olney, Jeremiah
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Providence, May 10, 1791. Encloses returns “of the Vessels built within this District.” Acknowledges receipt of “One of Dicas’s Hydrometers.”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Smith, 10 May 1791
From: Smith, Thomas
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Philadelphia] May 10, 1791. “… I am nearly out of Indents, the Comptroller of this State informs me that about 300,000 Dolls. more will pay the Interest on the Certificates belonging to Individuals yet remaining in his Hands. I am honored with your favor 2nd April.…”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Joseph Whipple, 10 May 1791
From: Whipple, Joseph
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Portsmouth, New Hampshire, May 10, 1791. On May 17, 1791, Whipple wrote to Hamilton and referred to “My last letter (May 10th).” Letter not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 12 May 1791
From: Olney, Jeremiah
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Providence, May 12, 1791. Encloses “weekly Return of Cash” and “Two Drafts of the Treasr.” Acknowledges receipt of a “Thermometer, forwarded by the Collr. of New York.”


Title: Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 13 May 1791
From: Treasury Department,Hamilton, Alexander
To: Collectors of the Customs

Treasury Department,May 13th, 1791.
Sir,
I find instances that have occurred in some of the Custom-houses, of receiving the duties on goods by estimates formed upon the invoices, or the statements of the Masters and Owners of the vessels, and by other means than actual gauging, weighing, measuring, &c. This, it is manifest, is not conformable to law, and may lead to practices very injurious to the revenue. Neither is it necessary to the accomodation of the Merchant, who, by the last Collection Act, is at liberty to carry his goods from one district to another, paying the duties in the districts for which they are destined, upon the goods only that are landed in each. I have therefore to desire that the duties on goods may, in no instance, be ascertained but on the actual landing thereof, and by no means but by the measuring, weighing and gauging, in all cases wherein those operations are required by law. If vessels bound to other places put into your district, the mere securing there of the duties to be paid in the district for which the goods are destined, is to be done by estimation in the manner prescribed by law, but no estimation is to be accepted when the duties are to be paid to you.
A question has also been stated for my determination, whether the Inspector put on board a vessel in one district to go to another, is to superintend the landing of the goods in the last district. I am of opinion that he is not, and that his authority on board the vessel terminates the moment she reports herself in the last district.
I find that a considerable difference, as well in the custom of Merchants as in the practice of the Custom-houses, in regard to the mode of calculating the Tare of goods, prevails through the Union: I have therefore to request that you will inform yourself accurately, what Tare is customary among Merchants in your district, upon the following goods—that is, whether they make their allowance per 112 lb or 100, and whether it be 2, 10, 12 or 15 per cent. viz—On sugars in hogsheads,—ditto in barrels—ditto in boxes; coffee in barrels— ditto in bags,—cocoa in ditto and ditto, and in hogsheads; piemento in bags and barrels,—pepper in ditto and ditto, and in bales; and so of any other goods, and in any kind of package usually imported.
I also request that you will inform me what has heretofore been your mode of allowing the Tares on the several kinds of goods abovementioned, and in the several kinds of packages, under the Collection Law.
I am, Sir,   ⟨your obedient Servant,⟩


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Nathaniel Appleton, 15 May 1791
From: Appleton, Nathaniel
To: Hamilton, Alexander

United States Loan OfficeBoston 15 May 1791
Sr.
I wrote you 10 instant, at which time I drew on the Treasury for the amount of my last Quarters Salary & expenditures for the two first Quarters—Since which I am favoured with your circular Letter 2d. instant. In answer I have to inform you that I have never issued a single Certificate to a nonsubscriber in exchang for Old Emisso. money or Indents of Interest. I have issued only one Certificate to a non subscriber for Certificates of public Debt which took place the present Quarter. I think there will not be another nonsubscriber in this State. I am also favoured with your particular Letter 5th instant. I note your directions to the Treasury to transmit me Drafts for twenty thousand Dollars. When they are received I shall dispose of them agreably to your orders. The money arising from the Sale thereof shall be placed in the Massachusetts Bank as the former money was for its greater security &c. With great Respect   I have the honor to be Sr Y Servant
N A


Title: Conversation with George Backwith, [15 May 1791]
From: Hamilton, Alexander,Beckwith, George
To:

[ May 15, 1791]
7   “If the United States were at war with a great or respectable nation, the case would be different, a foreign mediation under certain circumstances might be desirable; in that case, the manner of the application would be official, and of course not to any public officer of that country abroad, but to the administration at home; on the present occasion, the thing in its existing shape is inadmissible, and I could not submit such a paper to the President’s consideration—the objects of warfare are certain vagrant Indian Tribes who cannot be considered to be on the footing in which such a system as this would place them, however it may be our interest and policy to close hostilities, which are attended with trouble and expence, and which indeed may be excited by our frontier people, from interested motives: as an Indian war leads to the spending money in their country as well as to the gratification of their individual resentments.”
[Beckwith]   In suggesting the measure of an interference or rather of a pacific recommendation on the part of Lord Dorchester, I acted altogether as an individual, and my judgment led me to this from the sense of the thing, and from my conceiving the fomenting such a war could never be any object for such a government as yours. On the contrary I have concluded from those explanations which I have received by your means, of matters in the western Country, that your trading interests would be advanced, by the re-establishment of peace. We shall take occasion in the course of the summer to mark a pacific disposition to the Indians in general and to those hostile tribes in particular. We shall suggest to them the idea of a meeting to discuss the objects of difference, and if Lord Dorchester would suggest that a friendly accomodation and settlement would be a pleasing circumstance to your Government, it might have a tendency to promote it; in all this, I do not speak ministerially to you, although I am sure the thing is so, and that it would not only advance this object but tend to forward the establishment of those greater national points which I have frequently touched upon in our different conversations.”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Philip Schuyler, 15 May 1791
From: Schuyler, Philip
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Albany May 15th 1791
Dear Sir
A few days after the receipt of your favor covering letters for the Supervizor of Vermont and Mr Jacob Cuyler I wrote you and my Eliza, but as I have not had a line from you since I fear my letters have not come to hand. I entreated Eliza to let me know when she would set out from Philadelphia for this place, that I might engage a good and discreet master of an Albany Sloop to bring her to this place, and begged her to bring all the children and their nurse with her. I fear If she remains where she is until the hot weather commences that her health may be much injured. Let me therefore intreat you to expedite her as soon as possible.
I have hardly enjoyed a day without pain since I left you, the Gout continues to torment me in feet & wrists. I impute much of It to the very ⟨rain⟩y weather we have hitherto experienced.
Mrs. Schuyler Joins me in love to all with you, adieu.
I am Dr Sir   Affectionately Yours &c &c
P Schuyler
Hone. Alexr Hamilton Esqr


