Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Short, 2 September 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Short, William

(Duplicate)
Treasury DepartmentSeptember 2. 1791
Sir
Since my last to you of the first of August I have received your several letters of the 3d. 5. 10 & 19th of June.

Most of the points mentioned in those letters will find sufficient answers in my several communications of the 9th & 24th of May, June 25 & 30th & the 1st of August, all of which having gone, by duplicates at least, and some by triplicates, I take it for granted have gotten or will get safe to hand.
Previous to saying any thing further, by way of answer, it is proper to inform you of a circumstance which has recently taken place here. Mr. Ternant, shortly after his arrival, made a representation against the payment of the monies due to France in its depreciated paper or assignats. You will readily conclude that the answer to such a representation could only be, that was not the intention of the United States to take advantage of the circumstance of depreciation, and that an equitable allowance would be made for that circumstance in the final adjustment of the payments which shall have been made.
It therefore becomes important to distinguish mere depreciation from rate of exchange. To illustrate my meaning, I observe, that you state in your letter of the 3d of June the exchange between Amsterdam and Paris as upwards of twenty ⅌ Ct (say 20) in favor of the former. You also state the rate of the depreciation of Assignats at Paris, or in other words, the difference between equal sums in specie & Assignats, at 10 ⅌ Ct. Here then the rate of exchange, exclusive of depreciation, was 10 ⅌ Ct above par, in favour of Amsterdam.
Two modes of adjusting this matter occur—one, to note at each period of payment the rate of exchange and the rate of depreciation and to pay the money, if desired, in Holland at a rate of exchange corresponding with the difference; the other, to sell bills on Amsterdam for specie, and pay the proceeds into the French Treasury.
As it may hereafter be questioned whether the rate of depreciation can be distinguished from the rate of exchange, it will be well to endeavour to put this point out of doubt. If circumstances permit the sale of bills at Paris, in specie, at a rate of exchange, which is nearly a mean between the nominal or declared rate of exchange and the actual rate of depreciation, (which on the data noticed above ought to be 10 ⅌ Ct) this would afford an incontestable criterion. For Paris being the stipulated place of payment there could be no colorable claim upon us to make payments at Amsterdam, when we could make them in gold or silver at Paris, at 10 or any other rate per Cent (which might correspond with the above mentioned mean) less.
The management of this point will require delicacy. It is probable that the French Ministry will not choose to mark formally a rate of depreciation. And it is not wished to create any embarrassment on the point. It is hoped that you will be able so to conduct the thing as to conciliate a due regard to equity with the interest of the United States, and the scruples which the conjuncture may impose on the French Ministry.
If the sale of bills for specie will afford the equitable line of demarkation, it would seem the simplest operation for the French Administration to purchase your bills on our Bankers at Amsterdam at the market specie rate of exchange; in case, as I understand to be the fact, they wish to remit to Holland.
I observe the expectation of our bankers of a reduction of the rate of interest on the loans of this Country, and your reasons for doubting that their expectation will be realized. Those reasons have great weight. Yet the accounts from this Quarter, of the progressive rise of our Stock, and the rapid filling of the national bank must, ere this, have given a strong impulse to whatever causes might exist favorable to a reduction of interest. And without expecting sanguinely, I do not despair of the event having happened, or speedily happening.
An increased premium, though not desirable, ought not, as you intimate, to be an obstacle; if within limits that, on calculation, shew that more is gained in the reduction of interest than lost in the increase of premium. And it is probable enough that an augmentation of benefit to the Undertakers may induce them to exert efficaciously their influence to persuade the money lenders to be content with a rate of interest which will considerably overbalance to the United States the additional compensation given to them. The observations in my first instructions, which have relation to this point, had an eye chiefly to the sacrifices which in the loan of two millions of florins at 4 ⅌ Ct were made to a mere appearance of low interest; and which, if I remember right, in fact gave to the lenders about 7 ⅌ Ct. A small additional premium, which would be an object to Agents or Undertakers, would be easily overbalanced by a slight diminution of the rate of interest.
The course marked out in my letter of the 24th of May will obviate, in future, any injurious delay in the employment of the sums borrowed—if, as I have no doubt will be the case, I am accurately advised of the time of commencing each loan and the prospects concerning it; in order that I may regulate the drafts for the parts, which are intended to be applied here.
The probability of an extension of loans abroad for the purchase of public debt beyond the limit of 2 000 000 of Dollars depends on that of a fall of interest. When I inform you that I expect in future to be able to borrow in the United States at 5 ⅌ Ct, you will perceive, that it cannot long be their interest to give 5 in Europe.
As you have now a latitude of discretion coextensive with the whole amount of our foreign debt, and indications of my opinions on various points, I forbear to multiply details which perhaps would only serve to perplex. I shall therefore content myself with barely adding, that, in regard to places of payment for monies borrowed my speculations on the probable course of exchange, resulting from the future relations of commerce, would lead me to prefer, on equal terms, first Paris & next Amsterdam. Neither any of the Italian States, nor the Austrian Netherlands, nor London appears to me equally eligible. But too much stress ought not be laid on such a preference, the grounds of it being far from certain.
The affair of Shweizer Jeanneret & Co is more & more out of the Question. Mr Ternant discountenances instead of promoting it. And the President has sanctioned the dasapprobation of the measure.
The Postcript to my letter of the 2d of August is to be construed with a reference to what is said in this letter concerning the adjustment of the payments to France.
I thank you for the different documents you have forwarded me, and assure you of the increasing consideration & esteem with which I have the honor to be,   Sir,   Your Obed Servant.
A Hamilton
A ratification of the contract for the loan by the President has been sent to Messrs Willinks & Van Staphorsts by a direct opportunity which has been deemed safer than a circuitous one through you.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Samuel Breck, 3 September 1791
From: Breck, Samuel
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Boston Sept. 3d. 1791
Dear Sir
In conformity with your wishes it wou’d afford me great pleasure to make you acquainted with the exact State of the Duck & Glass manufactories in this Town, but an Account of the former having already been communicated, by our Agent, to Mr Gorham to be forwarded to you will render any observations on that branch unnecessary except that the demand for our Sail Cloth far exceeds the quantity made, which indeed might be augmented if the Country produced plenty of Flax. The high price however which is now given cannot fail of encouraging the Farmer to raise enough for that & every other object. If the representation above refered to has not reached you I will procure a Copy & forward it. We wait only for Workmen, which are engaged & probably on their passage, to commence making Sheet and other Glass. The director, who appears competent to the business, has prepared every thing. The Ovens, Furnaces & implements of every Kind are in perfect order. Their Cost including the building materials &ca, about Eleven thousand Dollars. It is supposed the quantity capable of being manufactured at these Works will more than supply this Commonwealth, indeed as the materials are abundent in this Country, it may be so extended as to furnish many other States with that necessary article. The bounty given by this State for raising Hemp is ample & will, I presume, render our dependence on Rushia much less, & probably in a few years anihilate that Commerce. If the bounty on Duck should be continued after January next, it must produce the same effect, but as the Act for that purpose expires in December we fear it will not be revived; however there is much consolation in the reflection that it is always within the power of the united States to secure these great objects. I know how precious your time is & therefore will not occupy more of it, except to request you will present Mrs & the Miss Brecks best regards to Mrs. Hamilton & beleive me to be with sentiments the most sincere
Dear Sir   Your Obedient Servant
Saml Breck Honble. Alexander Hamilton Esqr


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Daniel Delozier, 3 September 1791
From: Delozier, Daniel
To: Hamilton, Alexander

BaltimoreCollector’s Office, Septr. 3d. 1791
Sir
  It appears by the books and Invoices of this Office, that Mr Thomas Fraser imported in the Ship Hope, Andrew English, Master, from Liverpool the 23 June 1790 five Cases hats marked  and numbered from 9 to 13 inclusive.
Cases, number 9, 10, 11 & 12 were assorted alike and cost £26..9..3 sterling each, and number 13 cost £54. 13..9 Sterling.
Mr. Fraser avers that in his acco. of packages imported, he inserted No. 9 instead of number 12 which was one of the Cases he sold to McRea and Morrison, and was actually shipped on board the Sloop Polly, for Petersburg.
I am, Sir   Your very Hble Servant
D. Delozier, Dep. Collr. Alexander Hamilton Esqr.Secretary of the Treasury


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Gale, 3 September 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Gale, George

