Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Edmund Randolph, [1–12 December 1794]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Randolph, Edmund

[Philadelphia, December 1–12, 1794]
Remarks on Lord Grenvilles project of a Commercial Treaty made at the request of E Randolph Esquire   Secty of States
A   Inasmuch as the light house duties, which are excepted, constitute an additional charge on Vessels of the UStates beyond those of G. Britain in British Ports, this article, which puts British vessels in our ports exactly upon the same footing with ours wants reciprocity. But the most important consideration will be, that as the distinctions which now exist between foreign and our own vessels are really of importance to our Trade, our Merchants will see them relinquished with reluctance unless there be some clear equivalent. If the stipulation extends to duties on goods brought in British Bottoms, the conclusion is so much the stronger.
B   This article in its operation wants reciprocity. The British system contains now numerous prohibitions, ours none. To fix this state of things is to renounce an important right to and place ourselves on an unequal footing. It gives a claim to some equivalent.
C   It may be supposed that the Equivalent in both cases is to be found in this article. It would be so (excepting one circumstance that will be presently mentioned) if the duration of the privileges granted was coextensive with that of the other parts of the Treaty. But the short term of the privileges here proposed to be granted renders them of inconsiderable value. The Proviso too prohibits vessels of the UStates from carrying “West India” productions from the British Islands or the UStates to any other part of the World. If this prohibition is to be taken in a literal sense and to extend to the West India possessions of other countries than GBritain, it would be to renounce a valuable branch of Trade now enjoyed and probably more than would be gained.
D   The giving a duration of twelve years to the Treaty as it respects the Trade with Europe and of only two years as it respects the West Indies will be very unacceptable. It will be the more so as the Project does not even secure the Status Quo with the European Dominions of Great Britain that is it does not secure the particular privileges and exemptions which we now enjoy by Proclamation compared with other foreign Nations.
AH
Mr. Hamilton communicates these remarks in personal confidence to Mr. Randolph with this request that no copy of them may be taken & that this paper may be returned after it serves the purpose for which the remarks were requested.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Ebenezer Stevens, 1 December 1794
From: Stevens, Ebenezer
To: Hamilton, Alexander

New York 1 December 1794
Dear Sir,
I will thank You to direct John Lamb Esqr to make me a further advance on account of the United States for fortifying the Harbour of New York. I have vouchers for the whole amount of the appropriation made by Congress and will forward them to the proper office agreeable to Your written instructions to Mr Lamb under date of the 13. of April last. I wish to be informed whether the Chief Engineer and his assistants Salaries are to come out of the above appropriation or not.
I am   Very truly Yours
Ebenezer Stevens


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jonathan Williams, 1 December 1794
From: Williams, Jonathan
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Philadelphia Decr 1. 1794.
Sir.
The Expence of provision and Forage for the Detachment that escorted you from Pittsburgh to Bedford, say six Horsemen, 100 miles, was Twenty two Dollars. I presume that this will be a sufficient Document for the Reimbursement.
I am with great Respect   Sir   Your obedient Servant
Jona. WilliamsOccasional Qur Mastr.
The HonbleA. Hamilton Esqr.


Title: Enclosure: Memorandum, [1 December 1794]
From: Williams, Jonathan
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Philadelphia, December 1, 1794]

Recd from Colel Hamilton seventy Dollars
$70.

 Expence of the Escort from Pittsburgh to Bedford
 22

48

Colel Hamilton’s proportion of the Expence from Bedford to the place of Separation on the Lancaster Road
  8

40

Returned to Colel Hamilton.
Forty Dollars
Philadelphia Dec 1. 1794.Jona. WilliamsOccasional Quartermaster to theEscort


Title: Bank Draft, [2 December 1794]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To:

[Philadelphia, December 2, 1794]
Cashier of the Bank of The UStates  Dollars 50—
Pay to E Hamilton or bearer Fifty Dollars.
A Hamilton
Philadelphia. December 2d. 1794


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Edward Carrington, 2 December 1794
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Carrington, Edward

Treasury DepartmentDecember 2nd. 1794
Sir
Your letter of the 23rd of November is this moment received.
Governor Lee while in the Western Country informed me, after the Steps had been taken, that he had been under a necessity in two instances to facilitate the return of detachments of sick men, of calling upon Mr. Smith to advance Moneys to Them. The inconveniences of the Measure could not but strike at first view, yet the motives were Laudible, and in collateral aspects the measure expedient. But it was too late to disapprove or remedy, My answer would of course accord with the state of things.
Unapprised of the means in yours or Mr. Smiths Command or the extent of this extra demand I am wholly at a loss how to meet it with accuracy. But as I ought to suppose it cannot exceed two thousand Dollars, I have instructed the Treasurer to send you Blank Drafts for that sum to be placed on yourself as Supervisor on the Collector of Alexandria or the Cashier of the Bank of the United States as occasion may require.
For the rest I must entreat you to do the Best which circumstances admit, in order that no body may be compromotted & the public interest may not finally suffer.
With Great consideration & Esteem   I am sir   Your Obedient Servant.
Edward Carrington Esqr.Agent for Military Supplies


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 2 December 1794
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

[Philadelphia] December 2, 1794. “The Secretary of the Treasury has the honor to send the President some additional communications from the Supervisor of Ohio District. The State of that scene renders the arrangement with regard to District Attorney delicate & important.”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 2 December 1794
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

Treasury Department December 2, 1794. “The Secretary of the Treasury has the honor to transmit to The President of the UStates, triplicates of a statement of Expenditures upon the funds heretofore appropriated for defraying the contingent charges of Government up to the 30 of September last.”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Tench Coxe, 4 December 1794
From: Coxe, Tench
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Treasury DepartmentRevenue-Office, Decemr 4th 1794.
Sir,
I have the honor to remind you of the conviction I communicated to you before your departure to the Westward, that the duties of the Treasury Department under the 5th Sectn of the act of May 8th 1792 as transferred to this office were actually incompatible with the due execution of the proper and other business of the Commissioner of the Revenue. I entertain a confirmed and increased conviction of the truth of that Idea, which you observed had occurred to your own observation. The importance of both Divisions of the public business, your intended resignation, my wish to have every thing in order before that Event shall take place, and other considerations, induce me to request an early arrangement for the execution of the Duties of the Treasury under the 5th Section of the Act making alterations in the Treasury and war Department, otherwise than by this Office.

I have the honor to be with great Respect, Sir,   Your most obedient Servant,
Tench CoxeCommissr. of the Revenue
The Secretaryof the Treasury


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John Quincy Adams, 5 December 1794
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Hamilton, Alexander

The Hague December 5. 1794.
Sir.
The Bankers of the United States at Amsterdam, have written to you upon the present state of affairs in this Country, which would in their opinion render the negotiation for eight hundred thousand Dollars, for which they have been commissioned altogether impracticable, even if they had received from Coll. Humphreys the intimation for which they are instructed to wait.
Under these circumstances therefore, I find myself deprived not only of the happiness of contributing to the success, but even of the satisfaction of making all the exertions in my power for the attainment of an object so near to the wishes of the President and so important to the interests of the United States. As the contingency upon which the loan was at any rate to be attempted has not happened, it would have been perfectly unnecessary to dispute the opinion of the Commissioners. As the management of this business has been committed to them entirely, it would have been improper. As their means of information upon this point are so much superior to mine it would have been indecorous. I have therefore only observed to them that the object to which the money was intended to be applied, was of extreme urgency and importance. And that I hoped they would take advantage of the first favourable moment that should offer to make their dispositions so as to be prepared for the receipt of the order from Lisbon.

