Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Tench Coxe, 30 November 1789
From: Coxe, Tench
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Philadelphia, November 30, 1789
Dear Sir,
It was my wish to have forwarded to you sooner, the enclosed paper, No. 6, by way of answer to the queries I had the honour to receive from you, the 26th of last month, but I could not revise the facts with sufficient care, till this time.
You will observe, I have pursued a mode different from that which the form of the queries pointed out, thinking that “a present state of the navigation of Pennsylvania,” which should comprehend the information you desired, would be more useful than short answers, going merely to the points specified. I have, besides, this private reason, that I wish by these investigations and statements, as they occur, to extend or digest my own knowledge, and, as far as I am able, to place the several subjects in my own mind on their true principles.
As the gentlemen in the senate, for Pennsylvania, and some of those in the house of representatives, have been pleased to request my communications on the subjects that from time to time arise in the legislature, I have taken the liberty to show this paper to one or two of them; and indeed it seems to be a matter, both of propriety and prudence, as I am a citizen of Pennsylvania, and they are the guardians of her interests. I anxiously desire the detection of any errors in either the facts or reasonings, which I may bring forward; and in order completely to guard against their ill effects, I wish them unreservedly subjected, as well to the examination of these well informed judges, as to gentlemen of similar character and stations from the other states. As I may, in future, avail myself of the permission you have given me, to communicate with you as I shall see occasion, I apply these wishes to all such communications, leaving it in your discretion to determine to whose eye observations on points that require secresy may be safely confided.
I have the honour to be, with great respect, dear sir, your most obedient servant,
Tench Coxe.
P.S. As it may throw some light upon the subject, I have enclosed a paper of mine, (No. 1) which you have seen before. To this copy, I have added some manuscript notes; also a paper (No. 2), to which I have likewise added some notes. The latter is not immediately interesting to your present enquiry, but may be thrown among your documents belonging to the subject.

To the Honourable Alexander Hamilton, Esq. New York


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Smith, 30 November 1789
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Smith, William

Treasury Department, November 30, 1789. “I duly received your letter of the 18th. instant.… I send you herewith a letter in answer to that for myself from your Society which I request may be presented.”


Title: Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 30 November 1789
From: Treasury Department,Hamilton, Alexander
To: Collectors of the Customs

Treasury Department Novr. 30th. 1789.
Sir
Having been applied to by the Collectors of several Ports, for my opinion on various points, which are of general concern, and in respect to which it is important that the same rules should be every where observed, I have concluded to make my answers to their inquiries the subject of a Circular letter.
Some of those inquiries relate to the allowances to which the officers of the Customs are intitled for Services performed in pursuance of the twenty second, twenty fifth, twenty sixth, twenty seventh & twenty eighth Sections of the “Act for registering and clearing vessels, &c”
As the proper construction of these clauses is of importance to the Interest and Safety of the Officers, that consideration was an additional motive for care in the investigation. And thinking it expedient in a case of mere construction, to assist my own judgement by the advice of professional men, I stated the questions which had been submitted to me to two Gentlemen of the Law in this City, eminent for their ability, and I herewith transmit a Copy of the opinion they have given.
The truth of that opinion as it respects the four last of the enumerated Sections must depend on the meaning of that clause of the thirty first Section of the same act which allows “For every entry of inward Cargo directed to be made in conformity to that act, and for receiving of, and qualifying to every manifest of vessels licensed to trade as aforesaid, sixty cents.” The entry of an inward Cargo, and the receiving and qualifying to manifests, being coupled together by the word “and” appears to be parts of one Service, for which sixty Cents are allowed, of course where there is no Entry of inward Cargo one part of the Service is wanting, and therefore this allowance cannot apply.
Viewing that point in this light it is only necessary for me to add, that my own Judgement upon full reflection, corresponds in every particular with the opinion given to me, though I perceive that the consequence will be in some instances an unequal apportionment of reward to Service.
But it appears to me an important principle of public policy that allowances to officers should not be extended by implication or inference; as discretion on that head, must from the nature of the thing be liable to great abuses.
As far as the Construction now given may tend to a disparity between the Service and the compensation, I shall esteem it my duty, at a proper moment, to propose to the Legislature, an alteration of the Provision. In the mean time, that consequence must of necessity be disregarded.
Another Question which has been submitted to me, respects the mode of calculating the allowance in favor of Goods imported in American bottoms, specified in the fifth Section of the “Act for laying a duty &c” when those Goods are subject to duties ad valorem.
The following appears to me the true one. Add the rate per Cent specified in the seventeenth Section of the Collection Law, in the respected cases, to the Cost of the article at the place from whence it is imported. Calculate the duty according to its rate on that amount, and deduct from the amount of the duty so calculated ten per Cent.
To explain this by an example: Suppose Goods subject to a duty of five per Cent ad valorem, brought in an American bottom from England and the Cost there, one hundred Dollars: the process for ascertaining the duty payable on these Goods, would be this.

Dollars
Cents

The Cost of the Goods being stated at
100.
—

Add to this Sum ten ⅌ cent, agreably to the seventeenth Section of the Collection bill, which is
}
10.
—

 And the amount Dollars
110.
—

Upon this Sum of One hundred and ten Dollars, to
}
Dolls.
Cents

be considered as the Value, at the time and place of Importation, compute the amount of the duty at the rate of five ⅌ cent, which is
5
.50

  Deduct from this amount ten ⅌ Ct. on account of the goods being brought in an American bottom
}

.55

  There remains
Dollars

4
.95

which sum of Four Dollars and ninety five Cents is the true amount of the duty to be paid in the case supposed.
A third question regards the mode of calculating the discount allowed for prompt payment by the nineteenth Section of the Collection Law. That is whether it ought to be on the technical or arithmetical principle of discount or on that of a simple abatement or deduction. The difference between the two principles will best appear by an example: Suppose the duty on the article to amount to one hundred pounds and to be payable in six months.
On the first principle the calculation would be thus. As 105 is to 100 so is 100 to the sum which ought to be paid; say £ 95. 4.9¹⁵⁄₁₀₅.
On the second principle, there would be merely a deduction of five pounds from a hundred pounds, which would leave ninety five pounds to be paid.
The Result of the first calculation is the true present value of One hundred pounds payable in six months allowing the interest or value of money to be ten per Cent per Annum: as may be proved