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Caleb Gibbs, 16 May 1791
From: Gibbs, Caleb
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Barre [Massachusetts] May 16th. 1791
My best friend
I have been honored by your much esteemed favour of the 20th. Ulto.
With the most pungent greif did I read your Letter respecting Mr. Tracy’s affair. It is to much for me to relate. Nay My good Hamilton (excuse the freedom) it fairly unmanned me. And what is still more effecting to me, to see my amiable wife looking over the Letter and exclaiming is it possible, is it possible Mr. Gibbs that you have lost that hard earned money you friendly lent that wicked man. Indeed my friend it was too much for her to bear. And more particularly so, considering her situation we have been almost ever since in a state of dispair for I have all along held up to her the Idea, that there was hopes of recovering my property more especially as we thought it was in your hands—but now forever lost—not only so but good money which I borrowed of you to bear my expences thrown away in pursuit of what he owes me & god only knows when I shall ever be able to pay you.
Pray for gods sake my friend speak to the President for me. The Surveyorship of the Port of Boston is now vacant, cannot you befriend me. Every one who knows (& I know you do) that the great Oeconomy used in the Expenditures of the Generals family was in a very great degree owing to me. Speak peace to me. Drop but one drop of the balm of Comfort & Consolation. If I am worthy of another line from you, give me it as a Comforter.
I pray god to preserve you & believe me yours   devotedly
C Gibbs
P.S. Remember I am always ready to obey your Commands.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 16 May 1791
From: Olney, Jeremiah
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Providence, May 16, 1791. “There being but one Public Boat in this District and that Constantly employed by the Inspector at the Port of Pawtuxet and so down the Bay, I find it Necessary that a Suitable one with Sails should be provided for the use of the Surveyor and Inspectors of this Port, to go on Board of Vessels, and particularly such as are frequently detained (by head winds &c.) for Several days, some miles below the Town.…”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Seton, 16 May 1791
From: Seton, William
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Bank of New York 16th May 1791
Sir.
Agreably to your desire Mr Hill has been paid Five thousand Dollars for which enclosed you have his receipt. Of the Bills on Amsterdam 23,000 Guilders are sold; and offer is now made to take to the amount of 100,000 Dollars worth, for the one half of which a Deposit of Stocks would be made and for the other half Notes with sufficient Endorsers. To comply with this proposition, we shall want nearly 100,000 Guilders more, if agreeable to you to direct the Treasurer to send them on.
I have the honor to be with the greatest respect &c


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Stephen Van Rensselaer, 16 May 1791
From: Van Rensselaer, Stephen
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Albany May 16 1791
Dear Sir
Your letter of the 25 of April I received and have endeavoured to obtain the information you required. Respecting John Burk he was a Soldier in Col. Willets Regiment & did on the 8 of March execute a power of Attorney to A. Holbrook but says that he received only two Dollars & wishes to revoke the power if possible.
With respect to E. Lewis I could not learn whether he gave a similar power he being from Home but I know the man & that he was a Soldier.
I am D Sir Your Obt Servt
S. V. Rensselaer


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Joseph Whipple, 17 May 1791
From: Whipple, Joseph
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Portsmouth, New Hampshire, May 17, 1791. “… My last letter (May 10th) Stated the amount of the first moiety of Invalid Pensioners in New Hampshire at 1661 ⁹⁸⁄₁₀₀ Dolls. This Should have been 1660 ⁹⁶⁄₁₀₀ Dolls. which last mentioned Sum is the precise amount of the Said moiety deducting the Sum of 376 ³⁵⁄₁₀₀ Dolls. paid by the State to those Pensioners.”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Richard Wylly, [17 May 1791]
From: Wylly, Richard
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[May 17, 1791.] “I have the honor of enclosing you the affidavit of Mr. John Wereat, Auditor of this State, respecting the late Edward Davies, who issued sundry Loan Office certificates, without, I believe, any authority: as I can receive no answer from our Governor, to whom I writ long since on this subject.…”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John Habersham, 20 May 1791
From: Habersham, John
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Custom House,Savannah, May 20th, 1791.
Sir,
I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 31st of March last.
I shall observe what you have directed in regard to Captain Backhouse, should the decision be against him.
When the Legislature have their next meeting, I shall use my best endeavors to obtain a Cession of the Light House to the United States. In the mean time I have to inform you, that the additions and repairs to that building are compleated, and that as no Person had been appointed to take charge of it, I applied to the President of the United States on the 14th Inst., to authorize a temporary appointment, until I should hear from you on the subject, which he did, and I have accordingly given one to Mr. Ichabod Higgins, the Person who I recommended to you in my Letter of the 14th Novemr. 1789. Be pleased to inform me, whether it is agreeable to you that Mr. Higgins should be continued, and what compensation he is to receive; and also how I am to conduct myself with respect to obtaining the necessary supplies of Oil and Wick. For the present I shall lay in a small quantity of each to answer immediate purposes. It is with regret I inform you, that the expence of this business will considerably exceed what I mentioned in my letter of the 11th. of February last. It became necessary to procure many Articles which I was not apprized of when that letter was written. I have had a survey of the work which has been done, and it is pronounced to be substantial and every way equal to the terms of the Contract.
I have also received your letter of the 26th. ultimo, and shall lose no time in complying with the orders therein given, with respect to the transmission of all my Accounts to the 31st. of March last, and of Duplicates of my Weekly Returns, in the manner you have directed.
You will herewith receive a Weekly Return of monies received and paid by me, from the 8th. to the 14th. Instant, amount on hand being Twenty seven thousand two hundred & ninety nine Dollars and seventy nine and a half Cents, in Specie.
I am, Sir, very respectfully,   Your Obedient Servant.
John HabershamCollector of the Customs for Savh.
Alexr Hamilton, Esqr., Secry. of the Treasury.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John H. Livingston, 20 May 1791
From: Livingston, John H.
To: Hamilton, Alexander

New York, May 20, 1791. “I am very sorry to be under the necessity of troubling you with inclosed paper to which your signature is necessary. Our Legislature broke up so soon after we recd. the necessary document for freeing you from this, that it was not in our power to get an Act for that purpose, but it shall be done at the next Sessions. In the mean while we will tresspass upon your time and friendship in this way as little as possible.…”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 20 May 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Augusta [Georgia] May 20 1791.
Sir
While at Charleston I appointed Robert Cochran of that place to command the revenue cutter for the station of South Carolina, & empowered him, with the approbation of the Governor & general Moultrie, to appoint his mates.
I have appointed John Howell Commander—Hendricks Fisher, first mate, and John Wood second mate of the revenue cutter to be stationed on the coast of Georgia. You will transmit the commissions and your instructions to these Gentlemen.
I am, Sir,   Your most Obedt. Servt.
G: Washington


