Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 31 July 1790
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Delany, Sharp

[New York, July 31, 1790. Letter listed in dealer’s catalogue. Letter not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 31 July 1790
From: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Treasury DepartmentAuditors office July 31st. 1790.
Sir,

By your direction I have examined the accounts of the several Loan officers, who serv’d under the late ordinance of Congress, and have now the honor to communicate my observations thereon.
The accounts of Nathaniel Gilman, of New Hampshire, Nathaniel Appleton, of Massachusetts, William Ellery of Rhode-Island, William Imlay of Connecticut, John Cochran of New York, James Ewing of New Jersey, Thomas Tilton of Delaware, Thomas Harwood of Maryland, William Skinner of North Carolina, John Neufville of south Carolina, and Richard Wylley of Georgia, have been settled in this office and are found to have been correctly stated; agreeably to the forms prescribed, and supported by the necessary Vouchers.
The accounts of Thomas Smith of Pennsylvania under the first arrangement of the Loan Offices, are very extensive, and have never been settled: he has however made regular returns to the Treasury of his transactions; the accounts which arose in his office under the last ordinance of Congress, have been settled to the present year, and have been found very accurate.

The accots. of John Hopkins of Virginia are now under examination, and are nearly completed, and are also found accurate.
I have the honor to be with great respect sir   Your Obt servant
Oliv: Wolcott Jnr.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Allibone, 1 August 1790
From: Allibone, William
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Philadelphia, August 1, 1790. Expresses concern over delays in the approval of the contracts for repairs on the Cape Henlopen lighthouse and for the lighthouse keeper’s salary.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 2 August 1790
From: Olney, Jeremiah
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Providence, August 2, 1790. “Enclosed are a Register and License given at the Custom House at New York for the Sloop Charlotte belonging to Warwick within this District;… in conformity to the law for registering vessels, it appeared to me to be necessary that she should be registered anew at this office, which has this day been done.…”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Short, 3 August 1790
From: Short, William
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Paris August the 3d. 1790
Sir

I have had the honor of recieving both the original & duplicate of your letter of the 29th. of May. Mine of the 4th. of April had not then reached you. In it I mentioned the subject of a conversation I had a few days before with Mr. Necker—the hopes he had founded on the unauthorized loan made at Amsterdam & his impatience, occasioned by the distressing penury of French finances, to know the decision of Congress on that subject. Since that period the situation of finances here has deteriorated, & of course his impatience increased. He is persuaded of the zealous desire which Congress have always manifested to discharge that sacred debt. He knows their possession of the loan in Holland, & concludes there can be no doubt that it will be immediately appropriated agreeably to his wishes. It was on this reasoning he founded his expectations, mentioned in my former letter, that I would give him an order on the Bankers for its amount. There was no difficulty in shewing him the impossibility of my giving such an order; but it was evident that he counted on it from Congress.
I find from your letter that no decision will be taken relative to the loan until the arrangements of finance in general shall be completed. This would seem to involve a doubt as to its appropriation agreeably to the hopes of Mr Necker. Still as it is only a doubt I have not communicated it to him. Should it be the design of Congress to annul a part of the French debt by this loan the policy of its being done without loss of time is evident, in order to avoid the paying interest both on the loan & the part of the French debt to which it would correspond.
You will think it advisable also perhaps (in case of this loan being adopted to discharge a part of the foreign debt) to appropriate such part of it as may be necessary to the payment of the principal & interest due the foreign officers here. There are two reasons in favor it. 1. that the interest on what is due them is greater than on the other debts & 2. because being dispersed in different parts of Europe their complaints of a want of punctuality, are not only more loud, but more disseminated, than those of the other creditors. Besides the sum being inconsiderable, & due for the most part to French subjects, it would not be ill regarded. And particularly if Congress were to shew a disposition to transfer the remaining part of the French debt to Holland. This I still think might be done with very little, perhaps without any pecuniary sacrifice—& the political advantages with which it would be attended, are too evident to need being mentioned.
Complaints have been made to ministry by some merchants of Havre trading to the United States, of the difficulties with which they meet there, relative to tonnage, & particularly in going from one State to another. These complaints have not come to me officially & I do not suppose the present situation of affairs here will admit of their being attended to. Still I think it proper to mention to you that such complaints do exist; because I am persuaded you are fully impressed with the propriety of fostering a commercial intercourse, which though opposed by a variety of obstacles, presents the perspective of great advantages in future to both nations. Time of itself will unquestionably ⟨secure⟩ these advantages; but from the dispositions which prevail here at present I have no doubt such arrangements might be made as would accelerate the event. Our commerce by becoming more generally diffused, would be less dependent on any particular country.
I inclose you a return of the Ships both American & foreign, together with their burthen, coming from the United States to France in 89. Also the quantity of flour &c. imported during the same term. I expect soon a return of these articles from the 1st. of January to the 1st. of July 1790. which I will do myself the honor of forwarding to you.
I have recieved your report on finance, which I have communicated to several persons here. They read it as well as myself with infinite pleasure. I am happy to learn that Congress are adopting it, as I am persuaded it will be fixing the credit of the United States on the firmest basis. I know at least that the impression which the report made on those who read it here, was a full persuasion both of the abilities of the author & the competence of the United States to a fulfillment of all their engagements.

I beg you to be assured of the sentiments of respect & attachment with which I have the honor to be   Sir,   your most obedient servant
W. Short
The Honble. Mr. Hamilton Secretary of the Treasury.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Tobias Lear, 4 August 1790
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[New York] August 4, 1790. Encloses commissions for persons appointed to the customs service in Rhode Island and Massachusetts.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 5 August 1790
From: Lincoln, Benjamin
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Boston, August 5, 1790. “I have been honoured with the receipt of your favor of the 30th. Ulto. by this evenings post. Immediately on knowing that the Act of this State making a Cession of the lighthouses &c had not been forwarded, I applied to the secretary for a copy of it which I obtained and have the pleasure to inclose.…”


Title: Report on Additional Sums Necessary for the Support of the Government, 5 August 1790
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To:

Treasury Department Augst. 5th. 1790[Communicated on August 7, 1790]
[To the Speaker of the House of Representatives]
The Secretary of the Treasury begs leave respectfully to submit to the House of Representatives the Estimates contained in the Schedules A and B herewith transmitted.
That contained in the Schedule A relates chiefly to the current service, and to matters for which an immediate provision is obviously requisite.
That contained in the Schedule B relates partly to certain claims on the United States of a nature distinguishable from the mass of the public debt and therefore requiring some special disposition, and partly to objects which it appeared to the Secretary proper to bring into the view of the House, that it might be considered whether any reservation of funds was necessary on their account.
The item respecting the orders of the Superintendant of Finance was the subject of a Statement which accompanied a report to the House of the 24th day of September last; but was not then provided for. Two petitions preferring claims, for the satisfaction of which among others those orders were issued, one from Peter Anspach on behalf of Timothy Pickering late Quarter Master General and the other from Abraham Skinner late Commissary General of Prisoners, have been presented to the House during the present Session and referred to the said Secretary: pursuant to which reference he begs leave to state—
That those orders were issued to satisfy debts which had been contracted by the said late quarter Master General for supplies furnished and services performed in relation to his department, subsequent to the first of January 1782, before which time all transactions in paper money had ceased, and contracts and dealings had begun to be wholly carried on in Specie; and to discharge demands upon the United States on account of supplies and accommodations to the officers of the American army, in captivity during the late war.

The sums due on the former account were understood, when incurred, to be immediately, or in a short time payable in specie, in many instances by special contract, in others, from the course of the business. The then Quarter Master General alleges, and the allegation is supported by some evidence, that he and his assistants relying on being enabled to make due payment, have rendered themselves in a number of cases personally answerable for its being done.
The sums due on the latter account have been understood to be payable in like manner with those due on the former. Assistances to this effect have been repeatedly given; and correspondent expectations have been entertained by those to whom the money is due. The said late Commissary of Prisoners appears to have made himself personally liable in some instances and represents that he has done it in all.
Such having been the nature of both these species of claims, warrants in the usual course were issued by the Superintendant of Finance on the Receivers of the States of Rhode Island, New York & Delaware; which warrants not being satisfied, by reason of the want of means, were afterwards returned into the Treasury by the Officers to whom they were granted.
It has happened, that several persons have brought in the Certificates they received from the Quarter Master General and his deputies, to the Commissioner for settling the accounts of that department, to be cancelled and have received other certificates in lieu of them, which now constitute a part of the general debt. To what extent this has been done is not ascertained, nor can be so without going over an immense mass of cancelled papers.
It does not appear that this circumstance has attended the class of claims relating to Prisoners.
If an appropriation should be made, it can only operate for the benefit of those who have never made a different election by accepting in exchange the certificates alluded to. It is a rule necessary to be maintained in all cases that wherever such an election has been made the parties shall be concluded by it.
In respect to those claims which remain as they originally stood, The Secretary is of opinion, that they ought to be discharged in specie. And he is informed, that they have always been considered in this light at the Treasury, though the embarassments of the finances have unavoidably postponed the payment.
The expences which have been incurred in relation to the Treaties contemplated by the Acts of Congress of the 22nd. of October 1787 and 2d. of July 1788 appear to exceed the sums which have been actually advanced on account of them. This excess is not finally ascertained. The expediency of an appropriation equal to the sum remaining unpaid of the grant of the 2d. of July to answer such further demands as may be liquidated and admitted in the course of the Treasury is respectfully submitted.
An estimate of the probable expence of a Treaty with the Indians of the Wabash and Miami rivers is inserted, in order that a provisional reservation of a competent sum may be made, if it should be judged eligible.
The Statement respecting the warrants issued by the late Board of Treasury is intended as explanatory of the disposition of the sum of One hundred and ninety thousand dollars appropriated by the Act of the 29th day of September last, towards discharging those warrants.
In regard to the debt due to foreign officers, the Secretary begs leave to submit to the House of Representatives the expediency of directing the same to be paid out of the Loan of Twelve Millions of dollars, which is authorised by the Act of the fourth instant making provision for the public debt: In addition to other cogent inducements for paying off this debt, is the circumstance that it bears an interest of six per Cent, payable in Europe.
It will occur to the House of Representatives that all the revenues which shall exist at the close of the present Session are appropriated to the payment of the interest of the public debt, subject to such priorities and reservations as may result from appropriations heretofore made, or those which may be made, during the present session. Hence it will be perceived to be necessary to reserve and appropriate, before the termination of the session, such proportion of the revenues which have accrued, or may be expected to accrue in the course of the present year, as may be sufficient to satisfy, not only the demands on the treasury already established, but those which are likely to be established in the progress of the adjustments of depending claims, resulting from the transactions of the former government. A reservation and appropriation of fifty thousand Dollars for this purpose will, probably be found convenient.
The Secretary begs leave further to state, that there is a probability of a surplus of about One Million of Dollars accruing from the duties now in operation to the end of the present year over and above all the sums for which appropriations have been heretofore made and are now proposed: And to submit it as his opinion, that it will be expedient to authorise the application of this surplus to purchases of the public debt in the Market.
As long as these purchases can be made at rates below the true value of the Stock, there will be an absolute gain of all the difference to the Government. And very considerable savings to the nation will result from raising the price of Stock by this operation; inasmuch as foreigners must pay a higher price for what they buy.
It may even be worthy of consideration, whether authority ought not to be given to extend the purchases beyond the limit of that surplus upon a credit not exceeding a certain specified and short term; relying for this purpose on the aid of Loans.
In the execution of an arrangement of this nature, due regard may be had to the possibility that the collection of the duties accruing in the ensuing year, may not keep pace with the demand for paying the early interest.
All which is humbly submitted
Alexander HamiltonSecretary of the Treasury


