Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 31 March 1791
From: Olney, Jeremiah
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Providence, March 31, 1791. “I have received Mr. Coxe’s circular Letter of the 10th. instant. The Returns of Vessels built in this District, within the periods therein mentioned, shall be forwarded as soon as I can obtain a competent knowledge thereof. And should any Documents, relative to the Commerce, Manufactures &c. of this State, fall into my hands, they shall be transmitted agreeable to his directions.… I now enclose Seven … Drafts of the Treasurer, in favor of Jabez Bowen Esquire, dated the 15th of Feby. last.…”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, 31 March 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Seton, William

[Philadelphia, March 31, 1791. On April 4, 1791, Seton wrote to Hamilton concerning “the request expressed in your letter of the 31st.” Letter not found.]


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

Treasury DepartmentMarch 31st 1791
Sir.
The device intimated to me in your letter of the 26th. of January, I consider as a mere evasive expedient, which ought not to protect the owner of the vessel from a prosecution for perjury. It is my desire therefore that if any such case should occur you may direct proceedings on that ground against the offender.
I am, Sir,   Your obedt. Servant
Alexander Hamilton
Otho H Williams Esqr.Collector.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Richard Harison, 1 April 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Harison, Richard

Treasury Department1 April 1791
Sir,
You will find in this inclosure two copies of a contract with John McComb junr, of New York, for building a light house on Cape Henry. I request the favor of your sending for Mr McComb & procuring his execution of them. It will be necessary that the inclosed bond be also executed by Mr McComb, & two competent Sureties. The Persons offered to me were Messrs Nicholas Cruger & Peter Kemble, whom I approve: but as Mr. Cruger is absent from New York, I must ask the favor of your selecting out of the names that may be offered by Mr. McComb one in lieu of Mr. Cruger; whom you shall deem sufficient.
The requisite provision for the first payment will be made at the Bank of New York; to obtain which Mr. McComb’s exhibition of the contract executed by me will be sufficient. But this, of course, you will not deliver to him ‘till the bond has been excuted to your Satisfaction.
I am, sir,   With great consideration,   Your Obed Servant
Alexander Hamilton
Richard Harrison Esqr.Atto. for the United States,New York


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, 1 April 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Seton, William

[Philadelphia, April 1, 1791. On April 11, 1791, Seton wrote to Hamilton: “I have to acknowledge the honor of your Letter of the 1st. instant.” Letter not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Nathaniel Appleton, 2 April 1791
From: Appleton, Nathaniel
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Boston, April 2, 1791. “… I have now to inform you that I began yesterday morning to pay Interest on the Public Debt agreeably to the Act of Congress making provision for the same. I have compleated the Dividend book in which are Stated 863 Stockholders. The Duplicate Receipts are also prepared agreeably to the Instructions.…”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John Hopkins, 2 April 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Hopkins, John

[Philadelphia] April 2, 1791. Authorizes Hopkins to send Thomas Williams to Hillsboro, North Carolina, to testify in a case concerning the alteration of North Carolina certificates. States “The expences of his Journey will be repaid to him.”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Smith, 2 April 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Smith, Thomas

[Philadelphia, April 2, 1791. On May 10, 1791, Smith wrote to Hamilton: “I am honored with your favor 2nd April.” Letter not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Mathew Carey, 4 April 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Carey, Mathew

[Philadelphia] April 4, 1791. Presents his compliments to Carey and declines an invitation to a dinner of the Hibernian Society.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Seton, 4 April 1791
From: Seton, William
To: Hamilton, Alexander

New York, April 4, 1791. “Agreeable to the request expressed in your letter of the 31st. Mr. William Hill has been paid Five thousand Dollars.…”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 4 April 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Mount Vernon April 4th. 1791
Dear Sir,
Your letter of the 27th. Ult. came duly to hand. For the information contained in it and for the notes which accompanied the same, I thank you.
Every expedient, as I believe you know, is in operation to avert a War with the hostile Indian tribes and to keep those who are in treaty with us in good temper; but I am nearly thoroughly convinced that neither will be effected, or, if effected, will be of short duration while land jobbing and the disorderly conduct of our borders is suffered with impunity; and whilst the States individually are omitting no occasion to interfere in matters which belong to the general Government.
It is not more than four or five months since the Six Nations or part of them were assured (through the medium of Colo. Pickering) that thence forward they would be spoken to by the Government of United States only and the same thing was repeated in strong terms to the Cornplanter at Philadelphia afterwards. Now, as appears by the extract from Mr. King, the Legislature of New York are going into some negotiations with these very people. What must this evince to them? Why, that we pursue no system, and that our declarations are not to be regard. To sum the whole up in a few words—the interferences of States, and the speculations of Individuals will be the bane of all our public measures.
Sincerely & Affectionately   I am Yrs.
Go: Washington
Colo. Hamilton


Title: George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, and Henry Knox, 4 April 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Hamilton, Alexander,Jefferson, Thomas,Knox, Henry

Mount Vernon, April 4. 1791.
Gentlemen,
As the public service may require that communications should be made to me, during my absence from the seat of government, by the most direct conveyances and as, in the event of any very extraordinary occurrence, it will be necessary to know at what time I may be found in any particular place, I have to inform you that unless the progress of my journey to Savannah is retarded by unforeseen interruptions it will be regulated (including days of halt) in the following manner.
I shall be on the 8th. of April at Fredericksburg

11th. ——————
Richmond

14th ——————
Petersburg

16th ——————
Halifax

18th. ——————
Tarborough

20th. ——————
Newbern

24th. ——————
Wilmington

29th. ——————
Georgetown, south-Carolina

2nd. of May———
Charleston, halting five days.

11th. ——————
Savannah, halting two days.

Hence, leaving the line of the mail, I shall proceed to Augusta, and, according to the information which I may receive there, my return, by an upper road will be regulated. The route of my return is at present uncertain, but in all probability, it will be through Columbia, Camden, Charlotte, Salisbury, Salem, Guilford, Hillsborough, Harrisburg, Williamsburg to Taylor’s ferry on the Roanoke, and thence to Fredericksburg by the nearest and best road.
After thus explaining to you, as far as I am able at present, the direction and probable progress of my journey, I have to express my wish, if any serious and important cases should arise during my absence, (of which the probability is but too strong) that the Secretaries for the Departments of State, Treasury, and War may hold consultations thereon, to determine whether they are of such a nature as to require my personal attendance at the seat of government—and, if they should be so considered, I will return immediately from any place at which the information may reach me. Or should they determine that measures, relevant to the case, may be legally and properly pursued without the immediate agency of the President, I will approve and ratify the measures, which may be conformed to such determination.
Presuming that the Vice-President will have left the seat of government for Boston, I have not requested his opinion to be taken on the supposed emergency. Should it be otherwise I wish him also to be consulted.
I am, Gentlemen,   Your most obedient Servant
Go: Washington
Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, andHenry Knox EsquiresSecretaries of the United States for the Departments ofState, Treasury, and War.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Joseph Whipple, 4 April 1791
From: Whipple, Joseph
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Portsmouth, New Hampshire, April 4, 1791. Acknowledges receipt of Hamilton’s “letter of the 18 Decr. last together with Dycas’s & Colles’s Hydrometers.” States that Colles’s hydrometer may not be “truly graduated” and that there is a defect in the bulb of Dycas’s hydrometer. Requests a new bulb.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 5 April 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Delany, Sharp

Treasury Department,5 April 1791
Sir,
The section of the collection law relative to the tares to be allowed at the Custom house upon the several species of goods therein mentioned appears to require that the allowance ⅌ Centum upon

Coffee in bags
}
be computed upon the hundred pounds,

do. in bales

do. in casks

pepper in bales

do. in casks

and that the allowance ⅌ centum upon sugars (other than loaf) in hogsheads & boxes be computed on the 112 pounds.
You will perceive that the above arrangement applies to articles, sold universally by the pound, the tare ⅌ 100 lbs, and that it applies to articles sold ⅌ the hundred weight, the tare ⅌ 112 lbs.
As I find the customs in trade in various parts of the United States differ considerably, I think it necessary to inform you that the above is only my present idea. I shall take measures to obtain that accurate Statement of facts which will be necessary to a confirmed & settled construction of the act.
I am, sir,   Your obedt Servant
Alex Hamilton
Sharp Delany Esqr.Collr. Philadelphia


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Tobias Lear, 5 April 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Lear, Tobias

[Philadelphia] April 5, 1791. Asks for commissions for seven inspectors of the revenue.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Francisco de Miranda, [5 April 1791]
From: Miranda, Francisco de
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[London, April 5, 1791]
mon Cher Tresorier Genèral.
Ayez la bonté d’agreer mes Complimens, et mes Respects, dans I’ocasion du depart de notre mutuel ami le Col: Smith, qui a passé quelques Semaines dans cette Capitalle ici: qui m’a fait l’amitié de passer bien des moments ensamble; et a qui, J’ai êu le plaisir de voire parffaitement acueilir par tout le monde qui l’a connue antèrieurement, et vue dans l’ocasion actuelle.
Il pourrá vous dire l’etrange Sistheme Politique que l’Angleterre poursuit actuellement &c. et je peut vous assurer que vos Plans des finances; de Banc-nationalle; des colection des Taxes &c. non seulement ont merité l’admiration des gens de la plus grande consideration ici; mais ills ont donné aussi la plus haute idée du Nouveaux Gouvernement, qui se conduit a cet egard, par des principes d’honeur, et de dignité tres peu comuns dans les gouvernemens modernes! Je vous en felicite de tout mon Cœur, en atandant que les progres Repides des vos institucions produisent une prosperité general dans ce Pais-fortuné, et votre bonheur eternel qui est le prix immancable!