[Philadelphia, September 3, 1791. Letter listed in dealer’s catalogue. Letter not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Tobias Lear, 3 September 1791
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Philadelphia] September 3, 1791. “The enclosed letter, which I have the honor of transmitting to you by the President’s order, will shew the necessity of making a change in the commissions for the Port of Charleston.…”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Short, 3 September 1791
From: Short, William
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Paris Septr 3. 1791.
Sir
I received last night the inclosed copy of a letter from the bankers at Amsterdam which they desire me after perusal to forward to you. In my two last of the 30th & 31st ulto I announced to you the loan therein mentioned & informed you it would be appropriated agreeably to your directions—so that from the time of your recieving this information you may consider the 2½ million of florins at your disposal. I take it for granted it will be from three to four months from this time before bills which you may draw could be presented. I know not at what usance you generally draw, but imagine it will always leave time for allowing the receipts to answer them & particularly as you will not probably be able to dispose of bills for the whole sum at once. I shall continue to have the sums recieved, paid to this country until I hear from you that there may be as little double interest as possible.
In my last I informed you of the circumstances of the charges on this loan. I did not then send you a copy of the letter of the commissioners to me on this subject, on account of its length & because I supposed you would have recieved it from them. From this letter however herein inclosed I infer that they did not send you a copy of theirs to me. I therefore transcribe that part of it which relates particularly to their commission—the rest, relative to the propriety of pushing the loans at Amsterdam & of taking up six millions at present instead of three, is contained literally in their letter to you. I therefore save myself the trouble of copying it here.
“Amsterdam 25. August 1791.
“Sir
We had the pleasure to address you the 22d. inst. & now come to reply particularly to your respected favors of 12 & 14 ditto. We must confess to you, Sir, that your sticking to reduce the charges we fixed with you for the five p.cent loans of the U.S. after we had placed them upon the very lowest footing, is truly surprizing to us, more especially as it is striving to recede from a bargain already agreed between us & approved by the Secretary of the Treasury of the U.S., as well as militating against the mode ever practised here, in agreeing for the charges in this line of business by the lump; from which we informed you personally, & you knew through the communication of our letters to the treasury, it ought not to be expected we should depart.
To demonstrate the truth of these assertions & thereby to convince you that … others perhaps you were not perfectly acquainted with.” (here follows the several objects mentioned in their letter to you).
I enclose you a copy of my answer thereto written by the post of to day. It is an effort I make in order to bring them to the reduction of ½ p.cent on the charges which I think the U.S. have in strict justice a right to insist on, although I think at the same time that it is much for their advantage to push the loans even without this reduction if it cannot be effected. When I shall have done whatever depends on me to reduce it, if I should not succeed, I flatter myself you will approve its being granted. Perhaps the bankers may desire that this contestation should be referred to you. If so I shall not refuse it, as I should be better satisfied that they should recieve this ½. p.cent from governmental munificence (if judged proper) than from my compliance with what they insist on.
Nothing new has been recieved from London since I had the honor of writing to you on the 23d. of August respecting our prospects there.
I am with perfect respect Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant
W: Short The HonbleAlexander Hamilton Secretary of the Treasury Philadelphia


Title: Enclosure: William Short to Wilhem and Jan Willink, Nicholaas and Jacob Van Staphorst, and Nicholas Hubbard, 3 September 1791
From: Short, William
To: Willink, Wilhem,Willink, Jan,Van Staphorst, Nicholaas,Van Staphorst, Jacob,Hubbard, Nicholas

Paris Sep 3 1791
Gentlemen
Your letter of the 22d of August informed me that you had opened a loan for six millions of ⟨florins⟩ & it gave me real pleasure as it never could have entered into my mind that any other conditions than those presented & repeated in my several letters authorizing the loan could have been adopted. Your letter of the 25th informs me that you have ⟨presented⟩ other conditions for this loan not only different from but in ⟨opposition⟩ to those prescribed in the authority I gave for the opening the loan. Upon examining the subject ⟨–⟩ the result of my judgment was that I should subscribe to the conditions of the last loan if they could not be ameliorated ⟨limiting⟩ its amount in that case to three millions of florins determining however to take on myself to extend it to six millions if the charges could be reduced ½ ⅌ cent—this was what my view of the situation of the U. S. dictated to me as proper. You have had a different view of the subject it seems & have of your own accord opened a loan of six millions—but it was absolutely of your own acct. & I suppose you will readily agree since I not only did not authorize it but stipulated precisely against it in the ⟨directions⟩ I gave. Your letter informs me that you consider yourselves entitled to ⟨charges⟩ to this measure ⟨–⟩ because you had a right to 4 p. cent commission ⟨in the case of⟩ future 5 p. cent loans as appears by your letter to the sec of the Treasury approved of and forwarded by me— ⟨–⟩ because it is advantageous for the U. S. at present to make a loan of six millions at 5 p. cent.

As to the first part, I think you will easily see how far it is from being grounded if you will recollect what past at the time of that letter being written. You shewed me the rough draught of it desiring my observations as stated in your letter. I approved all except the clause relating to the commission, which indicated that the commission was to be raised ⟨– – –⟩ I objected absolutely to this clause & insisted on its being struck out on the principle of my having no right to take such an engagement ⟨–⟩ not knowing whether I should be ⟨–⟩ employed at that time I could not have taken ⟨it⟩ on me to prescribe terms to those who might succeed me. I mention particularly that ⟨any⟩ loan must fix its own terms & certainly it would be ⟨observed⟩ in any government to fix terms in this manner, where from the nature of the case they would be binding only on the government not on the commissioners. You promised therefore to strike out the clause. You will here recollect that you shewed me the rough draught of the letter because you were so excessively pressed at that time that the writing the letter twice would have been troublesome. You kept the rough draught a considerable time after my observations & then sent me the letter corrected & drawn up in the form you quote. I still observed that I did not see the use of the clause & observed that I expected it would have been left out altogether instead of its being changed to its present form. Your observation then was that it was intended to shew that if in future the rate of interest could be lowered by augmenting the profits of the undertakers; that ⟨–⟩ taken was not to affect you; that you were not to be expected to make loans at ⟨– – – –⟩ at the same rate of commission. I still mentioned to you that the clause was obscure, but on your giving this explanation of it &c, its being fully understood that I could not undertake to bind the U.S. as to the conditions of the future loans & as I know also the ⟨United States⟩ have no right to expect that you should make loans at a lower rate of interest for the commission of 4 ⅌ cent (which you assured me to be what the clause was intended to provide against), I saw no inconvenience in forwarding the letter to the Sec. of the treasury ⟨therefore not⟩ obliging you, in the press of business which you then told me you were, to write it over again so as to express this ⟨– – –⟩ more clearly. I therefore forwarded it & gave the secretary of the treasury at the same time the explanation which I since have repeated to you. I certainly did not expect at that time that this clause was to have been thus interpreted to suppose that I had been guilty of the absurdity of binding the United States as to the terms of all their future 5 ⅌ cent loans when I could not know whether I should be employed even to make a second—& also when no one good consequence could be derived from being so bound.
So much is the right supposed to be derived from your letter to the Secretary of the treasury forwarded by me. As to your ⟨views on⟩ the advantages of the U.S. resulting from making the loan of six millions your observations & view of that subject may be just & might be proper for those who have sufficient powers to act in consequence of them—you will recollect however that I do not consider myself in that class since when I was at Amsterdam at the time of the last loan, the same arguments were used ⟨– – – –⟩ 2½ millions further in ⟨– – –⟩ in case of my refusal ⟨– – – –⟩ all humours of the undertakers. You will remember I allowed ⟨– – – –⟩ & yet judged it proper not to take it on me to extend it on that account—what I then ⟨– –⟩ your view of the subject taken at Amsterdam may have induced you to have supposed yourselves authorized to adopt this measure—from the same view I thought differently at the time of the last loan—from my view ⟨–⟩ at this time I thought ⟨– – –⟩ & in consequence prescribed a different amount ⟨– – – –⟩ debt to France must have been known to me which could not be to you. If I had thought it proper to extend this loan to six millions at 4 ⅌ cent commission I should probably have told you so—my silence therefore must have been proof of the contrary—but I went farther to express my disapprobation of it. This ⟨sight⟩ of the arguments which determined what it appeared proper to me to be done, ⟨–⟩ and charged I can only refer you to the authority then given & which stipulated expressly that the loan should be limited to three millions unless the commission was reduced. I must therefore insist on a compliance with the conditions then presented not only for the interest & credit of the U.S. but for my own justification in this case.
I have gone into this full discussion of the subject to shew that the U.S. have an unquestionable right to insist on the charges of 2½ ⅌ cent of the loan if extended to six million & that you may see that it is not my wish that you should have less profits on this than the last loan. I will ask your attention to a single consideration which will shew that there will be no undersirable conditions agreeable to the state of your letter.…


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Daniel Stevens, 3 September 1791
From: Stevens, Daniel
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Charleston [South Carolina] 3rd. September 1791
Sir
Agreeable to your request, have wrote a circular Letter to the most leading Characters, throughout the State, relative to the Manufactures that may be carried on in the several Counties. As yet, have only two Letters on the subject, one contains some small Samples of the Cotton and Linen manufacture carried on in families for their own wear. As any others come to hand, I will transmit them to you, and shall shortly give you some account of what Manufactures are carried on in Charleston.
I am With regard Sir Your Most Obt. Servt.
Danl. Stevens


Title: Enclosure: Silvanus Walker to Daniel Stevens, 1 September 1791
From:
To:

Septr 1st 1791
Sir.
Agreeable to your request I am to inform you that there is no manufactories carried on in the interior parts of this State only in private families; and they in general manufactor as much as they commonly wear a few samples of which I have enclosed you but am convinced from the small knowledge I acquir’d of that business and situation of that part of the country if the people could meet with proper encouragement even from having a tolerable market that manufactor might be carried on to great advantage and perfection as there is the most convenient Mill seats I have ever seen in that part of America which have been acquainted with and flax cotton & Hemp grow exceedingly well and very good sheep is raised here and might be much improved also silk is very easy raised in this country I am Sir with due Reverance your Obliged Servt
Silvs: Walker


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Hall, 4 September 1791
From: Hall, William
To: Hamilton, Alexander

New York 4th. Sepr. 1791
Sir
Last night Mr. Mort & myself return’d from the Pasaic Falls. One of the finest situations in the world (we believe) can be made there. The quality of the water is good & in sufficient quantity to supply works of almost any extent. Every thing nescessary as to situation is here to be found. The Lands ly well are shelter’d from the winds & are not subject to inundations. This situation so far exceeds our expectations that we are very desirous you shou’d see it. If convenient shou’d wish to meet you there with any other person you think a judge & explain to you our reasons for prefering this situation, after which we flatter ourselves you will agree with us in opinion. We have seen Coll. Duer. He says He will write you on the subject by this Post & will accompany us to the Falls. We think it unnesscessary to trouble you with our report of the Delaware till we have the pleasure of seeing you.
Shall be happy to hear from you as soon as convenient.
I have the honor to remain   Sir Your most obedt. Hble Servt.
William Hall No. 57 Maiden Lane