Title: Enclosure: [Schedule] A: Additional Estimate of Monies Required for the Services of the Present Year, 6 August 1790
From: Nourse, Joseph
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[SCHEDULE] A
Additional Estimate of Monies Required for the Services of the Present Year.
For the payment of the Civil and Military Establishments under the Acts passed during the present Session—for defraying the Expense of the enumeration Law—for the payment of Claims founded upon Contracts made by the late Government, and which have been adjusted at the Treasury since the former Estimate of Extraordinaries was presented under date of 1st. March 1790—to make good some deficiencies in the former Appropriation by Congress—and for other Purposes.

Dollars. Cts.
 Dollars. Cts.

For the payment of the Civil & Military Establishments provided for by Acts passed during the present Session

Judicial Department

For the Salary of the District Judge for the State of Rhode Island, from July 3d. 1790 the time of his appointment to 31 December

   1790, at 800 Dollars pr. Annum
398. 90

For the Salary of the District Judge, for the State of North-Carolina, from June 8th. 1790 the time of his appointment to the 31

   December 1790, at 1500 Dollars pr. Annum
  850. 68.

1,249 58

Government of the Territory of the United States South of the River Ohio

The Governor for his Salary as such, and for discharging the Duties of Superintendant of Indian Affairs in the southern Department, from the 8th. June 1790 the time of his appointment to

   31 December 1790, at the rate of 2000 Dollars pr. Annum
1,134. 24.

  Secretary for same time—at 750 Dollars pr. Annum
425. 34.

  Two Judges, at 800 Dollars each amounts to
  907. 39.

2,466 97

Frederick William Steuben

For the payment of his Annuity for one year, commencing on the

   1 January 1790 and ending 31 December following

2,500 —

Department of War

Additional Expense of this Department for the Year 1790 in consequence of the “Act for regulating the Military Establishment of the United States passed the 30 April 1790” as estimated by the Secretary at War.

Pay, Subsistence and Forage for a Battalion of Infantry and sundry Staff Officers in addition to those now in service to commence on the 1 July 1790.

Pay

1
Major
6
months
at
40
Dollars

240.—

4
Captains
“
“

30
“
each
720.—

4
Lieutenants
“
“

22
“
“
528.—

4
Ensigns
“
“

18
“
“
432.—

16
Sarjeants
“
“

3 50/100
“
336.—

16
Corporals
“
“

2 75/100
“
264.—

8
Musicians
“
“

2

“
96.—

264
Privates
“
“

2

“
3,168.—

5,784. —

Staff

2
Inspectors
6
months
at
30
Dollars
each
360.—

3
Adjutants
“

10

“
180.—

3
Quarter Masters
“

5

“
90.—

1
Pay Master
“

5

“
30.—

4
Senior Musicians
“

3 50/100
“
 84.—

744. —

3 Surgeons Mates more are specified in the before mentioned Act of the 30 April two of whom being only employed under the former Acts of Congress are found necessary for the service. Pay from the

  1 May to 31 Decr. 1790 at 24 Dolls. pr. Month
576. —

Subsistence

For
1 Major 6 Months or
184
days at 4 Rations Per day is
736.

4 Captains
“
at 3 pr. day
2,208.

4 Lieutenants
“
2 pr. day
1,472.

4 Ensigns
“
2 pr. day
1,472.

   Rations. 6,992. at 12 Cents

839.  4

3 Surgeons Mates from 1 May 245 days at 2 Rations each per day 1470 Rations at 12 Cents
176. 40

Forage

1 Major
6 Months
at 10
Dollars
60.—

2 Inspectors
“
10
“
120.—

3 surgeons Mates
8 Months
6
“
144.—

324. —

Rations

308 Non Commissioned Officers & privates—184 days Viz from

    1 July to 31 Decr. 1790 is 56.672 Rations at 12 Cents pr.
6,800. 64

Clothing

    308 suits at 20 Dollars pr.
    is

6,160. —

Quarter Masters Departmt

Including the Transportation of the Recruits to the frontiers—the removal of Troops from one Station to another, the transportation of Clothing, Ordnance, & Military Stores to the respective posts, the hire of Teams and Pack horses, the purchase of Tents, boats, axes, camp-kettles boards, firewood, Company books, Stationary for the Troops and all other expences in the

   Quarter Masrs. Department
5,000. —

Hospital Departmt

Medicines Instruments &c.
250. —

Contingencies of the War Dept

For Maps, hiring Expresses, Printing, loss of Stores of all kinds,

   advertising and apprehending deserters
  750. —

Dolls.
27,404.  8

The Pay of the non Commissioned Officers and Privates of the Infantry and Artillery now in service is extended at the rate of the Old Establishment until the 31 December 1790, on a supposition that the distances of their several Stations will prevent an Arrangement for replacing them on the new Establishment until that Period. But the alteration of the Pay, Subsistence & Forage of the Officers which will commence on the 1 May 1790, in consequence of the Act of the 30th. of April last, reduces the sum required for them in the Estimate of the 31 December last—2,252. 40/100 Dollars. It is however to be observed that in the said Estimate of the 31 December last the Sum of 824 Dollars required for the forage of the Officers now in Service for the present year was omitted—this Sum being allowed for that purpose will leave a Surplus in the last Estimate of 1,428 40/100 Dolls. already provided for by the last
 1,428. 40

Appropriation, which being deducted from this Estimate

   will leave the Sum of
25,975. 68

In an additional Estimate the Secretary at War states to the Secretary of the Treasury that there will be required to pay Captain Aaron Holden—Pay for January, February, March, &

     April 1783
  160.—

     Ditto. for his Subsistence
   33.25.

204. 25

There is also required to pay Stephen Moore Proprietor of West-Point, so much heretofore short estimated by the Secretary at War for

       Rent for the Year 1789
    37.50.

       And also for the Year 1790
    37.50.

    75. —

26,254 93

Light Houses, Beacons, Buoys &c.

In addition to the sum heretofore Granted for the Support, Maintenance and Repairs of Light Houses Beacons, Buoys & public Piers—there will be required for the State of Rhode Island.

      Dollars 445

             “ North Carolina

445

☞ The Secretary of the Treasury has not yet received a full Estimate for North Carolina it is therefore left open for a future appropriation.

The former Estimate for the support of the Light House and Beacon at Sandy Hook for the Year 1790 proves less than the necessary Expenditures according to accounts settled at the Treasury by the Sum of Dollars. 539.95

To which add so much which will be required up to 31 December 1790
387.19

927. 14

There are other Objects relating to the security of the Navigation which do not fall within the letter of the Act respecting Light Houses &c. but which being of a similar nature it is presumed wou’d come within the reason of a provision for the Objects expressed in that Act. An Appropriation for this purpose is therefore submitted of
  1,000. —

1,927. 14

For defraying the Expense of the Act for the Enumeration of the Inhabitants of the U.S.

The allowance to the Marshalls under the said Act is as follow’s. Vizt.

    Dollars

    For the
    District of
    Maine
    200.—

    “
    New Hampshire
    200.—

    “
    Massachusetts
    300.—

    “
    Rhode Island
    100.—

    “
    Connecticut
    200.—

    “
    New York
    300.—

    “
    New-Jersey
    200.—

    “
    Pennsylvania
    300.—

    “
    Delaware
    100.—

    “
    Maryland
    300.—

    “
    Virginia
    500.—

    “
    Kentucky
    250.—

    “
    North Carolina
    350.—

    “
    South Carolina
    300.—

    “
    Georgia
    250.—

3,850. —

“By the said Act the Assistants to the Marshalls are allowed at the rate of One Dollar for every

One hundred and fifty persons by them returned where such persons reside in the Country: and where such persons reside in a City or town containing more than five thousand Persons, they are allowed One Doller for every three hundred persons: and where from the dispersed situation of the Inhabitants in some divisions, One Dollar for every One hundred & fifty Persons shall be insufficient, the Marshalls with the approbation of the Judges of their respective Districts may make a further allowance to Assistants in such divisions as shall be deemed an adequate Compensation provided the same does not exceed One Dollar for every fifty Persons by them returned.”