The zeal and fidelity with which these Gentlemen have served the United States from the time they were first interested in their affairs has been so thoroughly tried and proved, that it will certainly not be deficient upon the present occasion. Their personal interest will also concur with their public duty to animate their activity, if they see a possible chance of succeeding. So that when they tell me that the negotiation of the proposed loan would be impracticable, I cannot doubt but that the fact is really so; and that with the whole latitude of power given them as to the terms, they will not venture to undertake it.
It is with much pleasure however that I learn from them, and from many other quarters, that in point of credit here the United States stand upon a higher footing than any other power That their obligations at 4 per cent with premium are ten per cent above par; & their 5 per cents at par: while those of the Emperor and of Russia are vibrating from 75 to 90, and some others bear no price at all.
By the capture of Antwerp, a difficulty has occurred upon which the Gentlemen at Amsterdam have no doubt already written you. The annual interest upon the loan made there of 3 millions of florins, is by the tenor of the obligations made payable at the compting house of Mr. De Wolff, and the bankers here have annually remitted the money to Antwerp for the purpose. As the circulation of Assignats is compulsive the Brabanters, holders of the American obligations are apprehensive of receiving their interest in that currency, and our bankers have not transmitted the money for the interest that becomes due for the last year. It may be added that many of these creditors are now emigrants, and may possibly have other apprehensions, for the fate of the principal as well as of the interest. One of them called upon me at Amsterdam, last week, to enquire whether I could give him any relief. I told him that I had neither instructions nor power relating to that loan, but would readily transmit any representation he wished to make, and I did not doubt but the United States would do their creditors full justice. He said an expedient had already been adopted by the Court of Denmark, upon the same occasion which had been satisfactory to their creditors in their Brabant Loans, and which if equally adopted by the United States would very much accomodate him and many others in the same predicament. It was to declare that the holders of their obligations, might receive their interest at Copenhagen instead of Antwerp, and that they might exchange the obligations themselves for others bearing the same interest.
The communication between Antwerp and this Country is interrupted, and I do not know whether Mr: de Wolff has paid the interest due upon the loan, this year. The money for the purpose has certainly not been remitted from hence. I hope that before the revolution of another year some settled order of things will take place, which will render any measures on the part of the United States in favour of their Netherland creditors unnecessary. I suspect that the impossibility of obtaining the two million Guilders here, must arise altogether from the dread of confiscation or requisition to which they imagine their obligations may be liable.
I have the honour to be, with the highest Sentiments of Respect,   Sir, your very humble & obedient Servant.
John Q. Adams.
Alexander Hamilton EsqrSecretary of the Treasury.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John Quincy Adams, 5 December 1794
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Adams, John Quincy

Treasury Department December 5th 1794
Sir
Since writing to you on the first instant, of which the foregoing is a Copy, it has become necessary to inform you, that in consequence of the Presidents having directed Mr. Pinckney to repair immediately to the Court of Madrid, there is a possibility, that he may set out upon his Mission, before the bill drawn upon our Commissioners in Amsterdam reaches London. If this should prove to be the Case, I will then thank you to take upon yourself the negociation of the business, by placing in the Bank of England or in some other situation not less secure and at the disposal of Mr. Pinckney, a sum equal to the amount of the bill in question, say Three hundred and three thousand One hundred and fifteen current guilders with respect to the remainder of the Funds belonging to the United States, in the hands of our Commissioners, I shall refer you to the instructions contained in my letter to you of the first instant.
I am with great respect   Sir   Your most obedient servant
Alexander Hamilton
John Q Adams EsquireMinister Resident atthe Hague


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Tench Coxe, 5 December 1794
From: Coxe, Tench
To: Hamilton, Alexander

T: D: R: O: Decbr. 5 1794
Sir,
In pursuance of the order of the Senate of the 18th day of February 1793 An enquiry into the expediency of erecting a Light House upon watch Hill in the state of Rhode Island was duly instituted. It appears that a Light house of the first class or of very considerable expence is not desired, nor necessary to Navigation in that quarter. That a light on Watch Hill would not be extensively useful to vessels in the Foreign trade; That however, from the frequent passing & repassing of coasting vessels, a light House of the smallest class or a lighted Beacon would be really useful. That watch hill point, being considerably elevated above the sound at High Water, a light House or Beacon of sufficient height could be erected at a moderate expence. That the Land around it, tho broken, is fertile, & that five families reside within half a mile; wherefore the expence of maintenance would be moderate.
I have the honor &c.
T: Coxe C R
The Secy. of the Treasury


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 5 December 1794
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

Treasury Department, December 5, 1794. “The Secretary of The Treasury has the honor to submit to the President a letter from the Commissioner of The Revenue of the 3d. instant.… The present offer appears admissible. If the President thinks so—his approbation noted on the letter of the Commissioner of the revenue, will put the business in execution.”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Tench Coxe, 6 December 1794
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Coxe, Tench

[Philadelphia] December 6, 1794. “Mr. Hamilton requests Mr. Coxe to state to him how far the supplies procured & expected to be procured from measures already taken are adequate to the requisitions from the War Department for Gun Powder including Salt Petre as the Ingredient.”


Title: Enclosure: Wilhem and Jan Willink, Nicholaas and Jacob Van Staphorst, and Nicholas Hubbard to David Humphreys, [28 November 1794]
From: Willink, Wilhem,Willink, Jan,Van Staphorst, Nicholaas,Van Staphorst, Jacob,Hubbard, Nicholas
To: Humphreys, David

[Amsterdam, November 28, 1794]
In reply to your very esteemed favor of 20 Septbr:, which reached us only last Post, we beg your reference to the inclosed Copy of a Letter we addressed to the Secretary of the Treasury of the United States under date of 23 of said Month, as containing all the information in our Power to give on the subject of your Enquiry.
Should the present Rumours of Peace, produce that desireable effect, we flatter ourselves, we might soon be able to procure a new Loan for the United States: We hope our representations to the Secretary of the Treasury, will operate to obtain from him the Permission, to avail ourselves of the first favorable opportunity to launch such a Loan upon the Market, so as to have the Monies ready at your call, otherwise we are only authorized to present it after receipt of advice from you, that it will be wanted for the purposes, committed to your Management; And then supposing it to succeed, the Monies will enter but by Monthly Instalments probably one Sixth Part in each Month, for your Government.
We are &c:


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Tench Coxe, 8 December 1794
From: Coxe, Tench
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Treasury Department, Revenue Office, December 8, 1794. States that “contracts for the large Anchors can not be made in the U: S: upon terms more favorable than 12½ &13 cents, to be deliver’d in time, and that an importation of them from England can be made at 10 cents … the anchors wanted … being about 20 in number.”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Hurst, 8 December 1794
From: Hurst, Timothy
To: Hamilton, Alexander