Portez-vous bien toujours, donnez moi des vos nouvelles (si vos ocupations vous le permetent), et croiez moi sincerement
Le votre,
F. de Miranda.
à Londres ce 5. Avril. 1791.
The Rig: Hon: Alexander Hamilton.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Ellery, 6 April 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Ellery, William

[Philadelphia, April 6, 1791. On April 19, 1791, Ellery wrote to Hamilton: “I have received your letter of the 6th. of this month.” Letter not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Duer, 7 April 179[1]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Duer, William

Treasury DepartmentApril 7th 179[1]
Sir
In consideration of the moderate terms of Mr Fowler’s contract with the public and from a disposition to give all requisite aid to the Contractor in order that the public service may be effectually & certainly performed, I accede to the requests contained in your letter, as explained in conversation—that is to say—I will advance immediately to you as Agent to Mr Fowler thirty thousand Dollars, and a further sum of twenty thousand Dollars at the expiration of forty five days from the date of this letter.
If upon the first of October next there is a satisfactory evidence that the public service has called for supplies (which have been furnished) to an amount sufficient to entitle the Contractor to the additional sum of thirty thousand Dollars they shall be paid; though he should not be then ready to comply with the forms of the Treasury.
I am, Sir,   Your Obedt. Servt.
Alexander HamiltonSecretary of the Treasury
William Duer Esqr.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 7 April 1791
From: Lincoln, Benjamin
To: Hamilton, Alexander

From the Collector of BostonApril 7th 1791
Sir,
I have the pleasure of enclosing a return of all the vessels built within this District from March 4th 1789 to March 4th 1791 collected & made agreeably to your wishes communicated by Mr Coxe your assistant the 10th ult. You will find the number exceedingly small and is not I think, more than one third of what was built in the years 1784 and 1785. I will attempt to assign some reasons why the business has suffered so great a deminution. As in this statement I may suggest some peices of information as you have often requested.
In the first place, at the close of the war, we were destitute, almost of shipping of any kind especially of those suitable for the fishing business, we very soon increased our numbers and by 1787 or 1788 we were fully supplied with vessels of this kind & with a sufficient number for our other purposes had we no regard to the carrying trade. We early discovered that although our number of fishing vessels was far short of the number employed in that business before the war, yet that we had too many and that more fish were caught than could find a market at a price which would save the taken of them free from loss, this has induced many to quit the business, while others have lessened their capital employed in it. The embarrasment which we have experienced from the unfriendly disposition of the Algerines and the partiality which the French Nation discovered to their own fisheries have been checks upon the sale of our Cod Fish and induced many to employ these vessels in an-other channel, while our Mackrel business has been ruined, entirely, by a diversion in a great measure of those Fish from our coast. The state of our fisheries and the delay some of our vessels have experienced and the disappointment of others in obtaining freights in the Southern States damp our ardour for building and are among the causes which may be assigned that so few vessels have been built the last two years in this District. I say that these are among the causes, they are not the sole causes. The scarcity of Ship Timber near the Sea Coast in this District is a check upon our building, as in time it must unless some especial measures are adopted to prevent it, a circumstance which should it become general would be pregnant with the most dangerous consequences.
If we take a survey of the Eastern States we shall find that their timber trees are greatly reduced and totally gone in many parts from the shores to a line thirty miles perpendicular there to, and that through the Country in general they are destroyed as fast as it is for the interest of the husbandman to do it without regard to the existance of a marine hereafter. If we reflect on the tenure by which our lands are held, that they cannot be secured in the same family, by the possessor of them for more than one or two lives at the most, that thereby is destroyed one of the greatest motives, which seems to have actuated mankind, who have been seen when there was no prospect of their enjoying the fruit of their labours, while in old age tottering in the field aided by the staff and imploying their time in planting the achorn strengthened and ⟨animated⟩ by a belief that they were laying a foundation for the happiness & support of their offspring, if we consider that it requires a term from fifty to one hundred years from planting the Achorn to the tree becoming of sufficient size for planks & the largest timber and when we contrast the state of the timber now, with what it was only fifty years past, we cannot be at a loss to pronounce that unless some measures are adopted by the public & those immediately that the day will come and that many of the children now living will see it when we shall no longer command the means of commerce or defence; where then will be that jewel for which we have so long contended? I think it would not be more laughable to hear a man without hands boasting of his freedom and independence, than to see this country supposing itself on strong grounds among the nations of the earth while to others she owed the means of her defence.
If it may be said that we need not be anxious, that Britain has, long since, been deprived of most of her timber, but, that she always found a supply from the neighbouring nations, it is true that She has received a very ample supply from a broad, notwithstanding She would put nothing at hazard. She always cultivated with the utmost care a certain proportion of the Island with trees always sufficient at all times in cases of accident to have Kept up that force for which she has been so distinguished & which has been so necessary to her own safety. But where shall the United States look for ⟨supplies of Ship Timber,⟩ without their own limits? None ⟨can be found on this⟩ side of the atlantic. The whole Country Northward & Eastward of the State of New Hampshire, with a few exceptions only, where an indifferent Oak is to be found, is principally covered with what is called the black growth the pine, the spruce, the hemlock &c. In some parts will be found the maple, the beach, the white birch, & the yallow birch, with this timber some vessels have been built in this State and many by the British since the close of the war in the Province of New Brunswick. There has not been sufficient time since the war to ascertain the value of such timber; if however upon trial it should be found to answer the purpose we cannot promise our selves a supply of it long for when once cut off a different kind of wood generally springs up viz a growth of the black kind or the white birch which is a very indifferent wood. If on the whole we are convinced that the succeeding generations will have a demand for shipping and we cannot point out a source from which they will be able to draw a supply of timber for building other than by our attention, at this day, to the culture of trees and that measure suitable therefor when grown should be neglected by us we shall be highly reprehensible for the neglect and justly chargable with a criminal improviding.

We should not be in The same critical situation respecting this matter as we now are did we hold our land on the same tenure as are the estates held in England; there the grand sire who plants the achorn knows that his child or grand child will reap the benefits of his labours; but the case is very different here where there is no public security that lands shall remain any given time in the same line, hence a very different kind of improvement takes place and one the most unfriendly to the culture of trees for timber.
Secretary of the Treasury


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Jacob Cuyler, 8 April 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Cuyler, Jacob

[Philadelphia, April 8, 1791. On May 10, 1791, Richard Cuyler wrote to Hamilton: “My Father (Mr. Jacob Cuyler). has shewn me your polite Favor to him of 8th. Apl.” Letter not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Richard Harison, 8 April 1791
From: Harison, Richard
To: Hamilton, Alexander

New York 8 April 1791
Sir,
Immediately upon the Receipt of your Letter of the 1st. Instant, I sent for Mr. McComb, and proposed his executing the Contract transmitted to me, and that a proper Surety should be substituted in the Place of Mr. Cruger. Upon the latter Subject I am informed that no Difficulties will arise, but with Respect to the Contract itself Mr. McComb alledges that a Mistake has taken Place. The first Payment he says was to have been four thousand Dollars, and he does not think that a less Sum will furnish the requisite Materials. He proposes therefore, if it meets your Approbation, to give a Receipt for an additional Sum of One thousand Dollars in Part of the third Payment, which he supposes will be conformable to the original Agreement & enable him to complete the Undertaking. I find another small Mistake in the Contract as to Mr. McComb’s Occupation, he being a Bricklayer, not a Carpenter; but I should think that Accuracy upon this Head is not essential.

In Consequence of the Communications which accompanied your Letter of the 15th of March & other information from New Jersey such Measures have been taken that Francis Crane and Israel Fuller, two of the supposed Criminals, have been apprehended and diligent Search is making for others who are accused of the same Offences. Unfortunately the Evidence which we were in Possession of was too loose in it’s Nature to warrant even an Indictment by the Grand Jury. Crane, therefore, applied to the Circuit Court for his Discharge, but without Success. It will be absolutely necessary that before the next Sessions, I should either have sufficient Evidence upon which to proceed, or that the Prisoners should be sent to Places where the Crimes were committed and the Witnesses reside. I doubt whether any Crime cognizable by the national Courts can be fixed upon Fuller, and propose, if you do not object, to deliver him up to the Judicatories of the State.
During the last Circuit Court two Persons have been convicted upon Indictment for Offences against the Revenue Laws. One of them, Captn. Josiah Gorham Junr: had been guilty of false Swearing as well as smuggling. His Mate was the principal Witness, whose Conduct in many Respects has been very meritorious. It appeared that the Captn. ordered him to land Goods upon the Arrival, & before the Entry of the Vessel. This from false Ideas of the Respect and Fidelity which he owed the Captain he was induced to comply with. In Consequence, an Action was commenced against him for the United States upon the  Section of the last Collection Law. Being Unable to find Bail He has been in Confinement upwards of six Months where his Health has suffered greatly and I fear that his Life may be lost, unless he is speedily released. Had he continued silent, it is beyond a Doubt that the Captain’s Villainy would not have been brought to Light, and therefore it is much to be wished that some Plan may be devised for remitting the Penalty to which he is subject, & wh. at any Rate he is unable to pay.
I am, with the highest Respect   &ca.   Sir   Your most obedt. & most humb. Servt.
Hon. A. Hamilton Esqr.Secry Treasy. U. S.