If therefore three dollars are estimated for every five hundred Persons thus to be returned, and the Enumeration is calculated at three millions of Inhabitants, there will be required from the

Treasury of the United States to pay the said Assistants
18,000. —

21,850 —

For the payment of Claims founded upon Contracts made by the late Government and which have been adjusted at the Treasury since the former Estimate of Extraordinaries was presented under date 1 March 1790

Indian Department

To Richard Butler late Superintendant of Indian Affairs in the Northern Department appointed by Act of Congress of the 14 August 1786 for the amount of his Account for Supplies furnished to Indians and for Pay of an Interpreter and Labourer

   from 10th July 1786 to 14 October 1788
337. 67

To Richard Butler Executor to the Estate of William Butler deceased, for said Williams pay as Deputy Superintendant of Indian Affairs Northern Dept. from 17th March 1787 to 14 October 1788

   pr. Act of Congress of 8th. August 1786
788. 35

To James O Hara Attorney for George Loveless for his services under the Superintendant of Indian Affairs in the Northern Department from the 8th. February 1788 to the

   14 October following
209. 77

To James O Hara attorney for Joseph Nicholson for his services under the said Superintendant as an Indian Interpreter from

   11th. February 1788 to 14th October following
255. 73

To James Rankin employed by said Superintendant, for his pay and Expences as a Messenger to the Indian Nations from

   22 January 1788 to 14 October following
878. 78

To Isaac Williams employed by the Superintendant of Indian Affairs for the Northern Department for his Pay as an Interpreter to the Wyandott Indians from 20th. of March 1788 to 14th October

   following
416. —

To William Wilson employed by said Superintendant as a

   Messenger to the Indian Nations being for a balance due him
958. 80

To the Secretary at War for so much advanced by him for George Morgan White Eyes an Indian Youth lately at Princeton College placed under the Superintendance of Col George Morgan by Congress, Vidé their Act of 13th. October 1781. being for sundry Articles of Cloathing a Horse and Money supplied him to carry him back to his own Country as pr. Account settled at the

   Treasury Amounting to
Dollars   425.52

Deduct so much thereof remaining of the Grant of Congress by their Act of Appropriations for the Services of the Year 1789

  244.10

181. 42

To the Secretary at War for so much advanced by him to Governor St. Clair for Indian services out of the Sum of twenty thousand Dollars granted by Congress for the “Expences which may attend Negotiations or Treaties with the Indian Tribes and the appointment of Commissioners for managing the same” by Act dated the 20th. August 1789, but which the Comptroller of the Treasury does not admit as a part of the Sum thus appropriated upon the account thereof stated for Settlement by the

   Secretary at War
500. —

For supplying the Troops with Rations and for Transportation Service

To James O Hara Contractor for the Year 1788 for the Amot. of sundry accounts adjusted at the Treasury the 4th. & 8th. of June

   1790 under a Contract made with the late Board of Treasury
4,073. 83

Late Loan Office

To Richard Wylie (late Loan Officer for the State of Georgia) for so much unprovided for and for the full payment of his account as settled at the Treasury the 14th. May 1790 Vizt.

For his Salary from 3 July 1786

      to 31st. of December 1789. at
      Dollars.90
      Cents

      600 Dollars pr. Ann.
      2,096.66

      Stationary and Office expences
        85.78

             Dolls
      2,182.60

Deduct sundry Sums already appropriated Vizt. By Act for the Services of the year 1789 included under the Loan Office

      head &c. sum of 6225 Dollars
      345.86

By Act for the Services of the Year 1790 under the Head of Loan Office & included in the Sum of

      6,725 Dollars
      340.—

Also for so much stated to be the balance, but as his Account was not at that time settled, & was debited with a Sum of money he had not received a variation arises therefrom of

      692.50

      1,378.36

804. 24.

To the Representatives of the Honble John Laurens Esqr. deceased, late Special Minister from the United States to the Court of Versailles, for his Salary from the 11th. of December 1780 (the day of his appointment) to the 5th. of September 1781 (the day Congress permitted him to join the Army) at the rate of £2500 Sterling pr Annum, agreeably to an Act of Congress for

   that purpose dated the 1 March 1785
8,188. 73

To LeRoy & Bayard Merchants of New York

For so much due to them on a Contract made with the Secretary of the Treasury on the 29th. of March 1790—

They Contracted to deliver and agreeably to the same they have delivered Bills of Excha. on Amerstdam to the Amount of 100,000 Current Guildres in favour of the Commissioners of Loans for the United States, for the Payment of the Dutch Interest becoming due in the Year 1790 at the rate of 400 Dollars for every 1140 Current Guilders and which Amounts to

Dollars. Cts.

  35,087.71.

Deduct so much heretofore appropriated

  32,000.—

3,087. 71

To Constant Freeman of the Province of Canada

To discharge a Bill of Exchange dated Quebec 5th. August 1776 drawn by William Thompson William Irvine, Christopher Greene, John Lamb, Timothy Bigelow and Danl. Morgan On Meredith and Clymer

Dollars.

For the sum of
1,677.70.

 Interest on Do.
1,386.85.

Sundry Costs of Protest
  58.73.

Amounting to Dollars
3,123.28/100

3,123. 28.

according to the Auditors adjustment thereof the 10 July 1790 and admitted by the Comptroller of the Treasury the 15th following. This Claim so far as respects the advance of money to relieve the distresses of the American prisoners being in every respect similar to that of John McCord, to whom Congress by their Act this session have made payment, It is therefore

   submitted for an appropriation

To John Neufville late Loan Officer for the State of South Carolina for a balance due to him on a settlement of his Account at the Treasury on the 30th. April last, for his Salary and Stationary from the 27 July 1786 to the 31 December 1789

   is
Dollars 2,796.81.

Deduct so much already provided for. Vizt.

By Act making appropriation for the

year 1789   6 months salary
400.—

Do. for 1790 … ditto …
400.—

   Do. in the Estimate of Extraordinaries
1,241.23.

2,041.23

           leaves to be provided for
755. 58.

To Monsr. LeRay de Chaumont as Stated by the Auditor and

  admitted by the Comptroller of the Treasury the 31st May 1790

“For the balance of an Account admitted by Thomas Barclay Esqr. Commissr. for adjusting the accounts of the United States in Europe dated 15th June 1784.

sols. denrs.

Amounting to Livres 4684.   16.   6

   equal to
892.35

Also for the balance of an Account settled by James Milligan Esqr. including Interest to 18th. August 1784 which sum is

   Credited in the Books of the Treasury”
8,158.98

9,051. 33

Western Territory

To Andrew Ellicott employed to compleat the Survey directed by a Resolve of Congress of 26 August 1789. for so much unprovided for, and payment of the balance upon the settlement of his account at the Treasury the 26th. March last Vizt.

   The Amount of his Account thus settled is
2,359.78

   Deduct the amount Granted for this service by   the Act making appropriations for the   present Year
2,160.—

199. 78.

To Isaac Guion employed for the purpose of carrying into Effect the Resolve of Congress of 26th. August 1789. for the Amount of his adjusted Claim for services and Expences by direction of the

President of the United States
632. 80

To Thomas Franklin employed by the late Board of Treasury as Auctioneer to sell Lands surveyed by the United States in the

Western Territory. 16 Days at 3 Dollars per day
48. —

Bills of Exchange Drawn for the Exigencies of the Late War

For to discharge the Claim of Shedden Patrick & Compy. Merchants of the City of New York, founded on an account adjusted at the Treasury the 17 May 1790, being for a sett of Bills of Exchange No. 39, drawn on the Honble Benjamin Franklin and which remain upaid
200. —

34,691 80

To Make Good Some Deficiencies in the Former Estimates on Which Appropriations Were Made by Congress

Treasury Department

For repayment to the Treasurer of the United States Costs of Protest on a Bill of Exchange which was drawn by mistake on the Deputy instead of the Collector and was therefore returned

   under Protest for non payment
41. 47

For the payment of two additional Clerks to be appointed by the Secretary of the Treasury employed in the Treasurers Office for the purpose of counting & examining the Old & New Emissions of Continental Money & Indents—estimate for 5 Months at

   500 Dolls. pr. Annum
416. 64

To repay to the Treasurer so much which was appropriated for the use of his Office for the Year 1789 and which was applied with other Contingent monies for the use of the Office of the Secretary of the Departmt. the Comptrollers

   Auditors and Registers
100. —

For the Salary of an additional Clerk employed in the Office of the Secretary of the Treasury from the 10th. May 1790 to 31 December following both days inclusive

   at 500 Dollars pr. Ann
323. 28

The Incidental and Contingent Expences of the Treasury Department are found to exceed the Sum estimated and Appropriated for the Year 1790 Vizt.—

The Sum appropriated was Dollars
1,800.—

The Expenditures upon Accots. Officially settled, have been to this time
1,396.77.

leaving on hand only the Sum of Dolls
403.23/100

There will be required to pay Rent of the House occupied for the several Offices
500.—

Ditto for the use of an additional Office for the Auditor
40.—

For new Books & Stationary for the Dept
500.—

For printing Registers and other forms under the Act for Registering Vessels
200.—

For Cases and Boxes for public accounts
250.—

For Wood—12 fire places estimate 60 Cords at 5 Dollars
300.—

And for Contingencies
 150.—

1,940.—

   Deduct so much on hand
403.23

1,536. 77

Department of State

The Secretary of State in addition to the Sum heretofore appropriated for him (previous to his arrival) estimates for his Department as follows Vizt.