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [4 September 1791]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Hamilton, Elizabeth

[Philadelphia, September 4, 1791]
My beloved Betsey
I hoped with the strongest assurance to have met you at Eliz Town; but this change of weather has brought upon me an attack of the complaint in my kindneys, to which you know I have been sometimes subject in the fall. So that I could not with safety commit myself to so rude a vehicle as the stage for so long a journey. I have therefo⟨re⟩ prevailed upon Mr. Meyer to go to Elizabet⟨h⟩ Town to meet you in my place. He will b⟨e⟩ there on Tuesday Evening; when, or the day f⟨ollowing⟩ I hope it will be convenient to you to ⟨be⟩ there. For as the moment of seeing you ap⟨proaches⟩ my impatience increases. I am pained beyon⟨d⟩ measure, that I cannot execute my intention of meeting you.
But dont alarm yourself nor hurry so as to injure either yourself or the children. I am not ill though I might make myself so by the jolting of the carriag⟨e⟩ were I to undertake the journey. I am indeed better than I was, this Evening, and if I can get a proper machine I shall make use of a warm bath to which I am advised and from which I am persuaded I shal⟨l⟩ receive benefit.
Inclosed my angel yo⟨u⟩ will find 200 Dollars in bank Notes. You will have to put your name upon them before you pass them. If you find any difficulty in passing them you can send to Mr. Seton who I dare say will find means to accommod⟨ate⟩ you.
Give my Love to Peggy. I hope she will come on with you—as I shall be very glad to see her.
God bless you my beloved
A Hamilton
⟨Sun⟩day Evening 4 Sep
If wind & weather serve, you had better come by water. Otherwise engage a carriage or carriages to carry you to E Town where you will find one to bring you on, under the care of Mr. Meyer. Mr. Meyer is desired to inquire for you at Mr. Boudinots.
Mrs. Hamilton


Title: Enclosure: Answers to Queries, 5 September 1791
From: Campbell, William,Smith, Benjamin,Toomer, Henry,Hooper, George,Willkings, M. R.,Macnaughten, Auly,Withers, Thomas
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Quere 1st.
When was the building commenced?

Answer.
About the 1st. June 1788.

Qr. 2d.
Is there any the least appearance of its suffering from the winter or winters it has sustained since it was built and in what parts?

A.
Not materially. Indeed the brick work not at all but the frames of the windows a little, the Lumber on the beach which was provided for the light house and not yet made use of is how ever suffering very much.

Q. 3d
What parts of the building are of stone and particularly as to the foundation, water tables Cills of the doors and windows, and the Curbs?

A.
None of stone, The Cills of the doors and windows are of yellow pine. There are no Curbs.

Q. 4.
Is the lime used Stone lime or Oyster shell lime?

A.
Oyster shell lime.

Q. 5
Are the frame and sashes of the Lanthern to be of Iron or wood?

A.
Of wood.

Q. 6
What is the thickness of the base in feet and inches the plan calls it 7 bricks thick, but it is not known wether it is seven times the length, the breadth or the thickness of a brick?

A.
The plan already sent is wrong in this instance. The foundation walls in parallell lines is ten feet through at the extremity of the foundation but being octagonal inside, at the angles is eighteen feet six inches through.

Quere 7.
Was there a solid bottom in the Earth on digging down for the foundation?

Answr.
There was a bank of drifted sand about 20 feet in height which was cut down thus far to bring it on a level with the adjacent land, after which 5 feet more was dug down for a foundation, it was apprehended that going deeper would have brought the workmen to a quick sand.

Q 8.
Is the spot an eminence or is it a level with the land for 100 or 200 yards around it?

Answ
Exclusive of the sand bank before mentioned it is a level for several hundred yards around.

Q. 9.
Is it in any degree a drifted sand hill and if it is did the workmen take care to go down thro it to the solid Earth?

Ansr.
See answer to query 7th.

Q. 10.
Is there any frame work laid under the foundation as proposed and what is its construction and the kind of timber used?

Ansr.
There is no frame work for this purpose.

Q 11
What are the several thicknesses of the walls of the pyramid in feet and inches in those parts above the foundation which are represented to be six bricks, five bricks and four and half bricks?

Answr.
The part of the pyramid represented as six bricks thick is four feet 8 inches through, five bricks three feet 11 inches, and four and a half bricks, three feet 6 inches. In short the bricks are 9 inches long.

Query 12.
Is the diameter the same at the top of the Story in which the doors are as at the bottom of that Story and what is that diameter from outside to outside?

Ansr.
The diameter of the story in which the doors are is the same at the top as bottom, which is 32 feet from out to out.

Query 13.
What is the diameter of the top of the masonry immediately under the Lanthern proposed to be?

Ansr.
The building immediately under the lanthern is twelve feet diameter.

Query 14.
What is the diameter and height of the lanthern exclusive of the dome roof and what is the height of the dome or roof?

Ansr.
The diameter of the lanthern is 12 feet, the height 16 feet, the height of the dome exclusive of the ball 8 feet.

Query 15
What is the height of the building from the Earth to the ball on the top of the Lanthern?

Ansr.
The Building from the Earth to the ball is 125 feet.

Query 16.
Will the thickness of two bricks which I suppose to be 17 inches be sufficiently strong at the height of 75 to 90 feet from the Earth and will the thickness of six bricks (or 4½ to 5 feet) be thick enough for the lower part of a building of so great height?

Answer.
It appears to us that the dimensions of every part of this building be sufficient for the height.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Tobias Lear, [5 September 1791]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Lear, Tobias

[Philadelphia, September 5, 1791]
The Secretary of the Treasury presents his compliments to Mr. Lear and sends the two commissions for south Carolina. He would wait on the president to day but is prevented by a slight attack of a disorder common to him at the change of weather usual at this season.

Septem: 5. 1791.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Seton, 5 September 1791
From: Seton, William
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[New York] 5th Sep 1791
Sir
Having compleated the full investiture of the 150,000 Dollars directed by you to be laid out in the purchase of Stock for acct. of the United States, I have the honor to enclose a Return of the same, & your account in Bank is debited with the amount.
I am with great respect


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Seton, 5 September 1791
From: Seton, William
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[New York] 5 Sept 1791
Dear sir
By my Public Letter you will see I have compleated the investiture of the 150,000 Dollars in the purchase of Stock—in fact it was finished the middle of last week but I could not get some of the Transfers passed till this day. The whole stands now in the Name of the Vice President &ca. I wish to know if I am to take out the Certificates & forward them & to whom. Great as this relief has been to the holders, it is far short of preventing that universal panic & want of money which now prevails. Deffered debt was actually sold under 12/ to day & Scrip at 150—merely to save credit. Was it possible to extend your purchase here to 150 M Dollars more—even 2d or 3d under the Acct limitts (if that is to be wished) it would be of immense consequence to this Community, & I believe would readily fill.
We have a great demand for the Treasurers Bills on the Southard particularly Virginia & Maryland of which we have not had any for some time.
I hope you will excuse the liberty I take in mentioning these things to you, & believe that I am with the highest respect & esteem
Dear sir   &c


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 6 September 1791
From: Ellery, William
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Newport [Rhode Island] September 6, 1791. “I have recd. your letter respecting the article of Pumpings, and shall attend to your directions. Please to favour me with an answer to my letter of the 6th. of June relative to the lawful portion of the compensations Surveyors are to receive for Regrs &c., to the question in my letter of the 4th. of July Should not every vessel receive her first Certife. of Registry from the Collector of the District where she is built? to my letter of the 18th. of July relative to repairing the Light-House, and to the question in my letter of the 25th. of July touching what is to be performed by a person usually residing in one District, who being in another there purchases a vessel, in order to entitle him to a Register of such vessel. Joseph Finch to gain time, as I suppose, has purchased a writ of Error to the next Circuit Court.… An iron chest is very much wanted for the Custom House. If you approve of it, I will purchase one and charge it to the United States.”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Tobias Lear, [6 September 1791]
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Philadelphia, September 6, 1791.] Transmits Isaac Holmes’s commission “appointing him collector of Charleston in South Carolina.”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Le Roy and Bayard, [6 September 1791]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Le Roy and Bayard

[Philadelphia, September 6, 1791. On September 11, 1791, Le Roy and Bayard wrote to Hamilton: “Your esteemed favor of the 6 Instt has been complied with.” Letter not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 6 September 1791
From: Olney, Jeremiah
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Providence, September 6, 1791. “The missing Certificate of Registry for Schooner Nicholas, mentioned in my Letter of the 25th Ulto. proves to have been all the Time in the Collector’s Office at Newport: Capt. Potter, who is now here, says he took it from thence to bring up with him, but left it at Home through forgetfulness. He promises to send it hither on his return, which will be in a few Days. I enclose the Certificate of registry No. 25, granted by me in 1790, for Brign. Trinanada; she having been lately sold at a foreign Port.”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Tobias Lear, 7 September 1791
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Hamilton, Alexander

United StatesSept: 7, 1791
By the Presidents command T. Lear has the honor to transmit to the Secretary of the Treasury for his information a letter from Colo. Ballard, Inspector of the port of Baltimore, stating the trouble & expence attending the execution of the duties of his Office, for which there is no compensation.
At the same time the President directs the enclosed letter from Genl. Lincoln to T. L. (which has been submitted to the president’s inspection) to be laid before the Secretary, as it points to the same subject relative to the Inspector of the port of Boston.
Tobias Lear.S. P. U. S.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to the President and Directors of the Bank of New York, 7 September 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: President and Directors of the Bank of New York