by adding to
£ 95. 4.9¹⁵⁄₁₀₅

  10 ⅌ Cent ⅌ annum for six months or
   4.15.2⁹⁰⁄₁₀₅

Result

£ 100.—.—
Independent of usage or the common apprehension of the thing, I should not hesitate to pronounce in favor of that principle not only because the Revenue would benefit by it, but chiefly because it answers to what appears to me in the abstract to be the true question—that is what sum ought to be paid now for a given sum payable six months hence; allowing money to be worth ten Per Cent ⅌ annum.
But not withstanding this Bias of my judgment I am induced to decide in favor of the other mode, for the following reasons.
First because I find upon full inquiry that the common understanding of the thing among men of business is agreable to it.
Secondly, because the usage of business is in most cases conformable to it: particularly the general practice of banks.
Thirdly because in the practice of the british Customs, where similar allowances are to be found in the laws (though perhaps with some difference of expression) there has been an uniform adherence to this mode.
And lastly Because in conformity to the prevailing sense, far the greater number of our officers of the Customs, if my Information be right, have adopted it.
The most obvious or popular sense of the words of a law, are always of great force in their Construction. And it is to be apprehended that a departure from them in the present instance would not only have the aspect of too much refinement; but if contested would in deference to the general understanding & usage be overruled by the Courts.
In mentioning the practice of the british Customs I have two objects; one is to shew what has been the Construction among a nation from whom we derive our language & in a great measure our usages of business. The other to infer, that that practice may have given a Law-sense to the provision.
In a question of this kind where there are such strong reasons for a different decision, I have thought it fit to accompany my opinion with the Considerations upon which it has been formed.
I am Sir   Your obedt. Servt.
A HamiltonSecretary of the Treasury


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Joseph Whipple, 30 November 1789
From: Whipple, Joseph
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Portsmouth, New Hampshire, November 30, 1789. Asks “whether Bonds for Duties shall be put in Suit immediately after they shall fall due or whether one or more days notice shall be given.”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, [November–December 1789]
From: Lincoln, Benjamin
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Boston, November–December, 1789]
Dear Sir
At our last interview you expressed a wish that I would make such remarks on the impost laws as in my opinion would have a tendency to increase the revenue in a way as little burdensome and as conformable to the wishes of the people as possible.
The cheerfulness discovered by the merchants in general doing business at this Port in paying the established duties on merchandise evinces to me that the system is in general right and that the impost is not on the whole too high even for the first experiment. There are however some complaints Madeira Wine stands at 18 Cents p Galn. all other wines at 10 Cents in this case small wines pay nearly 50 ⅌ Cent duty while the best pays about 16 ⅌ Cent. only. This will have a tendency to check the importation of the small wines and leave the inhabitants under the necessity of using those, in many instances, of a higher sale where a less wine would answer. Would it not on the whole be best to establish the duty ⅌ centum ad valorem.
If it was intended by the law to give the preference to our own fisheries when 75 Cents was laid on each barrel of Pickled fish and 50 Cents on each Quintal of dryed fish imported in to the United States, the Fish so imported should not be intittled to the drawback if sent abroad within one year after their importation. There are many articles which in my opinion would bear a much higher impost than the ones with which they are now covered and it might be well to add it immediately was it not that a general excise will probably soon take place. The duty can in that way be better collected than then by impost if they are heavy. We can by a moderate impost secure the entery of the articles. When this is done we shall then have gained such a knowledge & controul of the articles as to make it difficult to evade payment of the excise. Under well constructed laws and a faithful execution of them I think it will not be difficult so to combine the operation of the impost & excise Laws as that they shall come in aid to each other and render the collection of the duties easey and certain. This view of the matter will prevent my making more than a general observation on duties on impost. That it is not enough in common cases to say that we ought to let people atone, that a regard to their interests will point out to them the line of conduct which they ought to pursue This I think is a very mistaken idea to those who have paid but little attention to the influence of long habits have upon the mind. People become prejudiced in favour of old pursuits & the long trodden path. They do not forsake their old employments and enter upon new ones with any kind of confidence and it is from necessity or some thing very alluring which will lead them in general to forsake a practice sanctified by time and endeared by long usage


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Henry Lee, [1 December 1789]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Lee, Henry

[New York, December 1, 1789]
My Dear Friend
I have just received your letter of the 16th instant.
I am sure you are sincere when you say, you would not subject me to an impropriety. Nor do I know that there would be any in my answering your queries. But you remember the saying with regard to Caesar’s Wife. I think the spirit of it applicable to every man concerned in the administration of the finances of a Country. With respect to the Conduct of such men—Suspicion is ever eagle eyed, And the most innocent things are apt to be misinterpreted.
Be assured of the affection & friendship of Yr.

A Hamilton
New York December 1st 1789
H Lee Esqr


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Randall and William Heyer, 1 December 1789
From: Randall, Thomas,Heyer, William
To: Hamilton, Alexander

New York, December 1, 1789. “We have been informed by the Pilots that the Beacon on Sandy Hook has been blown down, and entirely destroyed by the late Storm.…”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 3 December 1789
From: Williams, Otho H.
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Baltimore, December 3, 1789. Sends abstracts of all Maryland laws “related to Imposts, and Tonnage.” Promises to send all “Acts which relate to other branches of the revenue.”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 3 December 1789
From: Williams, Otho H.
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Baltimore, December 3, 1789. “… not knowing whether it may not be expedient for you to draw for the Specie reported in my last weekly return, I have omitted, to remit the Bank Notes. If no Warrant from you should be presented in two days; I will remit the bank Notes by the next post.…”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Willing, 3 December 1789
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Willing, Thomas

[New York, December 3, 1789. On December 9, 1789, Willing wrote to Hamilton: “We Reced your favor of the 3 Inst.” Letter not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Stephen Smith, 4 December 1789
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Smith, Stephen

Treasury Department Decr. 4 1789
Sir
Your letter of the 30th of October came to hand a few days since. Your transmission of the money in your hands to Boston, was influenced by prudent considerations, and corresponds in its general object with my instructions of the 20th ultimo of which I enclose a Copy. Yet, without meaning to censure, what was evidently dictated by proper motives, it is necessary I should remark that every unauthorised disposition of the Public money ought to be avoided.
It is impossible for me to authorise, or for the officers of the Customs to allow, the indulgence concerning which you desire my opinion; it would be a direct contravention of the last section of the Collection law, with which there is no discretion to dispense. The inconveniencies which may attend a prohibition, are proper only for the consideration of the Legislature.
That part of your letter which relates to your Bond has been communicated to the Comptroller, who I presume will forward a form by this Post.
I am, Sir   Your obedt Servt
A Hamilton
Stephen Smith EsqrCollector for Machias


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Peter Anspach, 5 December 1789
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Anspach, Peter