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 23 May 1791
From: Ellery, William
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Newport, Rhode Island] May 23, 1791. “On the 16th. of this month I received your Circular letter of the 14th. of Aprl. last.… The Tare allowed in this District is calculated upon every One hundred and twelve pounds, and this was the practice in this State before it adopted the new Constitution. The merchants here have lately objected to this mode of taring, and say that the allowance ought to be made on every One hundred pounds, and that it is so allowed in New york.… Uniformity in this as well as every other respect should exist in the proceedings of the Custom Houses in the several States, and the merchants in each should be placed on the same foot.…”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 23 May 1791
From: Williams, Otho H.
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Baltimore 23 d. May 1791
Sir
I have the honor, now, to enclose you an acct. of the emoluments and disbursements of my office for the year 1790. The compensation of the Collector, you will observe, is small; and, when compared to the multifarious duties required of him, disproportioned to his services. A general view of the laws respecting duties will show that the Collector is, in his district, principally responsible for the due execution of those laws, and whoever will take the trouble to examine the detail of the business must discover that an unreasonable portion of the labor is allotted him. The alternative, which the law allows the Collector, to receive the Naval officers fees, or to permit the Naval officer to receve the Collectors fees seems not founded in necessity, or convenience. It has been and may again be a source of mutual dissatisfaction. Each should be at the trouble of receiving their own fees, which ought to be proportioned to the service required of them, and each should be responsible for his own conduct therein. The relative connections, duties, prerogatives and powers of the several officers of the customs seem not perfectly understood. They are certainly not understood by all alike. It would be painful to be making representations of misconduct resulting perhaps merely from error in judgment, if to be any how tolerated, or excused—But as I do not understand that it is in contemplation to revise the Collection law which is certainly susceptible of some improvement I need not to be more explicit at present.
I am, Sir,   Your most obedient Humble Servant
O H Williams Collr.


Title: Enclosure: Account Statement, [23 May 1791]
From: Williams, Otho H.
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Account of Fees and Commission being “all the monies received in the four quarters of the Year 1790,” by the Collector of Balte. District

Fees from the 1 January to the 31 March inclusive
274.18

Commission as allowed in a/c at the Treasury
 90.30

364.48

Fees from 1st April to the 30 June inclusive
427.62

Commission allowed in a/c at the Treasury
294.36

721.98

Fees from 1st July to the 30 Septr. inclusive
298.30

Commission—in a/c at Treasury
 62.15

360.45

Fees from 1st October to 31 Decemr. inclusive
337.14

Commission—in a/c at Treasury
544.93

 882.07

2.328.98

Disbursements

Paid for records other
Stationary & blanks
1st quarter
23.07

Ditto
ditto
2d. quarter
28.53.

Ditto
ditto
3  quarter
30.52.

Ditto
ditto
4  quarter
 9.83.

91.95

Fuel and Chandlery for 1 year
40.00

Office rent, Collectors proportion
66.66 ⅔

One Servant hire and Subsistence
120.00

Deputy Collector, and Clerk’s Wages
1,166.66 ⅔

1,485.28 ⅓

Compensation to the Collector
 843.69 ⅔

2,328.98

O. H. Williams Collr


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Knox, 24 May 1791
From: Knox, Henry
To: Hamilton, Alexander

War Department, May 24, 1971. “I have the honor to inform you, that Messrs: Smith and Shepherd have completed their contract of clothing for the levies, and that Mr: Hodgdon, the quarter master, has receipted to them for the same.…”


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

Providence, May 24, 1791. “I have been favored with a Letter from Mr. Coxe of the 13th instant, covering a copy of a circular Letter, relative to Tare &c., intended to be transmitted to the several Collectors. The Contents of which, tending to establish an uniform Practice in the collection of the Revenue, afford me much pleasure; and I shall speedily forward the Information required, respecting the Custom of the Merchants in this District, and my own practice, relative to the allowance for Tare on the several Articles therein mentioned. From repeated Experiments made by the Surveyor of this Port, it appears that Dycas’s Hydrometer makes the proof of Spirits about One quarter of a ⅌ Cent lower than the Substitute: As the difference is so small, he purposes, in ascertaining the proof of Spirits, generally to use the latter, which is much more simple and convenient.…”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Short, 24 May 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Short, William

Treasury DepartmentMay 24, 1791.
Sir,
The President of the United States has signified to me his pleasure, that I should revoke that part of your instructions which confines you to opening loans for no greater sum, at a time, than one million of dollars and which restrains you from opening a subsequent loan till the one preceding has received his approbation; and has also instructed me to authorise you to open each future loan for three millions of florins, and as soon as one loan shall be filled or subscribed to open another, till the sum necessary for fulfilling the act entitled, An Act making provision for the Reduction of the Public Debt and for paying the arrears of interest and instalments of principal which shall have become due to France, to the end of the present year, shall have been completed. Provided however that the terms be not less advantageous than those upon which the last loan has been effected.
With regard to the application of the monies that shall arise from the loans you may make subsequent to that, which has been already announced, it is to be as follows—Reserving in the hands of our Bankers one million and a half of the next succeeding loan and a million of the one immediately succeeding that for completing the purpose of the Act abovementioned, the residue of each and the whole of the future loans are to be applied in payments to France; unless directions shall at any time be given to the contrary. The first monies which shall be paid in upon the two loans, out of which reservations are to be made to the extent contemplated, are, nevertheless, to be applied towards the payments to France; which you will accordingly cause to be done.
You will, doubtless continue to keep me punctually advised of your operations.
With very great consideration and the most cordial esteem,

I have the honor to be   Sir.   Your obedt. Servant
A HamiltonSecy of the Treasury
Wm. Short Esqr.Chargé des Affaires &caAmsterdam


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Jabez Bowen, 25 May 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Bowen, Jabez

Treasury Department,May 25, 1791
Sir,
I have directed the Treasurer to forward to you drafts payable to you or your order for six thousand Dollars towards paying the ensuing Quarters Interest.
These drafts, which will be transmitted with proper blanks, may be directed either to Tench Francis Esquire, Cashier of the Bank of North America, or to William Seton Esquire, Cashier of the Bank of New York or to the respective Collectors of New Port & Providence.
There are at this time in the hands of the Collector of New Port seventeen hundred Dollars, and in the hands of the Collector of Providence two thousand two hundred Dollars, ready to answer the Drafts which are to be sent to you. You will do well to open a communication with those Collectors to obtain information of the sums they shall have received subsequent to the date of this letter to the end of the quarter; which, in addition to the above-mentioned sums will be left in their hands to answer your drafts.
But it will be equally agreeable to me that you negotiate the drafts sent you, upon the two banks or either of them, if you find a demand for them.

The Directions given to you in other respects in relation to the drafts transmitted for the last quarter’s interest are of course to be observed in the disposition of those of which you are now advised.
You will give me as soon as possible your opinion whether any greater sum is likely to be called for, in order that provision may be made accordingly. And you will send me a summary of the Stock standing on your Books when they are closed for the ensuing quarter at the same time, & in the same manner as was done in relation to the last.
Exact punctuality being essential to the support of public credit, I shall rely that you will always take your arrangements so as to be ready at the day, and that in the detail of your payments you will give all possible facility & dispatch as far as shall consist with your instructions.
I shall be glad to be advised weekly of the disposition of the drafts.
I am, sir,   Your Obed Servant
A Hamilton
Jabez Bowen Esqr.Commr of Loans for Rhode Island & Providence &cProvidence.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Tobias Lear, 25 May 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Lear, Tobias

Treasury DepartmentMay 25. 1791.
Sir
Pursuant to instructions from the President of the United States, I am to request that you will cause some of the blank commissions left with you to be filled as follows: one with the name of John Whitaker as Inspector of the revenue for Survey No. 4. in the District of North Carolina, one with the name of Joseph McDowell the elder, as inspector of the revenue for survey No. 5. in the same District, one with the name of William Cooke, as Master of a revenue Cutter in the service of the United States.