Ty Dept. 7th Sepr. 1791
Gent.
I request you to furnish the Cashier of your Bank with the further Sum of Fifty thousand Dollars to be by him applied towards purchases of the Public Debt on acct. of the United States.
P. S. A Warrant will issue tomorrow to cover the 150,000 Dollars already advanced for the same purpose.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, 7 September 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Olney, Jeremiah

Treasury DepartmentSeptember 7 1791
Sir
It has been represented to me that a Brig, called the Trinidada, lately belonging to Messrs. Brown & Francis of your district, has arrived in the district of Wilmington on Delaware with a copy of a register issued from your Office which does not agree with the vessel in two material particulars. The register, which is No 25 & bears date on the 25th of Augt. 1790, appears, from the copy, to describe the vessel as having “a head” and as being “pink sterned,” and the copy in this Office agrees with that, but the brig has not a head, and tho’ said to be narrow abaft, is square sterned. This case naturally excites extraordinary attention, as the bill of sale of the Agents of Brown & Francis, which the present Owner possesses, is confirmed by other information, that the vessel was actually sold by the persons named as Agents, and to the person appearing to be the purchaser.
It is my request that you will immediately transmit to me a copy of the Surveyors certificate to you, on which you issued the Register, No 25, and, if you have it, the original register under the State of Rhode Island which was delivered up to you when the register in question under the United States was obtained by Mr Brown. I also wish to be informed whether the Trinidada ever had a head, and if she had, when and for what reason it was taken off—also whether any vessels are called pink sterned in the State of Rhode Island, the ends of whose after planks are not actually butted against the Stern post. Any circumstances which will throw light upon the fact relating to the place at which the Trinidada was built you will also communicate: or if a mistake has happened any circumstances tending to ascertain and explain it will be acceptable.
I am, Sir,   Your Obedt Servant.
A Hamilton The Collector of the Customs,Providence


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, 7 September 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Seton, William

Treasury DepartmentSept. 7. 1791
Sir
I write herewith to the Directors of the Bank of New York to advance you a further sum of fifty thousand Dollars, towards purchases of the public Debt ⟨on⟩ account of the United States, on the ⟨sa⟩me principles with the sum heretofore advanced to you for the like purpose.
With great consideration   I am Sir   Your Obed servt
A Hamilton Wm. Seton EsquireCashier of the Bank of New York


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, 7 September 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Seton, William

Philadelphia Sepr. 7. 91
My Dear Sir
I regret though I am not surprised at what you disclose in your private letter of the 5th. I have for sometime foreseen the effects of a too sanguine disposition in the dealers of your City; particularly in relation to Bank Script; and have anticipated that it would lead to a necessity of sacrifices injurious to the funds. We got beyond the force of our own capital & beyond the point to which foreigners were yet prepared to go.
I trust however the evil is temporary. The Bank is as good a thing as it ever was. The United States are as solid as they were. The provision for the debt appears every day more and more ample. In short every thing promises well. And the timid will soon rally.
You will find by the letters herewith that you are furnished with a further sum of 50000 Dollars for purchases. I wish I could have gone further but my hands are tied by the want of a majority of the Trustees being present—Mr Jefferson being just gone to Virginia. The 50.000 now authorised & the sum appropriated here for the same purpose complete what has yet determined to be applied.
You may however make it known that the Treasurer is purchasing here.
You need never make an apology for any intimation you give me. The truth is however that for some time past drafts have been suspended to let money accumulate for the payment of the accruing Quarters interest. Considerable sums will be to be drawn for in the course of the next Month. I remain with great regard & truth
Yr. friend & serv.
A Hamilton William Seton Esqr.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Joshua Wentworth, 7 September 1791
From: Wentworth, Joshua
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Portsmo. New Hamps. Septr. 7th. 1791.
Sir
The 2d Instant I was honored by your’s of 24th Ulto. inclosing five forms of the System for the government of the Revenue, those Compleats my receipt of the whole. And inclosed is a return of form No. 1. This I shou’d have forwardd. some time past, but supposing others might be necessary to accompany it, delayed transmiting this return until the whole of the System had reached me, to which and your explination of the Act I shall pay every attention.
The opperation of the Law meets with no Embarrassment nor have I reason to suppose any will ensue in the execution of it, in this District.
Agreeably to the power vested in me by the Law I have appointed Mr George Wentworth Collector of Revenue, an Inhabitant of this Town, formerly a Ship Master in the Merchants Service, and their being but one Distillery in this District at present, Mr. Wentworth’s is the only appointment taken place.
The necessary Oaths of Office were attended to, and are forwarded to the Comptroller of the Treasury as the Law prescribes. A Bond likewise is taken of the Collector of Revenue agreeably to your Directions.
Your letters of the 7th May & 22d June were duly received & every attention are paid to their Contents. With all possible convenience I will transmit a reply to your enquiries of the latter. Remaining respectfully   Sir yr most obedient   & very hble servt.
Josh. Wentworth Alexander Hamilton Esquire


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Fisher Ames, 8 September 1791
From: Ames, Fisher
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Boston Sept 8, 1791
Dear Sir
The immoderately long letter which I took the liberty to write you some time ago, will, probably, have surprised you. You will wonder why I should take pains to establish opinions which you have never held in dispute. I will confess to you that the rumour of the intended connection between the U.S and NY. Banks gave me some uneasiness. My friend Mr Gore will leave this town next week, and you will learn from him that the good disposition of the Massa. Bank proprietors, at the time when that report was diffused, made it very unwelcome. Everything had gradually ripened their minds to an acquiescence in the Unity of the Bank and it’s branches. I think you are acquainted with Mr Gore, and as he will not fail to converse with you, it is unnecessary for me to notice any further the causes and circumstances of my apprehension respecting the Bank of the U. S.
The arrangements of the Bank are expected with some impatience. Here the general wish is to have Branches. I hope they may be safely adopted, not so much with a view to the profits of the stock, (tho’ that is a thing to be noticed) as for reasons which I have formerly given. Mr. Gore is one of the few men whom I consider as sound and thorough patriots. Tho a great Stockholder, you will find him national. The possession of an ample fortune has not contracted his heart, nor twisted his intellects. He will leave this place for Philada next week, and as he will, probably, represent a great many proprietors, with whom his opinion and reputation will weigh a great deal you will find him able to inform of the views of the eastern stockholders. I confess I have my fears that party schemes will be nursed in the City. Should any improper designs be formed, you will naturally reckon upon his steady opposition to them. In short as your acquaintance with him is slight, I think it will be useful & almost necessary that you should know him. Few Men are so worthy of esteem and confidence.
The distillers here are framing a petition to Congress for a reduction of the duty on home made Rum 3 Cents and an augmentation of 3 Cents on imported Rum &c. You may possibly think this immoderate, and a symptom of discontent. Tho’ I wish they had thought fit to ask for less, I will venture to vouch for their good dispositions. Some change of the ratio of duties would be highly acceptable to them and favorable to their manufacture. But they will not make a clamor against the Excise Act as it is.
You will doubtless remark that I am writing confidentially.
I very much approve the Letter you wrote to our Assessors. But many country gentlemen have thought less favorably of it. They say why not tax property equally. The spirit of envy, an evil spirit! in times of prosperous adventure can bear the day light. That spirit would rejoice in the spoil of the possessors of public paper by assessment. Assessments are so arbitrary, so various in the different states, and even in different towns, and so much applause would be secured in many towns by acts of rapine in the shape of a tax, that the value of property in paper may be made eventually, very insecure. The inequality of it’s operation on different proprietors, and the bad policy of holding such a terror over opulent citizens whom we may wish to fix as residents would, if dilated on, make some impression upon the public. At present, no uneasiness seems to subsist in this town on that head. But when the state valuation shall be settled, as it will be within a year, I apprehend the seeds will sprout again.
I am, dear Sir, with sentiments of esteem &c your most obedt. hble servant
Fisher Ames Mr Hamilton


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 8 September 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Delany, Sharp

Treasury DepartmentSeptemr. 8th 1791
(Private)
Sir
I am informed there is reason to believe, that a vessel belonging to Elizabeth Town in New Jersey has been employed by a merchant in Philadelphia to run a cargo of rum, by carrying the hogsheads in the hold and a quantity of shingles on the Deck.
The intelligence comes to me in such a way as to render it proper that you know it for the purpose of giving the necessary intimation to the officers of your District.
I am, Sir,   Your obedt. Servt.
Alexander Hamilton Sharp Delany EsquireCollector Philada.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 8 September 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Delany, Sharp

Treasury DepartmentSept. 8. 1791.
Sir
I have considered the case proposed to me in your letter of the 11th. July, and do not find myself authorised to instruct you to set off the drawback against the bond of the importer Mr. Telles. The legislature had not seen fit to make any provision of this nature in the first collection law, and in the existing act they have only extended it to the importer, and not to the purchasers from him which you state Messrs. Willing Morris & Swanwick to be. [And the outward entry at the Custom House is the only admissible evidence of who is the Importer.]
I am, Sir,   Your obedt. servant
A Hamilton Sharp Delany Esq.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, 8 September 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Seton, William

[Philadelphia] Sep 8, 91
D Sr,
I wrote you a private letter last Evening which went by a private opportunity. Its principal object was to inform you—
That I could not exceed the sum now directed to be advanced for want of authority—the present 50000 completing the sum heretofore appropriated by the Trustees & there not being here a sufficient number for a board.
That purchases by the Treasurer were going on here.
That there had been for some time past a suspension of drafts on Collectors in order to the payment of the accruing Quarters interest.
But that in the course of the next month there would be considerable drafts of which N York would have its share.
Yrs. with great regd.
A Hamilton Wm. Seton Esq