Treasury Department.Decr 5. 1789
Sir:
Enclosed you will receive a Letter from Colo. Pickering late Quarter Master General of the Army: in which he desires you to make out a Statement of the Debts intended to have been provided for by the Anticipation made for the use of his Department, by the late Super Intendant of the Finances; and of the Claims remaining Unsatisfied under it. I have to desire that you would furnish me with a Copy of this Statement as soon as possible; and transmit the Original to Colo. Pickering in order that the same, if approved of and Countersigned by him, may be transmitted to me in his late official Capacity. It is of Importance to ascertain with as much Precision as possible, what, if any Part of these Debts have been taken up by the Respective State Commissioners, or settled as the Treasury by the Issue of Certificates. For which Purpose, you may (should you find it Necessary) have access to any papers in the Office of the Treasury, which may be proper for this Investigation. As the next Sessions of the Legislature (when this Paper will be Necessary) approaches fast, I wish to have it as soon as possible.
I am Sir, Your obedt. Hble. Servt.
A. HamiltonSecy of the Treasury
To. Mr. Peter Anspatch.late an Assistant toColo Pickering Dep: Quar: Master General &a. &c.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Beverley Randolph, 5 December 1789
From: Randolph, Beverley
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Richmond December 5th. 1789.
Sir,
I did myself the Honour on the 28th. of last Month to transmit to you an abstract of the Public Debt of Virginia. Lest by any Accident, that Letter should miscarry I now forward a Duplicate of it as well as of the Abstract.
I beg leave to observe in addition to my former letter that there is a debt due from this state which is not included in the Estimate because it cannot be accurately stated.
This Debt arises from Warrants issued for militia and other services and for provisions &c. impressed for the use of the Army. These Warrants did not carry Interest but certain Taxes were specially levied for their redemption, which have not as yet taken up the whole of them nor can we say certainly whether the balances due from public Debtors on this score will be adequate to the purpose, although I believe the sum which may remain in the Hands of our Citizens after the Completion of the Collection will not be of great amount.
I have &c.
Beverley Randolph


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John Davidson, 8 December 1789
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Davidson, John

Treasury Department, December 8, 1789. “I have duly received your letter of the 24th of November and thank you for the information it contains.…”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Willing, 9 December 1789
From: Willing, Thomas
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Bank of No America [Philadelphia] Dec 9. 1789
Sir,
We Reced your favor of the 3 Ins with its inclosures. One of the 15th being your Official Article of Agreement Respecting the third Loan being for twenty thousand Dollars the Recet of which you now acknowledge and say that the Treasr would by the same post send us a warrant for the Amot. We have only this moment Reced the Warrant from the Treasurer which has prevented our Returning [it] till this time; One of the Articles of Agreement confirmd under our Signature and Seal you now have it enclosed herewith.
Our Cashier writes to Mr Meredith on a Subject not only very disagreeable but very injurious to the Circulation of Treasury dfts on the Collectors. The Drafts on Norfolk are Returnd this day under protest, to the very great detriment of the Gentlemen who bot them of us—as you will be advised we beleive by Mr Sims himself.

I have the honor to be Sir for the Prest Directors & Co of the Bank of No America   Your Obedt Servt
Alexr Hamilton EsqrSecrety of the Treasury


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Allibone, 14 December 1789
From: Allibone, William
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Philadelphia, December 14, 1789. “I have the Honor to enclose an account of monies we are now actualy in advance, on acct. of the united states, for support of the several establishments in the Bay and River Deleware, amounting to six hundred and Ten pounds Seven shillings and seven pence.… I need only add that being thus much in advance on account of the united states, we are left without means of complying with our other engagments now due, or of supporting the contingent expences of our office.…”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 16 December 1789
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Lincoln, Benjamin

Treasury Department, December 16, 1789. “The Register of the Treasury transmitted to you lately in pursuance of my Directions … Registers for Vessels.… You will oblige me in distributing them with as much dispatch as possible.…”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Wadsworth, 17 December 1789
From: Wadsworth, Jeremiah
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Hartford Decr 17th 1789
Dear Sir
Last night a Man returned from Ruport in the State of Vermont with information that the two Cranes were their & had counterfeited the Bank Notes of New York. One of them had been taken & let go on his securing the party he had cheated, but the true reason for leting him go was that he was the Second in the business & a plan is laid to catch the principal but I shall delay sending after them till I see you when I will state to you all the facts I knew.
The Author of the Observer has in veiw to procure the good will of the Cittizens of this State to the National Government & to have the state debts adopted. He will go on if none of his projects oppose yours. Have you read him? The next week will produce an observer which proposes a Land tax & reprobates on [the] mode of Collection. I wish you would read them & if you find nothing which you disapprove say so.

The time draws near when Congress meet. I shall be called on for a Militia Bill—you know who I expect it from. Hithertoo the Merchants of this State have been nearly unanimous in their support of the impost—but they are greatly agitated at the prospect of being oblidged to pay the duties which arose before the Office was opened. Their will be so many Actions brot & such disgust given that I fear the evil will be greater than ye good. I am dear sir sincerly   Your freind
Jere Wadsworth


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 17 December 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Hamilton, Alexander

United States Decr. 17th. 1789.
Sir
As I am uncertain of the condition & even the Office in which the papers containing accounts of our disbursments for subsistence of British prisoners remain; and as it is not improbable that some negotiations may (whenever our Union under the General Government shall be completed) take place between the United States & Great Britain, in which an accurate understanding of those Accots. will become necessary—I have therefore thot, proper to suggest the expediency of having some immediate attention paid to them.
Notwithstanding, on as fair a statement of Expenditures as could now be made, much property must undoubtedly be lost by the United States for want of Vouchers and by reason of the negligence with which the business was conducted on our part; yet I was always impressed with an idea, that, under all these disadvantageous circumstances, a very considerable balance would still be found in our favor. My present wish is, to have the subject so far investigated, as that we might not commit ourselves, by bringing forward Accounts, which had better continue dormant. Shou’d there be no danger of that Kind, it would then be desirable to have the business placed in a state, which might enable us to speak from a general knowledge of facts, and in a proper tone; in case a demand of the American posts held by the King of Great Britain should draw pecuniary subjects into discussion. I believe Lists of property carried away by the British, at the time when they evacuated the posts they had occupied during the late War, are lodged in the office of Foreign Affairs.
I am sir   with great esteem   Your most obt. Servant
G. Washington
The HonbleThe Secretary of the Treasury of the US.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Willing, 17 December 1789
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Willing, Thomas

[New York, December 17, 1789. On December 24, 1789, Willing wrote to Hamilton: “I reced by the last post yours of the 17th Inst.” Letter not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Tobias Lear, 18 December 1789
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Hamilton, Alexander