I have the honor to be, with great consideration & regard Sir   Your Obt. Servant
Alex. Hamilton


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 25 May 1791
From: Lincoln, Benjamin
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Boston, May 25, 1791. “By an act made to explain and amend ‘an act making farther provision for the payment of the Debts of the United States’ It is enacted that the duty of 7½ ⅌ Ct ad valorem laid by the act aforesaid on chintses and coloured calicoes shall be deemed and taken to extend to all printed stained & coloured goods, or manufactures of cotton, or of linen, or of both, which hereafter shall be brought into the United States from any foreign port or place. When I read the law I supposed that all goods of Cotton &c painted stained and coloured, (coloured by painting or staining) should be subject to a duty of 7½ ⅌ Cent but the law is read differently by others; Mr. Ames and the District Atty are of opinion that all cotton good all linen goods & goods of Cotton & Linen united which have but a stripe in them are embraced by this act, such as bed ticks, checked linings for shirtings &c. These they consider as coloured goods. I pay, as I ought, great respect to the opinion of these Gentm. yet as I am the only responsible person I wish your sentiments on the Law.…”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, 25 May 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Olney, Jeremiah

Treasury Department,May 25 1791
Sir,
It will be agreeable to me that the Officers of the Customs in the District of Providence make return of the emoluments of their respective Offices for one year following the time of their entering upon their duty instead of the year mentioned in my circular letter of the 14 of April. You will be pleased to give them an early intimation of this.
I shall not object to a small boat fit for harbour service for the Port of Providence, but as your district will then be as well provided as some of much greater extent and trade I hope it will not be necessary to go to greater expence.
I am, sir,   Your Most Obed Servant
A Hamilton
Jerh Olney Esqr.Collr Providence.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Arthur St. Clair, 25 May 1791
From: St. Clair, Arthur
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Fort Washington [Northwest Territory] May 25th. 1791
Sir
A few days ago Mr. Ludlow presented to me the Instructions he had received from you for compleating the Surveys of certain Tracts of Land in this Territory contracted for with the late Board of Treasury and requested an Escort of Troops to enable him to comply with those Instructions. The situation of Affairs, and the present weakness of this Garrison put it out of my power to furnish him with the necessary Escort; but, on perusing the Instructions, to my astonishment, I found that the purchase made by Judge Symmes did not extend farther up the Ohio than twenty Miles from the mouth of the Great Miami River. He had given out and published indeed to the World, that he had contracted for all the Lands, to a certain distance northerly, which were contained between the little and the great Miamies as eastern and western Boundaries. On my first arrival in this part of the Territory I found the Judge here, and a number of People settled already, to whom he had sold Lands far to the eastward of the twenty Miles. It never could have entered into my Head that any person, much less one invested with a respectable public Character, had published a falsehood, was persisting in it, and availing himself of the pecuniary advantages flowing from it. The Settlement therefore met with all the Countenance which I could give it, which I conceived to be a duty I then owed to the adventurers and to the united States; but I see I was wrong, and find myself in a very disagreeable predicament, having cloathed many Persons with civil and military authority, whom it was more properly my duty to have removed, and so far sanctioned their intrusion on the Lands of the united States. As soon as possible after this discovery I wrote a Letter to Judge Symmes of which the enclosure No 1 is a copy and No. 2 his Answer, which I received this day. The Answer does not appear in any wise satisfactory, for it is clear that, tho’ there had been a proposal for a Contract different from that entered into, it had never been more than a proposal, and he has been selling the Lands of the united States upon the little Miami, which he had not Contracted for, to pay for Lands his Agents had contracted for in his name upon the great Miami. As soon as it is practicable Mr. Ludlow shall be enabled to fulfill your Orders. In the mean time I am much at a loss what Course I ought to hold with those Settlers, neither do I know very well where to address myself for Directions. If it is a Business that falls within the Sphere of your Office I shall be happy to receive, and carry into execution any which you may think proper to give. If it does not fall within your Office, may I request the favour of your friendly Advice. It seems to me that all I can do at present, and it may be proper to do it, is to publish a Proclamation warning all Persons against further intrusion, and permitting the occupancy of the present Settlers until the Pleasure of Congress shall be known. To remove those if it could be done, would be ruin to them, and they are innocent not wilful trespassers; and to revoke the Commissions that have been granted would leave them in a State of Anarchy. Excuse I entreat you the Liberty I have taken to trouble you with the Dilemma I am caught in and believe me with every Sentiment of Respect and Esteem   Sir   Your very humble Servant
Ar. St. Clair
The honorable Alexander HamiltonSecretary of the Treasury.


Title: Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 25 May 1791
From: Treasury Department,Hamilton, Alexander
To:

[Philadelphia, May 25, 1791. On June 7, 1791, Jeremiah Olney wrote to Hamilton: “I have received your two circular letters of the 25th. and 26th of May.” Circular of May 25 not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 25 May 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Williams, Otho H.

Treasury DepartmentMay 25th. 1791.
Sir,
It is necessary for the Government of the Commissioner of loans in the disposition of some Treasury drafts which have been sent him that he should be informed weekly of the monies which you shall have received subsequent to the date of your last return namely the 20th instant.
Fourteen hundred Dollars of the ballance then in your hands together with the amount of your subsequent receipts, to the extent in the whole of 8000 Dollars, will be left to answer the drafts sent him towards paying the ensuing Quarters interest; though he is at liberty to negociate them upon the two banks of North America & New York if a demand occurs.
I am   Sir   Your most Obedt Servant
Alexander Hamilton
Otho H. WilliamsCollectorBaltimore


Title: Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 26 May 1791
From: Treasury Department,Hamilton, Alexander
To: Collectors of the Customs

Treasury Department,May 26 1791
Sir,
Inclosed you will find for your information, generally, and Government, in certain particulars, certain explanations & instructions concerning the two Acts, severally entitled “An Act repealing after the last day of June next, the duties heretofore laid upon distilled spirits imported from abroad, and laying others in their stead; and also upon spirits distilled within the United States and for appropriating the same,” and “An Act making further provision for the collection of the duties by law imposed on Teas, and to prolong the term for the payment of the duties on Wines.”
I am, sir,   your Obedt Servant.
Alexander Hamilton


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Joseph Ward, 26 May 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Ward, Joseph