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Skinner, 8 September 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Skinner, William

September 8th. 1791.Treasury Department
Sir
Your letter of the 29th. of August is just come to hand. My circular of the first of November which you had received required that you should not admit on loan the Certificates of the State of North Carolina upon its own account. The reason of this would operate in regard to the Comptroller or any other Officer of the State, or any individual who might be the acknowledged or secret Agent of the State, or to whom the State might have disposed of such Certificates. For if they are not receivable from the State itself on loan, it is on the principle that a Bond once surrendered to the Debtor, as satisfied or discharged extinguishes the Debt; and consequently there is in such case, no debt in existence, to be assumed. A transfer of the Certificates therefore to any other person even if real can make no alteration in the thing. You were of course right in refusing to receive them, in the name of the Comptroller and you were not less right in your objection to the Gentleman whom you did not name who effected the first and offered the second subscription you speak of, if by his conduct or other circumstances there was good ground to believe that the certificates he tendered were of the kind above mentioned. Were it not for the suspicion you express it would never have entered into my imagination that the Government of your State could resolve by any secret or indirect method to effect the receipt by you of certificates which you were not at Liberty from your instructions to receive. And even after what you communicate, I am obliged to suppose, either that your suspicion is without foundation or that some subordinate officer, whose zeal for the interest of the State makes him forgetful of what is due to its dignity to propriety and to fair dealing, has without authority or instruction resorted to so improper an expedient. Confiding that the Governor will be anxious to arrest a proceeding so exceptionable in every view, I desire that you will immediately make known to him your suspicion and the grounds of it, in order that being appraised of the thing he may take measures to prevent a repetition of the attempt. In my letter of the 12th. of August a copy of which accompanies this, you are authorised to receive the certificates in question from the State in order to their being submitted to me. This I did from a disposition to give the matter every possible chance which could result from the fullest consideration and with a view to taking finally the opinion of the Attorney General after hearing whatever might be offered on the part of the State. This you are still at liberty to do. But as you appear to think secret means were taking to pass the certificates upon you—you will do well to continue upon your guard. You will however receive the Certificates offered; giving a descriptive receipt for them as in other cases—but inserting in that receipt expressly that they are to be specially submitted to the decision of the Secretary of the Treasury whether receivable or not upon the loan. You will understand also that none of the receipts you have given in any case for certificates deposited are to be considered by you as conclusive upon the public. The Certificates are all liable to revision and may be rejected if they appear forged, or in any other respect not proper to be admitted on the loan. The only reason for a distinction between the forms of the receipts to be given for suspected certificates, and those to be given for such as are not suspected is to put purchasers on their guard.
The attempts you have announced are of such a nature as to oblidge me to desire; that before you issue any certificates of Stock in lieu of the State debt deposited, you advise me of the total amount of the sums subscribed, noting all such cases in which you have reason to believe the Certificates are of the kind not properly admissible on the loan. In making this communication you will use all possible dispatch.
I am yours &c
William Skinner EsquireCommissioner of Loansfor North Carolina.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 9 September 1791
From: Lincoln, Benjamin
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Boston Sept. 9th: 1791
Sir
The day before yesterday came on the trial at Salem of Capt Davis & yesterday his mate charged with landing good at tarpaulien cove as mentioned to you July 29. Although the fact was clearly established to the satisfaction of the Court, and so far as I can learn, to every by stander even the defendants Council gave up the matter Yet the Jury did not in either case find a verdict though sent out repeatedly by the Judge. They said they could not agree. It has been hinted that they were satisfied with regard to the fact but would not say so because the penalty they said was too high. The next term the cause will be given to a jury in this County.
Secy of the Treasury


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

Portsmo. [New Hampshire] Sep. 9th. 1791
Sir
With my letter to you of the 24 Ulto. I inclosd a description of the Cutter & gave a name for her which was handed to me at the Moment of closing the letter. Since which I have been informed there is a British public Vessel of the Name of the Ferret in Nova Scotia or Newfoundland. I conceive there woud be an impropriety in giving a Cutter of the United States the Same Name & therefore request that you will be pleased to direct the insertion of such other name in the instrument intended in lieu of a Register as will be more proper.
I directed Cap. Yeaton to deal out the Provisions at the rate of 1. lb B[r]ead & 1 lb Beef or ¾ lb Pork ⅌. man ⅌. day and to assure the people, whatever may be the established Rations, whether of liquers or other articles would be made up to them on Settlement, when Such Rations Shoud be known. At present they furnish their own Liquers, which is an article they expect will constitute a part of their Rations. On this point be pleased to give me instructions.
The Cutter Sailed the 26th Aug having on board a few borrowed Small arms & other Military Accoutrements.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John Jay, 10 September 1791
From: Jay, John
To: Hamilton, Alexander

New York 10 Septr 1791
Dear Sir
I send you Copies of a Letter of 3 Augt. from Jacob Cuyler, and of my answer of this Date. It is natural for men circumstanced as he is, to be anxious; and as adversity too often begets neglect, marks of attention are doubly acceptable to men in his Situation. I fear you will find it difficult to do much for his Son. A little will to him be much. At any Rate write to him, and let him percieve that altho you cannot create opportunities of serving him, yet that you wish him well.
adieu   Yours sincerely
John Jay Col. Hamilton


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Eliphalet Pearson, [10 September 1791]
From: Pearson, Eliphalet
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Cambridge, Massachusetts, September 10, 1791]
Sir,
I feel myself happy in the honor of acquainting a gentleman of Mr. Hamilton’s merited distinction that the American Academy of Arts & Sciences has elected him a Fellow; of which the instrument, herewith transmitted, is a Certificate executed in the usual form.
With sentiments of highest esteem, I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obedient &   very humble servant,
Eliphalet PearsonCorrespg. Secretary.
Cambridge 10 Septr. 1791.


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

Collectors Office Portsmo. New Hamp. Sep. 10. 1791
Sir
Your Circular letter dated the 5th. of August respecting two missing Certificates of Registry, Enjoining the Seasonable transmission of Returns, Noticing the failure of complying with the opinions of Messrs. Jones and Harrison, The Information Stating a practice of Measuring Vessels of the United States previously Registered, And requesting a Copy of the Table of Fees, was received the 25th. Ulto.
Being Apprehensive that the possibility of a failure in the Conveyance of returns thro’ the post offices or erroneous informations may have led to the forming unjust Ideas of the proceedings in Custom Houses which a conciousness of not falling under the imputations does not fully Satisfy, I think it necessary and judge it will be also more Satisfactory to you that answers be given to the Several paragraphs of that letter, except those respecting the Registers.
All Returns hitherto directed have been regularly transmitted from this District as soon as they could be made up. The quarterly & Monthly returns have in no instance exceeded the Month Suceeding the periord to which the Returns extended, and the Shorter delays have been Occasioned by unavoidable detentions in ascertaining duties & liquidating Bonds or in the nonpayment of Tonnage Duties which it was desirable Should be comprehended in the returns for the term in which they Occurd.
The Instructions on the Opinions of Mess. Jones & Harrison have been carefully attended to & complied with, excepting the Opinion respecting the receiving the fee of 60 cents on the 27th Section of the Coasting Act, which has not in all instances been received. As no penalty is annexed to a failure of Coasters making entry as directed by that section, it is seldom complyed with by Coasters, nor do I perceive in what manner they can be compelled unless by an action of debt for the fee, which if proper would be a disagreeable method when this trifling fee only is depending & it is not enjoined as an official duty.
The Measuring of Vessels of the United States previously registered and receiving a fee for such Admeasurement has never been considered in this district as a possible intention of the Legislature, or Construction of the law & the Charge for the like fee on Foreign Vessels, before measured in the port and known to have undergone no alteration of Tonnage has in some instances been given up, tho’ the Same Idea is entertaind of its proprity as conveyed in your letter.
A Copy of the Table of Fees fixed up in the Custom House is enclosed.
I beg leave upon this Occasion [to] take notice that the exemption from entering & clearing of certain descriptions of Coasters exposes the Revenue to frauds—as also does the manner of entering Coasters as directed by the 28th. Section, in which case a master is under no restraint by his oath, from receiving Smuggled goods on board after clearing & before his arrival at another port, as no oath is required at his entry at which time rather than at his clearing I conceive it would be proper.
I will also take the Occasion to observe that the term of 15 days allowed by law for the discharge of Vessels from foreign ports is subject to abuse, by increasing the expence of Inspectors attendance & affording opportunities for Smuggling. Was the clause in the Act qualified by a proviso that the No. of hands of which the Vessel consisted Should be dayly employd till such discharge, these delays would be prevented without Subjecting the owner to any hardship. Instances have happened in which a Cargo consisting of 30 or 40 hhds Molases & 300 or 400 bushels of Salt only has been detained on board 12 or 15 days, the hands being discharged on the day of arrival & the Vessel employed as a Store.
The Hon. Alex Hamilton Esqr


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Charles Lee, 11 September 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Lee, Charles

Treasury DepartmentSeptember 11 1791
Sir
An application has been made to me for a boat for the use of the Customs at one of the ports on the Potomack below Alexandria. I am informed that the boat belonging to your district is found too large for harbour service, and that it would be more convenient to the Surveyor to have a small boat fit for the purpose to board vessels within a short distance of the Town. I wish to be informed if such an exchange appears to you expedient, and, if so, I wish to have a Seamans inventory of the boat you now have, specifying her dimensions and all her appurtenances.
The admeasurement of foreign vessels at every entry into your District is a practice that ought to be observed, as there can be, otherwise, no certainty of the identity of the vessel, nor of her remaining unaltered. The documents they produce are from Officers not amenable to our laws, and whose deviations from fact, therefore subject them to no penal consequences from the United States. I am, with consideration, Sir,
Your Obed Servant
A Hamilton ⟨Ch⟩arles Lee Esqr.Alexandria