United States Decr. 18th. 1789.
Sir
I am directed by the President of the United States to send you the enclosed letter from General Hazen dated Decr. 16th. and likewise a Memorial from the same person of the 12th. inst. together with the Copy of a letter written by the Presidents command in answer to the enclosed Memorial.
I have the honor to be with perfect consideration Sir Your most Obedt. Servt.
Tobias Lear.Secy. to the President U S.
The Honble The Secretary of the Treasury of the Ud. States.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Charles Lee, 18 December 1789
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Lee, Charles

Treasury Department, December 18, 1789. “I have received your Letter of the 6th instant, with the laws of Virginia accompanying it.…”


Title: Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 18 December 1789
From: Treasury Department,Hamilton, Alexander
To: Collectors of the Customs

Treasury Department 18 Decr. 1789
Sir
As one of the periods for the payment of Bonds taken for Duties is arrived, it is proper that the respective Collectors should be apprised of my expectation with regard to the conduct to be observed by them. It is, that if the Bonds are not paid, as they fall due they be immediately put in Suit. On this point, the most exact punctuality will be considered as indispensable. And accordingly it will be expected that every bond, which shall appear in a Monthly return, after the period at which it was payable, be accompanied with a note at foot of the Return, signifying that it is in suit & expressing time of the commencement of the Suit. I am not unaware that the relaxations in this respect, which obtained in many instances un⟨der⟩ the State Laws, may give an Air of rigor to this Ins⟨truct⟩ion; but I consider its strict observance as essenti⟨al⟩, not only to the order of the finances, but even to the ⟨pro⟩priety of the indulgence, which the Law allows ⟨of⟩ procrastinated terms of payment of the Duties, an⟨d⟩ hence I regard this Strictness, as eventually mos⟨t⟩ convenient to Individuals, as well as necessary ⟨to⟩ the Public.
I am, Sir,   Your obedt. Servt.
A HamiltonSecy of the Treasury


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Sharp Delany, 21 December 1789
From: Delany, Sharp
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Philadelphia] December 21, 1789. “… I have recd the different forms from the Comptroller and shall proceed immediately as therein directed, I would remark on two of them, that of the Tonnage Abstract directed to be countersigned by the N officer which I imagine was intended to be the Surveyor, for the N: O: has no documents to warrant him. In the weekly returns of Cash it is directed to specify in what the balle. on hand consists, such as Bank notes &c &c. on this I would observe, the 30th Secto restricts the Collector from receiving anything but specie.”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Joseph Whipple, 21 December 1789
From: Whipple, Joseph
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Portsmouth, New Hampshire, December 21, 1789. “… I now inclose my Weekly Return to the 19th instant agreeably to the new Form leaving out Bonds &c. In the Forms recd. I do not observe any mention of Goods deposited for the security of the duties which the Law admits of. I shall therefore place them till otherways directed in Accots. with Bonds which I conceive will be the proper place for them. It has been contended by some importers that their Bonds given for Duties should bear date when the Amount of Duties could be ascertain’d 5 to 15 days after the entry of the Vessel which in some instances when the goods could not be landed sooner I have complied with—I should be glad of your directions on this point.…”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 22 December 1789
From: Lincoln, Benjamin
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Boston Decr. 22 1789
Sir
On my return from Georgia I met on file in our office your questions concerning the navigations of the several States and foreign nations. An answer to those questions has been delayed from various causes. No one however has contributed more to produce it than a want of information in me, respecting some of them at the time I first saw them. I have since had an opportunity of knowing many facts relative to them, to which I was formerly a stranger; a knowledge of which was necessary prior to my attempting such an answer as I know you have a right to expect.
On your first question I would observe that the Ships built in the Massachusetts are so constructed as to combine the great objects of burthen, fast sailing & safe transportation. There is a point in which these unite. To fix it is the great art of building. Whether it has been fully investigated, or not, is quite uncertain. Although two vessels of equal tonage may not carry an equal burthen; yet the Ship carrying the least may be preferred, as the most valuable. The advantages arising from having a fast sailing Ship that will beat well to the windward and is what the mariners term a good sea boat are great. Such a Ship will have the preference to one which shall carry more if destitute of those advantages; for they will make a voyage in less time & with greater safety, therefore with more ease will they obtain freight; & the insurance will be much lower. We have here very few vessels from the Netherlands, Rusia, Denmark & Sweden; in consequence of which I am quite unable to determine their construction. Those from Great Britain & France do not differ very materially from those built in this State, which carry about as many tons in wight, as the Number of tons they measure.
2d. Question
Answer The original cost of vessels built here varies according to the size of them. Those which are employed in the Cod fishery & coasting, from 45 to 100 tons, cost from five pounds ten, to six pounds ⅌ ton. Those of one hundred and fifty tons will cost about seven pounds a ton. Those from one hundred and fifty, to two hundred and fifty, ten pounds ⅌ ton, including sails rigging and all appurtenances.
Answer to the 3d Question
The vessels in this part of the State are built of white oak timber and planks, saving in some instances, timber of an inferior oak is put into the bottom of a vessel and some times used for Cieling planks. The decks are always of white pine. The standing masts are of white pine & the smaller sparrs generally of spruce. If our timber has been previously prepared by seasoning, or what is to be preferred soaked in sea water, for eight months, or a year, those particles of sap which soon become corrupt and produce early rottenness in the timber, are destroyed. Vessels built with materials thus prepared will last from twelve to fifteen years & with little repairs twenty years. The above observations refer to ships built in this State, at the westward of Penobscot river. The timber & planks of vessels built at the eastward of that, is generally black birch; the knees are spruce and the planks of the deck are white pine. The birch is a very handsome wood and, when the sap is taken off, as it should be in all cases, when used for timber, it very much resembles the mahogany. It is said that vessels built with this timber will indure as long as if built of the best white oak; but of this fact I have not all that proof which gives me full satisfaction. The British, however, seem much in favor of these vessels. A large number of them are annually built, in the Provinces of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, by the Carpenters hired from this State; upon the building of some of which, a very handsome bounty is given. I think these vessels would be better, if the builders would substitute some spruce planks in the place of the birch, which is very brittle and very liable to injury, in working; while the spruce is very tough and being a lighter wood a four inch plank of this might be used in the place of a three inch of birch. These planks will bear caulking exceedingly well and are not so liable to shrink and swell as the birch and oak.
Answer to the 4th. The larger vessels from one hundred and fifty tons and upward have been differently employed. Some between this State, great Britain & Ireland, Which make two voyages in a year. For three years past many have made voyages directly to the cape of Good-Hope, the Isle of France, Bourbon and the several parts of the heither India. There cargoes have consisted chiefly of lumber & provisions, such as beef butter, chiese, a few fish &c. For some of these vessels a market has been found, at the different ports. The greatest part of them return with coffe, cotten & other articles of produce; and some with manufactures, especially of the cotton. In a few instances vessels have proceeded to Canton, from whence they have returned with Bohea Teas & others of a better quality &c. The adventurers to the Isle of France, the theither Indies &c succeeded well the first year; but in the two last many have been unfortunate, owing principally to the markets being overstocked. Many vessels of the kind, above mentioned, are employed in the west India trade, (together with a number of Sloops & Schooners from seventy five, to one hundred & fifty tons). Some in exporting our prime fish to the European Markets. In these employments two voyages are made in a Year. A large number of our vessels from one hundred and Eighty tons & upward are employed in circuitous Voyages, first to the southern States, where they generally obtain freight for Europe. Many of those Vessels from the want of stock to procure cargoes more valuable return with salt, while some pass up the Baltic & thence return with Cargoes of Iron, duck, hemp &c. These make one voyage only in a year.
Answer to the 5th. Question
Vessels of one hundred and fifty tons are navigated by one seaman to eighteen tons and vessels above, one man to twenty tons. A large proportion of these should be good sea men; some may be taken from the plows.
Answer to the 6th & 7th Questions—The pay of the master varies from twenty to fifty dollars ⅌ month, being governed by circumstances, where he is not the assignee.
Masters are some times allowed 3£ ⅌ month and a priviledge in the Ship of 5⅌ Cent with other small perquisites. In voyages to the West Indies & Africa they are commonly the assignee, and receive a commission from 5 to 7½ ⅌ Cent upon sales and returns: and, when this doth not happen, they are sometimes allowed: primage on owners goods & those taken on freight: masters in European employments have six pounds ⅌ month and a privilege in the vessel of 5 ⅌ Cent and an allowance of two shillings & six pence ⅌ day while in port abroad.
The pay of the mariners if from five to eight dollars pr. month. They are allowed, for subsistence, beef, pork, bread, and pulse; and, occasionally, sugar tea, coffe and rum.