Title: Treasury Department Circular to the Commissioners of Loans, 8 April 1791
From:
To:

[Philadelphia, April 8, 1791. On May 3, 1791, Nathaniel Appleton wrote to Hamilton: “Your circular Letter 8th April is received.” Circular not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John Adams, 9 April 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Adams, John

Treasury DepartmentApril 9th. 1791.
Sir
I have just received a letter from Mr. Short which I wish to submit, in order to certain measures being taken upon it, to yourself and the heads of the executive departments, in pursuance of the President’s letter of the 4th. instant, which I take it for granted has been communicated to you by the Secretary of State.
I request therefore that you will please to name a time and place for the meeting; and that it may be as early as will be convenient to you after tomorrow.
I have the honor to be   With the most respectful attachment,   Sir,   Your Obedient servant
Alexander Hamilton
The Vice President of the United States.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John Adams, 9 April 1791
From: Adams, John
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Philadelphia April 9. 1791
Sir
I have received the Letter you did me the honor to write me this morning and as the Secretary of State accidentally fell in before I had opportunity to answer it, we agreed to propose a meeting at his House at two o’Clock on Monday next. If that time and place are agreeable to you, and the Secretary at War, they will be particularly so to me who have the honor to be with great regard, Sir your most obedient and most humble Servt.
John Adams
The Secretary of the Treasury of the U.S.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Nathaniel Appleton, 9 April 1791
From: Appleton, Nathaniel
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Boston, April 9, 1791. Sends “Names of persons to whom some of the … [Treasury] drafts were directed.” States that Hamilton’s “special Letter 24th March … and … Circular Letter 25th March are this minute come to hand.” Has complied with the instructions in Hamilton’s letter of March 17, 1791.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Simon Gross, 9 April 1791
From: Gross, Simon
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[April 9, 1791. On April 20, 1791, Hamilton wrote to Gross: “I duly received your letter of the 9th. instant.” Letter not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Charles Lee, 9 April 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Lee, Charles

Treasury DepartmentApril 9th. 1791
Sir
Mr. Lowrey a Merchant in your district presented at the Treasury some time ago the within certificate of your Deputy when he was informed that the direction to refund at the office where the Tonnage was received had been given in a circular letter to the Collectors of the 20th. August 1790. To prevent further difficulty a memorandum of the date of the letter was made on the back of the certificate. Application has been again made at the Treasury for a settlement of the matter. I have therefore to enclose you a copy of my circular letter of August 20th. 1790, being entirely at a loss to know why the money is not repaid. If any other reason than what is expressed in the certificate obstructed the repayment, I presume it would have been communicated to me.

I am, Sir,   Your obedient servant
Alex Hamilton
Charles Lee Esqr.Collector Alexandria


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Richard Wylly, 9 April 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Wylly, Richard

Treasury Department, April 9, 1791.
Sir:
The acting Paymaster General of the Treasury has reported to me the circumstances under which the certificate of the late Paymaster General, for $123, 283 70/90, mentioned in your letter of the 1st ultimo, was issued. I find that it is already passed to the credit of the State of Georgia, in the books of the Pay Office, and that it will be included in the statement of the general board of commissioners for settling the accounts of the several States with the United States. You cannot, therefore, receive that certificate in payment of subscription to the loan proposed by the act of Congress of the 4th of August, 1790.
I am, sir, &c.
A. Hamilton, Secretary of the Treasury.
Richard Wylly, Esq.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Samuel Henshaw, 10 April 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Henshaw, Samuel

Philadelphia, April 10, 1791. “Your letter of the 15th of March duly came to hand.… I wish you not to consider it as mere compliment, when I say, that the light in which your character stands could not fail to have brought you into view in that arrangement. And could you be minutely acquainted with every circumstance that in the President’s mind inclined the ballance a different way, you would find no reason to be dissatisfied with the estimation in which you have been held. You are well aware that in a comparison of the pretensions of men of merit collateral considerations may often be justly allowed to turn the scale.…”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Jedediah Huntington, 10 April 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Huntington, Jedediah

Treasury DepartmentApril 10th. 1791
Sir
It is certainly incumbent upon every master of a vessel to make report to the Collector of any district, into which he may go for whatever cause, within twenty four hours, and (if the vessel should remain so long in the district) to make an entry. The officers of the customs who do the duty consequently become entitled to a compensation. It is not however extraordinary that another opinion should have arisen with respect to the intention of the legislature, as different parts of the act countenance a different inference. In such cases such construction must be adopted as will best reconcile them (prefering express directions to implied meanings) and such as will be most conducive to the security of the revenue without oppressing trade. The danger to the revenue would be excessive, if the first report and subsequent entry were dispensed with. But there is no inconvenience to trade as it is immaterial where the tonnage is paid, and the cargo may be carried to any other district without paying or securing to pay the duties in the first.
When it is decided by the vessel’s departure, that she will not unlade in the district into which she has gone or in which she is detained, it is proper that the manifest be forwarded to the Collector of the District to which she is bound.
Should any vessel come within your [district from another] which has not her name painted upon the fixed work of her stern, which is nailed or screwed to her, [it will I think be adviseable to demand] from her foreign tonnage [and if disputed to let it be persisted in to a judicial determination.]
If it appears necessary to you I shall be satisfied, that you procure for the Surveyor of Middletown a cheap boat fit for harbour service, and that you procure the necessary scales and weights.
I observe in your letter of the 16th. ultimo you mention, that “the merchants have never failed so much in punctuality as at this period.” The uncertainty that would arise in the operations of this department, and in the most momentous affairs of government from defaults at the custom house obliges me to refer you to my instructions on this point which must be strictly executed. Should any bonds which are now due remain unpaid you will place them in the hands of the Attorney of the District.
I request to be informed how much lighter than their due weight were the dollars you mention, and whether there were any peculiar circumstances to which their lightness is to be attributed; as the dollars generally to be met with are of full weight.
I am, Sir,   Your obedient servant
A Hamilton
Jedediah Huntington EsqrCollector New London


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Jefferson, [10 April 1791]
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Philadelphia, April 10, 1791]
Th. Jefferson has the honor to send to the Secretary of the Treasury a note just received from Mr. Otto with copies of a correspondence between certain bankers desirous of lending 40 millions of livres to the U.S. the French ministers & mr Short. He will ask the Secretary of the Treasury’s consideration of these papers, & that he will be so good as to return them to him with the substance of the answer he would wish to have given to mr Otto. It is probable indeed we shall soon receive the same correspondence from mr Short with his observations on the offer made.
Apr. 10. 1791.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 10 April 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

Treasury DepartmentApril 10 1791.
Sir
I have the honor of your letter of the 4th. instant addressed to the Secretary of State the Secretary at War and myself; to which due obedience shall be paid on my part.
A letter from Mr. Short dated at Amsterdam the 2d. of December has just come to hand giving me an account of his proceedings to that period; a copy of which will be forwarded by the tuesday’s post. He informs me, among other things, that he had concluded with the Bankers of the United States to open a loan in February for two millions and a half of Guilders, at five per Cent interest and four per Cent charges, which is a half per Cent less than the last. The term of reimbursement fifteen years, beginning at the end of ten, with liberty to the United States to reimburse at any time sooner.
You will recallect that by a particular instruction from you to me, no succeeding Loan is to be opened, until that preceding has been submitted to you, and received your approbation. As it is very desireable that no delay may attend the progress of the business, both as it regards payments to France and the domestic operations, to which the loans may be applied, I have concluded to submit Mr. Shorts letter tomorrow to the Vice President, and the heads of Departments, that they may consider, how far the case is within the purview of your letter; and whether it will not be expedient to authorise Mr. Short to proceed upon a further loan to the amount of three millions of guilders, which is the sum to which the money lenders have been accustomed, and that recommended by our Bankers as the most proper to consitute each Loan.
I request nevertheless to receive your instruction as soon as possible upon the subject. And I submit whether it will not be adviseable to change the restriction above mentioned so as to leave Mr. Short at liberty to open his loans successively for three millions of Dollars each; no new one to commence till after the preceding one has been filled; but without waiting for a ratification from this Country; provided the terms be not in any case less advantageous than those now announced. There is always danger of considerable delay in waiting for approbation from hence, before a new loan can be undertaken; and favourable moments may be lost, for there are periods more or less favourable.
I think there is no probability for some time to come that loans can be obtained on better terms. And I may add that as far as I can judge, Mr. Short has conducted himself in the affair with judgment and discretion: and there will be safety in allowing him the latitude proposed. I believe also it will be adviseable to apply the present loan in the same manner as the former, that is to say one half, or perhaps 1,500,000 guilders to the use of France, and the residue to the purchase of the Debt here; on this point also I request your direction.
I have the honor to be   with the most perfect respect   Sir   Your most Obedient   & humble servant
Alex: Hamilton


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Ellery, 11 April 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Ellery, William

Treasury DepartmentApril 11th. 1791
Sir
The law has not provided for the payment of drawbacks, except the prescribed proofs of landing in some place, without the United States, be adduced. Goods exported for drawback cannot be landed again in the United States, without again paying the impost, under the existing laws, though it ⟨is no⟩t improbable the legislature will provide a remedy in some future act for this inconvenience to trade.
Your proceeding in the case of the Charming Sally, Reed, is conformable with law, and I do not see fit to interfere. Her case must have a legal decision.