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Seton, 12 September 1791
From: Seton, William
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[New York] 12 Sep. 1791
Sir
I am desired by the President & Directors to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of the 7th. They have directed 50,000 Dollars to be paid to me agreeable to your desire, and the same is invested in the purchase of Stock, on account of the United States, as specified in the enclosed return. I have the honor to be with great respect &ca.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Seton, 12 September 1791
From: Seton, William
To: Hamilton, Alexander

New York 12th Sept. 1791
Dear sir
I had the pleasure to receive your Letter of the 7th by Mr. Eddie on fryday morning, but not early enough to answer you with propriety by that post. The bearer of the Letter I apprehend knew or conjectured at the Contents as it flew over the Town like Wildfire that I had orders to purchase, therefore before I got to the Coffee House at Noon, every one was prepared, and no one would offer to supply at less than the former prices. I thought it prudent to accept at that, and to diffuse the benefit I divided the purchases into 5000 Dollar Lots, and held them at that, so long as to give every one a chance, and be assured it has been a very great relief. Scrip since I wrote you last has been down to 110 and great sacrifices made, Saturday and today they have gone at 135 to 145 and rather bear the appearance of rising. They are now getting into the proper hands and I have no doubt will soon come up to their real value, if the price of the other funds can be now & then supported by your purchases. You have the blessings of thousands here, and I feel gratified more than I can express, at being the dispenser of your benevolence.
I am with the greatest respect   Dear sir   Your obliged Obedt Humble Sert
Wm Seton Alexr. Hamilton Esqr.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Charles Lee, 13 September 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Lee, Charles

Treasury DepartmentSeptr. 13. 1791
Sir,
As it is possible The President of the United States may have occasion for some Money in Alexandria, you will retain for his own use one thousand Dollars. The receipt of any of the Gentlemen of his family for such part of the said sum as he may desire, when transmitted to this office will be duly covered with a warrant.
I am,   Sir,   Your obedt Servant
A Hamilton Charles Lee EsquireCollectorAlexandria


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from George Fox, 14 September 1791
From: Fox, George
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Philada. Septemr. 14th. 1791
Sir
I did myself the honor of waiting on you to mention some difficulties which have occurred in transacting business at the Treasury under a Power of Attorney received from some Gentlemen in London.
As I was not fortunate enough to meet with you I will beg permission briefly to state the circumstances of the case in hopes that some mode may be suggested to enable me to fulfill their intentions.
In consequence of a purchase made by Mr. W. T. Franklin of Mr. Gouvr. Morris, Messrs. Baring Boehm & Henchman transmit me (at the request of Mr. G. Morris) their Power of Atty. (accompanied by authenticated copies of several certificates) to receive the Interest due on 382,878 60/100 Drs. with instructions to transfer 66,666⅔ Drs. to Mr. Franklin & the remainder thereof to Mr. G. Morris. At the same time Messrs. Willing Morris & Swanwick receive A Power of Attorney from the same Gentlemen to loan to the United States 226,460 42/100 Dollars being I presume a part of the 382,878 60/100 Dollars mentioned before; in consequence of this power & the Instructions he had received, Mr. Swanwick transferred to my Credit 40,762 87/100 Drs in the 3 ⅌ Ct. Stock being the whole of that Stock to which those Gentlemen were intitled upon the Sum which Mr. Swanwick had subscribed to the Loan in their name—a deficiency of near 26,000 Drs. in the sum which they had directed me to transfer to Mr. Franklin appearing & Mr. Gouvr. Morris having engaged under a Penalty that the said sum of 66,666⅔ Dolls. should be vested in the name of Mr. Franklin in the 3 ⅌ Cent Stock on or before the 15th day of Septemr. 1791 I am desirous of learning if any means could wth safety be adopted to prevent Mr. G. Morris from incurring that Penalty by securing Mr. Franklin in due time the sum directed to be transferred to him.
I have the honor to be &c
The Honble The Secretary of Treasury of the United States


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Marchant, 14 September 1791
From: Marchant, Henry
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Rhode Island DistrictNewport Sept. 14. 1791
In pursuance of an Act of the Congress of the United States “to provide for mitigating or remitting Forfeitures and Penalties accruing under the Revenue Laws, in certain Cases therein mentioned” I have recd. the Petition of Peleg Saunders hereto annexed, and thereupon caused William Ellery Collector, Robert Crooke Naval Officer, and Daniel Lyman Surveyor of Newport District, the Persons claiming a moiety of the fifteen Hogshead of Rum and one Keg of Medecines upon forfeiture thereof upon their Libel filed before me, if such forfeiture should take Place, and also William Channing Esqr. Attorney of the United States for said Rhode Island District to be noticed to appear before me and shew Cause if any they had against the mitigation or remission thereof, and who declar’d they had no Cause to offer against the Remission prayed for by the said Petitioner, nor had They any Reason to disbelieve the Facts and Circumstances as stated and set forth in said Petition. Whereupon I proceeded to examine into the Truth of the Facts so set forth by the said Petitioner in a summary Manner And by the Report by him openly made signed and deliverd to the said Collector, of the said Goods, by the Declaration of the said Petitioner under solemn Oath to me made, As also by the Testimony of Oliver Burdick of Westerly within sd. District, who also under Oath declared that he was no way interested in said Vessell or Goods, but was a Hand on Board said Vessell in the Employ of the said Petitioner &c at the Time said Effects were taken on Board and hath so continued ever since. As also by the Certificates of the Inspector of New London mentioned in said Petition, and which the said Danl. Lyman Surveyor for the District of Newport acknowledgeth, strictly compares and agrees with the Marks &c upon the said Hogsheads. It appears The Facts and Circumstances stated and set forth in said Petition are true. All which I do hereby certify to the Secretary of the Treasury of the United States.
Henry MarchantJudge of Rhode Island District


Title: George Washington to George Clinton, 14 September 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Clinton, George

[Philadelphia] September 14, 1791. Discusses the possibility of the British establishing a post south of Lake Champlain.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 15 September 1791
From: Olney, Jeremiah
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Custom-House,Providence 15th September 1791.
Sir.
On the Thirteenth instant Entered here, from Bordeaux, the Brigantine Betsey, John Arnold Master, the Property of Mr. Stephen Dexter of this Place: In her were imported Ten Kegs of Brandy, consigned to James Johnson of New-York; which, together with the Vessel, being forfeited by the 33 Section of the Excise Act, I have requested the District Attorney to proceed against them as the law directs; tho in justice to the Master, I declare that I have no suspicion of his having the least Intention to defraud the Revenue, and that I believe the forfeiture had been incurred through ignorance of the Law in both him and the Shipper.
I have the Honor to be &c.
Jereh. Olney Collr. Alexr. Hamilton Esqr.Secy of the Treasury.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Tobias Lear, 16 September 1791
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Philadelphia] September 16, 1791. “T: Lear has the honor to transmit to the Secretary of the Treasury a Commission for Benjn. Cudworth, Inspector of Survey No. 2. in South Carolina.”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 16 September 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Lincoln, Benjamin

Treasury Department.Septr. 16th. 1791
Sir,
The practice of the Surveyor of Boston in measuring American vessels (not new) only when they are transferred into your district, as also in measuring foreign vessels at every entry is perfectly regular.
It will be agreeable to me that the builders of the cutter receive her back on delivering a vessel equally good, and well fit, and not exceeding the rate of 63 63/95 tons for 1440 dollars. The Cutter constructed at the district of Portsmouth New Hampshire is of 51 81/95 Tons and she is deemed equal to the service on that coast and Massachusetts.
In thus expressing myself however I do not mean to preclude a different Judgment of yourself and others on the spot. For the sufficiency of the vessel is of primary consequence. But I shall be glad to find that, on full consideration, one short of the dimensions you propose may be found adequate to the object. The smaller the vessel, if of competent size, the more cheaply she may be kept in good condition, the more manageable she will be with the number of hands allowed and the more certain I shall be of not exceeding the pecuniary limits prescribed by the Legislature.
You are right in your ideas that only such expenditures as have been incurred in relation to the Portland light house since the time of your authorising the gentlemen you refer to, in your letter, to superintend the completion of the building under the authority and for the account of the United States are to be admitted. By exhibiting the act to the Gentlemen you will find no difficulty in convincing them it does not apply to any expenditures prior to its date.
My ideas on the subject of prosecuting the receivers of run goods are not intended to preclude exemption in favor of those whose testimony has been previously made use of, with hopes of exemption.
You will find enclosed a copy of a return of the Surveyor of Portsmouth, containing the Dimensions of the Cutter.

I am with great consideration   Sir   Your obedt Servant
Alex. Hamilton Benjn. Lincoln EsqrCollr.Boston


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [16 September 1791]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

[Philadelphia, September 16, 1791]
Sir,
I have the honor to enclose the copy of a letter from Mr. Brown of Kentucke, to Genl. Irvine, giving an account of some interesting particulars in the Western Country. Part of the letter, I have understood, has been forwarded to you, but not the whole. Genl. Irvine is of opinion that the waters will be still so far practicable as to permit the progress of the Troops under Genl. Butler; by the expedient of dragging the Boats in the shallowest places.
With perfect respect &c. &c.

A: Hamilton
Philada.16th. Septr. 1791.