The Interpreter of the French Language continued in Office under the Act of Congress of 11th. February 1781. For his Salary from 1 January to 31 December 1790
250.—

For an additional Sum of fifty Dollars to his Office keeper and Messenger for the Year 1790 to put him on a footing with the Office keeper & Messenger in the Treasury Department
50.—

For the additional Clerk (in his Office for the Home Department) from the 1 April 1790 to the 31 December following at 800 Dollars pr. Ann.
600.—

The Extra expences of his Office are estimated more than was provided for
250.—

1,150.—

Indian Department

To Richard Winn, late Superintendant of Indian Affairs in the Southern Department, for the difference between the Pay of a Superintendant of Indian Affairs at 1000 Dollars per Annum as fixed by Congress on the 8th. of August 1786 and the Pay of a Deputy at only 500 Dollars per Annum from the 29th. of August 1788 to the 29th of November following as per Account

   adjusted at the Treasury
125. —

To James Burnside late Clerk to the Commissioner for settling the Accounts of the Marine, Clothing & Hospital Departments for his Salary from 8th May 1789 to the 1st. August following; founded on a Certificate of the Auditor of the Treasury dated in his Office the 16th. of February 1790 and which should have been stated in the former Estimate of Extraordinaries and added to the Sum of 628. 26/100 Dollars which was appropriated

   for a Similar Purpose.
110. 31.

To Thomas Smith late Loan Officer for the State of Pennsylvania, for Six Months service in the present Year at the rate of his former Salary, as a Compensation for Executing the Business of exchanging the Pennsylvania Loan Office Certificates for those

   of the United States
750. —

For the Payment of an Account presented by Richard Phillips late Steward of the Household of the President of Congress under the former Government for sundry Expenditures for Marketing and for sundry articles purchased between the 17th. of December 1788 and the  1789 when he delivered up the furniture and other Articles preparatory for the reception of the President of the United States.

Amounting to Dollars
138.36.

And for the discharge of sundry Accounts brought in.
Vizt.

  Walter Nichols
  for
  Groceries
  £ 8.17.

  Cobus Mires
  “
  Wood
  11. 2.

  ——— Bradhurst
  “
  Milk
  3.19.

  Henry Arcularius
  “
  Bread
  6.16.

  Appleby & Matlock
  “
  Beer
  5.—.

  Richard Phillips
  “
  Salary
  14.12.

  Palsey Phillips
  “
  Do
   24.15. 8

  New York
  £75. 1. 8

  = to 187.70

326.  6.

To John Halstead formerly a Commissary in Canada for the Balance which remains unpaid of a Grant made to him by Congress as

   per their Act of 4th. June 1788
39. 62

To the Estate of Hugh Smith late Post Master at the Head Quarters of the Army, for a balance due to the deceased for his Services on the settlement of the Accounts of Peter Baynton Esqr. late Comptroller of the Post Office as adjusted at the Treasury on the 12th. of November 1782 and which is now claimed by

   Daniel Dennison Administrator of sd. Estate
   120. 65.

5,039 80

Note   This Claim is stated payable in Specie; because the several Officers of the Post Office have received their respective balances in Specie.

To Complete the Survey Directed by Act of Congress of the 26th. of August 1789.

Mr. Andrew Ellicott who proceeded with this business as far as it was practacable last year has been employed since the 1 June 1790 in carrying on the said Survey—before his departure from New-York he left with the Secretary of the Treasury an Estimate of the Expense (exclusive of his allowance) which would attend the perfecting the same

Amounting to
Dollars 1,452.—

4 Months allowance for his own Services at 5 Dollars pr. day
 610.—

2,062 —

The House of Representatives having by their Act for settling the Accounts of the United States made a provision whereby the Clerks employed or to be employed by the General Board of Commissioners shall receive like Salaries as Clerks employed in the Treasury Department. There will be required to pay such

   additional Salary for Six Months

200 —

To Matthias Ogden Assignee of Albion Cox for the amount of an Account settled at the Treasury the 4th. August 1790 being for a pair of dyes made for the purpose of striking Indian Medals;

   by direction of the late Board of Treasury

140 —

Loan Officers, to be appointed under “An Act making provision for the Debt of the United States.”

    for
    the state of
    New Hampshire
    650.—

     “

    Massachusetts
    1,500.—

     “

    Rhode Island &c.

       Providence Plantations
    600.—

     “

    Connecticut
    1,000.—

     “

    New York
    1,500.—

     “

    New Jersey
    700.—

     “

    Pennsylvania
    1,500.—

     “

    Delaware
    600.—

     “

    Maryland
    1,000.—

     “

    Virginia
    1,500.—

     “

    North Carolina
    1,000.—

     “

    South Carolina
    1,000.—

     “

    Georgia
      700.—

    Dollars
    13,250.—

Per Annum, Estimate for five Months salary

   5,500 —

Dollars
104,327  22

Treasury Department   Registers OfficeAugust. 6th. 1790
Joseph Nourse Regr
To Alexander Hamilton Esqr. Secretary of the Treasury


Title: Report on the Petition of Jacob Rash, 5 August 1790, [7 August 1790]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To:

Treasury-department, August 5th. 1790.[Communicated on August 7, 1790]

[To the Speaker of the House of Representatives]
The Secretary of the Treasury having considered the petition of Jacob Rash, referred to him on the 29th. day of June last, respectfully reports:
That the reasons which induced the late Congress of the United States, to grant a renewal of Continental Loan Office Certificates, destroyed through accident appear of equal weight in regard to other evidences of the public debt, which have been the subjects of similar casualty.
That justice to the petitioner, therefore, seems to require that an opportunity of renewing his certificates be granted to him; and as there are several applications of the same nature, it is respectfully suggested, that it will be expedient to provide by law for administering Relief to all who shall be found similarly circumstanced, under the following cautionary regulations, which are in most particulars, the same as those provided in the case of Loan Office Certificates, so far as they will apply to the different species and circumstances of the Certificates.
1st. That the Certificates renewed be issued to those who shall appear to have been the holders of them at the time they were destroyed, or if dead, to their legal representatives.
2nd. That the Certificates destroyed be advertized in the Newspapers of the State where the accident happened, and in the State where they were issued: which advertizement shall be continued six weeks, and shall contain the numbers, dates, sums, names in which the Certificates were taken out, and the time when, the place where, and the means by which the same were destroyed.
3d. That a copy of the advertizement be lodged in the Office of the Commissioner of Loans within the State, in which the Certificates, alledged to have been destroyed, were issued, together with such testimony as can be procured, ascertaining the time when, the place where, and the means by which the destruction happened; which copies and testimonies shall be duly certified by the said Commissioner to be laid by the party claiming the renewal, before the Comptroller of the Treasury, who shall finally decide on the sufficiency thereof.
4th. That the party, claiming the renewal, enter into bond to the United States, with two or more sufficient freeholders as sureties (their sufficiency to be judged of by the said Comptroller) in double the amount of the value of the certificates claimed to be renewed, with condition to indemnify the United States against the holders of the Certificates said to be destroyed, should any such afterwards appear.
5th. That no Certificates be renewed before the expiration of three months after the publication of the advertizement above mentioned, and that there be an endorsement on each renewed Certificate, signifying that the same was issued in lieu of one destroyed by accident, and describing the original.
In regard to Certificates which have not been destroyed by accident, but which have either been lost or captured, or otherwise taken away, it appears extremely difficult to devise any mode of relief to the sufferers, which will not subject the United States to so much hazard of imposition and injury, as to render the expediency of it questionable. If the House should, nevertheless, be of opinion that Justice requires, it may be granted under the same regulations, which are proposed in respect to Certificates destroyed.
All which is humbly submitted.
Alexr Hamilton.Secry. of the Treasury.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Walter Stewart, [5 August 1790]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Stewart, Walter

[New York, August 5, 1790]
My Dear Sir

I thank you for the interest you are so obliging as to take in procuring for me a house. My wish has been to have it first ascertained what arrangement would be made, if any, by your Magistracy or other public Men, in regard to offices for the accommodation of the department. If any public buildings should be destined to that purpose, my next wish would be to have a house as near my destined office as possible. A cool situation & exposure will of course be a very material point to a New Yorker. The house must have at least six rooms. Good dining and drawing rooms are material articles. I like elbow room in a yard. As to the rent the lower the better consistently with the acquisition of a proper house. But I must leave that to what is practicable.
When Judge Wilson was in Town he obligingly offered to look out for me. Without adverting to your friendly undertaking I requested him to do so. I mention this that you may have the goodness to communicate with him: For two houses would be more than I shall probably have occasion for.
The manner in which you speak of Mr Smith confirms my former impressions.
I remain   Yr Affect & Obed serv
A Hamilton
Augt. 5. 1790
General Stewart


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 5 August 1790
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

Treasury Department, August 5, 1790. “The Secretary of the Treasury has the honor respectfully to submit to the President of the United states a contract … for shingling two houses, and building a breast-work for the foundation of the light-house at Cape-Henlopen He begs leave to offer an opinion, that the terms of this agreement appear to him advantageous to the United states.”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jonathan Elmer, 6 August 1790
From: Elmer, Jonathan
To: Hamilton, Alexander

New York, August 6, 1790. Recommends appointment of John Conway as the captain of a revenue cutter.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Newton, Junior, 6 August 1790
From: Newton, Thomas, Jr.
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Norfolk [Virginia] August 6, 1790. “Your Letter of the 25th Ult. I received this day.… I employ’d the surveyor chain Carriers &c & shall furnish him with an acct thereof & transmit a plat of the two acres’s survey of the Cape as soon as the surveyor supplies me therewith to you.”