New York, December 8, 1794. “Some months ago I requested the favor of your Assistance … in a Chancery suit I was unfortunately involved in with the Executor of the late Doctr Brownjohn provided you returned to this City & engaged in your former profession & seeing lately your Intentions of quitting your present Department I have now to request your Assistance in my Chancery Suit. You will particularly oblige me by your answer.…”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Tench Coxe, 9 December 1794
From: Coxe, Tench
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Treasury Department, Revenue Office, December 9, 1794. “I have the honor to enclose a copy of a letter from Mr. Francis relative to the purchase of ingredients for gun powder, or gun powder itself: to this I have to add, that the only parcel of Salt Petre known to have been Imported elsewhere than in Philada. was procured by me at Providence R. I: being about 22 Tons. You were apprized of the unsuccessful efforts made by me to procure a contract to Import.… The contract with Messrs. Willing & Francis which has been pending some days, has not been completed.… No powder could be got under the prices offered by Whelen & Miller.… I understand some Salt Petre ordered by you from Europe has been received.…”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Tench Coxe, 9 December 1794
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Coxe, Tench

Treasury Department Decemr 9.1794
Sir
It is now a considerable time since provision was made by law for additional compensation to the Officers of Inspection; so that I become desirous that the proper statements in order to a revision and readjustment of the compensations of those Officers should be laid before the President without further delay.
I take it for granted you must before this have received those communications from the Supervisors, upon the desire and expectation of which the business was originally suspended, and that every thing is now mature for the completion of the arrangement.
with consideration   I am Sir   Your obedient Servant
A Hamilton
Tench Coxe EsquireCommissioner of the Revenue


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Pinckney, 9 December 1794
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Pinckney, Thomas

[Treasury Department, December 9, 1794. “… Be assured that in this and in every thing which concerns you whatever and however my lot may be cast, I must feel, according to the dictates of a genuine esteem and true attachment.” Letter not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Robert Purviance, 9 December 1794
From: Purviance, Robert
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Baltimore, December 9, 1794. “Your letter of the 18th Sepr. directing me to take measures for ascertaining the value of the ground upon which the fortifications are now constructing at whetstone point was immediately communicated to Mr. Alexander Furnival and a day appointed to meet at the Fort, when, I was very much surprized to find that I could not procure from mr: F the necessary information respecting the Lines and extent of his ground.… From the very best information I can procure, the property that mr. Furnival holds there, comes higher … than any estimate I have had of it’s present Value, notwithstanding mr. Furnivals lowest value is a demand of Four Thousand Dollars. I have repeatedly waited on him in order that he might probably reconsider the matter.…”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John Barclay, 11 December 1794
From: Barclay, John
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Philadelphia, December 11, 1794. On December 17, 1794, Hamilton wrote to Barclay: “I have been favoured with your letter of the 11th instant.” Letter not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Tench Coxe, 11 December 1794
From: Coxe, Tench
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Treasury Department, Revenue Office, December 11, 1794. Requests that “a Warrt. may issue in favor of Messrs. Gurney & Smith Naval Agents for the sum of five thousd. one hundred Dollars as a further paymt. on a/count.…”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Tench Coxe, 11 December 1794
From: Coxe, Tench
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Treasury Department, Revenue Office, December 11, 1794. Requests “that a duplicate Warrant may issue in favor of Joel Gibbs for the sum of two hundred & eight Dollars & eight cents, in paymt. for Artillery Hats delivered by him agreeably to contract.…”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Edward Carrington, 12 December 1794
From: Carrington, Edward
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Richmond Decr. 12. 1794
My dear Sir,
I have been favored with yours of the 1st Instant. All accounts from the scene of the late insurrection agree that the measures which have been pursued have been as successful in their issue, as they were wise in their commencement. I have also the satisfaction of finding that our returned Troops pretty generally agree, that a less force than was called forth would have been opposed, and that a small army could have effected nothing but the establishment of a civil War. This operates as strong evidence against our good democrats, who had been loud against the Executive for unnecessarily interrupting the quiet of our Citizens, and incurring an unjust expence. The propriety of a force being left in the Country is also supported by the same authority, to the no small discontentment of those immaculate Guardians of our liberties, who were charging upon the president an avidity in seizing an opportunity for an advance to the establishment of a standing Army. In truth our Militia have come home better Citizens than they went out, in as much as that they have seen this fallacious spirit of liberty, stripped of its Hypocricy, and exhibited in its own Garb. I have no doubt that their returning amongst their Neighbours, thus undeceived, will be productive of good consequences. Our Virginians were, before this excursion, much better Citizens than certain circumstances had led those of other States to suppose them, and the ready obedience paid to the late call must have, in some degree, counteracted the opinions entertained concerning them. You will recollect that after the Insurgency broke out, & before the call was put to the test, I ventured to communicate to you a temper as belonging to our people different from the Contraband politics of our Representatives. I predicted the alacrity with which the people would turn out to Support their Govt. & its Laws, and endeavored to account for the real existence of such a contradiction in the conduct of the people, when called on to act for themselves, and when acting, or said to be acting, by their Representatives. The event has verified the prediction; nor can I attempt to solve the enigma otherwise than I then did. We have vicious & virtuous men of abilities—the vicious are bold in their charges upon government & its administration—the virtuous are ⟨essentially⟩ backward. The people naturally give their suffrages to those who discover the greatest Solicitude to obtain them & who shew the greatest confidence in their Claims to be trusted. In truth my dr sir, I have fallen out with both, for he from whom an active injury is received, is little less a Freind than he that stands by and quietly sees the injuries done.
Your observations upon the deplorable increase of a disorganizing spirit, in the quarter from whence it has before been felt in Congress, are I apprehend too well founded; nor have you a consolation in the event of our late election here to fill the senatorial seats. There is indeed something extremely unaccountable in all this—it would seem that the events of last Summer & fall were calculated to have changed, even the sentiments of the former actors on the Stage of our political farce, much more might a Change of Conduct have been expected from a conviction that their constituents had received impressions no longer to tolerate their opinions. Speak with the people of Virginia, in parties, or individually, & far the greater number appear to disapprove of the violent measures espoused by their representatives in both Houses last session—yet all their elections, in whatever form made, turn on Men the most distinguished for their violence of enmity to the Govt. & its administration. All this I feel & lament exceedingly, I however have a consolation, which I do not think a mistaken one—that the people of Virga. will always revolt against the wickedness or follies of their leaders, whenever they are brought near enough to the precipice to see plainly their danger.
You do not feel more sensibly than I do the critical situation in which we stand; nor are you more thoroughly convinced that the southern politics have a tendency, a limited one I hope, to a severment which cannot be taken into prospect by any Man who feels the pride of a free American, but with chagrine & humility; the transition would be nothing less than from the exalted Nation of the freest, happiest, & wisest people the sun ever Shone upon, to that of the most vile, the most wretched & the most foolish that ever stamped the human character. Being an united people, we dictate our own laws, and say to all the rest of the world what shall be their conduct towards us—divide us, and we instantly become little puppets to be played off on each other, as shall be convenient to foreign Nations, & even foreign individuals—it would seem that the success of Genets projects, should have stamped this lesson deeply on the mind of every American, who was not involved in his vices.
I most heartily re-echo your opinion that good men should come forward & Set their faces against the ills which awaite us—and trust it will ’ere long be the case in Virga. Let our Eastern bretheren, whose good sence & solid republicanism, I daily more & more admire, continue their zeal in supporting the true Interests of the commonwealth—they will prevail—an enthusiastic folly Cannot be of long duration.
On the subject of your resignation—you appear to have taken your final determination. I wish your Successor may be as successful in the effects of his measures, and that he may be as fortunate in repelling the attacks of faction. The papers have announced a precaution which I should certainly have taken the liberty to recommend to you. Your notification to the House of Representatives is a necessary caveat against future Slander, for had you remained ’til the last day of the session, and then resigned without such a precaution, a retreat from enquiry would have been charged upon you.
I anticipate with pleasure, your appearance in the Character of a Representative, & beg you to be assured that you will retain in any Station you may occupy the public confidence & private friendship of
My Dr Sir   your affectionate Fellow Citizen
Ed Carrington
Alexr. Hamilton Esq