Treasury Department,May 26 1791
Sir,
I duly received your letter of the 2d instant. The species of paper you mention presents an embarrassing question. Being issued upon the funds of individual states with a stipulation for the payment of interest by the United States, and a contingent guarantee of the principal, it is not easy to pronounce under what denomination of public debt it properly falls. It is however not in my opinion provided for by the Act making provision for the debt of the United States. It is not comprehended within the enumeration of the kinds of certificates receivable upon loan as debt of the United States; and if it is to be considered as on state foundation, it seems to come under the description of paper money, which has not been understood as within the meaning of the words certificates or notes which “were issued by the respective states as acknowlegements or evidences of debt by them respectively owing.”
This question has been rendered the more embarrassing by some steps taken in the house of Representatives during the last session concerning it which however did not issue in any provision.
It is with regret I find myself thus circumstanced on the subject; as there is nothing more my wish than to see the interest of every class of public creditors equitably embraced.
I am, sir   with consideration,   Your obdt Servant
A Hamilton
Joseph Ward Esqr.Boston.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 26 May 1791
From: Williams, Otho H.
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Collectors Office Baltimore 26th May 1791
Sir
Your circular letter came to hand last evening.
I do not apprehend, Sir, that you allude to any illegal, or improper receiving of duties in this office. The laws of Congress, according to my comprehension of their meaning, have always been adhered to here, with the utmost possible exactness; But as my conception of some parts of the “act to provide more effectually for the Collection of the duties” &c differs very much from the literal meaning of your circular letter of the 13th, it is proper for me to reply particularly to that part.
You “desire that the duties on goods may in no instance be ascertained but on the actual landing thereof, and by no means, but by the measuring, weighing, and gauging in all cases wherein those operations are required by Law.”
Altho’ it is impracticable to perform those operations without landing the goods, the act prohibits the landing any goods before the duties are paid, or secured to be paid: and that upon “a gross estimate of their amount” (see s. 25.) “and then, and not otherwise it shall be lawful to land” &c. which gross estimate, after further process, according to the directions of the act, is to be revised, and the duties finally adjusted—section 28.
Why Congress thought proper to require this double labor of the Collector, the advantages of the mode do not well explain, and possibly some, who think it might as well be omitted, may consider your instructions as intending to dispence with the previously securing the duties according to “a gross estimate,” and may give permission to land goods, which I think contrary to the obvious direction of the act.
Your decision, respecting the service of Inspectors going from one district to another, is a confirmation of the propriety of the instructions heretofore given by me in such cases.
The custom of Merchants here has been very much governed by the customs of those places from whence they import. The general rule of allowing tare on a Hogshead of Sugar, or on a Cargo of Casks &c is twelve pounds per hundred weight (12 ⅌ 1 cwt or 12 ⅌ 112 lbs.) But they have had some few instances of clean Hhds, with cane hoops, from port au Prince containing 18 cwt, to 20 cwt. where the tare did not exceed ten per Centum, or one tenth part of the whole nett pounds weight. Sugar Barrels are always tared according to their make, to wit, French flour barrels, used for Sugar, 28 lbs tare—American flour barrels, most in use for this markett, 20 lbs—and the same distinction is applied to barrels containing Coffee Cocoa, Pimento, Pepper &c. Casks containing Rice, or Casks or boxes containing Indigo are always tared according to their actual weight, ascertained before the commodity is put in them; where it happens otherwise ten perCent, or 1/10th of the nett hundred is usually allowed.
Merchants very seldom allow tare for baggs unless damaged, and then not exceeding three pounds ⅌ bagg. This is the general practice, but in many cases the merchants in selling, as well as in buying, abide by the tare expressed in the invoice. The practice at the Custom House is Similar, except where the law directs otherwise; where the law is explicit it is implicitly followed. But as the term ⅌ Cent is some times used in referrence to the nett sum of one hundred, and some times to the gross weight, or One hundred and twelve, doubts arise whether Congress mean that the allowance shall be from the nett weight, uniformly, or from the gross as the case may be. The duties are imposed ⅌ pound upon Sugars, Coffees, Tea, Coccoa, Candles, Cheese, Cotton, Indigo, Lead & Shott, Nails, Pepper, Pimento, Soaps. and Manufactured Tobacco and ⅌ cwt. on Cables, Cordage, Hemp, Steel & Twine. There is no tare allowed from articles taxed ⅌ Cwt. And the tare which is allowed from articles taxed ⅌ pound is ⅌ Centum. The terms made use of in the law raises a doubt whether Congress intended the tare to be analagous to the duty or merely an abatement from the gross hundred, some of the articles taxed ⅌ lb. being invoiced and sold by the gross, and some by the nett hundred. All, however, are weighed and returned to the Customs House by the Gross and the tare calculated accordingly. This mode was induced by the custom of Merchants here; But I am not confident that I have not thereby done them injustice in allowing less tare than the law entitles them to. Any given quantity of Sugars or other Article will, no doubt, have the same certain abatement for tare ⅌ centum—whether the operation of the numbers allowed for ⅌ Centage be upon the gross weight (that is ⟨either⟩ cwts grs & lbs) or upon the same given quantity reduced to nett pounds. But the doubt is whether by the term ⅌ Centum is meant 100 or 112. It is variously used, or applied, in the acts of Congress and makes a real difference in calculations.

I understand, by Merchants that the Spanish 100 lbs is equal to the U States 104 lbs; that the French 100 lbs is Equal to the United States 108 lbs; and we differ in calculation almost from every other Nation, except the British. Yet the term one hundred pounds weight, is used to express all alike. Congress make use of the words per centum to signify by the hundred and merchants and public Officers some times differ in making the application of that term. So long as a definite number, as ten, or twelve, is allowed as a discount from an indefinite number (Centum, as it may be understood to signify 100—104—108—112 &c &c) so long there will be various modes of calculation, and different conclusions, in respect to relative numbers.
Would it not render the business extremely simple, and each deduction more certain, if a proportional part of an Article, or of any given quantity of an Article and its package were allowed for tare? Say one tenth instead of ten ⅌ Cent; which, on a nett hundred, is the same thing, but more on 1 cwt., or 112 lbs; One twentieth instead of 5 ⅌ Cent; One thirty three and a third part instead of three ⅌ Cent; One fiftieth part instead of two ⅌ Cent. The rule of proportion would operate invariably upon Invoices, actual weights, or tale of Merchandize, or money, whereas a definite number must have a contrary effect when applied indiscriminately, as a scale of abatement, to indefinite sums, or quantities, agreeing in denomination only.
But to reply more particularly to your request respecting the mode of allowing tare, heretofore, at this office, I am to add, that upon Sugars (other than Loaf) in Hogsheads, Tierces, Barrels, I have allowed twelve pounds out of the hundred weight, or one hundred and twelve pds,

Same in Boxes, fifteen pounds out of the hundred weight;
Coffee in Casks, twelve pounds out of the hundred weight;
Same in Bags, two pounds Same ;
Same in Bales, three pounds Same ;
Pepper in Casks .. twelve pounds Same ;
Same in Bales .. five pounds Same ;