Title: Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 23 December 1789
From: Treasury Department,Hamilton, Alexander
To: Collectors of the Customs

Treasury Department 23 Decr. 1789.
Sir
My opinion having been several times asked on the following points, I think it proper in order to produce uniformity of practice to convey it in a Circular Instruction.
First—Whether the tonnage of foreign vessels ought to be taken from the Registers, or ascertained by admeasurement according to the principles of the third Section of the act for registering &c.
I am of opinion that the latter ought to be the case, not only because it is agreable to the letter of that Section which is general, but because it cannot be presumed that the Legislature intended to favor foreign vessels in this respect, which would be the case, if the Tonnage expressed in their registers should govern; as the mode of admeasurement prescribed by our law makes the Tonnage greater than that which prevails in other Countries.
Secondly. Whether a vessel not licensed as a Coaster, or for the fishing trade, going from one district to another shall enter & pay tonnage at the last? And at what rate?
I am of opinion that there must be an entry in each district and that the entry will draw with it the payment of Tonnage in each. But the rate will depend on the circumstances. If there be nothing to constitute a trading between the districts within the meaning of the last clause of the twenty third Section of the Coasting Act, the rate of tonnage in each district will be the same & will be determined by the particular description of the Tonnage Act, under which the Vessel may fall.

But if there be such a trading between the districts the rate of tonnage will be fifty Cents.
The question then is—What is to be deemed a trading between the districts? Without attempting a precise definition of the thing, I will state, as a guide, some cases which in my opinion are, or are not so.
First—If a vessel arriving from abroad at one district with a Cargo proceeds with the whole or a part of that identical Cargo to another district, I do not conceive this to be a trading between the districts.
Secondly—If a vessel bound to a foreign port takes in part of her outward Cargo at one district and proceeds to another to take in another part of her outward Cargo, this also is not in my opinion, a trading between the districts.
But Thirdly—If in any case a vessel not licensed as aforesaid take in a freight at one district to be delivered at another, this is to be deemed a trading between the districts and subjects her to the rate of foreign Tonnage.
I am, Sir,   Your obedt. Servt.
A HamiltonSecy of the Treasy


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Tench Coxe, 24 December 1789
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Coxe, Tench

New York, December 24th, 1789.
Dear Sir,
Your obliging favours of the 30th of November, and 16th instant, with the communications accompanying them, have been duly received.

Accept my best acknowledgments for the attention you have paid to my request; and believe that I mean not a mere compliment, when I say that your compliance with it has procured me much useful information, and many valuable observations.
I have not leisure to add more, than that I am, with sincere esteem and regard, dear sir, your obedient servant,
A. Hamilton.
Tench Coxe, Esq.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Meletiah Jordan, 24 December 1789
From: Jordan, Meletiah
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Frenchman’s Bay [District of Maine] December 24, 1789. “… I wrote you the 20th. & the 25th. of November last.… In my last I gave you some particular information of the situation of this District. There is but one Vessel in this District at present that consists of more than 30 tons burden or thereabouts, our vessels are small and follow what we call shore fishing & as it is the law of the wise Congress that no foreign ship or vessel shall unload any foreign goods in this Dist. in consequence of which all vessels of that kind trade in other districts which makes the business of a Collector exceedingly small.…”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Beverley Randolph, 24 December 1789
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Randolph, Beverley

Treasury Department 24 Decr. 1789
Sir
I have been duly honored with your favors of the 28th. of November & 5th. of December, with their inclosures. And I beg leave to make my acknowledgments for the attention which has been paid to their early transmission.
I presume in the account transmitted the arrears of Interest have been added to the principal. Should the contrary be the case, permit me to request, that a statement of those arrears if any exist may be forwarded as speedily as possible.
I have the honor to be   with great respect,   Sir,   Your obedt. & hble Servt.
A HamiltonS of the Treasy
His ExcellencyBeverly Randolph Esqr.Govr. of the State of Virginia