The new act for registring vessels will probably provide for the making American bottoms of vessels condemned and actually sold for breaches of the laws, but at present such a vessel cannot be registered. She may sail under her old papers, and the Marshall’s certificate, but will be subject to foreign tonnage.
I am, Sir,   Your obedt. servant
Alex Hamilton
William Ellery Esq.Collector Newport


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Richard Harison, 11 April 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Harison, Richard

Treasury Department,11 April 1791
Sir,
Mr. Abijah Hammond has informed me that he delivered to the Grand Jury, before whom was brought the case of Christopher Bancker, the certificate, on which the charge against him was founded. I wish to know the present state of that affair.
I am, sir,   With great consideration,   Your Obedt Servant
Alex Hamilton
Richard Harison Esqr.Atto. of the United States,New York


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 11 April 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Lincoln, Benjamin

Treasury Department,11 April 1791
Sir,
The carriage of the Teas to Salem, as stated in your letter of the 9th Ultimo is a mere transportation & not an exportation of them. The outward entry must be made in due form at Salem where the Ship America was lying, and can only be made there. That outward entry is the first operation in the business of exportation, and as it will appear by the public books & papers that the goods were shipt from a district other than that into which they were imported, the drawback cannot be obtained. Nothing however in the law occurs to me, which will prevent the America from receiving part of her cargo in Salem, & proceeding to Boston to complete it. No tonnage will arise on an American Vessel trading in one district & proceeding to another, with Goods not deliverable in the latter. By means of this proceeding dutiable goods may be exported from Salem & Boston in the same Vessel so as to obtain the drawback on both.
I am, sir,   Your obedt Servant
Alex Hamilton
Benjamin Lincoln, Esqr.Collr. Boston


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, 11 April 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Olney, Jeremiah

Treasury DepartmentApril 11th. 1791
Sir
In answer to your letter of the 27th. of December I have to observe, that under the existing laws, I consider it as indispensible to an entry at any customhouse, that the vessel be actually within the district appertaining to it. The question has occurred in the port of Philadelphia, where cases of the nature you mention, frequently happen.
The legislature at a late stage of their session directed me to consider and make report upon the compensations and emoluments of the officers of the customs. It was my wish to have done it, but the difficulty of making amidst so many other pressing objects a proper arrangement, and the shortness of the Session put it out of my power to form a satisfactory report. This business will however receive due attention the next Session, and I recommend to you not to think of a resignation till you have seen the issue of it.
In regard to the small articles mentioned in your letter of the 17th. January, the law does not contemplate the exemption of any dutiable goods, except sea stores and certain articles belonging to emigrants, and it will be most proper that you adhere to those two exemptions and make no other.
The deduction of 7½ per Cent from a Captain’s or owner’s account in lieu of due measurement is not a legal mode of ascertaining the duty on goods imported. Due examination into the case will be immediately made. In all cases of goods to be gauged, weighed, measured &c. to ascertain the duties no other mode can be legally adopted.
I am, Sir,   Your obedt. servant
A Hamilton
Jerh. Olney Esqr.Collector Providence


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Nathaniel Pendleton, 11 April 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Pendleton, Nathaniel

Treasury Department11 April 1791
Sir,
I return herewith the proceedings on the petition of Duncan Manson, for the same reason, which has occasioned the remission of those in the case of Wm Backhouse.
The circumstance of excuse, for not complying with the law, is the change of Masters in the harbour of Charleston. The time of this change, and the time of departure ought to be known in order to a judgment whether any hurry or disconcertion on this account was the probable cause of omission.
As a general rule, the payment of the duties ought to be brought more to a point, by Shewing in what Vessel they were imported, and producing a certificate of their having been paid or secured, from the custom house. But as this may not always be practicable, it cannot always be regirously insisted upon.
I have the honor to be,   with very great consideration,   sir; Your Obed Hbe Servant
Alex Hamilton
Judge Pendleton


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Seton, 11 April 1791
From: Seton, William
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Bank of New York 11th Apl. 91
Sir
I have to acknowledge the honor of your Letter of the 1st. instant. Whenever Mr. John McComb Junr. exhibits the contract signed by you & him the Three Thousand Dollars shall be paid to him as you desire and passed to the Debit of the United States in the Seperate Accounts.
On the 16th. of Feby. agreeably to your desire we stopt the sale of the Treasurers Bills on the Collector then in Bank, as well those that had been Credited to his account as those that were not. They have remained in this state of Suspence ever since. The Treasurer’s last post has sent Bills on the Collectors for 18700 Dollars Desiring the Bank to give him immediate Credit for them, which is done. I must therefore request that you will honor me with instructions what I am to do with the former bills.
I am with great respect


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

[Philadelphia, April 11, 1791. On May 7, 1791, Washington wrote to Hamilton: “I have received … the opinions offered in your letters of the 11th.” Second letter of April 11 not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Robert Troup, 12 April 1791
From: Troup, Robert
To: Hamilton, Alexander

New York, April 12, 1791. “I recd. your last letter with … your account current with the Lees.…”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Jackson, 13 April 1791
From: Jackson, William
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Richmond, April 13, 1791. Encloses list of proposed inspectors of revenue for Virginia. Asks Hamilton to “suspend issueing the commissions” until Edward Carrington indicates “the determinations of the gentlemen who are appointed Inspectors.”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Jackson, 13 April 1791
From: Jackson, William
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Richmond, April 13, 1791. “The President of the United States commands me to request your attention to the enclosed memorandum.…”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Short, 13 April 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Short, William

Treasury DepartmentApril 13th. 1791
Sir
I have recently received your letters of the 2d. December and the 25th. of January. The others to which they refer have not yet come to hand.
The manner in which you have proceeded, as detailed in your letter of the 2d. of December, is entirely satisfactory to me and I doubt not will be equally so to the President, when known to him. He is now absent on a journey through the Southern States.
In consequence of the arrangement which has been made by the President relative to cases occurring in his absence, I am at liberty to authorise you as soon as the loan you announce is filled, to cause another to be opened for three millions of guilders, which I accordingly do.
One million and a half of the loan you have set on foot is destined as a payment to France, and you will please to take as early measures as possible to have the million remitted to Paris; the half million will wait for a further direction. I observe that the remittance of the million and a half of the last loan has been effected with considerable advantage to the United States. I presume that a similar advantage will for some time to come attend succeeding remittances.
Though your letters, detailing the nature of the offers for a transfer of the debt due to France, are not arrived, a communication through the Chargé des affaires of France to the Secretary of State has given me the requisite information. There is however one proposition of Messieurs Schweizer, Jeanneret & Co. which I do not understand. It is the fourth, to this effect, “The difference of exchange upon the forty millions to be furnished at Paris, & upon the same sum to be received in contracts of the United States shall be regulated according to the tariff announced in the law of Congress.” What is meant by this tariff I am wholly at a loss to determine, there being nothing in the law of Congress to which I can apply the term.
This being the case the propositions with the sole advantage of a prolonged period of reimbursement would leave the debt at the same rate of interest, and involve the disadvantage of making it payable at Amsterdam instead of Paris (subjecting the United States thereby to the loss arising from a less favourable course of exchange) together with the further disadvantage of a premium of five per Cent instead of four.
In this view of the matter the propositions are inadmissible. Your letter however by explaining the one I have quoted may possibly throw new light on the subject. But I do not despair that offers will be made better corresponding with the terms you are at liberty to accept.

The domestic debt of the United States has reached the following prices in our market.
Six ⅌ Cent funded Stock bearing Interest from the 1st. instant 17/ ⅌ £ or 85 ⅌ Cent, and much in demand.
Defered Six ⅌ Cent Stock 9/ ⅌ £ or 45 ⅌ Cent
Three per Cents bearing Interest from the 1st. instant 9/ ⅌ £ or 45 ⅌ Cent, much in demand and rising.
I have the honor to be,   with perfect consideration & esteem,   Sir Your obedient servant
Alexander HamiltonSecretary of the Treasury
Wm. Short Esq.Amsterdam.
P.S. I omitted to make you my acknowledgments for the returns of exports from St Petersburg, which I beg you now to accept. Such documents will always be most acceptable, and whenever they can be obtained without trouble or expence, I would request your transmitting to me copies of such as you may be able to procure. I have at present to ask of you the favor of obtaining for me the best information in your power concerning the establishment of the mint in the United Netherlands; the different offices, compensations to the persons engaged in it, the standards, weights, values &c. of the coins and such other particulars as are ever communicated, will all be desirable.
The situation of our East India trade renders it an object to obtain an account of the state of that branch of commerce in foreign countries. If you could with convenience furnish me with any thing relative to that of the United Netherlands it may be very useful at the present moment. I am particularly drawn to enquire about the affairs of the Dutch East India company by the circumstance of their borrowing money and at an high interest.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Richard Harison, 14 April 1791
From: Harison, Richard
To: Hamilton, Alexander

New York 14 April 1791
Sir
The Affair of Christopher Bancker having been previous to the Promulgation of the Law of the United States respecting Crimes, was not cognizable by any of the national Tribunals. It was therefore laid before a State Grand Jury which was sitting when Mr. Hardy was in this Place, and both Mr. Hammond and that Gentleman were examined upon the Occasion. To my great Surprise no Indictment was found; & having taken an Oppy. to enquire the Reason, One of the Grand Jury informed me that Mr. Hardy could not identify the Certificate produced to be one of those stolen from the Treasury. His Evidence was, that the Number of the Certificates stolen was either the same as that of the one in the Hands of Mr. Hammond or another specific Number which he mentioned. This Testimony I am told was supposed to be too uncertain to afford Ground for a Prosecution of so serious a Nature & perhaps Sentiments of Pity for a respectable but unfortunate Family were suffered to mingle themselves with other Considerations upon this Subject.
I have the Honor to be with very great Deference, Sir
Honb. A. H. Secy Treasy. U. S.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Jefferson, 14 April 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Jefferson, Thomas

Treasury Department 14th. April 1791
Sir
It was the intention of the President that you and myself should take such measures as appeared to us eligible towards carrying into execution the Resolution empowering him to procure Artists from Europe towards the establishment of a mint.
It appears to me of great importance, if still practicable, to acquire Mr. Droz, And the terms mentioned in the enclosed note when applied to so preeminent an Artist do not seem extravagant. Mr. Droz however ought to be bound to give his service for not less than a year after his arrival in the United States. I should think it advisable too that some determinate allowance should be concerted with him as an equivalent for the expences of himself and servant. It may be per day.
With regard to instruments, such as are indispensable and difficult of execution ought to be procured in Paris.
The having a person who is practically and accurately skilled in the assaying of metals is of course an essential part of the establishment meditated. None such has hitherto been found in the United States. If one can be procured from France on terms not immoderate, I am of opinion that it will be expedient to procure him; unless it should appear upon inquiry that Mr. Droz is himself perfectly equal to this part of the business also. The requisite apparatus for making the assays ought in the first instance to be brought from Europe.
In the engagement of such a person it is highly important that no mistake should be made. He ought to be a man not only well skilled in the business, but altogether trust worthy.
If the payment of compensations could be deferred ‘till after the services have been performed it would give security to the United States.
The requisite dispositions will be made to enable Mr. Short to possess himself of the funds which the execution of this trust may require.
I have the honor to be, with great respect and esteem.   Sir   Your obedient humble Servant
Alexander Hamilton
The Honble. Thomas Jefferson.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 14 April 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Lincoln, Benjamin

Treasury DepartmentApril 14. 1791.
Sir
On considering your letter concerning the Revenue Cutter, I believe it will be on the whole best that the builder proceed with her, attending as far as possible to the other hints in my letter, other than relative to her size. It seems now too late to make any alteration that would lessen her dimensions.
I am Sir   Your Obedt Serv
Benjamin Lincoln Esqr.Collector of the CustomsBoston


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Daniel Ludlow, 14 April 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Ludlow, Daniel

[Philadelphia, April 14, 1791. On April 23, 1791, Ludlow wrote to Hamilton: “I am indebted to the Honor of your esteemed favor of the 14 Inst.” Letter not found.]