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Ephraim Blaine, 13 December 1794
From: Blaine, Ephraim
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Carlisle [Pennsylvania] December 13, 1794. “I arived here on last Monday with the Jersey troops and Started them from this place upon their March home on thursday principally in good health and Spirrits—and hope they will arive safe at Trenton about the 22nd or 23d. I have not had one Shillings in money Since I left Greens burgh therefore have left all my Accounts from that to this place and here unsettled untill I Obtain reliefe from you—therefore beg and Entreat you to send me Eight thousand Dollars to enable Me to settle those Accounts.… The sum which I aske will barely enable me to prepare my Accounts for a final settlement therefore request I may not meet with any disappointment whatever.…”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Tench Coxe, 13 December 1794
From: Coxe, Tench
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Treasury Department, Revenue Office, December 13, 1794. “It being possible that Inconvenience may arise from the want of information concerning the purchases of Whiskey in Pennsylvania, for the military supply of 1795, I have to request a copy of the instructions therein given by you to Col. P. Nevil in the month of November.…”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Tench Coxe, 13 December 1794
From: Coxe, Tench
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Treasury Department, Revenue Office, December 13, 1794. “It is necessary that a keeper of the Lighted Beacon near Sherburn in Nantucket be appointed. Tristam Coffin is mentioned as a person the collector has engaged, from whence may be inferred that he approves of the said Coffin as a qualified person.…”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Tench Coxe, 13 December 1794
From: Coxe, Tench
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Treasury DepartmentRevenue-office, Decemr 13th. 1794
Sir,
I have this day received your letter concerning the additional compensations to the officers of the Revenue. The increase of the Emoluments by the extension of the rate of commissions and by the allowance of fees for documents are the prevailing ones in the letters of the Supervisors. You will remember that I requested the arrangement of this business prior to the Presidents departure for mount Vernon in the last summer, and you thought the state of the business before him would inevitably exclude it, ’till his return. Since that the attention of the President and of yourself to the urgent Business of the Insurrection with the absences incidental thereto have left no opportunity for this object. Before the receipt of your letter this day I had given you all the information I possess with my opinions, and I requested your determination of the principles upon which an arrangement should be made.
I have the honor to be,   Your most Obedt Servant
Tench CoxCommissr. of the Revenue
The Secretaryof the Treasury


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Tench Coxe, 13 December 1794
From: Coxe, Tench
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Treasury Department, Revenue Office, December 13, 1794. “I beg the favor of your procuring the Presidents determination upon the subject of the Keeper of the Light House at Cape Fear North Carolina and of the Compensation to be allowed him.…”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 14 December 1794
From: Ellery, William
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Newport, Rhode Island] December 14, 1794. “I acknowledge the Receipt of your two letters of the 27th of the last month & I shall retain sufft. funds in my hands to discharge the allowances to fishing vessels which I estimate at about twelve hundred dolls.… Permit me to mention that advice has not been received of your decision in the case of the Fair American Benjamin Lee master, and of the Sloop Joanna, Daniel Anthony master.”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Médéric Louis Elie Moreau de St. Méry, 15 December 1794
From: Moreau de St. Méry, Médéric Louis Elie
To: Hamilton, Alexander

philadelphia 15th. Xbr 1794
Sir
The Kind Reception I have been honoured with by your Excellency, Seems authorize me to hope that my Enterprize will not be intirely indifferent for your Goodness. Nobody feels more deeply than me the grief of Seing your Excellency Leaving a Department where his ability & his fondness of his country was so eminently perceived. But for the true Citizen the means of Serving his native land, may be meet with at every Step or at every Instant.
I am with Respect,   Sir,   of your Excellency   the most obedient & very humble servant
Moreau de st méry
J’ose attendre La complaisance de Votre Excellence qu’elle Suppléera à ce que mon Anglois incorrect ne lui exprimera pas bien par rapport à mon respectueux devouement et à mon regret en pensant qu’elle quitte une place qui m’auroit permis de lui faire ma Cour quelque fois.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 16 December 1794
From: Olney, Jeremiah
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Custom HouseDistrict of Providence 16th Decer. 1794
Sir
I have the Honor to Transmit (under cover of your care) for the Clerk of the Supreme Court of the United States, the writs of Error and Citations with copies of the proceedings (before the State court) in the Suits of Welcome Arnold and Edward Dexter, against me, relative to the Brigantine Neptune. I respectfully request Sir, after examining those papers, you will please to cause them to be lodged with the Clerk aforesaid, and that you will Seasonably, acquaint me whether it will be expedient for me, personally, to attend the Tryal in Feby. next at Philadelphia and whether it will be important for me to engage (as counsil to assist the Attorney General of the United States) David Leonard Barnes Esqr. who has had the chief management of those Suits since the Death of the late District Attorney. As my attendance at Philadelphia, or that of Counsil from hence would be a considerable Expense to the public, I have deemed it my indispensable Duty (as I have heretofore) not to take a Single step relative to the Subject in question, but such as you may think Proper to Direct which shall be particularly and promptly executed. The enclosed assignments of Error are with Deference, Submitted by Mr. Barnes, and which will be Subject to the revision of the Attorney Genl. of the United States.
I am very respectfully   Sir   Your Most Obedt. Hum. Serv.
Jereh. Olney Collr.
Alexander Hamilton Esqr.Secretary of the Treasury.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John Barclay, 17 December 1794
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Barclay, John

Treasury DepartmentDecember 17. 1794
Sir
I have been favoured with your letter of the 11th instant. More than was consistent with the constitutional powers of the Bank could not have been expected or desired. In manifesting a readiness to do all that is lawful, a proof is afforded that the Bank of Pensylvania will not be behind any other institution of this kind in a proper zeal for the service of the UStates. I beg through you to make my acknowlegements to the Board & that You & they will be persuaded of my respect & esteem.
I have the honor to be   Sir   Your most Obedt servant
Alex Hamilton
John Barclay EsqPresident of The Bank of Pensylvania


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Knox, 17 December 1794
From: Knox, Henry
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Philadelphia, December 17, 1794. On December 17, 1794, Hamilton wrote to Knox: “In reply to your letter of this date.” Letter not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Henry Knox, 17 December 1794
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Knox, Henry

Treasury departmentDecr 17. 1794
Sir,
In reply to your letter of this date I have the honor to inform you, that no general Instructions have gone from this department to the Collectors relative to the purchase of the Lands on which Fortifications might be erected, from an expectation, that the information necessary for the Government of the Treasury would come in course through the Channel designated in your letter to me of the 24th of July last.
The enclosed memorandum exhibits a view of all the cases in which Cessions and Purchases have been made or measures taken to effect the Object thereof. The Treaty for the purchase of the Land on which the fortifications are erecting at Baltimore is suspended for the present on account of a very material difference in Opinion with respect to the value of it.
I am Sir, respectfully,   Your most obedient Servant,
A Hamilton.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Joseph Whipple, 18 December 1794
From: Whipple, Joseph
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Portsmouth [New Hampshire] December 18, 1794. “… The estimated allowances to Fishing Vessels payable in this district on the 31st. day of December instant is Sixteen hundred & twenty nine dollars.”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Edward Carrington, 19 December 1794
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Carrington, Edward