Title: Enclosure: John Brown to William Irvine, [22 August 1791]
From: Brown, John
To: Irvine, William

[Danville, Virginia, August 22, 1791]
Sir,
An Express from Gen: Wilkinson has this moment reached this place informing of his success. He has destroyed a large Indian Town situated at the banks of the Wabash; also a Kichapoo town containing about 30 houses, & has killed & taken 42 of the enemy. His loss two men killed & one wounded. I have not as yet heard where the Express left him, but expect he has repassed the Ohio before this time. Genl. St. Clair is now here endeavouring to procure aid from the Kentucke militia. His regular force, as yet, does not exceed 500 or 600 men & the river is too low to admit of Boats descending from Fort Pitt. I fear he will meet with great difficulty in obtaining assistance from this Country as the Militia are extremely averse to a co-operation with the regulars, & I am doubtful whether they can be compelled by the Laws of this State, especially as the Executive of Virginia has given no orders upon the subject to the Lieutenants of this District. The Bearer will only allow me time to assure you that,
I am   With very great respect   Sir,   Your Mo: Hble Servt.

J: Brown
Danville22d. Augt. 1791

P. S. Have lately received two packets from you.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, [16 September 1791]
From: Washington, George
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Head of Elk, Maryland, September 16, 1791]
Dr. Sir,
Whilst I was in Wilmington waiting breakfast to day, I made the best enquiry time & circumstances would permit, for some fit character to fill the office lately held by Doctr. Latimer. Several persons were mentioned, but the weight of information was in favor of one Andrew Barratt. He was spoken of by Mr. Vining as a man of respectable character, of decision and temper. He now is, or lately has been high Sheriff of the county of Kent; & no man, it is said, could have discharged the duties of that Office better. Mr. Bedford, though he had another person in view, (Majr. Jacquet), accords in this opinion of Barratt. Doctor Latimer, whom I afterwards called upon, at New port, for the purpose of enquiry, also speaks well of Barratt. He did indeed, before I mentioned the name of Barratt to him, say that he thought Majr. Patten of Dover the best person that readily occurred to him for this office, but yielded a ready assent to the qualifications of Barratt. None knows whether he would, or would not accept the appointment. Among other things, urged in his favor by Mr. Vining, are his living near the centre of the State—amidst the Stills, and where the most discontent is said to be. To Mr. Chew of Philada. Mr. Vining particularly appeals for the character of Mr. Barratt.
If his testimony is in favor of this character, I think it will be an eligible appointment. A blank commission, signed, has been left with Mr. Lear for the Supervisor of the Delaware District.
With much esteem & regard   I am Dear Sir,   Your Mo: Obt. Servant

G: Washington
Head of Elk16th. Septr. 1791.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Joseph Whipple, 16 September 1791
From: Whipple, Joseph
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Portsmouth [New Hampshire] September 16, 1791. “The Dicas’s Hydrometer forwardd me to replace the One first Sent which proved defective came to hand but having found a workman who has effectually repaired the defective one, I have two on hand one of which I will direct as you will please to order. The Thermometer that was forwardd from the Treasury is by Accident broken. It was in the hands of one of the Inspectors, a very careful man, who was assisting the Surveyor. A Similar Accident befel a Neat Thermometer before in use which was borrowd of a Physician, (& wch. I have Sent to London to repair). I have endeaverd to procure one in Boston & Other places in this Vicinity without Success—be pleased to order one from Philadelphia for the use of this District. I have the pleasure to enclose you herewith the State of a Manufactory of Sail Cloth lately established in New Hampshire.”


Title: Receipt from William Pearce, 17 September 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Pearce, William

Philadelphia Sepr. 17. 1791
Received of Alexander Hamilton, Fifty Dollars, towards procuring Machines for a Cotton Manufactory.
Wm. Pearce


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

Collrs. Office Sept. 19th: 1791Port of Newport [Rhode Island]
Sir,
The Schooner Lydia Peleg Saunders master burthen 34 26/95 tons arrived here from the Port of Stonington in the District of New London on the 12th. of this month, with a cargo consisting of fifteen hhds. of West India Rum, One box and one kegg of medicine and eight cords of oak wood; without a manifest or permit. The Schooner was duely enrolled and licensed. The master produced to the office Certificates of the Rum subscribed by the Inspector of the Revenue for the Port of Stonington, which, when comparison made by the Inspector of the Revenue of this Port, agreed with the marks on the hogsheads. It appeared upon examining the master and the shipper of the Rum, that the Schooner was bound from Connecticut river with a Load of firewood for this port, that she stopped at Stonington, that the master was perswaded to land there the wood on his deck, and take thereon the Rum and medicine and proceed with them to this Port, that through ignorance he departed from the Port of Stonington for this Port without a manifest and permit and that he had no intention to defraud the Revenue. Indeed his coming to the office on his arrival, and producing certificates of the Rum showed that he had no fraudulent design. But by Sec. 29 of the Act for Regg. & Clearing Vessels, Regulating the Coasting Trade, and for other purposes, the said goods being subjected to seizure and forfeiture, and the master to forfeit & pay the sum of four hundred Dollars, and the office not being invested with any discretionary powers in this regard, I seized the goods, and they are libelled, and a suit is instituted against the master. He has petitioned the District Judge, and the Judge will transmit the facts stated and annexed to the attestor’s petition by this Post.
The Sloop Betsy, Thomas Cottrell claimant, was sold on the 14th. of this month at public auction for five hund. and sixty three Dollars, which was nearly her value. I should be very happy to have your sentiments as to the manner of distributing the moiety which doth not appertain to the United States.
This will be accompanied by a weekly return of monies received and paid, by a Certife. of Registry No. 3. granted at the Port of Washington dated Apl. 13th 1790, and delivered up on a transfer of property, and a Copy of endorsment of change of master on Regr. No. 34. granted at this Port 20th. Sepr. 1790.
I am Sir   Yr. most obedt. Servant
Wm Ellery A Hamilton EsqrSecry of Treasy


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Joseph Whipple, 19 September 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Whipple, Joseph

[Philadelphia, September 19, 1791. In a letter to Hamilton dated October 7, 1791, Whipple referred to “your letter of the 19th. Ulto.” Letter not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Terence O’Neill, [20 September 1791]
From: O’Neill, Terence
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Philadelphia, September 20, 1791]
Sir

A plan having been suggested to establish a Cotton as well as other Manufactories in the United States, on principles devised by your wisdom, and in consequence of which a subscription is set on foot, Mechanics encouraged, and Machines imported to put this National work into execution. Notwithstanding that artists well qualified in every branch necessary to promote the undertaking may be procured, yet it is as essential that persons qualified to superintend these several Manufactures and who may have a general knowledge of the Manufacturing business should also be engaged. Having been bred for many years to the Business of superintending & keeping the Books of a very extensive Cotton Manufactory in Ireland, together with my experience in the Manchester trade, acquired by carrying on business extensively in that line for some years on my own account; I am induced from these qualifications to offer myself as a person capable of Conducting the Cotton Branch in every particular whatever. I’ll assert myself capable of planing the Books for this business, in a suitable and concise manner and in such order that the accounts shall correspond so as to shew the disposition of every ounce of the Raw Materials and the several operations at one view which will be a means of preventing fraud in any part of the business, if any shou’d be attempted. The prime cost of every article shall also be calculated, that the Commissioners who may be appointed to make the sales, cannot be imposed on in any respect. In short, I think I may without arrogance assert myself qualified to observe & correct any errors that may occur in any part of this branch of business, as well as to detect any fraud or defect that might appear either thro’ neglect or design. Should I on this occasion, Sir, meet with your approbation, as doubtless yours will be necessary for every person who may be employed in this undertaking, I shall deem myself highly gratified, and in the mean time shou’d you wish to have any conversation with me on the subject, I shall do myself the honor to wait on you, whenever it may suit your Convenience. Such security for my good conduct shall be given as may be required. In case you would favor me with your sentiments in this occasion, I beg leave to inform you I lodge at the corner of Front and Race Streets, No. 137.
I have the honor to be Sir, your most obedt. very humble servant

Terence O Neill
Philadelphia 20th, September 1791


Title: Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 20 September 1791
From: Treasury Department,Hamilton, Alexander
To: Collectors of the Customs

Treasury DepartmentSept 20th 1791
Sir,

It has been suggested to me that the Grocers in one of the Seaport Towns of the United States have received applications from Persons concerned in foreign trade for the purchase of their Casks marked “Old Stock.” It will be quickly perceived that such a measure affords the strongest reason to suspect, that illicit practices, evasive of both the Revenue and impost are intended. To prevent the mischiefs which would arise from such purchases, I recommend that due notice be given to the Dealers in Rum, and others concerned, that on application to the Revenue offices, an officer will attend at their Rumstores for the purpose of seeing the marks of “Old Stock” &c. completely dubbed or taken off, and receiving the certificate, which had accompanied the Cask into their hands. These certificates should be cancelled by cutting a hole thro the signers name and should be returned and filed in your office. The Casks may then be sold or used for any other purpose, which will prevent the necessity of selling them.

I am with consideration   Sir   Your obedt Servant
Alex Hamilton


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Charles Lee, 21 September 1791
From: Lee, Charles
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Alexandria [Virginia] 21st. Septr 1791
Sir!