Title: Receipt from Daniel Osborn, 14 April 1791
From:
To:

Philadelphia, April 14, 1791. Acknowledges payment by Hamilton of six shillings “for the freight of One box” from New York to Philadelphia.


Title: Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 14 April 1791
From: Treasury Department,Hamilton, Alexander
To: Collectors of the Customs

Treasury DepartmentApril 14th. 1791.
Sir
The House of Representatives having been pleased to direct me to examine and report upon the emoluments of the several Officers of the Customs, I find it necessary to enable me to form a satisfactory judgment upon the subject, that I be furnished with an accurate account, as much as possible in detail, of all the Monies received in the four quarters of the year 1790 by every Officer of the Customs, who, conceives himself to be insufficiently compensated. You will therefore, if you think it proper to have your case taken into consideration, transmit me such an Account, and you will exhibit in detail likewise in the same paper the expences of every kind, which you have actually paid during the same year. The sooner this information is received the more early I can enter upon the formation of a report. Should you think proper to make any observations, they will be acceptable. For the greater clearness I wish the letter inclosing the above account to be confined to the subject.
I am, Sir   Your Obedt. Servt.
A Hamilton
P.S. This letter will be accompanied by a letter from the principal Clerk in the Office of the Comptroller to which you will be pleased to pay the same attention as if it had been signed by the Comptroller himself.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 14 April 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

Treasury DepartmentApril 14 1791
Sir
I have the honor to send herewith a copy of my letter of the 10 inst: and of that from Mr. Short of the 2d. of December to which it refers; and also the copy of another letter from Mr. Short of the 25 of January.
The result of my submission to the vice president and the heads of Departments has been, that they have unanimously advised me to instruct Mr. Short to proceed to open a second loan as soon as the first shall be filled, and to extend this sum from two and a half to three millions of Guilders. I nevertheless request your direction concerning the alteration in his instruction, generally, which is proposed in my letter.
Finding on recurring to it, your instruction to me competent to the disposition of the sum borrowed; I have directed Mr. Short to apply one million and a half of the loan which was to commence in February, as payment to France. The exchange between France & Holland afforded a benefit of more than ten ⅌. Cent. to the United States on the last payment.
I thought it adviseable to dispose of a principal part of the loan to this object, not only from the general considerations which operate in the case, but from a desire to counteract the success of some Negotiations with the French Court for the purchase of the Debt due from us, which are not for the interests of the United States.
I have the honor to be   with the most perfect respect   Sir   Your most Obedt.   & most hble servant
Alexander Hamilton


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Jefferson, 15 April 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Jefferson, Thomas

Treasury Department, 15 April 1791
Sir,
The letter you sent me from Mr. Short & others which I have received, since mine to you, confirm the view of the subject therein taken. This you will perceive from the following passages extracted from one of them—“Since then (speaking of former overtures) another Company has presented itself for the same object, with a scheme by which the United States are to make the sacrifices on which they count for their profits.” “The object of this company is, as you will see, to pay livres tournois in their present depreciated State & to receive from the United States florins at the usual exchange—by this means France would receive from them as much as she is entitled to receive from us, but we should be obliged to pay the Company much more than we are obliged to pay France.” “Had I had powers competent to the purpose, I should not have thought myself justified to have opened such a negotiation where there was all loss and no prospect of advantage to the United States.” “I must also add that the house which makes these propositions is entirely unknown here & that I never heared even their names at Paris, which proves that it must be an inconsiderable one.” Consequently the credit of the United States would be in imminent danger of suffering in their hands.
I have authorised Mr. Short to apply a million & a half of florins of the loan he has opened to the use of France, and shall press as large payments, as may be practicable, to her.
I take it for granted that the Court of France will not attempt any operation with the debt, without the consent of the United States. Any thing of this sort, considering the efforts which are making on our part, to discharge the debt, would certainly be very exceptionable. Indeed I do not see how any valid disposition of the debt of a sovereign power can be made without its consent; but it would be disagreeable to have to use this argument. I trust it will never be rendered necessary.
I have the honor to be,   With great respect, Sir,   Your Obed Servant
Alexander Hamilton
Honble Thomas Jefferson


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Keais, 15 April 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Keais, Nathan

[Philadelphia, April 15, 1791. On May 6, 1791, Keais wrote to Hamilton: “Yours of the … 15th Ulto I have duly received.” Letter not found.]


Title: Treasury Department Circular to the Commissioners of Loans, 16 April 1791
From: Treasury Department,Hamilton, Alexander
To: Commissioners of Loans

[Philadelphia, April 16, 1791. On April 27, 1791, Nathaniel Appleton wrote to Hamilton: “I am this minute favoured with your Circular Letter 16th instant.” Circular not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 17 April 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

Treasury DepartmentApril 17. 1791
Sir
I am very sorry to have to inform you, that the Comptroller of the Treasury departed this life yesterday. His loss is sincerely to be regretted as that of a good officer & an honorable & amiable man.
With the most perfect   respect, I &


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 17 April 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

Philadelphia April 171791
Private
Sir
You will probably recollect that previous to your departure from this place, anticipating the event which has taken place with regard to the death of Mr Eveleigh, I took the liberty to mention to you that Mr. Woolcott the present Auditor would be in every respect worthy of your consideration as his successor in office.
Now that the event has happened, a concern as anxious as it is natural for the success of the department united with a sentiment of Justice towards Mr. Woolcott leads me to a repetition of that Idea. This Gentleman’s conduct in the station he now fills has been that of an excellent officer. It has not only been good but distinguished. It has combined all the requisites which could be desired; moderation with firmness, liberality with exactness, indefatigable industry with an accurate & sound discernment a thorough knowlege of business & a remarkable spirit of order & arrangement. Indeed I ought to say that I owe very much of whatever success may have attented the merely executive operation of the department to Mr. Woolcott. And I do not fear to commit myself, when I add, that he possesses in an eminent degree all the qualifications desireable in a Comptroller of the Treasury—that it is scarcely possible to find a man in the United States more competent to the duties of that station than himself, few who would be equally so. It may truly be said of him that he is a man of rare merit. And I have good evidence that he has been viewed in this light by the members of Congress extensively from different quarters of the Union, and is so considered by all that part of the public, who have had opportunities of witnessing his conduct.
The immediate relation too, which his present situation bears to that of Comptroller is a strong argument in his favour. Though a regular gradation of office is not admissible in a strict sense in regard to offices of a civil nature and is wholly inapplicable to those of the first rank (such as the heads of the great executive departments) yet a certain regard to the relation, which one situation bears to another is consonant with natural ideas of Justice and is recommended by powerful considerations of policy. The expectation of promotion in civil as in military life is a great stimulous to virtuous exertion: While examples of unrewarded exertion, supported by talent & qualification, are proportionable discouragements. Where they do not produce resignations, they leave men dissatisfied & a dissatisfied man seldom does his duty well.
In a government like ours, where pecuniary compensations are moderate, the principle of gradual advancement, as a reward for good conduct, is perhaps more necessary to be attended to than in others where offices are more lucrative. By due attention to it, it will operate as a mean to secure respectable men for offices of inferior emolument and consequence.
In addition to the rest, Mr. Woolcotts experience, in this particular line, pleads powerfully in his favour. This experience may be dated back to his office of Comptroller of the State of Connecticut and has been perfected by practice in his present place.
A question may perhaps Sir arise in your mind whether some inconvenience may not attend his removal from his present office. I am of opinion that no sensible inconvenience will be felt on this score; since it will be easy for him as Comptroller, who is the immediate superior of the auditor to form any man of business for the office he will leave in a short period of time. More inconvenience would be felt by the introduction of a Comptroller, not in the immediate train of the business. Besides this it may be observed that a degree of inconvenience on this score cannot be deemed an obstacle, but upon a principle which would bar the progress of merit from one station to another. On this point of inconvenience a reflection occurs which I do not think I ought to suppress. Mr. Woolcott is a man of nice sensibility, not unconscious of his own value; and he doubtless must believe that he has pretensions from situation to the Office. Should another appointment take place & he resign, the derangement of the department would truly be distressing to the public service.
In suggesting thus particularly the reasons which in my mind operate in favour of Mr. Woolcott, I am influenced by information that other characters will be brought to your view by weighty advocates, and as I think it more than possible that Mr. Woolcott may not be mentioned to you by any other person than myself, I feel it a duty arising out of my situation in the department to bear my full & explicit testimony to his worth; confident that he will justify by every kind of substantial merit any mark of your approbation, which he may receive.
In contemplating the appointment of the Auditor as Comptroller, a question naturally arises concerning a substitute for the former. In forming your Judgment on this point you would probably desire to know what may be the pretensions of the next officer in the department below the Auditor namely the Register. I say nothing of the Assistant Secretary or the Treasurer, because neither of them I presume would think the place of Auditor an eligible exchange for that which he now has & because I regard them both as distinct & irrelative branches of the department. The Register is a most excellent officer in his place. He has had a great deal of experience in the department, is a perfect accountant & a very upright man. But I cannot say that I am convinced he would make as good an Auditor as he does a Register. I fear he would fail on the score of firmness & I am not sure that his mind is formed for a systematic adherence to principle. I believe at the same time that he is perfectly content to remain where he is.
There will therefore be no difficulty in adjusting this matter to any collateral calculation which may be deemed requisite. A number of persons well qualified occur in this Quarter; but you probably will prefer directing your inquiries to the South on the principle of distribution. There is a circumstance which on this point I ought to mention. If I am rightly informed Mr. Nourse is originally from Virginia.
There is another circumstance which I ought not to conclude without mentioning to you. Mr. Coxe has signified to me his wish to be considered for the Office of Comptroller. On this point I have answered him & very sincerely to this effect “I am well convinced that the office under your direction would be in perfectly good hands. On the score of qualification my preference would not incline to any other man & you have every reason to believe that on personal accounts none would be more agreeable to me. But I am equally well satisfied on the other hand that no man ought to be preferred to Mr. Woolcott on the score of qualification for the office, and this being the case, I am of opinion that the relation which his present station bears to that in question gives him pretensions superior to any other person.” He then asked me whether it would be disagreeable to me to make his wish known to you. To this my answer was in substance that I could have no possible objection to his doing it and that I would even do it myself [but that I apprised him it should be done in such a manner as would make it clearly understood to you that all circumstances considered, I thought, that Mr. Woolcott had a decidedly preferable claim.
I trust Sir that in thus freely disclosing my Sentiments to you, you will be persuaded that I only yeald to the suggestions of an honest zeal for the publick good, and of a firm conviction that the prosperity of the department under my particular care (one so interesting to the aggregate movements of the government) will be but promoted by transfering the present Auditor to the office of Comptroller of the Treasury.
I have the honor to remain   with the most respectfull Attachment Sir Your Most Obedient & humble     Servant
Alexander Hamilton
P.S. If you should be of opinion to appoint the Auditor as Comptroller and the Register as Auditor, There would be a choice of valuable characters in the department well qualified to take the Station of the register should you think it adviseable to persue that Course.] That I may not be misapprehended, I beg leave to observe that though I do not think the Register well qualified for an Auditor in all respects, I do not think him so defective as to be a bad appointment.
[The President of the United States]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Campbell, Thomas Withers, M. R. Willkings, Auly Macnaughten, George Hooper, 18 April 1791
From: Campbell, William,Withers, Thomas,Willkings, M. R.,Macnaughten, Auly,Hooper, George
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Wilmington [North Carolina] April 18, 1791. Ask for instructions concerning construction of the Cape Fear lighthouse.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Richard Harison, 18 April 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Harison, Richard