[Philadelphia, December 19, 1794. On December 26, 1794, Carrington wrote to Hamilton: “I have been favored with yours of the 19th. Instant.” Letter not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Henry Lee, 19 December 1794
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Lee, Henry

[Philadelphia, December 19, 1794. On December 31, 1794, Lee wrote to Hamilton and referred to “your favor of the 19th. Decr.” Letter not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 19 December 1794
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

Treasury Department, December 19, 1794. Sends “a letter from the Commissioner of the Revenue of the 13 instant, on the subject of the Keeper of the Lighthouse … near Sherburn in Nantucket.” States that “it is advisable to appoint the person therein mentioned.”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Tench Coxe, 20 December 1794
From: Coxe, Tench
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Treasury Department,Revenue-office, Decemr 20th 1794
Sir,
The contractor, Mr. G. Hieskell, at Fredericksburg, Virginia, has applied for the sum of 300. Dollars on Account, having as he alleges furnished supplies to that amount. W: Wiatt Esquire the Postmaster was the person, who contracted with him, from circumstances heretofore communicated. You will be pleased to direct such remittance as you may find proper.
I have the honor to be, Sir   your obedient Servant
Tench CoxeCommissr. of the revenue
The Secretaryof the Treasury


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Tench Coxe, 20 December 1794
From: Coxe, Tench
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Treasury Department,Revenue-office, Decemr. 20th 1794
Sir,
I believe it will be found on Inspection that the northwestern Territory does not extend easterly further than the western Bank of the River Ohio. Consequently the officers of Inspection in the 2d. Survey of the district of Ohio (St. Clairs Governt.) cannot make seizures upon that River. This may be remedied by extending the said 2d. Survey by an act of the President, so as to include the Ohio. It will be well also, that the officers in Virginia and Kentucky have a similar power to act on the River, and it may be a matter of some difficulty to adjust it so as to include the River in both Districts.
The revenue laws of the Union contemplate federal and state courts—are the courts of the two territories, absolutely and strictly of either quality? There is no Marshall of the United States in either Territory, and the Inspector I observe is the Sheriff in St. Clairs Government.
I communicate these Ideas for consideration.
I have the honor to be, Sir   Your most obedient Servant,
Tench CoxeCommissr. of the revenue
The Secretaryof the Treasury


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Tench Coxe, 20 December 1794
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Coxe, Tench

[Philadelphia, December 20, 1794. On December 22, 1794, Coxe wrote to Hamilton and referred to “your letter of the 20th. instant.” Letter not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Philip Schuyler, 20 December 1794
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Schuyler, Philip

[Philadelphia, December 20, 1794. On January 5, 1795, Schuyler acknowledged receipt of Hamilton’s “favor of the 20th Ult.” Letter not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Tench Coxe, 22 December 1794
From: Coxe, Tench
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Treasury DepartmentRevenue Office December 22d: 1794
Sir,
I have had the honor to receive this day the order of the House of Representatives relative to the measures that have been adopted concerning the naval armament, in your letter of the 20th. instant.

It was on the 4th. day of April that a participation with you in the Treasury business for the War Department was committed to this office.
After the requisite examination into the objects to be procured, advertisements were issued on the 16th. of April for the Live Oak & Cedar timber required by the Secretary at War; as also on the same day for Cannon ball, twenty four pound Cannon, & Kentledge or Iron ballast. On the 7th. of May, advertisements were issued for the yellow & pitch pine & white oak materials, & for the locust treenails; & measures were taken for examining into the terms on which the Cordage could be procured.
Many other enquiries were likewise made, but no contracts or purchases were or could be completed before the 9th of June, the legislature not having granted until that time, the money requisite for the naval armament. On that day (the first moment when it was legal) an agreement was made with John T. Morgan a master shipwright of Boston to go to Charleston for the purpose of procuring in concert with persons in that place & in Savannah the live oak, red cedar & pitch pine materials. His business was to search for the timber, to superintend the cutting & forming it by the moulds for the frigates, & to procure it to be shipped for the six several ports at which the frigates were to be built, it was further agreed, with consent of the Secretary of War, that he should be employed to build a Frigate at Charleston, if one should be built there. By the concurrence of both Departments, he was to be allowed pay at the rate of two thousand dollars ⅌ annum in full of all claims of services & expences in the Carolina’s & Georgia, or while building. Like this all the principal contracts were made, as you will remember in concert with you after the necessary conferences from time to time.
Daniel Stephens Esqr Supervisor of the Revenue & Isaac Holmes Esqr. Collector of the Customs, both of Charleston were appointed, by you to make the contracts for the timber in North & South Carolina & John Habersham Esqr Collector of the customs & Joseph Clay Esqr both of Savannah in Georgia were appointed to make the contracts for the timber in Georgia & to give all possible aid towards the advancement of the business to Mr. Morgan. No allowance for their agency has been yet made.
On the 16th of June, a letter was written to Jedediah Huntington Esqr. Collector of the customs at New London, to procure 60 Axemen & 30 Ship Carpenters in the Ports of Connecticut, Rhode Island & the Western Coast of Massachusetts, & provisions & other supplies were sent from New London, New York & Philadelphia as œconomy & the nature of the articles appeared to require.
The time necessary for the collection of these persons and their apprehensions from the Climate & season occasioned their departure from New London to be delayed until the 23d day of September.
The agreements for the Live oak were made on the 2nd. day of September at Savannah at the rate of Six pence, money of Georgia ⅌ foot, to be cut by the United States, but hauled to Water, navigable for Vessels of Eleven feet draught, by the Contractors.