Title: Conversation with George Beckwith, [7–12 August 1790]
From: Hamilton, Alexander,Beckwith, George
To:

[New York, August 7–12, 1790]

[Beckwith] “As our packet is to sail to morrow I wish to know, whether any thing has occurred to occasion an addition to the communications, which you were pleased to make to me on the 15th. of last month.”

Supposed 7. No, nothing at all. I at the same time think myself warranted to acquaint you, that Mr. Morris’s letters by your June packet mark an alteration in the disposition of your Cabinet, according more with the spirit of Lord Dorchesters communications by you, than seemed to be the case before; Mr. Morris has been asked, whether we should be disposed to send a minister, if such was your disposition; to this Mr. M. has been too shy in his reply; but I conclude your communications on that point had not then reached England.
[Beckwith] “No, they were not forwarded from Quebec until late in May, and I think it right to say the matter respecting the mutual appointment of Ministers was fully explained.”
[Hamilton] “I believe you will recollect, that shortly after the arrival of the Creek Indians I mentioned to you, that I took no part whatever in Colonel MacGillivray’s negotiation, that I was ignorant of his intentions in coming here, and that I had no concern in Indian Affairs: I judged it necessary to come to this explanation at that time from particular circumstances.”
Supposed 7. The step You took on that occasion was very satisfactory.
[Beckwith] “The object of my present application is this, I have rigidly adhered to the same system since that time, but when your Treaty shall be completed, and every thing finally concluded, I should wish to see Mr. McGillivray. You undoubtedly have heard from public report, that some of the Southern Indians have been at Halifax, and the public prints assert, they are gone to Quebec; now I wish to ascertain who they are, and by what authority they act.”
[Hamilton] I may mention in confidence to you, that we are by no means satisfied with the conduct of the Spanish Officer, who arrived lately from the foreign possessions of that Crown; we cannot prove it positively, but have every reason to think, that he has been using endeavours to check or even to frustrate our negotiations with the Creek Indians, and with this view that he has made them large presents in this city; this we consider as perfectly unwarrantable. I am not sure whether our disapprobation of this conduct may have yet been communicated, but if not, it will immediately. Now if we take this step with respect to the servants of the Spanish Government, it occurs to me it may seem inconsistent to give You a toleration to negotiate with the same party, this I throw out for Your consideration.
[Beckwith] “I have no authority to negotiate; I wish merely to come to an explanation with Colonel Mc.Gillivray on the points I stated to You.”
[Hamilton] There is a person here, who calls himself a British Officer, who has been busy with the Indians, and who drew away two or three of them one night; he is a man of low character, and has been wandering about through the West India Islands of different nations; it is therefore highly problematic, whether such a man may not be a Spanish Agent; if any thing had appeared to lead to the idea of this man’s being employed by Your Government, I should have mentioned it to You in direct terms.
[Beckwith] “Such a man, or such men, may have three objects; they may be pushing a personal interest, they may be employed by Spain, or (what I confess I think improbable) they may be employed by the Government here; in any of these events it would make no sort of difference, as it respected me; peace and friendship between you and the Creek Indians, is evidently not hostility with us, and I trust it will never be viewed in that light here.”
[Hamilton] Certainly not. I shall think of Your application; from the forms of our Government, the Treaty although matured, must be approved by the Senate, and I shall let You know to morrow or next day, whether Your request is considered as leading to any sort of inconvenience or not; but I cannot think for many reasons, that we should employ any person or persons whatever in the manner You have described.
[Beckwith] “I am far from believing You would, I only expressed all the possible circumstances of such a case.”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Newton, Junior, 7 August 1790
From: Newton, Thomas
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Norfolk [Virginia] August 7, 1790. Forwards the plan of the Cape Henry lighthouse site. Assumes that Hamilton has received Virginia’s act of cession.


Title: First Conversation of August 8–12 with George Beckwith, [8–12 August 1790]
From: Hamilton, Alexander,Beckwith, George
To:

[New York, August 8–12, 1790]

… Supposed 7. I have mentioned Your application with all the circumstances attending it; there will be no sort of difficulty in Your seeing Mr. Mc.Gillivray whenever you please; General Knox, at whose house he resides, is apprized of it, and will introduce You to him. I cannot think it probable, that any of the attempts to sound Your ideas or dispositions during our negotiations with the Creeks have originated with our Government; it is a mode of acting so very different from that which we should have taken, if any suspicions had existed relative to You personally or to Your government.
I have already mentioned my wish, that when matters shall be brought to a point, and a serious discussion take place between Great Britain and us, pains may be taken to guard against any jealousies in the manner of it; we are a new people, which may occasion a coyness; some of us possibly may entertain doubts of your wanting to mark a superiority, and such an idea may give a turn to the whole negotiation.


Title: Second Conversation of August 8–12 with George Beckwith, [8–12 August 1790]
From: Hamilton, Alexander,Beckwith, George
To:

[New York, August 8–12, 1790]

[Beckwith] “Having heard that Governor St. Clair had asserted since his arrival in this place, that the Indians in the Western Territory are induced to continue their hostilities by traders under the protection of Detroit purchasing their prisoners for a sum of money, who compel such prisoners into indentures of a limited servitude for the purposes of repayment and on disadvantageous terms, I judged it of importance to come to an explanation with gentlemen in authority here on such suggestions as these, although the Officers of the King’s government, under Your Lordship’s orders, are not directly implicated in this business. I therefore explained the matter to 7. adding, that I was the more particularly desirous of doing so, as, what I then communicated, did not arise from common report merely, but had been mentioned to me, in the presence of several persons that very morning by an officer attached to the person of the President, who said, that his information proceeded from Governor St. Clair himself. I acquainted 7. that it consisted with my knowledge, that prisoners had indeed been purchased by persons in Detroit from the Indians, but that this had been done upon principles honorable to the parties, and to the general feeling of humanity; that a young man, so purchased, an inhabitant of Kentucky, had actually arrived here lately on his way home, but I had not seen him, and that a procedure of the nature suggested, was as contrary to Your Lordship’s dispositions, as to the general spirit of Your Lordship’s instructions to the Officers in the Upper country. 7 assured me, that he had not heard of the circumstance himself, that Governor St. Clair had communicated many things respecting the excesses committed by the Savages, to which the Government here had previously been strangers; although no considerable stroke had been struck, yet the aggregate amounted to some importance, that nothing had appeared from the conversations with the Indians, which marked any thing unfriendly in our Government; they indeed had said when proposals were made to them, that they must consult their father at Detroit, but nothing further. 7. added, that circumstances rendered it probable, measures would shortly be taken for an expedition into the Indian Country in that quarter, and he mentioned it to prevent any alarm at our posts, although he relied on my not speaking of it here; but he did not say against which of the nations beyond the Ohio this expedition was intended to be directed.”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Robert Van Rensselaer, 8 August 1790
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Van Rensselaer, Robert

[New York, August 8, 1790. The dealer’s catalogue description of this letter reads: “introducing Count Andreani who is much interested in mineral lands.” Letter not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Barton, 9 August 1790
From: Barton, William
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Philadelphia, August 9, 1790. “The experience I have had of your very polite attention to me, and the disposition to oblige me, which you were pleased to express in Your letter of the 13th. of May, induce me to hope for a continuance of Your kind Offices in my behalf. Permit me, therefore, to acquaint You, that I have written to Mr. Jefferson, offering my services in the station lately occupied by Mr. Alden. When at New York, I presented to Mr. J. a letter of introduction from Mr. Rittenhouse, who is my mother’s brother, and has known me from my Childhood. Wishing, however, that further information might be given to that gentleman by others, I took the liberty of using the names of several gentlemen, at New-York, to whom I have the honor of being known. Perhaps, Sir, I presumed too far on this occasion, in mentioning You, whose personal knowlege of me is, indeed, very inconsiderable. Yet, as You are not unacquainted with my Character, I will rely on Your indulgence, in this instance.…”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Samuel Russell Gerry, 9 August 1790
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Gerry, Samuel Russell

Treasury DepartmentAugust 9th. 1790
Sir

You will find enclosed a Commission for the Office of Collector of the Customs for the District of Marblehead to which the President of the United States, with the concurrence of the Senate, has been pleased to appoint you. On the receipt of it you will be pleased to obtain from the Office of your predecessor the laws, & my several Circular letters for your government and information. The forms transmitted from this department to the late Office at Marblehead, will also receive due attention from you. The requisitions of the laws in regard to the Oath & securities will be complied with no doubt and the necessary information will be given to me.
I am Sir   with respect   Your Obedient Servant
A Hamilton
Saml. Russel Gerry EsqrCollector of the District of Marblehead


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Morgan Lewis, 9 August 1790
From: Lewis, Morgan
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Rhinebeck [New York] 9th. August 1790.
Dr sir,

I observe that by the funding Plan adopted by Congress, certain Commissioners are to be appointed for the purpose of receiving Subscriptions to the Loan &ca. I do not know if I shall have your good offices for the Appointment to be made in this State. I will not ask them, because as those Officers are to be immediately under your Direction, I think you ought to be at perfect Liberty to procure appointments for whomsoever you wish. The Design of this Letter is principally to acquaint you, that I have Reason to believe Applications have been made to Mr. Morris & some Other Gentlemen of supposed Influence with the President for their Interest in favor of a Connection of mine.
I am with Esteem   your Friend & Servt.
M Lewis


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Daniel Eldridge Updike, 9 August 1790
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Updike, Daniel Eldridge