Treasury Department,18 April 1791
Sir,
As the confinement in which Charles Seely, the late Mate of Cap. Joseph Gorham junr. now is, appears likely to affect his life, I request you to take such measures in regard to the case, as will certainly prevent a consequence so extreme. The President being absent, no relief can be derived from him. I am fully persuaded both his humanity & justice would induce him, as far as in his power, to prevent a Sacrifice of the life of even an ill intentioned Citizen in a case wherein the extremity of the law is limited by an inconsiderable pecuniary penalty.
I presume you concur in opinion with me that the case is not so far free from wilful negligence & intention of fraud, as to give him any chance of relief under the mitigating Act.
I am, sir,   with great consideration,   Your Obedt. Servant
Alex Hamilton
Richard Harison Esqr.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 18 April 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Lincoln, Benjamin

Treasury Department, April 18, 1791. States that it is impossible at this time to give a definitive answer to the questions raised by Lincoln’s letter of March 18, 1791.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 19 April 1791
From: Ellery, William
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Custom HouseNewport [Rhode Island] 19th. Apl. 1791
Sir,
I have received two pressing letters, one from the Surveyor of the Port of Warren & Barrington and the other from the Surveyor of the Port of East-Greenwich respecting boats for their Ports, extracts from which I now present to you.
“Agreeably to your request, (writes Mr. Phillips) I shall describe the Port of Warren and Barrington, and the parts adjoining. The Port of Warren lies on Palmer’s river about two miles up its mouth, trending about NE and SW Warren laying on the Eastside & Barrington on the West. (NB. the Extracts referred to after I began to write this I thought it would be best to send inclosed in separate papers). It appears to me that a boat for each of these ports would be useful, a small two mast boat for Warren and Barrington, and a boat of one mast, to carry a sail occasionally for East-Greenwich. The two mast boat belonging to this Port is too small for it, and I think will suit Warren & Barrington, and may be from thence employed at times in the North part of this District to advantage. If you should approve of it, I will get a suitable boat built for this Port, station our present boat at Warren, and furnish East Greenwich with what I conceive would be a proper boat for that Port. The cost of both boats equipped will be about 160 dollars. I daily expect applications from Bristol, and Pawcatuck for boats, and perhaps from North Kingstown, neither of them having a Custom House boat.
I have received your letter of the 6th. of this month respecting the Schooner Fly, and, when Mr. Brightman comes to town, if what you have written should not fully convince him I will, altho’ I shall despair of success, endeavour to contribute to his conviction. He desired me to write to you to obtain your consent that his goods might be excused from paying duties, and that his Schooner, altered, and enlarged as She was, might be Registered. I told him that convinced, as I was, that the duties had legally accrued, and that the vessel had not by the alterations and additions made to her become American I could not with any propriety comply with his request. What alterations and changes are required to metamorphose a foreign built vessel into an American built vessel the Laws of the United States do not inform me. I wish to know whether the purchaser of a foreign built vessel seized and legally condemned, being a citizen of the United States, would be entitled to a register for such vessel. The law is silent here; but if vessels so circumstanced are not admitted to the privileges of American built vessels, few if any citizens will bid for them.
You will receive with this a weekly return of monies on hand, the copy of an endorsement of the change of master on a Certife of Regr. No. 64. granted at this Port, Decr. 3. 1790 and the copy of a similar endorsement on Enrollment No. 19 granted at this port Sepr. 10 1790.
I am Sir yr. most obedt. servt.
W Ellery Collr
Secry of the Treasury


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John Nicholson, 19 April 1791
From: Nicholson, John
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Comptroler Generals Office [Philadelphia] April 19th 1791
Sir
Altho many of the Certificates the property of the State of Pennsylvania were not yet assigned thereto for which you have directed such provisions to be made as fully secures her interest therein, Yet there are also Certificates that appear to the Credit of the same State on the Treasury Books which individuals are intitled to on their delivering up the New Loan Certificates of Pennsylvania in their possession. This business hath been done by my Power of Attorney to transfer to the Individual so much of this Registered Debt as they are severally intitled to and went on with great satisfaction to the Individuals, but since the late quarters Interest hath been payable on their species of Debt a difficulty arises, and I find that such as have since been transfered, will when they come to fund their paper notwithstanding the appearance of the Registered Certificate and commencement of Interest expressed thereon is the same as expressed in the former leaves One quarters Interest behind which remains to the Credit of and is receivable by the State of Pennsylvania, altho the whole Interest is in part their property. To Obviate this inconvenience if it can be Obviated is the design of my present application. From this information you will see our situation and alone can direct relief in the premises. The State of Pennsylvania have by a law thereof determined to fund their paper according to the terms prescribed by Act of Congress, of August 1790. It would therefore be to us the most agreeable to receive no Interest upon any of the Registered Debt in the shape it now is, and untill funded. If therefore all that appears to the Credit of the State were added to those contained in the List made to the Register and to the bank and which are already excepted from the Quarters payment now making, it would at once remove the difficulty. The next practicable mode appears to me to be to frame my power of Attorney to transfer so as to include a power to receive also said Quarterly payment of Interest. However as I observed before, you are best Able to devise the method in which it should be done and I have great confidence that you will order it in such way as will accomodate the State and the individuals.
I have the honor to be   with high respect.   Sir your most Obt. Very Hbl   Servant
J. N.
The Honorable Alexe Hamilton Esqr.Secrety Treasury U States


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Caleb Gibbs, 20 April 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Gibbs, Caleb

[Philadelphia, April 20, 1791. On May 16, 1791, Gibbs wrote to Hamilton: “I have been honored by your much esteemed favour of the 20th. Ulto.” Letter not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Simon Gross, 20 April 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Gross, Simon

Treasury Department:20th. April 1791
Sir,
I duly received your letter of the 9th. instant about which time I transmitted to you the Commissions of all the officers of the Maryland Revenue Cutter, whom the President has yet thought proper to appoint.
The provisions and necessary small articles of Ship Chandlery will be provided for you by the Collector. I wish from him, after confering with you, a minute of the arms and ammunition that are thought necessary. You will be exceedingly careful not to proceed, without clear orders, in expenditures. I mention this the more particularly, because I perceive you mistook my request to have names sent me to submit to the President, for an authority to make the appointments. This is a power that I could not give you, and which can be exercised only by the president of the United States.
I presume from your manner of writing that the rigging and sails are prepared. If the latter are not, and Boston sail cloth cannot be procured in Baltimore as low as foreign I will immediately direct the necessary quantity to be Sent you from Boston.
I am, sir,   Your obedient Servant
Alexander Hamilton
Captain Simon Gross


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 21 April 1791
From: Olney, Jeremiah
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Providence, April 21, 1791. “I have been Honor’d with your favour of 11th Inst.… I am much obliged Sir, by your friendly communication and advice Respecting the Future prospect of a further Compensation to be made the Officers of the Customs.… I will Continue to execute the Duties of my Office, presuming, that it cannot be the Interest or Intention of the Legislature to appoint a person as principle in an Office of Considerable National importance, without annexing to it an adequate and decent support.…”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Daniel Ludlow, 23 April 1791
From: Ludlow, Daniel
To: Hamilton, Alexander

New York, April 23, 1791. “I am indebted to the Honor of your esteemed favor of the 14 Inst & though it was not in your Power, consistent with the Regulations, you had established to Accord to my Request, I am not the less Obliged to you for the favor of a Reply & ye pains you have taken, to prevent in future the like Inconvenience.… I have now taken my Passage for Europe & expect to embark by the 15th next month.… My Acquaintance in Europe not being sufficiently Extensive to Accord with my Views, induces me to trespass on your Friendship to Solicit … Letters of Introduction.…”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John M. Pintard, 23 April 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Pintard, John M.