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Willing, 24 December 1789
From: Willing, Thomas
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Philadelphia] Dec 24th. 1789
Sir
I reced by the last post yours of the 17th. Inst with all its enclosures respecting the protest of the Treasury Drafts on Norfolk & this day they have been laid before the Directors. I thank you for the trouble you have taken in your free and full explanation of this disagreeable transaction. The mistake made in the Office considering the early State of the business, was a natural One, & I think with you that Mr Lindsey should have paid the drafts & coverd himself under the directions, to the Collector of Norfolk especially with the additional circumstance, that he could not doubt the Signatures of either The Treasurer or Cashier. Its plain that he had the Money and therefore the conclusion must be, either that he was overcautious, being young in his Office, or else, that he meant it as a reproof to the Treasury for their mistake. However, I think you have Stated the whole transaction to him in such Strong & pointed terms, that his feelings must be roused and he will be more Cautious in future. Your resolution of calling on him for an explanation before any formal complaint was made to the president, was certainly proper, and I hope he may give you such satisfaction as to render Such complaint quite unnecessary. I now Send you Mr Hunters Letter of the 1st. of October with both the Original returns from Norfolk & Portsmouth & thank you for the having so confidentially troubled them for our Inspection. The duplicate letter for Mr Lindsey has been Sent forward with Some of the drafts which have been Sold to Mr Taylor—but here too, perhaps Mr Lindsey may plead a misdirection, for you have not in these latter drafts, given the full description of him as Collector, which he takes when he Signs his Official returns, to which he adds—Collectors Office Norfolk & Portsmouth. The Treasurer has only directed his drafts to him as Collector of Norfolk you’l excuse me for mentioning this very trifeling Circumstance, it argues a Suspecion perhaps, which nothing could warrant, except Mr Lindsays past conduct—which certainly marks him as a man of nice puntillio.
I am Sir   Most respectfully   Yr Obdt Servt.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Meletiah Jordan, 25 December 1789
From: Jordan, Meletiah
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Frenchman’s Bay, District of Maine, December 25, 1789. On March 15, 1790, Jordan wrote to Hamilton: “I did myself the pleasure to write you the 24th. 25th. & 29th. December.” Letter of December 25 not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Sharp Delany, 26 December 1789
From: Delany, Sharp
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Philadelphia] December 26th 1789
Sir
The Cashier of the Banks receipts for  dollars is inclosed, with the opinion of some of our Merchants & Ship Carpenters on the Queries I had the honour of receiving from You. I expect further opinions from others which shall forward next post. In my return of Exports, You will have a thorough view of our Trade, as I shall give each place separate. Mr Bingham says he wrote You largely on the above subjects. I must once more Sir mention the pain I feel in being deprived making succh communications as I could wish being yet very unwell, & incapable of doing it in the manner I could wish. I am however much better, and hope soon to have sufficient strength to comply with every duty of my Office in Person.
I have the honor to be &c
S D
The Secretary of the Treasury


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John Scott, 26 December 1789
From: Scott, John
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Chester, Maryland, December 26, 1789. “I beg the favor of you to give me your advice & direction in the following matter. A Ship arrives at Baltimore District, lands her Cargo and then comes into this District to load, brings a permit for that purpose from the office of Baltimore, the Ship’s papers are stop’t there, & the officers there oblige the Capt. of the Ship to return to their office for his clearance, and a refusal is made to clear or pay fees here. Is this agreeable to the Law?” Letter not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Tobias Lear, 28 December 1789
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[New York] December 28, 1789. “By the direction of the President of the United States, I have the honor to transmit to you all the letters & certificates which have come to his hands from, or relating to, Mr. Samuel Caldwell of Philadelphia upon the subject of his application for an Office under the United States.”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Mifflin, 28 December 1789
From: Mifflin, Thomas
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[New York, December 28, 1789. On December 31, 1789, Hamilton wrote to Mifflin: “I have the honor of your letter of the 28th instant.” Letter not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Meletiah Jordan, 29 December 1789
From: Jordan, Meletiah
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Frenchman’s Bay [District of Maine] December 29, 1789. Repeats information contained in his letter of December 24, 1789.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Wilhem and Jan Willink, Nicholaas and Jacob Van Staphorst, and Nicholas Hubbard, 29 December 1789
From: Willink, Wilhem,Willink, Jan,Van Staphorst, Jacob,Hubbard, Nicholas
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Amsterdam, December 29, 1789. On January 25, 1790, Willink, Van Staphorst, and Hubbard wrote to Hamilton: “We had the Honor to address you the 29 Ulto.” Letter not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Peter Anspach, 30 December 1789
From: Anspach, Peter
To: Hamilton, Alexander

New York, December 30, 1789. Transmits an account of the debt owed by the United States to the creditors of the quartermaster general’s department.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Joseph Clay, 30 December 1789
From: Clay, Joseph
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Savannah, December 30, 1789. “I received your very obliging favour of the 2d. Octr last respecting a claim of the United States on me for a sum of money of the new emission & tho’ under the peculiar circumstances of this business I can’t think myself responsible yet ’tis my wish to see the United States secured in the same as soon as possible & shall do every thing in my power for that purpose. The person who received the money and appropriated it to his own use (as he says prompted by penury & want) is I am told at this time in very good circumstances & writes that he only waits to know what money will be received in payment & at what rate.…”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Nathaniel Fosdick, 30 December 1789
From: Fosdick, Nathaniel
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Portland, District of Maine, December 30, 1789. On February 8, 1790, Hamilton wrote to Fosdick“Your letter of the thirtieth of December, 1789.” Letter not found.]


Title: Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 30 December 1789
From: Treasury Department,Hamilton, Alexander
To: Collectors of the Customs

Treasury Department Decr. 30. 1789.
Sir
In my Circular letter of the 31st. of October last I directed you to claim the duties which had arisen on Imports since the first day of August last, and prior to the organisation of the Customhouses in the respective districts, and if the same was controverted by the parties liable thereto to prosecute this claim to a legal determination.
As the decision in one case will probably form a rule in the others, it is my desire that no more than one action should be brought on this account (if any should be found necessary) and that in conducting it, you will not fail to observe (as I before recommended) all the moderation which is compatible with the end in view.
It is not necessary that the progress of the suit should be hastened at present, as it is highly probable that the subject will come under the consideration of the Legislature of their approaching meeting.
I am, Sir   Your Obedt. servant
A HamiltonSecy of the Treasy


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Charles Lee, 31 December 1789
From: Lee, Charles
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Alexandria, Virginia, December 31, 1789. On February 12, 1790, Hamilton wrote to Lee: “Your letter of the 31st. of December came duly to hand.” Letter not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Mifflin, 31 December 1789
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Mifflin, Thomas