Treasury Department, August 9, 1790. Encloses Updike’s commission as the surveyor of the port of North Kingstown, Rhode Island.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Nathaniel Gilman, 10 August 1790
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Gilman, Nathaniel

Treasury Department, August 10, 1790. “The Treasurer has my directions to draw upon you for the sum of One Thousand, Seven hundred and Sixty five & 63/90 Dollars, stated by you to be in the late Loan Office of the United States. You will be pleased to pay his Draughts, & a Warrant shall be issued to cover the amount of them, when transmitted hither as Vouchers for the settlement of your Accounts.…”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Sharp Delany, 11 August 1790
From: Delany, Sharp
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Philadelphia] August 11, 1790. “I was satisfied respecting the ship Brigada by your first letter, but as I had refused a Register for the Birmingham was the cause of my writing a second time, & pointing out the reason for such refusal.… The Schooner Betsey is rated as foreign and all others without due papers as you may see by my Quartely settlements.…”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Edmund Randolph, 11 August 1790
From: Randolph, Edmund
To: Hamilton, Alexander

New York August 11th. 1790
Sir

I beg leave to answer a question which you propounded to me some time ago.
Several quarter Masters and other public officers, some with salaries, others with Commissions, have received public Money to disburse for public use. Of this money they were robbed, notwithstanding reasonable care on their part. Are they entitled to an allowance for the sums lost; or must their relief depend on legislative provision?
If these public officers were in the same predicament with common Carriers, nothing but robbery by public enemies or destruction by fire and such accidents would excuse. If on the other hand they are to be considered as factors, robbery by theives, without negligence, creates a title to the allowance.
By what criteria shall the analogy be tried? The differencies between a common carrier and a factor are many. But I need only remark that the former holds himself forth as a public servant, and undertakes a single act in doing which there is scarcely any discretion. The latter has a claim for belief and confidence on his constituents, who have probably elected him from a knowledge of him.Besides he possesses every authority of the principal as to the particular subject. Public convenience too, while it requires, that common carriers should be held by rigid rules requires that confidential agents should be dealt with more leniently. I must therefore compare these public Officers to Factors, and conclude that they are not liable for the money lost in spite of reasonable care.
But as you were pleased, Sir, to mention the interposition of the Legislature, permit me to add, that the relief solicited by those Officers, might be exposed to less exception if previously sanctified by Congress.
Edmund Randolph.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 13 August 1790
From: Washington, George
To: Hamilton, Alexander

United StatesAugust 13th. 1790
Sir

The sessions of Congress having closed, and it being my intention to go to Virginia as soon as the public business will permit, and wishing to have my mind as free from public cares during my absence from the seat of government, as circumstances will allow, I am desirous of having such matters as may, by Law, or otherwise, require the Agency or sanction of the President of the United States, brought to my view before my departure. I therefore request that you will cause such business within your Department as may be necessary to receive the aid or approbation of the President, submitted to me as soon as its nature will permit; particularly such matters as relate to the revenue System, Loans & appropriations of money.
I am sir   Yr. most obt. servt.
G. Washington


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Jefferson, 14 August 1790
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Hamilton, Alexander

New York August 14th. 1790.
Dr: Sir,

Colonel Humphreys will be entitled to draw from the Treasury of the United States from about this date till further order, at the rate of two thousand two hundred and fifty dollars, a year, and in addition to this sum for postage of letters, the amount of which cannot be known beforehand, and will not be considerable. This is to be charged to the fund of the foreign department. I must ask the favour of you to let him know in what manner he can receive this money in the several situations he will be in. I think he ought to receive the full sum and to have nothing to do with the loss or gain of exchange, charges of negociating &c. I have the honor to be with great respect and esteem Dear Sir &c.
Thomas Jefferson


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Jefferson, [14 August 1790]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Jefferson, Thomas

[New York, August 14, 1790]
Dear Sir

I inclose you a warrant for 500 Dollars for Col Humphreys use; and shall for the present take arrangements for paying his salary or allowance by a Credit on our Commissioners in Holland. Hereafter we will endeavour to put this matter upon some more convenient footing.
I draw in your favour to avoid introducing Col Humphreys into the books of the Treasury which would excite more conjecture than is perhaps desireable in the outset considering the nature of his mission. I hope this will be agreeable to you and remain with very great respect and esteem Dr Sir   Yr Obed ser

A Hamilton
Aug 14. 1790
The Secretary of State


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John C. Wynkoop, 16 August 1790
From: Wynkoop, John C.
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Kinderhook [New York] August 16, 1790. “The goodness of your heart will naturally execuse the workings of filial affection and induce you to pardon me for writing you once more in behalf of my Father Mr. Cornelius Wynkoop of Kingston in the County of Ulster. I find that Mr. John Cochran has been lately appointed Loan officer for this State. If therefore you can recommand my Father as a Clerk to that Gentleman, I shall ever esteem it a peculiar favor.…”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 17 August 1790
From: Lincoln, Benjamin
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Boston, August 17, 1790. States that members of the lighter that unloaded fish illegally from the schooner from Nova Scotia “had no idea that they were breaking the law of the United States.” Asks approval for oil contract for lighthouses. States that “the Light Houses at the Gurnet are nearly ready to tumble down from the want of repairs.”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Joseph Whipple, 17 August 1790
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Whipple, Joseph

[New York, August 17, 1790. In a letter of September 13, 1790, Whipple referred to Hamilton’s “letter dated the 17th. August.” Letter not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Meletiah Jordan, 19 August 1790
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Jordan, Meletiah

[New York, August 19, 1790. On January 1, 1791, Jordan wrote to Hamilton: “Your letter of the 19th. of August … I have received.” Letter not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Beverley Randolph, 19 August 1790
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Randolph, Beverley

Treasury DepartmentAugust 19th 1790
sir

I have the honor to acknowledge the Receipt of your letter of the 9th instant, containing a Cession of two Acres of Ground on Cape Henry to the United States, intended for the Site of the Light House. On the return of the President, who is now on a visit to Rhode Island, measures will be taken for the early completion of a Building, so necessary to the Commerce of the States on the Chessapeak.
I have the honor to be very respectfully   Your Excellencys   Most Obedient Servant
Alexander Hamilton
His Excellency Beverly Randolph EsquireGovr of Virginia Richmond.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Allibone, 20 August 1790
From: Allibone, William
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Philadelphia, August 20, 1790. Complains of the difficulty of obtaining contractors for maintenance work on the aids to navigation in the Delaware River. Urges Hamilton to expedite approval of the contract for the repairs to the Cape Henlopen lighthouse.


Title: Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 20 August 1790
From:
To:

Treasury DepartmentAugust 20. 1790.
Sir,

The act of July last, imposing duties on the tonnage of vessels, provides for the restitution of the foreign duty which has been incurred, by ships or vessels of the United States, by reason of their not having a certificate of registry or enrollment and a licence, when trading Coastwise, or engaged in the fisheries. This refund is to be made in each instance, at the custom house where the duty was paid; and in such manner, that the American tonnage duty of six Cents is to be retained for the United States; and the extra sum of forty four Cents, to which foreigners only, are liable, is to be repaid.
I am, Sir, Your Obedient Ser
Alexander Hamilton


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Allibone, 21 August 1790
From: Allibone, William
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Philadelphia, August 21, 1790. “Enclosed herewith is a new Contract with Abraham Hargis as keeper of the Light House at Cape Henlopen.… Mr. Hargis in agreeing to a reduction of his Sallary expresses a full confidence that when his comparative situation with respect to other Keepers of Light Houses, is fully Investigated, it will be augmented again, And alledges in support of that expectation that Exclusive of his being the largest of the Light Houses, His Situation is more disadvantageous then any other Keeper, Altho’ their Sallerys and perquisites may be no more.…”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Samuel Meredith, 21 August 1790
From: Meredith, Samuel
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[New York, August 21, 1790. On August 28, 1790, Hamilton wrote to Meredith: “I received your letter of the 21st Instant.” Letter not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Robert Morris, [21 August 1790]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Morris, Robert

[New York, August 21, 1790]

The Secretary of the Treasury has the Honor to return the enclosed letter to Mr. Morris.
August 21. 1790


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Knox, 23 August 1790
From: Knox, Henry
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[New York] 23d August, 1790.

An estimate of the expense of employing, for three months, one thousand seven hundred militia, and four hundred continental troops, in an expedition against the Wabash Indians—two hundred of the militia to be mounted.

The Militia.