On the 7th day of July, instructions were given to Mr. Habersham & Mr: Clay to hire such additional wood cutters & other hands as the public service might require & admit, it being deemed more expedient, that the business should be effected in a short time by a certain number, than that it should be effected in a term of twice the length by half the force of hands.
On the 25th day of June I furnished you with an estimate of the composition-metal, sheathing-copper, bolts & nails, bunting & Iron kitchens, for the Six frigates, all which were ordered from Europe; and a note of the anchors, which last were postponed for further inquiry, whether they could not be manufactured in the United States. The articles ordered are daily expected to arrive.
On the 30th of June some further measures to procure Anchors, by a circular application were taken, & proposals to make those of the smaller sizes at 8 Cents ⅌ lb were received & accepted: as also proposals to furnish those of the larger sizes, which tho’ accepted by the United States, were not confirmed by the Proposer, from unexpected circumstances.
Immediately after the appointment of the Naval Agents at the Six ports by the Secretary at War, it was determined from considerations of œconomy to employ the same Agents in the Treasury business. Instructions were sent to them in consequence, on the 5th: & 7th: days of July to procure all the White oak, yellow pine & treenails it being found, that they could be more easily, & œconomically procured by those Agents & in most instances from the country in their vicinity.
On the 15th day of July other instructions were sent to them to procure the articles usually supplied or made by the Mastmakers, blockmakers, coopers, & boat builders; also to pay further attention to the procuring of Cordage & to make measures for the procuring of Sail Cloth, made in the United States.
On the 9th day of July a Contract was executed with Messrs. Levi Hollingsworth, Son & Company of Jersey & Pennsylvania for 92 tons of Cannon ball at 37⅓ dollars, & 198 tons of Kentledge, at 28⅔ dollars, & some time after the Contract was further extended to about 340 Tons.
On the 28th of July a contract was made with Messrs. J.J. Faesch & Compy. of New Jersey for 98 tons of Cannon ball & 256 tons of Kentledge at the same prices; and authority was since given to Henry Jackson Esqr. Naval agent at Boston to purchase 150 tons of Foreign Kentledge which had lain some time in the hands of a Citizen of Boston & which was sold at the reduced price of 25 dollars, because of that circumstance.
On the 28th day of June, a contract was made with the Cecil Iron Company (Samuel Hughes Esqr & others of Maryland) for three sixth parts of the twenty four pound Cannon.
On the 8th of August a contract was made with the owners of the furnace Hope (Messrs. Brown Francis & Co. of Providence) for two sixth parts of the same. The prices were 106⅔ dollars & the difference of expence for boring from the solid. The first contract was made in concert with the Secretary at War & yourself; and 2nd: in concert with you. The two parties were then willing to have agreed for the remaining sixth part, but it was postponed to give to the Iron masters, in different quarters, an opportunity to contract. Since that, Contracts for the remaining sixth have been offered to the two parties abovementioned who are to give answers as soon as they shall have proved some of those Cannon for which they have already contracted.
Vessels amounting to about 2600 Tons have been dispatched or ordered to transport the timber from Georgia to the Six several ports, & they carried to the Southward, Axemen, Carpenters, provisions, Oxen, forage & implements.
Captain John Barry was dispatched to Georgia, in one of the Public Vesels, on the 5th of October to examine into the state of the business & to give expedition to the procuring & transportation of the timber. He had no allowance, but the amount of his expences. About the time of his return Mr Asa Copeland was sent thither to assist permanently in the Superintendance of one division of the Wood Cutters, & to expedite the transportation to the water side, & the shipment & stowage of the timber as Mr: Habersham & Mr: Clay are too remote to be of any use in that part of the business. His compensation is 3⅓ Dollars ⅌ day.
Oxen with grain & hay for them, & setts of timber wheels have been necessarily sent to Georgia for the purpose of transporting the timber, as the Contractors were deficient in means of that kind & on account of the live oak timber for one frigate, which was procured under circumstances that rendered it necessary to provide for its transportation.
On the 30th of August 100 tons of Kentledge was engaged of Messrs Gardner & Olden of Philadelphia, at the price of 28⅔ Dollars.
A second party of Carpenters have been engaged on the Delaware, 20 in number by Tench Francis Esqr & are now about to sail for Georgia.
The Naval Agents have been authorized to contract for Blacksmiths work, including the bar iron, when it may have or shall become necessary: also for composition bolts so far as the same may be requisite before the arrival of those ordered from Europe.
It is understood that agreements have been made by those Agents for the white oak timber, & other articles in pursuance of several instructions already mentioned.
It remains only to notice the Contract made in the month of September with the Boston Company for sail Cloth, sufficient for one entire suit of Sails for each frigate. The price which I understand to have been settled is from 13 to 15 dollars ⅌ bolt of 39 yards.
Besides the foregoing measures, which have been thus far matured, others are in that train of investigation, which the time necessary for the collection of the timber admits, in most instances & which is peculiarly desirable, in a new undertaking, of so great moment & expence.
I cannot transmit to you this communication without suggesting the inconveniences & injuries to the United States particularly from external Quarters, which may arise from giving publicity to all its details.
I have the honor to be   Sir,   Your most obedt. servant
Tench CoxeCommissioner of the Revenue
The Secretaryof the Treasury.


Title: Conversation with George Hammond, [23 December 1794–5 January 1795]
From: Hammond, George,Hamilton, Alexander
To:

[Philadelphia, December 23, 1794–January 5, 1795]
Although I have had no reason to suspect, that this government has ever deviated from the resolution, which I have formerly attributed to it, of declining to enter into any political connexion with Sweden and Denmark, I have nevertheless, since the receipt of your Lordship’s last instructions, renewed my enquiries upon the subject, in an incidental conversation with Mr. Hamilton, from whom I have had the satisfaction of learning that, since his last communication to me respecting it, the propriety of this connexion has been discussed by the American ministers, who concur in opinion that, in no political situation of this country, would such a measure be expedient; as it would involve it in engagements with powers, with which it can have no common interest, and from which, in the moment of difficulty or danger it would derive no benefit or assistance. Exclusively of these obvious considerations, which dictates this policy, this country is generally in too unsettled a state, to admit of its entangling itself in connexions, which might eventually have a tendency to add a participation in the disputes of Europe to the internal causes of agitation. I could not with propriety attempt to discover from Mr. Hamilton whether the attention of this government had been directed to this object, in consequence, of the communications of Mr. D’Engerstroem to Mr. Pinckney (as mentioned in your Lordship’s No. 12) or of any more recent or formal overtures on the part of Sweden. I might have been inclined to conjecture that some proposition on this point had been made by the Court of Denmark, through the medium of General Walterstorff (the Governor of Santa Cruz) who has been some months in this country; had I not collected from various quarters, and positively from Mr. Hamilton, that General Walterstorff is charged with no public mission whatsoever, and that his visit to this city is merely of a private nature. In any case the result has been such as I have stated.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Tench Coxe, 23 December 1794
From: Coxe, Tench
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Treasury Department, Revenue Office, December 23, 1794. In answer to “enquiries … made by a committee of the house of Representatives relative to the clerks in the public offices,” lists the clerks in his office, their duties, and their compensations.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Tench Coxe, 23 December 1794
From: Coxe, Tench
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Treasury Department, Revenue Office, December 23, 1794. “I have the honor of sending to you, herewith, two commissions for officers, designated as ‘Supervisors of the United States for the District of Pennsylvania &ca.’ It appears to me, that a question may arise, with respect to the validity of Official Acts performed by those Supervisors, by reason of the Stile of the designation of their offices, respectively, in their commissions: I therefore beg leave to suggest the propriety of stiling them Supervisors of the Revenue, for the District of Pennsylvania and Ohio, respectively.”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Henry Knox, 23 December 1794
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Knox, Henry

Treasury Department, December 23, 1794. “I send you a letter this moment received from the Commissioner of the Revenue, dated yesterday which contains the answer to your letter founded upon the order of the House of Representatives relative to the measures which have been adopted concerning the naval armament.”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Robert Purviance, 23 December 1794
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Purviance, Robert

Treasury Department December 23d 1794.
Sir
Messrs. Zacharie Coopman & Co. of Baltimore have represented to me, that you have said, that unless the principal of their Bonds lately put in Suit should be speedily discharged, you will discontinue the granting to them the customary credit on the duties arising from importations. It being my wish however to allow them a further indulgence, I have to request that you will continue to conform to the instruction contained in my letter to your predecessor in Office of the 20th of June last untill you hear from me again on the subject. A copy of the letter alluded to is transmitted herewith.
I am with consideration   Sir   Your most Obedient Servant
A Hamilton
Robert Purviance EsquireCollector of Baltimore


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Edmund Randolph, 23 December 1794
From: Randolph, Edmund
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Department of State, December 23d 1794
Sir
The Director of the Mint being of opinion, that it may be advantageous to contract for the fifty tons of Copper, offered by the Schuyler Copper Mine Company to be delivered by the last of May next, I must request you to obtain information whether the contract can be punctually fulfilled. In that case, I shall get the favor of you to enter into an engagement in behalf of the United States, at a price not exceeding that of imported Copper; provided there be funds, which the Mint can command.
I have the honor to be, Sir,   with great respect and esteem   Your most obedient servant
Edm: Randolph.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 23 December 1794
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

Treasy. Dept. Decembr. 23d. 1794.
Sir,
The present state & prospects of the Treasury render it necessary, without delay, to exercise the power vested in the President by the act passed the 18 instant, intitled “an act authorizing a Loan of two millions of Dollars.”
To enable him to determine this a probable view of receipts & expenditures distributed quarter yearly is herewith presented, and the form of a power as usual to The Secretary of the Treasury to make the Loan, is submitted.
With perfect respect &c.
Alexander HamiltonSecy. of the Treasy.