Treasury Department, 31st Dec’r, 1789.
Sir,
I have the honor of your letter of the 28th instant, inclosing one to you from the Comptroller General of your State. I can only regret, that my delay has accrued, and take it for granted, that the business will receive all the dispatch which may be practicable.
I shall be sorry if any inconvenience results to the public Creditors of your state from the cessation of the payment of Indents within the State; but I considered myself as going very far when I determined to continue such a number of officers at the public expence, perhaps in strictness, without authority, for the sole purpose of paying indents, even to the end of the present year, especially, as so much time had elapsed, during which the Creditors might have availed themselves of the provision. I will only add, that the exchanging of old certificates for new ones, and paying of Indents at the Treasury will go on as heretofore.
I have the honor to be,   With great respect, Sir,   your obedt. hble. Servt.,
A. Hamilton,Sec’y of the Trea.
His Excellency, Thos. Mifflin, Esq.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 31 December 1789
From: Williams, Otho H.
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Baltimore, December 31, 1789. Plans to send to Hamilton copies of Maryland’s revenue laws, information “respecting the Commerce and Shipping of this state,” and the answers to Hamilton’s “demands upon the subject of the Impost Laws.”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, [1789]
From: Lincoln, Benjamin
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Boston, 1789.] Discusses the difficulty of distinguishing between goods on which duties have been paid and those on which they have not been paid. Proposes a system of branding casks, chests, and boxes, and marking bales to prevent smuggling.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [1789–1795]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

[1789–1795]
Mr. Hamilton will with pleasure execute the command of the President by the time appointed and have the honor of waiting upon him.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Michael Dawson, 1 January 1790
From: Dawson, Michael
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Philadelphia, January 1, 1790. Applies for the contract for the maintenance of the buoys and beacons in Delaware River and Bay.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John Davidson, 2 January 1790
From: Davidson, John
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Annapolis, January 2, 1790. On January 22, 1790, Hamilton wrote to Davidson: “I am favored with your letter of the 2d Instant.” Letter not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John Jay, 2 January 1790
From: Jay, John
To: Hamilton, Alexander

New York 2d January 1790.
Sir
I have now the honor of transmitting to you herewith enclosed the extracts requested in your letter to me of the 2d. November last, and am with great respect and esteem &c.
John Jay


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [3 January 1790]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

[New York, January 3, 1790]
The Secretary of the Treasury having, in consequence of the Act for the Establishment and support of Light houses, directed his Enquiries to that object begs leave most respectfully to submit the result to
The President of the United States of America
New Hampshire.
In this State is only one Light house situated on a point of land on the Island of New-Castle, three miles from Portsmouth, without the walls of the Fort which commands the entrance of Piscatqua river. It is under the Superintendance of a Commissary who is Captain of the Fort; and is at present in good repair.
The annual expence of maintaining it, is estimated at … Dollars 217.20.
Massachusetts.
In this State are six Light-houses at the following places vizt.
Boston
Cape-Ann
Plymouth
Plumb Island
Nantucket
Portland.
The whole expence attending the support of these Establishments including the Officers Salaries, is estimated at … Dollars 5736.

The Officers appointed for their management are,

At Boston, Captain Thomas Knox with an annual Salary of Dollars
400

At Cape Ann. Mr. Samuel Houston with Ditto
400

At Plymouth the widow of the late General Thomas with Ditto
233.50

At Plumb Island Mr.  Lowell with Ditto
220.

At Nantucket, Mr. Paul Pinkham with Ditto
250.

At Portland, the building not being perfectly completed no person is yet appointed to superintend it.

Exclusive of the above there is an officer stiled a commissary who has the charge of supplying the whole.
This Office is now filled by Mr.  Devens, but what allowance he has for executing it, the Secretary has not yet ascertained. When the building at Portland is completed, the expence of maintaining it, and the allowance of the commissary superintending the whole, will probably make the total amount of the Light house Establishment in the State of Massachusetts about .… Dollars 6000    ⅌ annum.
Connecticut.
In this State there is only one Light house which is situated at the port of New London; it is built of stone, and has lately been repaired: In the month of May last the General Assembly ordered some Buoys to be fixed in the harbour for the safety of the navigation, but nothing has been yet done in consequence of the Act.
The annual expence of this Establishment is estimated at … Dollars. 450
At New Haven there is a pier in the harbor which is private property, & a Buoy at the entrance, two other buoys are judged necessary for the safety of the navigation.
New York.
At New York there is a Light house and was lately a Beacon at Sandy hook, the annual expence of which (exclusive of an allowance to the Wardens of the port) is about … Dollars 1500
The number of the Wardens is four, who have (besides other Duties incident to their Office) the charge of supplying and superintending this Establishment. They have each an allowance of one Dollar and an half ⅌ day, when employed in visiting the works, exclusive of their provisions &c. The Master Warden is Mr. Thomas Randall. The Beacon has been recently blown down and will require to be replaced; which can be done at an inconsiderable expence.
In New Jersey.
There is no Light house, nor any establishment of that nature.
In Pennsylvania.
There is a Light house at Cape Henlopen, and several Buoys, Beacons and Piers for the security of the navigation on the Bay & river Delaware. The annual expence of these establishments which have been under the care of a Board of Wardens of the port of Philadelphia, is estimated by the present Master Warden at, Dollars 4133.
This Office is now filled by Capt. William Allibone.
In Delaware.
There is no Light-house nor other establishment of this nature, those on the Bay & river-Delaware answering for that state.
In Maryland & Virginia
There are at present no Light houses, nor any Beacons, Buoys &ca. for the security of Vessels navigating the Bay of Chesapeak. I[n] consequence of certain Acts of the Legislatures of these States, stiled the compact Laws, considerable Sums have been collected heretofore, by a Tax upon Tonage, for raising a fund for the purpose of building Light-houses &c. at cape Henry. The commissioners appointed by the two States for superintending this work, expended on it previous to the War, in collecting materials &c, at between 7 and £8000 Virginia currency but it is presumed that no considerable Benefit can be now derived from this Expenditure. The present expence for erecting this Light-house &c. (as estimated by one of the commissioners appointed on the part of the State of Virginia) is computed at … Dollars 34.076.66