The pay,
$24,012

The subsistence and rations at 16–90ths of a dollar,
31,302

Forage for the field and staff officers,
   234

$55,548

The Continental Troops

Additional expense of subsistence and rations to the continental troops, during the same period. This expense arises from the contract; the price of the ration at fort Washington is stated at six and a half ninetieths of a dollar; but, from that post

   to the places of operation, the price will be sixteen-ninetieths,
4,146

The quartermaster’s department, including the hire of four hundred horses,   purchase of boats, and transportation,
30,000

Contingencies,
  10,306

$100,000

The contractors are to execute the duties of the quartermaster’s department; the extra services, therefore, which will be required of them, independent of the sum set down for contingencies, will amount to sixty-five thousand six hundred and eighty-two dollars. One half of this sum may be necessary to be advanced immediately, to enable them to perform effectually the services required.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 23 August 1790
From: Olney, Jeremiah
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Providence, August 23, 1790. Suspects that “a note for one hundred Dollars, issued … at the Bank of New York” is a counterfeit. Asks Hamilton for instructions. Asks if the expense of appraising imported goods should be defrayed by the importer or the government.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Samuel and John Smith, 23 August 1790
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Smith, Samuel,Smith, John

[New York, August 23, 1790. The dealer’s catalogue description of this letter reads: “On financial matters.” Letter not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Tobias Lear, 24 August 1790
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[New York] August 24, 1790. States that the President has approved the contract for repairs on the Cape Henlopen lighthouse.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Allibone, 25 August 1790
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Allibone, William

[New York, August 25, 1790. The endorsement on the letter that Allibone wrote to Hamilton on August 21, 1790, reads: “Answd. 25th Augt. 90.” Letter not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 25 August 1790
From: Lincoln, Benjamin
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Boston 25 August 1790.
Sir

Sometime since, a Cargo of Sugars were imported into this Town, among them, were two or three tons of the worst kind, indeed it could hardly be called Sugar; it sold for about 2/5ths of what the remainder of the Cargo sold for, can any allowance be made on account of the duty?
The British Consul arrived here a few days since, with his family, he has brought a quantity of household furniture. By a resolve of Congress, Consuls are not entitled to any peculiar advantages respecting the Duties on the articles they import. Is there any Law now in being which will justify me should I deliver the Furniture, without securing the Duties? I wish you would favour me with your ideas and direction on the subject.
I have the honour of being Sir, with perfect esteem   your obedient servant.
The honourable Secretary of the Treasury


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Tobias Lear, 26 August 1790
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Hamilton, Alexander

United States.August 26th. 1790.
sir

In obedience to the command of the President of the United states, I have the honor to inform you that he approves of the enclosed Drafts of a Power and Instructions which have been submitted to him, respecting a Loan of twelve million of Dollars; but thinks an addition to the instructions given to the Agent, to the following effect might be proper, for reasons which he will assign to you, Vizt. “That the Agent shall never open a loan for more than one million of Dollars at a time, nor open a new loan ’till the old one has been expressly approved of by the President of the United States.”
I have the honor to be with the highest respect sir   Yr. most Obt. humble servant

Tobias Lear.Secretary to the President of the United states.


Title: Meeting of the Commissioners of the Sinking Fund, [26 August 1790]
From: Commissioners of the Sinking Fund
To:

[New York, August 26, 1790]

Pursuant to the act, entitled “An act making provision for the reduction of the public debt,” the following persons named therein, on Thursday, the 26th day of August, 1790, at the city of New York, met and proceeded to business, viz.
John Adams, Vice President of the United States and President of the Senate,
John Jay, Chief Justice,
Thomas Jefferson, Secretary of State,
Alexander Hamilton, Secretary of the Treasury.
The Secretary of the Treasury communicated for the information of the Board sundry papers, as follow:
No. 1. Statement of the probable product of duties on imports and tonnage from the first of August, 1789, to the last of December next, and of the amount of the appropriations thereout; shewing what surplus will remain at the end of the present year, after satisfying those appropriations.
No. 2. Abstract of the nett amount of duties which have accrued from August, 1789, to the 31st of March, 1790.
No. 3. Statement of the moneys now in the treasury and in the hands of the several collectors of the customs, and which may be expected to be received to the end of the year 1791, together with the sums to be paid out of the same; shewing what surplus will remain to be disposed of according to the act above mentioned.
No. 4. General statement of the domestic debt.
The Board adjourned till to-morrow.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [26 August 1790]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

[New York, August 26, 1790]

The Secretary of the Treasury respectfully begs leave to submit to the President of the United States copies of a letter from Messrs. Wilhem & Jan Willink and Nicholas and Jacob Van Staphorst & Hubbard of the 25th. day of January last, and of an answer thereto of the 7th. day of May following.
The President will perceive that the last mentioned letter was formed upon a plan not to discourage the progress of the Loan which had been set on foot, and yet to leave a final determination upon it open.
The undertaking that loan without previous authority, was irregular and in that view exceptionable; though the motives assigned for it have considerable force as they respect the credit of the United States; and, so far as they may be supposed to have really operated, afford a plausible apology for the measure.
As far however as the giving a sanction to it might serve as a precedent, it would not be free from objection; for it certainly would consist neither with the dignity nor the interest of the government to encourage its Agents in the practice of employing its credit in unauthorised loans.
But as an acceptance of the loan may be accompanied with a prohibition of similar attemps hereafter, which would doubtless have the effect of preventing them, it is submitted as the opinion of the Secretary, that the irregularity of the proceeding ought not to preclude such acceptance, if the loan itself be in other respects desirable; and the following considerations appear in his judgment to render it so. The terms are probably as advantageous as the present agitations of Europe, which must necessarily create an unusual demand for money, authorise an expectation of obtaining.
A sum of one hundred and seventy two thousand Dollars will be wanting at the commencement of the ensuing year to discharge the interest which will then fall due on the Dutch Loans, which it is essential to the credit of the United States should be paid, and the timely payment of which could with difficulty be accomplished in any other way. There was on the 21st. of March last due to Spain for principal and interest of her advances and loans, the sum of, two hundred & forty thousand and eight Dollars, and eighty nine Cents: And to France there will be due at the end of the present year for arrears of interest and certain instalments of the principal of her Loans a sum little short of three millions eight hundred thousand Dollars.
Powerful considerations of different kinds, which will readily occur to the mind of the President urge to exertions to discharge these demands. The Minister of the Finances of France has, thro’ the Chargé D’affairs of the United States at that Court, solicited that the money arising from the Loan in question, of which he has been apprised, might be applied in part payment of the Debt due to that nation. Its peculiar situation at the present juncture contains an appeal to the sensibility, as well as to the policy and honor of this Country in favor of that requisition.
If these reasons appear to the President sufficient to induce his sanction to the loan in question, it will remain to consider, under what act, it will be most expedient to authorise its being made, whether that of the 4th. or that of the 12th. of the present month, or whether it may not be advisable to authorise it partly under one & partly under the other.
It is conceived that the business may easily take the latter form, if deemed eligible; and this is recommended by the consideration that it will contribute in a degree to all the purposes which require to be promoted.
If two thirds of the sum should be borrowed on account of the twelve millions and the remaining third on account of the two millions, the next half years interest in Holland may be discharged, the arrears of Interest on the Debt due to Spain may be paid off, a respectable payment may be made to France as a prelude to more considerable ones, and a sum of consequence to the operation, would remain towards the reduction of our Debt and supporting our funds in conformity to the intention of the last mentioned Act.
All which is humbly submitted
Alexander Hamiltonsecretary of the Treasury


Title: Meeting of the Commissioners of the Sinking Fund, [27 August 1790]
From: Commissioners of the Sinking Fund
To:

[New York, August 27, 1790]

At a board convened at the City of New York on Friday the 27th. of August 1790. pursuant to the Act entitled, “An Act makeing provision for the reduction of the Public Debt”
Present
John Adams, vice President of the United states & President of the Senate
John Jay, Chief justice
Thomas Jefferson, secretary of State
Alexander Hamilton, secretary of the Treasury
The Board came to the following resolution subject to the approbation of the President of the United States.

That the Secretary of the Treasury cause to be applied a sum not exceeding fifty thousand Dollars per month, computing from the first day of September next, towards the purchase of the present Domestic Debt of the United states; that the purchases begin at the City of New York and there continue until the end of October next, and that they be then transferred to the City of Philadelphia and there continue until the last day of December next, unless sooner otherwise ordered. That they be made by the Treasurer, under the direction of the Secretary, of the Treasury, at the market price, & in an open and public manner. And that the said Treasurer be directed to keep a regular account of his purchases, of the times when, prices at which, and of the persons from whom they are made, and to render the same for settlement, to the Auditor of the Treasury at the end of every quarter of a year, and when settled to present a Copy thereof to the Board.
The foregoing resolution is a true copy from the minutes in my possession
A. Hamiltonsecy of the Treasury
Approved Augt. 28th, 1790Go. WashingtonPresident U. States


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 27 August 1790
From: Olney, Jeremiah
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Providence, August 27, 1790. “Enclosed is my Return of Cash for the last week.… Lest the original letter of which the enclosed is a duplicate, should have miscarried, I beg leave to call your attention to its contents. A small importation, besides the Sails &c was made by Messrs Jos & Wm Russell in the Brig Mary from Dublin, the duties on which remains unliquidated on account of those articles which they conceive ought to pay no duty.”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Walter Stewart, 27 August 1790
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Stewart, Walter

New York Aug 27 1790
Dear Sir

Since I wrote you last, I have engaged a house for an office, which is at the corner of Chestnut, and, I think, third Street, or in other words, the house of Mr. Coxe, formerly occupied by the President of Congress.
I give you this intimation that you may endeavour to procure one for me, as near that as you can, having regard to the quality and situation of the house.
One near Mrs. Allen’s has been mentioned to me, now occupied by Mr. Mead, who, it is said is about to leave it. From the description I have had of it I am led to think it may suit me. But I leave all to you.
If a house, in a convenient situation, cannot be had in time I would wish only to take it for a few months that I may be at liberty to look out for a better. I remain   Yr friend & ser
A Hamilton


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 27 August 1790
From: Washington, George
To: Hamilton, Alexander

United States August 27th 1790.
(Secret)
Provided the dispute between Great Britain and Spain should come to the decision of Arms, from a variety of circumstances (individually unimportant and inconclusive, but very much the reverse when compared and combined) there is no doubt in my mind, that New Orleans and the Spanish Posts above it on the Mississippi will be among the first attempts of the former, and that the reduction of them will be undertaken by a combined operation from Detroit.
The Consequences of having so formidable and enterprising a people as the British on both our flanks and rear, with their Navy in front, as they respect our Western settlements which may be seduced thereby, as they regard the Security of the Union and its commerce with the West Indies, are too obvious to need enumeration.
What then should be the answer of the Executive of the United States to Lord Dorchester, in case he should apply for permission to march Troops through the Territory of said States from Detroit to the Mississippi?
What notice ought to be taken of the measure, if it should be undertaken without leave, which is the most probable proceeding of the two?
The opinion of the Secretary of the Treasury is requested in writing upon the above statement.
Go: Washington
The Secretary of the Treasury.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John Wheelock, 27 August 1790
From: Wheelock, John
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Dartmouth College [Hanover, New Hampshire]August 27th. 1790
Sir!