Title: Enclosure: View of Probable State of the Treasury, [December 1794]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

Jany. 1.
Cash in Command of the Treasury
600.000.

Deficiency
1.265.000.

1.865.000.

April 1.
Receipts from Imports & tonnage

⅌ returns received, nearly
900.000.

⅌ Estimate on cases not returned
500.000.

⅌ Estimate on account of internal duties
150.000.

Deficiency
2.315.000.

3.865.000.

July 1.
Receipts from Imports & tonnage

pr. return nearly.
600.000.

pr. Estimate (as above)
300.000.

pr. Estimate on accot. of internal duties
150.000.

Deficiency
2.665.000.

3.715.000.

Octo. 1.
Receipts as last quarter
1.050.000

Deficiency
3.015.000

4.065.000.

Jany. 1.
Receipts pr. Estimate
1.800.000.

Deficiency
2.265.000

4.065.000

in the Year—1795.

Jan: 1.
Interest nearly
740.000.

Support of Government
125.000.

Military & naval Departmt. & miscellany
400.000.

Instalment of temporary Loans
600.000.

1.865.000.

April 1.
Deficiency
1.265.000.

Interest
775.000.

Support of Government
125.000.

Military & naval Departmt. & miscellany
500.000

Installments of temporary Loans which fell due since January 1st
1.200.000.

3.865.000.

Deficiency brot. down
2.315.000.

July 1.
Interest
775.000.

Support of Government
125.000.

Military & naval Departmt. & miscellany
500.000

3.715.000.

Octor. 1.
Deficiency brought Down
2.665.000.

Interest &ca as last quarter
1.400.000.

4.065.000.

1795.
Deficiency brought down
2.665.000.

Jany. 1.
Interest &ca. as last Quarter
1.400.000.

4.065.000.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 23 December 1794
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

Treasury Department Dec. 23d. ’94.
Sir,
I have the honor of transmitting to you an account between the Collector of New York, and the United States, which has been adjusted at the Treasury, and a balance of Dolls. 1533. ⁸⁹⁄₁₀₀. stated to be due to the said Collector.
As all claims of a similar nature with the foregoing have been hitherto paid out of the Fund destined to defray the Contingent Charges of Government, I have deemed adviseable to ask your permission, to discharge the said sum of Dolls. 1533 ⁸⁹⁄₁₀₀ out of the twenty thousand dollars appropriated for these purposes, at the last session of Congress.
With the most perfect respect &c.
A Hamilton


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Tench Coxe, 24 December 1794
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Coxe, Tench

[Philadelphia, December 24, 1794. On December 25–27, 1794, Coxe wrote to Hamilton: “I have Just received your letter of the 24th istant.” Letter not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Stephen Moylan, 24 December 1794
From: Moylan, Stephen
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Philadelphia] December 24, 1794. “The Amount of interest on Stock remaining on the books of this office for the quarter ending the 31st Instant is 18963. dollars 44. Cents 8 Mills for which sum you will please to issue a Warrant.”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, [24 December 1794]
From: Washington, George
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Philadelphia, December 24, 1794]
For carrying into execution the provisions of the Act of the 18 day of this present month, whereby the President of the Ud. States is authorised & empowered to borrow a certain sum of money on the credit of the United States.
I do hereby authorize you the said Secretary of the Treasury, in the name and on the credit of the said United States, to borrow of the Bank of the United States, or of any other body or bodies politic, person or persons whomsoever, a sum not exceeding Two Millions of Dollars, at an interest not exceeding five per centem per annum, and to enter into such agreements for the reimbursement thereof as shall be needful & proper, hereby promising to ratify whatever you shall lawfully do in the premises.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my hand at the City of Philadelphia the 24 day of december in the year 1794.
Go. Washington


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Tench Coxe, 25 December 1794
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Coxe, Tench

[Philadelphia, December 25, 1794. On December 26, 1794, Coxe wrote to Hamilton: “I have received your letter of the 25th. inst: relative to anchors.” Letter not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to the President and Directors of the Bank of the United States, 26 December 1794
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: President and Directors of the Bank of the United States

[Philadelphia, December 26, 1794. The dealer’s catalogue description of this letter reads as follows: “Asking for an extension of a loan to Treasury.” Letter not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Edward Carrington, 26 December 1794
From: Carrington, Edward
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Richmond Decr. 26th. 1794
Dr. Sir,

I have been favored with yours of the 19th. Instant covering your private letter of the same date to Governor Lee. I hear he has left Winchester, & will probably be here tomorrow or next day, and have thought it best to keep his letter until his arrival. The explanations contained in this letter to him, are such as I had anticipated, as you might have perceived from mine to you of the 11th.
Had there been no difficulties to encounter from a want of appropriated Funds, it would have been impossible, upon an arrangement taken at Camp on the 23d. Nov. & was still to be communicated at Philada., for you to have sent the money to the places designated, in time for the arrival of the several detachments; nor does it appear to me, that such an arrangement should have been made, without a previous knowledge of the readiness of Government to meet it, as it was well known that the service was an unforeseen one, for which the existing Revenues had not been assigned; nor yet am I of opinion, that dissatisfaction would have been the consequence of an explained communication to the Troops, that balances of pay must remain unpaid for some short time after their return home. As reasonable & patriotic Citizens, they ought not to have been dissatisfied, because such treatment would have been consistent with every practicable application of unascertained Sums at a distance from the Treasury, even had appropriated Funds been there: much much should it be considered such in a case which, being unforseen, had not been provided for by the Legislature. Indeed, I think it extremely unpolitic, to impress upon the minds of the people, ideas, that the degree of punctuality which has, in this instance, been attempted, is the only ground on which Government can expect their services when necessary for its support. Good Men may be treated like petulant Children, and by that means, be made equally unreasonable & perverse; on the other hand, both good & bad Men may, by firm & plain lessons of reason, be taught to accommodate their demands upon Government to the due course of an honest administration. It has been said that this degree of punctuality is necessary from the impossibility of getting the balances into the hands of the disposed individuals, and that Speculators would, for trifles, purchase up the Claims; it, however, appears to me that every evil suggested could easily have been provided against; and, if the Troops have been duly Mustered, they very probably are provided against. Every soldier who remained, to the last of his Service, under the head of his original Officer, whether discharged at the end of the Service, or imtermediately, is locally known; if, by any means, he has appeared under the head of another Officer, his locality was, or should have been, noted in the subsequent Musters, particularly on the final one. Under these precautions the balances of pay might be sent to the respective Brigadiers in the Country, who should be relied on to provide for the payment thereof to the individuals entitled, by the persons whom they might appoint, and be responsible for; the actual rects. of the individuals to be rendered in the settlement of the Accounts, and the genuineness of the Receipts to be proven by the oaths of the payers of the monies. An arrangement of this kind discards every idea of Assignees recovering payment, & presents a certain and sufficiently rapid course for the passage of unpaid balances to the identical persons entitled thereto. Moderate commissions might be allowed to the Brigadiers & their agents on these special occasions, which would be amply compensated by the relief Govt. would receive under convenient postponements of such demands, & the satisfaction to the claimants when payments are necessarily deferred. It appears to me that the Brigadiers of Militia may be made very happy instruments in both the commencement & ending of every tour of Militia duty, & it would be well to introduce practices of making them such. The Brigade districts embrace, each, an extent of space & numbers, convenient for individual Communications; and the Brigadiers are naturally presented as convenient & safe Agents, both for the public, & the respective individuals concerned. In all the arrangements which have been entrusted to me in relation to the late expedition, I have endeavored to call into practice the services of the Brigadiers, when they could possibly be embraced; and they have been found to contribute greatly to facilitate the service, and to accomodate individuals.
Your observations upon the experience and unweildy arrangements of some of the lines, arising from an overproportion of Officers, & a multiplied Staff, I trust & believe, had not reference to the Virginia line. I think the Staff was put on as Moderate a Scale as was practicable, and early measures were taken to consolidate the thin Corps, and dismiss the Supernumerary Officers. Genl Morgan, as well as Darke & Mattews, under whom the Virga. line was formed, were good enough to act very confidentially with me and enclosed you will receive copies of communications between me & Genl Morgan, leading to early reductions of officers & Waggons, two of the most devouring sources of expence, & the most productive of impediment, that can possibly hang upon an Army. I have every reason to hope, from the sums furnished to Colo. Byrd, who has supplied transportation forage fuel & Straw to the Virga. line throughout the expedition, including forage fuel & straw to that of Maryland from, & back to, Fort Cumberland, that the moderation of our Staff arrangement will be apparent: I have the satisfaction to hear from all concerned that his supplies have been timely & ample.
Whether the Inspections & Musters of the Troops have been well attended to in the Virga. line, will appear by a view of the Returns. The inclosed letter from me to Major Pryor of the 12th. of October, will shew you that the various objects of his appointment were fully presented to him, and, from my knowledge of his Capacity & usual diligence, I am in hopes the purposes of his appointment have been well effected.
I have not felt that the observations and information which I now communicate were necessary to remove from your mind impressions to the disadvantage of the arrangements of the Virga. li⟨ne⟩ but it will not be unsatisfactory to you to receive them.
I am with the greatest regard & Esteem   Dr sir   Your Most Obt st