Philadelphia April 23. 1791
Private
Dr Sir
Your letters of the 7th of December & 19 of January have come duly to hand.
What you mention concerning manifests and certificates of drawbacks certainly merits consideration. When the Collection law originated consuls were not yet appointed. You will oblige me by freely intimating whatever occurs to you for the benefit of our Trade and Revenue laws; whether arising from your observations on the practice of other countries, or from your own reflections.
I thank you for your attention in shipping me a pipe of Madeira, which I have received, and anticipate from its excellent quality, a regale in due time to my friends and myself. Mrs. Hamilton joins me in compliments to Mrs. Pintard.
I remain with much regard   Sir   Your Obed ser


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Isaac Moses, 24 April 1791
From: Moses, Isaac
To: Hamilton, Alexander

New York, April 24, 1791. “Whilst Congress was in Session I would not disturb you, I now beg leave to Remind you of your promise, in giving me a Deed for the House and I will execute a Mortage for £800, you will greatly Oblige me by Condecending to this mode, as I think all the Mony I have paid On a Very loose foundation.…”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 25 April 1791
From: Ellery, William
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Custom HouseNewport [Rhode Island] Apl. 25th. 1791
Sir,
The 21st. of this month I received a thermometer which by your direction was sent to me from New york by Mr. Lamb. By some accident the bulb was broken in its way from Philadelphia to this place. It came broken to me. As it was made at Philadelphia, and I suppose the maker is furnished with spare tubes I have remitted it to Mr. Lamb with a request that he would transmit it immediately to you. The graduated plate had I observed suffered some defacement.
I should be happy to receive your direction respecting a prosecution of the master of the Ship Warren, and on the case of William Almy a statement of which I transmitted to you on the 17th. of Jany. last, and also on the case of James Munro junr. which I stated in my letter of the 28th. of March last.
This letter will be accompanied by my weekly return of Cash & by two Certifes. of Regy. the one No. 21 granted at Dighton, and dated Apl. 22nd. 1790, the other No. 15, granted at this Port, and dated Augt. 3d. 1790. The first was delivered up on account of a transfer of property, the last on account of the Sloop’s being built upon.
I had the honour to receive your letter of the 11th. of this month, and am
Sir   Yr. most obedt. servt.
W Ellery Collr
A. Hamilton Esqr


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Jackson, 25 April 1791
From: Jackson, William
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Wilmington [North Carolina] April 25, 1791. States that the President thinks that Joseph McDowell, Sr., “is perhaps, in all regards, the most proper person to be appointed Inspector of the survey No. 5” in North Carolina and that Captain William Cooke should be appointed captain of the revenue cutter at Wilmington.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 25 April 1791
From: Olney, Jeremiah
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Providence, April 25, 1791. “From a difficulty which arises to git an old Millitary officer of Reputation to take Command of the Company to be raised in this State, I have been under the Necessity of Recommending Jeremiah Greenman to the Secretary of War, as a Gentleman that would do honor to the appointment. You will doubtless recollect that I Recommended this Gentleman as first mate of the Cutter Building in Connecticutt, but his appointment not being made, and a Millitary life being more Congenial to his wishes, I have under these Circumstances taken the Liberty to name him to the Secretary of War.…”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 25 April 1791
From: Olney, Jeremiah
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Providence, April 25, 1791. “Permit me to introduce to your acquaintance the Bearer… John S. Dexter, who has been honored by the President with the appointment of Supervisor of Excise for Rhode Island—he now goes forward as a Delegate from this State Society to attend the General meeting of the Cincinnati to be holden in the City of Philadelphia.…”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Stephen Van Rensselear, 25 April 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Rensselear, Stephen Van

[Philadelphia, April 25, 1791. The description of this letter in the dealer’s catalogue reads: “Regarding ‘several powers of attorney for the receipt of final settlement certificates’ presented by Abijah Holbrook ‘about whom reports of an unfavorable nature have been circulated;’ the certificates being those of soldiers in Colonel Marinus Willet’s regiment.” Letter not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John Habersham, 26 April 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Habersham, John

[Philadelphia, April 26, 1791. On May 20, 1791, Habersham wrote to Hamilton: “I have … received your letter of the 26th. ultimo.” Letter not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Richard Harison, 26 April 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Harison, Richard

Treasury DepartmentApril 26th. 1791.
Sir
You have been advised of the application of Samuel Dodge to the President for a Pardon. You know also that he is convicted upon the 26th section of the last Collection Law.
A question arises concerning the extent of the power to pardon. There is a general rule that a power to pardon cannot be exercised so as to divest Individuals of a right of action for their sole benefit, or of a vested right which they have in conjunction with the sovereign; as where there is a penalty part to the use of the Public and part to the use of an informer. The inquiry consequently is how far the penalties within the 26 Section are liable to the distribution contemplated by the 68 section of the same Act and what difference the mode of proceeding by Indictment instead of a popular action may make.
I wish your opinion after deliberate investigation on the points which arise out of the general question here made so as to exhibit principles which may guide in other cases as well as in this. I wish also your opinion whether the case of Dodge would be within the relief of the law concerning the Remission and Mitigation of Penalties.
If it should appear that the Presidents pardon may remit a part and not the whole of the penalties incurred by Dodge, it will remain to inquire whether the pardon ought to be general leaving the Court to make the exception of what it cannot opererate upon or special remitting only so much as concerns the Public. What process of execution would be proper to enforce part of a penalty?
Another case has occured, concerning which, I also wish your opinion. It is whether the officers of the Customs are intitled under the 68th Section to a share of the penalty prescribed by the 65th for false swearing. Distinctions on this point have been taken. If you should be of opinion, that the Officers of the Customs are intitled to nothing, it will be satisfactory to me to be informed of the ground of that opinion, or in other words, of the principle by which exceptions to the generality of the expression of the 68 section are to be governed.
With great consideration   I have the honor to be, Sir   Your Obedt servant.
Alexander Hamilton
Richard Harison Esqr.New York


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 26 April 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: McHenry, James

[Philadelphia, April 26, 1791. On May 3, 1791, McHenry wrote to Hamilton: “I did not receive your letter of the 26th till the morning of the 2d.” Letter not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Nathaniel Appleton, 27 April 1791
From: Appleton, Nathaniel
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Boston, April 27, 1791. “I wrote you 9th instant. I am this minute favoured with your Circular Letter 16th instant. I have disposed of all the Treasury Drafts.…”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Ellery, 27 April 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Ellery, William

[Philadelphia, April 27, 1791. On May 9, 1791, Ellery wrote to Hamilton: “I have received your letter of the 27th. of last month.” Letter not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Nathaniel Appleton, 28 April 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Appleton, Nathaniel

Treasury Department28 April 1791
Sir,
The bills of the old emmissions enclosed in your letter of the 22d December are now returned to you. Those which you have crossed are found to be counterfeit. That which remains unerassed is a true bill.

It will derange the established plan of operations to draw a warrant on you for your Salary & expenditures. It will be best that you appoint, as heretofore, an agent to receive your Salary at the Treasury. You have been directed by my letter of the 16th instant to deposit any money which remains in your hands in the Massachusetts Bank.
I am, sir,   Your Obedt. Servant
Alexander Hamilton
Nathanl Appleton Esqr.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Richard Harison, 29 April 1791
From: Harison, Richard
To: Hamilton, Alexander

New York 29th. April 1791
Sir,
I had the Honor of receiving your Letter of the 26th. and shall pay due Attention to the Contents. The Questions proposed, are in themselves of great Importance & not free from Difficulties. They must therefore require mature and deliberate Consideration.
Inclosed you will find the Contract entered into with John McComb Junr. & a Bond to secure the Performance of it. Mr. Cruger not having left proper Authority to execute an Obligation for him, I consented to accept of Messrs. Barrow and Boyd in his Stead, both of whom I suppose possess some Property. Either of them with Mr. Kemble, would, I think, afford sufficient Security to the Public.
I did not judge it necessary to have the Contracts copied over as the Alterations were very minute, and a Vessel being on the Point of Sailing for Cape Henry a Delay would have been inexpedient.
I am, with great Respect,   Sir   Your most obedt. & most   humb. Servt.
Hon. Alexr. Hamilton Esqr.


Title: Account with John B. Church, 1 May 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To:

[Philadelphia] May 1, 1791. A record of Hamilton’s administration of Church’s affairs “as ⅌ Account transmitted J B Church.… Dates not to be relied on. Entry having been subsequently made for memorandum.”