The annual Expence of maintaining it would probably not exceed … Dollars 2.000
In South Carolina.
There is one Light-house and the necessary Buoys and Beacons, for the security of the navigation into that harbour. The Lighthouse is in good condition, but the Buoys and Beacons want repair. The annual expence attending this establishment is computed at … Dollars. 1.457.
The Officer having charge of them at present is Mr. Thomas Hollingsby, who is recommended by the Commissioners of Pilotage for that harbour as a person perfectly qualified for the business; his present Salary is … Dollars. 257.14.
Georgia.
No information has been received from that State on this subject, although the same enquiries have been made there, as in other States.
To this statement of the substance of the information, which he has received respecting the several Establishments in question, The Secretary begs leave to add that most of the persons who have been singly charged with the care of any of them, have been recommended as proper to be continued, & that no objection has been made to any; and that in the two instances in which that care has been commited to Boards (as in the cases of Pennsylvania and New York) the principals of those Boards are well recommended.
It appears to the Secretary, that it will be expedient to conform to the plan, which exists in Massachusetts, and to substitute Individuals to Boards, where the business has been committed to them; and he thinks it probable that a reappointment of the persons who have been heretofore employed, will be most likely to produce an eligible choice, and to give satisfaction; and also that the allowances heretofore made (as far as they apply) will be a good standard for those to be established. As however it is the intention of the Legislature, that the expenditures for these establishments, should be made by Contract, which from the nature of the objects must generally be conducted on the spot, it seems advisable for this and other reasons, which will occur, that in the distant States, there should be some other persons than the immediate Superintendants of the Light house connected with them in the business.
As a temporary arrangement for this purpose, the Secretary wou’d propose that the particular Superintendents in the several States, except Pennsylvania and New York, should be put under the direction of the Collectors of the principal ports.
In New Hampshire of the Collector of Portsmouth
In Massachusetts of the Collector of Boston
In Connecticut of the Collector of New London
In South Carolina of the Collector of Charleston.
Georgia is omitted from the want of information.
Pennsylvania & New York are excepted, because their contiguity to the Seat of Government will place the particular Superintendants sufficiently under the Eye of the Secretary of the Treasury.
Pursuant to the foregoing Ideas the Secretary sub[mits] the following nomination.

At Boston Capt. Thomas Knox with a Salary of Dollars
400
⅌ an.

At Cape Ann Mr. Samuel Houston with do. of
400

At Plymouth, the widow of the late Genl. Thomas with do. of
240.

At Plumb Island Mr. _____ Lowell with Do of
220

At Nantucket Mr. Paul Pinkham with Do of
250

At New London (a person to be nominated by Genl. Huntington) with Do. of
100

At New York Mr. Thos. Randall with ditto of
400

At Philadelphia Mr. William Allibone with do. of
500.

At Charleston, South Carolina, Mr. Thomas Hollingsby with Ditto of
260

No account having been received at the Treasury of the completion of the Light-house erecting at Portland in Massachusetts, the Secretary has not included it in the present nomination; he has also omitted the Port of New Haven in Connecticut, as the piers & Buoys in that harbor, appear to be private property, not that of the State.
In the States of Virginia & Maryland it appears from what is above stated in this report, that there are no establishments in those states, altho’. materials have formerly been collected for building a Light-House at Cape Henry. As the act of the seventh of August last relative to the support of Light houses &c. renders it necessary to obtain a cession of a proper place near the entrance of the chesapeak previous to the erection of a Light house in that Quarter, the Secretary submits it to the consideration of the President, whether it would not be advisable to determine on the place best adapted for such an Establishment, in order that an application may be made to the supreme Executive of the State, under whose jurisdiction the same may be, for a cession of the same.
It will be observed, that the secretary has not mentioned a person for taking charge of the Light-house at New Hampshire. The present Commissary (as before stated) is Capt. of the Fort, near to whose Walls the Light-house is situated. The Collector of the port of Portsmouth is of opinion that the care of it should be intrusted to the captain of the Fort, but has said nothing as to the qualifications of Mr. Clap for this office; or of the Allowance made to him on this account by the State: the Secretary therefore submits the propriety of deferring any appointment for this place, ’till further enquiry is made on these points, to which immediate attention will be paid.
With respect to the Duties of the General Superintendants, as the act contemplates the maintaining, supporting and erecting the Establishments to be by Contract, the Secretary is of opinion, that in all Cases where the nature of the service or supply will possibly admit of the same being so done, with advantage to the public, the superintendants should be authorised to enter into Contract for the same, subject to the ratification of the Secretary of the Treasury, with the approbation of the President; and where the same cannot be so done, that the General Superintendants shall direct the execution of the necessary business at as low a rate as possible.
This line the Secretary is induced to suggest, as he finds on an Investigation of the different Objects of Expenditure accruing under these establishments, that cases will sometimes occur (especially in the repair of works and replacing Buoys &c.) where it will not be possible to Establish any principles of calculation for doing the same by Contract, in which case the party contracting (should such be found) would either demand an extravagant allowance for securing him against the possibility of risque, or endeavour to avoid the same by exectuting his Contract in an inefficient manner.
All which is humbly submitted
Alexander HamiltonSecretary of the Treasury


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Tobias Lear, 5 January 1790
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Hamilton, Alexander

United States, January 5th, 1790.
Sir,
By direction of the President of the United States, I have the honor herewith to transmit to you a letter from the Governor of Virginia, dated December 18th, 1789, enclosing an Act (which is likewise sent you) of the general Assembly of that Commonwealth, passed Novr. 13th. 1789, to convey to the United States in Congress assembled certain Land for the purpose of building a Light House on Cape Henry.
I have the honor to be, with perfect respect, Sir, Your most Obedt. & Hum. Servt.
Tobias Lear.Secretary to the Presidentof the United States
The Honorable The Secretary of the Treasury of the United States.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Allibone, 7 January 1790
From: Allibone, William
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Philadelphia, January 7, 1790. Has received Hamilton’s letter of December 21, 1789, and the necessary funds to maintain the aids to navigation in the Delaware River.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Angelica Church, [7 January 1790]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Church, Angelica

[New York, January 7, 1790]
Inclosed My Dear friend is a letter from your sister; which she has written to supply my deficiency. Tomorrow I open the budget & you may imagine that today I am very busy and not a little anxious. I could not however let the Packet sail without giving you a proof, that no degree of occupation can make me forget you.
We hope to hear shortly that you are safe arrived & that every thing is to your wish. That Mr. Church is well, young, and sprightly. And that your sons promise all to be great men, and your daughters to be like yourself.
Adieu   Love to Mr Church & believe me always   Yr. Affectionate friend & brother
A Hamilton
New York January 7. 1789
Mrs. A Church


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Sharp Delany, 9 January 1790
From: Delany, Sharp
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Philadelphia] January 9, 1790. “By this post I forward my Cash Acct for the last week.… A Vessell enters—and pays tonnage or does not pay—she is sold, or intends for another Port in the United States, and demands a License. Quere, should another Tonnage for the Year be demanded & paid?”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Hill, 9 January 1790
From: Hill, Jeremiah
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Biddeford [District of Maine] January 9, 1790. Forwards “a Copy of the Certificates of Registry granted in this Office to the 31st. Ultimo.” Complains that the Boston collector of customs has not answered repeated requests for registry blanks.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jedediah Huntington, 9 January 1790
From: Huntington, Jedediah
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[New London, Connecticut, January 9, 1790. On January 25, 1790, Hamilton wrote to Huntington: “I am favored with your letter of the 9th. instant.” Letter not found.]