Tea in Chests, and boxes, according to the Specific directions of the Act, section 34.
Loaf Sugar, and on all other goods according to Invoice Saving to the importer, or consignee, the privilege of estimating the tare by Invoice in all cases.
I am, Sir,   Your most Obedient and Most Humble Servant
O. H. Williams Collr.
Alexander Hamilton Esqr.Secretary of the Treasury


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Forrest, John Nicholson, and Others, Public Creditors, 27 May 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Forrest, Thomas,Nicholson, John

Treasury DepartmentMay 27. 1791.
Gentn
I have received your letter of the sixth instant and have paid careful attention to the contents of it. But notwithstanding my earnest desire to meet the wishes of every class of the public Creditors, my judgment of the true construction of the law in the point in question remains as disclosed in my first letter.
The fact is, that the Certificates issued by the Register of the Treasury do express a certain principal sum of specie, though without calling it so, and stipulate an interest of six per Centum per annum on that precise sum. The Certificates requested would express a certain principal sum, of nominal not specie value, and though they would also express, incidentally, the specie sum due, they would stipulate interest not on that sum but on the nominal sum. In the first case the rate of six per cent would be payable on the specie value, in the last on the nominal value; though in both cases the principal sum to be redeemed by the Public would be the specie value only. Here then are contracts of a nature substantially different; and certificates, which should import such different contracts, would necessarily be of tenors substantially different from each other.
Allow me to add Gentlemen that the very application you make to me, with an earnestness which in your situation is not unnatural, is itself an illustration of the truth of the construction given to the law by the officers of the Treasury. They are willing to give you certificates precisely of the tenor of those which have been accustomed to be issued by the Register of the Treasury. You demand others, and consider those offered as a violation of your rights. Can those you require be substantially of a like tenor with those you reject? If they were, your good sense would have restrained you from making a serious question of the matter. You certainly would never have been so strenuous for a difference merely formal and immaterial, in the tenor of a certificate.
Admitting, as you contend, that the construction insisted upon by me is not conformable to the main or general intent of the Act it will not follow that it is eroneous. It is no uncommon case for the general design of a law to fail of its full effect by some particular provisions in it. The inference would only be in the present case that there has been an omission in regard to the Species of public debt in which you are interested. This inference will I apprehend be far more agreeable to rules of legal interpretation, than a construction, which would annul the effect of so important a directory clause, as that which declares that the “new certificates shall specify the specie amount of those in exchange for which they are given and shall be otherwise of the like tenor with those theretofore issued by the Register of the Treasury for the Registered Debt.”
I remain with great consideration   Gentn.   Your obedt Servant
Alexander HamiltonSecy of the Treasury
Messrs Thomas ForrestJohn Nicholsonand others, Public Creditors


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Tobias Lear, 27 May 1791
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Philadelphia, May 27, 1791. Encloses “two commissions for the inspectors of Surveys No. 4 and 5 in the District of North Carolina.”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Charles Pettit, 27 May 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Pettit, Charles

Treasury Department May 27. 1791.
Sir
I have enquired into the subject of your letter of the 30th. of April, and according to the reports made to me by the proper Officers, it appears that the State of Pennsylvania has received its full proportion, namely, six tenths of the whole sum struck upon the security of its funds being 1495000 Dollars.
The balance of 78642 Dollars stated by the Comptroller General of the State, as unissued, arises on the 4/10 of the above sum, reserved for the use of the United States.
I have the honor to be, Sir,   Your Obedt. & humble Servant
Alexander Hamilton Secy. of the Treasury
Charles Pettit Esqr.Philadelphia


Title: Treasury Department Circular to the Commissioners of Loans, 27 May 1791
From: Treasury Department,Hamilton, Alexander
To: Commissioners of Loans

Treasury Department,May 27 1791
Sir,
By the 18th Section of the Act, making provision for the debt of the United States, it is declared that the payment of interest, whether to States or to Individuals, in respect to the debt of any State which may have exchanged its own securities for those of the United States, shall be suspended until a reexchange shall have taken place or a surrender be made of the last mentioned securities.
I request therefore that you will inform me whether any thing of the above kind has been transacted in your State. If it has, due attention must be paid to the restriction concerning it.
You will not, I presume, have failed to advert to that part of the 10th section of the same act which limits to the first of June the exchanges of certificates in the case of non-Subscribers. The issuing of new certificates to non-Subscribe[r]s for old ones, not produced previous to that day, will, of course, be forborne.
I am, sir,   with due consideration,   Your Obed Servant
A Hamilton


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Tobias Lear, 29 May 1791
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Philadelphia, May 29, 1791. Encloses a proposal for a mint which had been sent to President Washington by John H. Mitchell.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Ellery, 30 May 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Ellery, William

[Philadelphia, May 30, 1791. On June 13, 1791, Ellery wrote to Hamilton: “I have received your letters of the 26th. and the 30th. of May last.” Letter of May 30 not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to the President and Directors of the Massachusetts Bank, 30 May 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: President and Directors of the Massachusetts Bank

Treasury DepartmentMay 30th. 1791.
Gentn.
With a view to the accommodation of those in your quarter, who may incline to become subscribers to the Bank of the United States, I have concluded on the following arrangement.
That for any sums which shall be deposited in the Bank of Massachusetts to the Credit of the United States, to an amount not exceeding in the whole sixty thousand Dollars, I will cause equal sums to be paid in the City of Philadelphia towards the subscriptions which such persons respectively, or their respective representatives shall make to the Bank of the United States.
In order that this arrangement may be carried into execution it will be necessary that the sums paid in be duly passed to the Credit of the United States; and that the parties or their Agents produce certificates from the Cashier of the Bank specifying the sums paid in and that they have been passed to the Credit of the United States.
And it is to be clearly understood that the operation to be for the sole purpose of subscriptions to the Bank as no money will be paid here in lieu of that deposited but on account of such subscriptions.
I take it for granted that your Direction will chearfully cooperate in a measure, so exclusively dictated by a desire to accommod⟨ate⟩ and so convenient to all concerned.
I have not thought fit to make any public annunciation of this arrangement, but it is my wish that it be informally communicated as extensively as may be.
I have the honor to be   Gentn.   Your obedt Servant
The President and Directorsof the Bank of Massachusetts.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to the President and Directors of the Bank of New York, 30 May 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: President and Directors of the Bank of New York

[Philadelphia, May 30, 1791. On June 7, 1791, William Seton wrote to Hamilton: “I … acknowledge the honor of your letter of the 30 May.” Letter not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, 30 May 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Olney, Jeremiah