Ed Carrington
Alexander Hamilton EsqSecretary of the Ty.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Tench Coxe, 26 December 1794
From: Coxe, Tench
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Treasury Department, Revenue Office, December 26, 1794. “I have received your letter of the 25th. inst: relative to anchors. You will find my letter of the 25th June, the highest supposed prices &c. of the anchors, and in mine of the 8th. inst. you will find the particular anchors yet wanted.…”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Tench Coxe, 26 December 1794
From: Coxe, Tench
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Treasury Department, Revenue Office, December 26, 1794. “It is with extreme concern that I enclose to you a letter of a very improper tenor indeed, from Messr. Nicholas Hoffman & Co. at New York, to Tench Francis Esqr. dated on the 22d instant, and this day received by me from the hands of Mr. Francis.…”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Tench Coxe, 26 December 1794
From: Coxe, Tench
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Treasury Department, Revenue Office, December 26, 1794. “Enclosed is a copy of a letter from T: Francis Esqr: of this date, concerning advances for Fort Mifflin &ca. You will be pleased to cause such order to be taken on it as the necessity of the case shall appear to require.”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Tench Coxe, 26 December 1794
From: Coxe, Tench
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Treasury Department, Revenue Office, December 26, 1794. “A considerable impediment to the arrangement of compensations adjusted on Thursday night has just occurred. The 13th Section of the law of the 5th June has been inadvertently caused to refer to the 30th day of June 1795 (‘next’) by the postponement of the consummation of the Act from the preceding month until the commencement of the month of June 1794.”


Title: Report on an Account of Receipts and Expenditures of the United States for the Year 1793, 26 December 1794
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Speaker of the House of Representatives

Treasury Department, December 26th. 1794.[Communicated on December 29, 1794]
[To the Speaker of the House of Representatives]
Sir,

I have the honor to transmit a letter of this date, from the Comptroller of the Treasury, together with the Statements mentioned in it, which it has been impracticable to transmit Earlier in the Session, And to be, with perfect respect,
Sir,   Your obedient Servant,

Alex: Hamilton.
The HonorableThe Speaker of the House of Representatives.


Title: Enclosure: Statement of the Application of Monies Drawn from the Appropriation Made by the Act of the 8th of May, 1792, [26 December 1794]
From:
To:

Monies Drawn.

1791.

Dollars.Cts.

March.
Interest received and expended in purchases by Benjamin Lincoln,

5.51

31.
Interest due this day,

4,230.63

June 30.
ditto,

5,013.02

Sept.
ditto,

8,635.18

Dec. 31.
ditto,

6,989.01

1792.

Mar.
ditto,

7,037.64

June 30.
ditto,

9,564.69

Sept.
ditto,

9,436.08

Dec. 31.
ditto,

9,649.70

1793.

March.
ditto,

ditto, received from William Heth, arising on stock purchased by him,

25,445.76

ditto, Benjamin Lincoln,

154.49

ditto ditto,
which had been stated in his name, and returned to the Treasury among unclaimed dividends,
 368.56

June 30.
ditto, due this day

523.05

ditto, received from Samuel Emery, due on part of the commutation of Simeon Thayer,

327.29

ditto, John Hopkins, due on part of ditto of Willis Wilson,

3.24

Septemb.
ditto, due this day,

15,575.22

Dec. 31.
ditto,

 16,074.11

134,467.55

Expenditure in Purchases.

Auditor’s report.

By whom purchased.
Date.
No.
When purchased or redeemed.
Six per cent. stock.
Three per cent. stock.
Deferred stock.
Amount of the several species of
Amount of monies

1792.

Original. Dolls. Cts.
Assumed. Dolls. Cts.
Original. Dolls. Cts.
Assumed. Dolls. Cts.
Original. Dolls. Cts.
Assumed. Dolls. Cts.
stocks. Dolls. Cts.
expended. Dolls. Cts.

Benj. Lincoln,
Feb. 10,
1,991.
part of purchases from Feb. 22, 1791, to March 3, 1791,
4.07

3.16

30

7.53
5.51

Samuel Meredith,
Nov. 13,
3,309.
from Oct. 29, 1792, to Oct. 31, 1792,

28,046.15
10,668.36
38,714.51
25,969.96

1793.

Ditto,
Feb. 9,
3,626.
part of purchases from Jan. 17, 1793, to Feb. 1, 1793,
1,504.42

23,577.15
19,628.28
1,556.35
10,289.11
56,555.31
34,585.99

Ditto,
May 11,
4,067.
from April 18, to May 2,
9,507.81
600.15
523.39
16,953.69
10,447.97
5,695.69
43,728.70
26,627.64

Ditto,
Dec. 4,
4,623.
from July 31, to August 1.
2,547.68
3,728.68
7,840.93
831.80
6,594.96
2,920.67
24,464.72
15,576.74

for interest on stock purchased,

    52.38

13,563.98
4,328.83
31,944.63
37,413.77
46,645.73
29,573.83
163,470.77
102,818.22

Balance on Dec. 31, 1793, accounted for in purchases, in the year 1794,

 31,649.33

134,467.55