Title: Treasury Department Circular to the Commissioners of Loans, 2 May 1791
From: Treasury Department,Hamilton, Alexander
To: Commissioners of Loans

[Philadelphia, May 2, 1791. On May 15, 1791, Nathaniel Appleton wrote to Hamilton: “I am favoured with your circular Letter 2d. instant. Circular not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Joseph Ward, 2 May 1791
From: Ward, Joseph
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Boston, May 2, 1791. On May 26, 1791, Hamilton wrote to Ward: “I duly received your letter of the 2d instant.” Letter not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Nathaniel Appleton, 3 May 1791
From: Appleton, Nathaniel
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Boston, May 3, 1791. “Your circular Letter 8th April is received. An Account agreably to the form sent shall be transmitted as soon as possible. I now inclose you a Statement of the United States Act Current as it stands in my Book the balance of 26385.83 is deposited in the Massachusetts Bank.…”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 3 May 1791
From: McHenry, James
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Baltimore] 3 May 1791.
My dear Sir.
I did not receive your letter of the 26th till the morning of the 2d. I immediately after saw Gen. Williams and made such communication of your wishes as I thought most likely to be attended with success. You know his ambitious cast, and that he thinks he could be more serviceable at the head of a great department than collector of a district. I mentioned the death of the comptroller, and the probability in my opinion that the President from the knowlege he had of the present auditors habits experience and capacities for business would fix upon him for a successor; in which case the auditorship which was a very important office would become vacant. I observed on the advantages of a residence at the seat of Congress if he still inclined to mount higher, that he knew your power and disposition, and said I would take upon myself to make the necessary suggestions. The idea of the auditors office being a step to a still more desirable one had its weight, but he finally declined, alledging his ill state of health, and the recent death of a brother in law Col. Stull which has devolved upon him the care of his children and estate. In short he was not to be induced to be auditor, tho’ I thought could I have said comptrouller he might, notwithstanding his present state of health would unfit him for discharging the duties of either.
I then called on Mr. Wm. Smith who with less shew of talents will make a much better auditor. He will have as little to learn as the General; is as systematic, a more correct and perfect accountant, of great respectability and of longer standing in society. I found also here that the comptrollership was a more darling object. My first conversation was yesterday, and it was not till about half an hour ago I got him to consent to use my discretion, so you may use yours. I was obliged to intimate, that from the opinion you had of him, I could entertain no doubt but his appointment would be certain unless the President got entangled to the Southward.
You judged right. Nay, should even what I once thought of take place, and my present temper of mind continue, I would remain where I am. My mind in the loss of a brother has received a severe shock. My wife like yours is every thing that is kind good and excellent, and was there only one man more in the world I should be the happiest man in it.
Adieu and believe me yours most sincerely   and most affectionately
James McHenry


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 4 May 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Delany, Sharp

Treasury DepartmentMay 4th. 1791
Sir
I am informed, that a doubt has been made, whether in order to obtain the Credit for two years, for the duties on Teas, according to the Act making 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, it is necessary that the Teas be deposited in conformity to the regulations prescribed in the Act—it being contended that the parties will be intitled to the benefit of that Credit on giving Bond, with surety, as in other cases, conditioned for the payment of the duties in two years.
As I have no doubt that the true construction of the law makes the deposit of the Teas an indispensable condition to the allowance of that Credit, I am to desire that you will govern yourself accordingly.
I am, Sir,   Your Obedt. Servt.
Alexander Hamilton
Sharp Delany Esqr.Collr. Philada.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 4 May 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Lincoln, Benjamin

Treasury Department,4 May 1791
Sir,
Instructions relative to the collection of the Duties on Teas are now preparing, and will be very soon transmitted.
The papers relative to the Suffolk of Weymouth were returned some time since to the District Court of Massachusetts, as they were not in such form as to enable me legally to decide upon the case.
I am, sir,
B Lincoln Esqr.Boston


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Short, 4 May 1791
From: Short, William
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Paris May 4 1791.
Sir
Since my last of April 9. I have received a letter from M. de Montmorin in which he informs me that he had recieved a second letter from Schweizer & Jeanneret relative to the reimbursement of the American debt & their proposals respecting it, & that he had answered them that they must apply to me, being unable himself to interfere in the matter notwithstanding the favorable opinion he entertained of their proposals. They had previously applied to me to have something definitive done with respect to their terms, as not being willing or able to keep so large a sum unemployed upon an uncertainty & also as being limited as to time by the Genoese capitalists for whom they acted. I told them that I had done all that I was authorized to do, which was to send you their proposals & that as soon as I was made acquainted with your sentiments I would communicate them. Since then & since their letter to M. de Montmorin I have heard nothing further from them.
The Genoese Minister has as yet no answer from Genoa but he seems well persuaded that the U.S. may make loans advantageously there particularly since I have made him acquainted with the present situation of their debt, government, & revenue. In support of this it is indispensable that you should send here proofs of the amount of the taxes appropriated to foreign loans, properly authenticated. I have given him a copy of the act making this appropriation & also the amount of the revenue to last October as taken from the newspapers. I have mentioned also the augmented duties to take place. I think it highly probable by having a credit as well at Genoa as Amsterdam & by putting them in opposition with each other the U.S. may very soon reduce their rate of interest. The greatest obstacle to this would be the heavy arrears we owe France, & which it is supposed we shall immediately make loans to pay off. It is for this reason that it is doubly desirable to convert their arrears by some negotiation or other into a new form—or pay them off by loans made here which would of course not interfere with those to be made at Amsterdam or Genoa. The depreciation of assignats continuing I think it probable the U.S. might make such loans & particularly by securing the lenders against further depreciation. It is possible also that it might be an agreeable circumstance to them to render them bonds for these loans or any part of them receivable in the land office of the U.S for the purchase of lands agreeable to the prices fixed by law. This is only an idea which occurs as being an additional security against depreciation.
I am promised an account in detail of the loans made at Genoa for twelve months past & will send it to you.
I have the honor to be with perfect respect & attachment   Sir, your most obedient   humble servant
W: Short
The Honble Alexander Hamilton Secretary of the Treasury


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Nathaniel Appleton, 5 May 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Appleton, Nathaniel

[Philadelphia, May 5, 1791. On May 15, 1791, Appleton wrote to Hamilton: “I am … favoured with your particular Letter 5th instant.” Letter not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Mifflin, [5 May 1791]
From: Mifflin, Thomas
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Philadelphia, May 5, 1791]
Sir.
On the 28th. of Augt. 1788, the late Board of Treasury of the U.S. under the authority of a Resolution of Congress accepted the proposals which were made to them, on the 7th. of July preceding, by the Delegates in Congress from Pennsylvania on behalf of this State, for the purchase of a tract of Land, belonging to the U.S., contained in the interval betwixt a Meridian Line, run between Lake Erie and the state of Pennsylvania, and the boundaries of the States of New York and Massachusetts, at the rate of three fourths of a Dollar per Acre; payable in gold or silver, or in public securities of the U.S., bearing Interest.
As I understand that the quantity of land contained in the above mentioned tract has been ascertained by actual survey, it is proper to inform you that I am ready, on the part of Pennsylvania, to comply with the terms of the contract. Permit me, therefore, to request that on the part of the U.S. you will be pleased to make the necessary arrangements, and to appoint an early day for closing the transaction. I am, sir, yr most obd   & hble serv
T. M.
5 May 1791
To Alexr Hamilton EsqrS.T.U.S.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Forrest, John Nicholson, and Others, Public Creditors, 6 May 1791
From: Forrest, Thomas,Nicholson, John
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Philadelphia, May 6, 1791. In a letter dated May 27, 1791, and addressed to “Thomas Forrest, John Nicholson and others, Public Creditors,” Hamilton wrote: “I have received your letter of the sixth instant.” Letter not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Joseph Hardy, 6 May 1791
From: Hardy, Joseph
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Treasury Department, Comptroller’s Office, May 6, 1791. “On examining the Accounts of John Halsted, Collector of the Customs, for the District of Perth Amboy, from 1st. October to 31st. December 1790, it appears, that he has collected duties on American coasting Vessels, under 20 Tons burthen, at the rate of 6 Cents per Ton, per annum, to the amount of 29 Ds. 04 Cts. with which he has credited the United States. As the Collection of those duties, seems to have been made, contrary to the intent of your circular Letter to the Collectors of the 30th. November 1789; I conceive it to be my duty to communicate the circumstance for your consideration.”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Nathan Keais, 6 May 1791
From: Keais, Nathan
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Collectors OfficePort Washington [North Carolina] May 6th: 1791
Sir
Yours of the 14th & 15th Ulto I have duly received together with the last Acts of Congress. I shall as Soon as Possible and on the best terms I am able Contract with Some Person of Ability to build & Compleat the revenue Cutter. In your Letter of the 14th Ulto. you Say, on the receipt of this Letter you will Proceed to Contract with Suitable Persons for the erecting or fixing and Keeping up Setts of Stakes Which are Requisite to mark out the Several Channels that was formerly furnished with them. As no Particular Part of this Business is mentioned it has the appearance that you intended that I Should have the Management of all the sounds and Channels that was Ordered to be Stak’d by the Laws of this State.
Which I cannot think was your intentions, as the Waters of Cape Fear is so remote from all the Other Parts of this State the Legislature Gave them a Priviledge of Appointing Commissioners for that River alone. The Stakeage of the Swash and Royal Shoal in Pamplico Sound, was under the Directions of the Commissioners of Newbern Washington and Edenton; the Other Channels running into Pamplico & Albermarle Sounds under their Respective Commissioners.
This Method of Putting the Management of the Swash and Royal Shoal under the Care of three commissioners So remote from each Other was attended with Ill Consequences. I think this Business Ought to be put under the direction of One Person. I Shall Proceed to Hire Out the Stakeage of the Swash Royal Shoal and Pamplico Sound and All the Other Parts Within my District and Shall Wait your Instruction before I Proceed Further.
I am With Respect   Your Obedient Servant
Nath Keais