Treasury DepartmentMay 30th. 1791.
Sir,
Having considered the case of the Ship Warren, Capt Smith belonging to Messr. Brown & Francis, I find it necessary to communicate to you some remarks concerning it.
I find from the letters of the Collector of Newport that this ship had departed from his district for India before my letter directing him to proceed against the Captain was received: and I learn from the papers that several days after her departure from Providence when the warren was out of the limits of your district the owners obtained from you a licence, a certified manifest, and a permit to proceed to Newport in which district she then actually was. The acquisition of these papers arms the Captain & vessel so strongly, that they render the issue of any legal proceedings, which otherwise it might have been proper to institute, too uncertain to risque. I have not therefore hitherto directed any proceedings to be commenced against the Ship or Captain on the Warren’s return. You will perceive, that a certified manifest of the Cargo with which the ship left your district could not be given with certainty requisite to satisfy your own mind nor with safety to the revenue. Similar observations occur in regard to the licence and permit. It is fit that you pay more than ordinary attention to the vessels of Messr. Brown & Francis and particularly to that commanded by Captain Smith, since a disposition to disregard the revenue laws has manifested itself in them on this occasion.
I do not find that Mr Jeremiah Greenman is appointed to a military command. If therefore he is willing to accept the station of second mate of the revenue cutter building in Connecticut, I will submit his name to the President for that place, which, as well as that of the third mate, yet remains unfilled. The Captain and chief mate have been appointed some time. I wish to know whether you think Mr. Daniel Bucklin Junr. would take the birth of third mate. The President will be at Mount Vernon the last week in June when at soonest he might consider the fitness of these two appointments.
Coasting Vessels arriving in your district whose licences have expired, are to be treated precisely as if they had never been licenced, for those official papers are of no force after the expiration of the year for which they were granted. The nature of the Cargo’s and the places from whence they came are to determine the fees &c to which they are subject, exactly as in the cases of Vessels never having been Coasters.
I have already taken measures for the regulation of the tares of various kinds of goods of which you have been informed.
I am, Sir,   Your obed. Servant
Alexander Hamilton
Jeremh. Olney Esqr.Collector of Providence


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Joseph Hardy, 31 May 1791
From: Hardy, Joseph
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Treasury Department, Comptroller’s Office, May 31, 1791. “The enclosed Letter from William Benson, containing his resignation of the Office of Surveyor of the Customs, at the Port of Windsor, in the district of Edenton and state of North Carolina, was just now received at this Office; and I consider it, to be my duty, immediately to transmit it, for your consideration.”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Charles Pettit, 31 May 1791
From: Pettit, Charles
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Philadelphia 31st. May 1791.
Sir.
I have this morning had the honor to receive your letter of the 27th instant. The application of the 30th. of April was made on a supposition of the facts being as you state them. But the Legislature having made provision for the redemption of the whole sum of 1,495,000 dollars, it is supposed that the State is credited by the United States for the whole of the 4/ 10ths which were reserved in their hands, and that whatever part thereof shall be delivered up as unissued, will be debited in return so as to make a fair liquidation. Having nearly collected all that was in circulation, and wishing to know with precision what remains to be collected, the Legislature have directed this application to be made, with a view as well to ascertain the amount of this kind of money which remains to be redeemed from the channels of circulation, as to become fairly possessed of such part of the proportion reserved by the United States, as yet remains unissued, and which it is supposed must hereafter remain useless.
Considering the Application I had the honor to present to you the 30th. of April, in this point of view, you will perceive it is not yet fully answered.
I have the honor to be, sir,   Your most obedt. and most humble servant
Charles Pettit
Alexander Hamilton Esqr.Secretary of the Treasury


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 31 May 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Williams, Otho H.

Treasury DepartmentMay 31st. 1791
Sir,
It is my wish that you make the Bank of Maryland, which is established in the Town of Baltimore the place of depositing the Cash belonging to the United States which may be from time to time in your hands as collector of the District of Baltimore.
I shall transmit a circular letter with respect to the receipt of its Notes, to which I must refer you on that point.
I am, Sir   Your most Obedt Servant
Alexandr Hamilton Secy of the Treasy
Otho. H. Williams EsqrCollr.Baltimore


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James Blanchard, May 1791
From: Blanchard, James
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Philadelphia May 1791
Gentlemen
I enclose you a Letter Similar to a Number that have been Sent to the Officers of the Late Continental army and I beg Leave to give you the reason of its being done.
When Government under the new Constitution was making arrangements for the payment of the public debt the officers from the Massachusetts Line prefered a Memorial to Congress praying some mode might be adopted to ascertain the value of the Certificates they received for their pay and Subsistance at the Conclusion of the war (as other depretiated Curency heretofore had been done) and they be debeted on the public Books for what they had received and the residue be Still due to them.
The representatives of the Southern States Urged the Justice of the Claim and the impropriety of one Class of men accumelating such Large sums for so Small Considerations from the failure and delay of the public to the distress and ruin of another Class of men to whom they were so much indebted for the Freedom and Independence they then Enjoyed.
But the Gentlemen from the Northern States having been purchasers of Final Settlements were of a different opinion and their petition was rejected and a Funding Law passed which ascertained a Note given for £70.18 that had in Seven year accumelated £29.12. to be worth £82. or there abouts.
The Massachusetts officers waited on their representatives on their return to the State, who Informed them that a Funding Law had passed by a Majority and the value of their Certificates were Ascertained by the said Law, but if the public paid their debts to Individuals on the Same principles that one Individual was compelled by the Laws of the Country to pay to another, there was a residue that could be paid to the original Creditor.
The Officers wishing for Tranquility & every possible means of Justice, observed that notwithstanding they had alienated their Certificates Similar to all other Bills of public Credit that had been reduced by a scale of depretiation to the Current value and their assigns had received a Retribution from 200. to 500. perCent in Specie by a Law on their purchase, they would be Contented with the residue at it Stood on the public books.
But Last Sessions a remonstrance was presented to Congress under the fictitious Signiture of Original Creditors against the Injustice of the Funding Law in delaying to pay the said residue to the present possessors of Certificates.
This representation come forward at an Unseasonable Time and in such Indecent & Illiberal Terms that Only Mr Morris from the Senate and three Gentlemen from the House of representatives voted for the adoption of it.
And as it was declared by Mr Sedgwick in Congress the 12th. of February 1790 and Confirmed by a Majority of the members that the Army had been fully paid Exclusive of the final Settlements—and that Justice could not be done to other public Creditors, because the greatest part of the public debt was in fictitious Certificates and Mr Beudinot and Other members of Congress had Large Sums of that Species of paper—and it was declared and placed upon record that the Army were a description of men that any farther payment would do them an Injury.
The Officers from different States and at different meetings Signifying their uneasiness from a different Opinion requested the Letter might be Circulated and by the Advice and direction of a Number of respectable Officers I have done it.
I am Gent Your Humble servt
James Blanchard

N.B. I beg leave to refer you to the Journals of Congress Feby. 12. & 16.& 19. &C &C.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John Berrien, 1 June 1791
From: Berrien, John
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Savannah, June 1, 1791. “I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of my appointment as Inspector of the Revenue for the port of Savannah.… I take the liberty to inform you, that the excise is by no means a popular measure in this Country—people urge a variety of arguments against it—and it will require propriety & stability in the execution of the several Offices, to carry the Law into effect. Our Supervisor, Mr. Matthews is a gentleman whom I never saw. I presume he is not acquainted with the nature of the business to wh: he is appointed. From its being intirely new to him & as he resides in the upper Country, One hundred & Seventy or Eighty miles from this City (and in this District I imagin nine tenths of the business of the whole State will be transacted) I shall not have an opportunity of geting his advice or support when occasions may require. I shall therefore Sir, if you will permit me, take the Liberty of asking your direction & advice very frequently, wh. I trust you will excuse, when you view my responsibility to the public, & to the individual.… I perceive, that my Commission expresses, that I am appointed for the port of Savannah. I presume the district is intended to be included, Yet as there are several ports in the district an explanation will be necessary.… I further beg leave to inform you, that in the use & trial of Dycas’s & Colles’s hydrometers, they appear to exceed the true proof of Spirituous liquors.…”