The Trustees of this literary Institution have desired me to express their congratulations at the prosperous state of our national finances under your wise direction. They have desired me to communicate the high sense, which they retain of your talents, and political knowledge.
Influenced by an exalted Opinion of your merit, they make a tender of the highest Honours, that any University can confer. They beg, Sir, your acceptance of the Degree of Doctor of the Laws of Nature and Nations. It is a testimony unequal to their respect; but it is the best within their power to give. The Diploma will be completed, and forwarded to you by some safe conveyance, so soon as may be convenient.
I have the honour to be, in behalf of the Board of Trustees,   Sir!   Your most obedient, & very humble servant,
John Wheelock
The honourable Alexander Hamilton Esq: L.L.D.&c. &c.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Jefferson, [28 August 1790]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Jefferson, Thomas

[New York, August 28, 1790]
Dear Sir

I request the favour of you to furnish me with two Copies of each of the following acts certified or exemplified under the Great Seal. That intitled “An Act making provision for the debt of the United States” and that intitled “An Act making provision for the reduction of the public Debt” and also with two copies exemplified or certified in like manner of my Commission as Secretary of the Treasury.
As a Vessel is expected to sail this Evening for Amsterdam by which I wish to forward some of those copies I shall be obliged by their being ready as soon as possible.
I have the honor to be With great respect & regard Sir

New York Aug 28. 1790
T Jefferson Esqr


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Tobias Lear, 28 August 1790
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Hamilton, Alexander

United States.August 28th. 1790

T. Lear has the honor respectfully to observe to the Secretary of the Treasury in reply to a request from the naval officer of the District of New York which was this day submitted to the President of the united States, that altho’ it is contrary to the general sentiment and wish of the President that any officers under the general government and particularly one of such importance as the naval officer of New York, shou’d be long absent from their trusts; yet in the present instance if the reasons assigned by the naval officer shou’d appear sufficient to the Secy. of the Treasury, and a Deputy is appointed who shall be approved of by the Secretary; The President consents to the absence of the naval officer of New York for six months.
By the Presidents command
T: LearSecy to the President of the U. States.
The Secretary of the Treasury.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Tobias Lear, 28 August 1790
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[New York] August 28, 1790. States that the President has approved the Cape Henlopen lighthouse keeper’s contract.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 28 August 1790
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

Treasury DepartmentAugust 28th. 1790

The Secretary of the Treasury has the honor respectfully to submit to the President of the U. States for his determination a request from the Naval officer of the District of New York. The Secretary humbly remarks, that it appears desireable, as far as possible, to avoid absences of such important Officers for so long a duration, but that if the nature of the reasons should induce the President to grant the request, the naval Officer will no doubt leave his public business in the hands of a Deputy, of competent abilities, for whom he will be responsible.
Alexander HamiltonSecretary of the Treasury


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, [28 August 1790]
From: Washington, George
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[New York, August 28, 1790]

By virtue of the several Acts, the one entitled, “An Act making provision for the Debt of the U. States.” and the other entitled, “An Act making provision for the reduction of the Public Debt.”
I do hereby authorise and empower you, by yourself, or any other person or persons, to borrow on behalf of the United States, within the said States or elsewhere, a sum or sums, not exceeding in the whole fourteen millions of Dollars and to make or cause to be made for that purpose such Contract or Contracts as shall be necessary, and for the interest of the said States; subject to the restrictions and limitations in the said several acts contained: And for so doing this shall be your sufficient Warrant.
In testimony whereof I have caused the seal of the United States to be hereunto affixed. Given under my hand at the City of New York this twenty eighth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety.
G. Washington


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, [28 August 1790]
From: Washington, George
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[New York, August 28, 1790]

Having thought fit to commit to you the charge of borrowing on behalf of the United States a sum or sums not exceeding in the whole Fourteen Millions of Dollars pursuant to the several Acts, the one entitled, “An act making provision for the Debt of the United States,” the other entitled, “An Act making provision for the reduction of the Public Debt.”
I do hereby make known to you, that in the execution of the said trust, you are to observe and follow the orders and directions following Vizt. Except where otherwise specially directed by me you shall employ in the negotiation of any Loan or Loans which may be made in any foreign Country
You shall borrow or cause to be borrowed on the best terms which shall be found practicable (and within the limitations prescribed by Law as to time of repayment and rate of interest) such sum or sums as shall be sufficient to discharge, as well all installments or parts of the principal of the foreign Debt, which now are due or shall become payable to the end of the year one thousand seven hundred and ninety one, as all interest and arrears of interest, which now are, or shall become due in respect to the said Debt, to the same end of the year one thousand seven hundred and ninety one; and you shall apply or cause to be applied the monies which shall be so borrowed with all convenient dispatch to the payment of the said instalments and parts of the principal and interest and arrears of the interest of the said debt. You shall not extend the amount of the loan which you shall make or cause to be made, beyond the sum which shall be necessary for completing such payment, unless it can be done upon terms more advantageous to the United States than those upon which the residue of the said debt shall stand or be. But if the said residue or any part of the same can be paid off by new Loans upon terms of advantage to the United States you shall cause such further loans, as may be requisite to that end, to be made, and the proceeds thereof to be applied accordingly. And for carrying into effect the objects and purposes of aforesaid, I do hereby further empower you to make, or cause to be made with whomsoever it may concern such Contract or Contracts being of a nature relative thereto, as shall be found needful and conducive to the interest of the United States.
If any negotiation with any Prince or State to whom any part of the said Debt may be due, should be requisite, the same shall be carried on thro’ the person who in capacity of Minister, Chargé des Affaires, or otherwise, now is, or thereafter shall be charged with transacting the affairs of the United States with such Prince or State, for which purpose I shall direct the secretary of State, with whom you are in this behalf to consult and concert, to cooperate with you.
Given under my hand at the City of New York this twenty eighth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety.
G: Washington


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Wilhem and Jan Willink, Nicholaas and Jacob Van Staphorst, and Nicholas Hubbard, 28 August 1790
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Willink, Wilhem,Willink, Jan,Van Staphorst, Jacob,Van Staphorst, Nicholaas,Hubbard, Nicholas

Treasury DepartmentAugust 28th 1790
Gentlemen

Since the date of my last letter to you, the Legislature of the United States have passed two Acts, that is to say, on the fourth and twelfth of the present month; by which, among other things, they empower the President to cause to be borrowed on account of the United States Fourteen Millions of Dollars; The execution of which power has been by him committed to me: as will appear by a copy of each of those acts and of the President’s commission or warrant to me herewith transmitted, authenticated in due form.
In consequence of these proceedings I am now in condition to determine on the provisional Loan announced in your letter of the 25th day of January last; and after due consideration I have concluded to accept and ratify it. For this purpose I send a power, which I doubt not you will find competent, executed under my hand and the seal of the Treasury.
While I pursue, by this acceptance, what appears to me to be the interest of the United States, I am pleased with the opportunity of doing a thing, which will be agreeable to you. At the same time, your own judgment will suggest to you, that in dismissing all scruple about the manner in which the business has been undertaken, I give you a proof of my confidence, that no inconvenience will result from the precedent. The qualifications annexed by you to the undertaking, shew, that you were fully sensible of its delicacy, and satisfy me, that I need not press upon you the inadmissibility of any thing of a like nature in future; however cogent the motives to it. The situation of the United States, hereafter, will not, I trust, expose their friends to such disagreeable dilemmas, as they have been accustomed to in times past.
You will perceive, that my authority to you goes as well to the making a new loan, as to the confirmation of that, which you have undertaken. The design of this is, not to double or increase the loan, but to enable you to give such a form to the business, as circumstances may require. Your engagements, of course, must not extend beyond the sum of three Millions of Florins.
You will observe also, that by the first act the time of reimbursement of the loans to be made in virtue of it, is not to exceed fifteen years. That which is mentioned in your letter, will somewhat, though but little exceed this limit. I presume you can easily arrange the installments so as to come within it. I shall be glad it may be so modified, if the state of the business will permit. But as the last act has no such limitation of time, I do not mean that the difference should be an obstacle.
I should also wish for particular reasons, that the business may be so regulated as to give it the form of two loans; one, for two millions under the first Act, and the other, for one million under the second. But neither about this am I so solicitous, as to be willing that it should constitute an embarrassment. And it can only be proper, if the time of reimbursement can be made to correspond with the first act.
I destine a million and a half of this sum as a payment to France under the direction of Mr. Short our Chargé des affaires at that Court, whose order for the purpose you will be pleased to follow. Of this, however, I rely on your prudence, that nothing will be said, till you receive his instructions to remit or pay.
It cannot escape your observation, not only, that the faith of our Government is fully pledged by the laws, of which I send you copies, for the performance of the conditions of the Loans which shall be made in consequence of them, but that there is an actual appropriation of unexceptionable funds for payment of the Interest. This, if properly considered, ought materially to influence the terms upon which the future loans shall be made. The nature of our present Government is such, that absolute reliance may be placed on its pecuniary dispositions, once made.
I have the honor to be with great consideration and esteem, Gentlemen, Your obedt. Servt.
Alex HamiltonSecretary of the Treasy
Messrs. Wilhem & Jan Willink and Nicholas & Jacob Van Staphorst and HubbardAmsterdam