Title: Circular Letter from the Officers of the Massachusetts Line of the Late Army, 1 June 1791
From: Officers of the Massachusetts Line of the Late Army
To:

[Boston, June 1, 1791. On February 28, 1792, a committee appointed by the “Officers of the Massachusetts line of the late Army” wrote to Hamilton: “By a letter bearing date June 1, 1791, you were informed of the measures adopted in persuing that object.” Letter not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jonathan Dayton, 1 June 1791
From: Dayton, Jonathan
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[June 1, 1791. In a letter to Dayton on June 6, 1791, Hamilton referred to “your letter of the first instant.” Letter not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Tobias Lear, 1 June 1791
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Philadelphia] June 1, 1791. “In compliance with your request, I … transmit the commissions filled with the names as you directed.…”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, 1 June 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Olney, Jeremiah

Treasury Department, June 1, 1791. “Your letter of the 24th Ultimo has been received. I approve the intention of the Surveyor to use generally the substitute for Dycas’s Hydrometer, the difference being so small. Yet, in any case, where that difference would convert one class of proof into another, Dycas’s must govern; unless it should appear by any imported Hydrometer of Dycas’s, which you may be able to borrow, that the other is more accurate, or unless it should better correspond with what is stated in the instructions for using those instruments, to be the usual proofs of spirits from different Islands.…”


Title: Treasury Department Circular to the Captains of the Revenue Cutters, 1 June 1791
From: Treasury Department,Hamilton, Alexander
To: Captains of the Revenue Cutters

Treasury DepartmentJune 1, 1791
Sir,
I have already communicated to you some general instructions to govern you in the execution of your duty as the Commander of the revenue cutter for the [Massachusetts] Station. I have now to inform you that your vessel will be under the management of the Collector of [Boston] as to supplies of provisions, stores, and occasional repairs, and I shall write him to that effect this day. You will on receipt of this letter, communicate to him such information relative to these objects as it would be necessary to give your vessel’s owner, were you in the merchants service, with due attention to such variations as the nature of the cutters employment will require. I shall send him a list of what was allowed in one instance and shall be particular otherwise in my instructions to him. I will therefore only add to you that while I am disposed to have the cutter supplied with all real necessaries of such kinds as are requisite to the safety and comfort of the Officers & Men, and the execution of the service, I am very solicitous that the public money may in no instance, nor in any, the smallest degree, be expended for superfluous articles, or such as are extravagant by being shewy or more costly than is necessary.
I am, sir,   Your Obed Servant
Alexander Hamilton


Title: Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 1 June 1791
From: Treasury Department,Hamilton, Alexander
To: Collectors of the Customs

Treasury DepartmentJune 1. 1791
Sir,
The Bank of Maryland being in operation, and its paper having gone into circulation, it is my desire, that the cash notes (that is those payable in specie on demand) be received by you in discharge of all duties of impost and tonnage, arrising in your district under the laws of the United States, and that you will exchange whatever specie you may at any time have in your hands for those notes. In order to guard you against counterfeits in this instance, I shall request the directors of that Bank to send you the signatures of the President and Cashier, together with a description of the marks of their notes.
You will also remit, from time to time, whatever money may come to your hands, in specie or the notes of the Bank of Maryland, to that Bank, taking duplicate receipts from its cashier for each deposit, specifying that it is on account of the United States, one of which you will transmit to this office, and retain the other yourself. These receipts will discharge you at the Treasury, for what sums you shall remit. It is my wish, that whenever you have a sum amounting to one hundred dollars, over and above what may be requisite for current expences, that you forward it by the first ⟨safe⟩ conveyance to the Bank. Your weekly returns must specify your remittances.
These measures are intended to enable me as far as possible to avail the public of the revenues arising in your state, without drawing the money out of it, by facilitating the negotiation of draughts, for which there is rarely any demand up⟨on⟩ your place.
I am, Sir,   Your obedt Servant
Alexander HamiltonSecy of the Treasury


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Mifflin, [2 June 1791]
From: Mifflin, Thomas
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Philadelphia, June 2, 1791]
Sir,
Inclosed I transmit a copy of a letter from the Register General of Pennsylvania, proposing an arrangement relative to the subscription of the State Certificates to the loan of the United States; in which, as it will expedite the business, and furnish the proper checks to the State Officer, I hope it will not be inconvenient to acquiesce at the Treasury of the Union.
I am, Sir   Your most obed Hble Servt.

Phila. 2d. June 1791.
To Alex Hamilton


Title: Enclosure: John Donnaldson to Thomas Mifflin, [1 June 1791]
From: Donnaldson, John
To: Mifflin, Thomas

[Philadelphia, June 1, 1791]
Sir
As the time for subscribing the State Certificates to the loan of the United States has arrived, I think it my duty to submit to the consideration of your Excellency a plan of arrangement that may probably expedite the business & furnish the proper checks to the State Officer with but little trouble to the Creditors of this State intitled to the benefit of the Act of the 9th April last.
The form already prescribed by the Treasury of the United States requires that such State Certificates proposed to be loaned shall be particularly described as to number, date, payee, period to which interest hath been paid & by whom loaned.
In addition to which I beg leave to propose:
That the Secretary to the Treasury be requested to direct That the Certificates to be issued for the proportional part of said loan in 3 ⅌ Cent & deferred debt, express by endorsement or otherwise the number of the receipt given at the time of subscribing.
That the Creditors holding said receipts to enable them to receive the compensation proposed by the Act of the 9th of April must produce the said receipt to this office where they shall be credited (in Books to be kept for the purpose) with the proportion of 3 ⅌ Cent & deferred debt on which they will be entitled to receive a further allowance from the State & on presenting the Certificates of the United States for the same they shall receive by themselves or their Attornies a Certificate or Certificates payable at the Treasury agreeably to said Act.
I am with great respect &c.

J.D.
Reg. Gen. OfficeJune 1st. 1791
Tho. Mifflin Esq.Governor


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Mifflin, 3 June 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Mifflin, Thomas

[Philadelphia, June 3, 1791. The catalogue description of this letter reads “Letter concerning a proposition made by the Register General of Pennsylvania.” Letter not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Mifflin, 3 June 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Mifflin, Thomas

[Philadelphia, June 3, 1791. “The want of the return of survey of the tract on Lake Erie purchased by Pennsy, from the United States, has hitherto prevented my adopting the measures you have desired for the completion of that business.” Letter not found.]