Your letter of the 12th. shall be duly attended to. The Scale Beam and Chains, Scale plates and Triangle intended for the Collector of George Town have arrived and will be forwarded to him by the first opportunity.
The inclosed is a copy of a claim in favour of Charles Page which is submitted to you for your direction as to the payment expected from me. Without further authority from the Treasury Department I do not conceive myself authorized to discharge it.
I am Sir! with respect   Your most Obedt. Servant
Charles LeeCollector at Alexandria


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 21 September 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Lincoln, Benjamin

Treasury DepartmentSepr. 21 1791
Sir

You will pay into the Bank of Massachusettes whatever monies may be in your hands, on the last day of this month, over and above what it may be necessary for you to retain to satisfy any Treasury drafts which you may have accepted and to fulfil any services which have been committed to your superintendence. For the sum you may pay in, you will take duplicate receipts, one of which you will forward here as a voucher for covering the payment with the usual warrant.
Benj Lincoln Esqr &c


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to the President and Directors of the Bank of New York, 21 September 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: President and Directors of the Bank of New York

[Philadelphia, September 21, 1791. On October 1, 1791, William Seton wrote to Hamilton: “I am desired by the President and Directors to acknowledge the receipt of your Letters of the 21 & 24 Sepr.” Letter of September 21 not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jean Baptiste de Ternant, 21 September 1791
From: Ternant, Jean Baptiste de
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Philadelphie 21 Sepre. 1791
Mr.

Une revoke dans les atteliers de la partie francaise de st. Dominque m’oblige d’y faire passer sans delay des secours de tous les genres dont le Gouvernemen annonce avoir le plus pressant besoin. Mes moyens ne pouvant Suffire aux achats indispensables dans cette occasion, je vous prie de vouloir m’accorder sur le Tresor federal un credit de 40 mille dollars à valoir en à compte de ce que les Etats unis doivent à la france.
Le cas est si urgent, et je suis tellement convaincu de votre sincere attachement aux interets de ma patrie que je ne doute nullement de votre empressement à accueillir ma sollicitation. Je ne manquerai pas de la mettre au plutot sous les yeux du President des Etats unis, et je suis persuadé qu’il ne desapprouvera pas le parti que vous aurez pris d’acquiescer à ma demande.
J’ai l’honeur d’etre &c.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Jean Baptiste de Ternant, 21 September 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Ternant, Jean Baptiste de

Treasury DepartmentSept. 21st. 1791.
Sir

Regretting most sincerely the calamitous event announced in your letter of this day, it is with real pleasure, I find myself in a condition to inform you, that the sum you desire is at your command to operate as a payment, on account of the debt due to France.
It will be most convenient to the Treasury if you can accommodate the objects you have to fulfill to the following installments—of a sum of Ten thousand dollars immediately—of a further sum of fifteen thousand dollars at the end of thirty days—and of the remaining fifteen thousand at the end of sixty days, the whole advance to be completed in sixty days.
I presume you will find this arrangement not less favorable to your purposes than the immediate possession of the intire sum. But you are, nevertheless, at liberty to draw for the whole or any part of it as fast as you may find it necessary. I reserve to myself, only the option of paying either here or at New York.
I have the honor to be   Sir,   Your most obed s
Alex Hamilton His ExcellencyThe Minister Plenipotentiary of France.


Title: Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 21 September 1791
From: Treasury Department,Hamilton, Alexander
To: Collectors of the Customs

Treasury DepartmentSeptember 21 1791
Sir

It being necessary to fix the rates at which the additional rations for the Officers of the Cutters are to be paid for, I have determined, on consideration, to instruct you to allow to the Captain & other Officers of the Cutter, under your Agency, the sum of nine Cents for every ration which they shall not draw, and for which they shall prefer to receive payment in money. It will also be agreeable to me that you should allow the Captain the like sum for all other rations, whether for himself, the Officers or the hands, provided he will engage to furnish for the same a sufficiency of the component parts of the Rations (not less than those underwritten) to the several persons belonging to the Cutter who shall be entitled to draw the same.
It will readily be understood that this arrangement has for object a due supply of the Seamen, (as far as it relates to them) and that it is expected that the whole sum to be allowed in lieu of the ration be expended in the Supply.
I am, Sir,   Your Most Obedt. Servant
Alex Hamilton

Component parts of a Ration—
One pound of beef or 3/4 lb of pork
One pound of bread or flour
Half a jill of Rum, brandy or whisky.

One quart of Salt
}
per 100 Rations

Two quarts of vinegar

Two pounds of Soap

One pound of Candles


Title: Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 21 September 1791
From: Treasury Department,Hamilton, Alexander
To: Collectors of the Customs

Treasury Department,September 21, 1791.
Sir,

It being necessary to ascertain correctly the state of the public monies in the several Custom-Houses, I enclose you a form of a return of bonds which may not be paid with punctuality, which it is my desire that you regularly transmit at foot of every monthly return of bonds, though there should be none unpaid, noting in the proper column that the fact is so.
Those parts which are printed in Italic characters, are proposed to be varied as the dates, parties, names, sums, &c. shall, in the future course of business, require. In order to shew the state of things at the time of commencing the transmission of these returns, it will be proper that the first monthly schedule of bonds, which you shall send forward after the receipt of this letter, shall be accompanied with a general return of bonds unpaid (if any such there be) from the opening of the Custom-House in your district to the time of making up the return.
It will be proper in future that all draughts of the Treasurer upon you have a hole cut or punched through his signature, about one half of an inch in diameter, prior to your transmitting them to this office.
The following regulation is proposed hereafter with respect to cancelled certificates of registry and enrolment. When a master or owner of a vessel, or any person in their behalf shall deliver a certificate of registry or enrolment to any Collector from whose district the same shall not have been issued, the said certificate or enrolment is before filing to be punched or cut through, in the place of the signature of the Secretary of the Treasury or Collector, with a hole of not less than half an inch diameter. After which the said certificate is to be transmitted by the first post to this office, where the margin containing the subscription and seal of the Custom-House officers will be cut off, and transmitted with the requisite memorandums for cancelling the bond, and may be filed in your office.
In regard to the admeasurement of vessels I think it necessary to give the following instructions. 1st. All foreign vessels are to be admeasured whenever they shall arrive in your district under circumstances, which occasion the tonnage duty to accrue upon them, and 2d. all vessels of the United States are to be admeasured anew upon every change of property, or upon their introduction as vessels belonging to your district from some other district in which they were before owned; or in other words whenever it is necessary to grant a new register.
I am, Sir,   Your obedient Servant,
Alex HamiltonSecretary of the Treasury.
P.S. It is much wished that the returns of duties on Tonnage and goods imported for the quarter ending the last of Septr. may be forwarded with all possible dispatch; in order to prepare for Congress early in the session a general return for the year preceding.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 22 September 1791
From: Ellery, William
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Collrs OfficePort of Newport [Rhode Island] Sepr. 22 1791
Sir

I am informed by the Surveyor of the Port of No. Kingstown, that it is common for fishing Vessels belonging to that Port to bring grindstones, and the masters of them declare that the rough Stones are taken from shores in the Brith. Dominions as ballast and manufactured by the hands on board on their passage home. On this information permit me to raise the following questions. Supposing on Inquiry it should turn out that Grind-stones said to be so obtained and manufactd. were purchased of the British? or that the raw materials were given by or purchased of them, and manufactured by fishermen on shore; or that the materials should in fact be taken from British shores without purchase, and be manufactured as before mentioned what penalty or forfeiture would be incurred in either of these cases?
The 23d. Sec: of the Coastg. Act requires that bond shall be given that such vessels shall not be employed in any illicit trade or commerce. I am in doubt whether the expression illicit trade and commerce comprehends either of the cases mentioned. If it should, then the bond in that case would be forfeited, and the goods liable to forfeiture: if not I would then ask, is any penalty or forfeiture incurred and what? or are the goods subject only to the payment of duties? If the Sec: referred doth not touch the cases put, I have not been able to find any one that doth.
I conceive that articles manufactured of foreign materials by the cits. of the U. S. on foreign shores are to be considered as foreign, and on importan. in Licensed vessels are subject to the same penalties, forfeitures or duties, as if manufactured by and purchased of foreigners, but I am doubtful whether raw materials of foreign growth manuf. by cits. of these States in foreign ports or places on board Licensed vessels of the U States, and imported in them are in the same predicament. Cabinets made any more than vessels built by such citizens of foreign materials in foreign territories would not I imagin be deemed to be of the manufe. of the U. S.: but might not cabinets or grind stones made of such materials on board such vessels by such citizens in foreign ports or places be considered as of the manufacture of the U. S.?
I hope I shall not be thought too particular in my enquiries; and it gives me pain to divert an attention engaged in the most important objects; but a wish to know my duty and to be prepared to perform it must be my apology for desiring your sentiments as soon as may be convenient on the foregoing questions. I will only beg leave to add that the arrival of several fishing vessels in this District is daily expected, and they may be under one or the other of the circumstances I have stated.
I am   Sir   Yr. most obedt. servant
Wm Ellery Collr A Hamilton EsqrSecry Treasy


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [22 September 1791]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

[Philadelphia, September 22, 1791]
Sir,

I have received a letter from the Minister of France, of which the inclosed is a copy. Having full authority from you in relation to payments to France, & there being funds out of which that which will constitute the succour requested may with propriety be made; and being fully persuaded that in so urgent & calamitous a case, you will be pleased with a ready acquiescence in what is desired, I have not hesitated to answer the Minister that the sum he asks is at his command.
With the most perfect respect and truest attachment, I have the honor to be   Sir,   Your Most Obedient & Most Hble Servant

A: Hamilton
Philadelphia22d. Septr. 1791.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Short, 23 September 1791
From: Short, William
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Paris Sep. 23. 1791.
Sir

My letters lately addressed to you by different chanels were of Aug. 8, 23, 30, 31, & Sep. 3. They will have informed you of the loan lately opened at Amsterdam for six millions of florins—the success with which it was attended & my attempts to reduce the charges on it. In my last I inclosed you a copy of my letter to the bankers on this subject. I have since recieved from them a letter of the 8th. by which it appears that they adhere to their claim of the 4. p. cent charges. I save myself the trouble of copying it as they will forward it to you. I inclose here a copy of my answer to them. As it has not become indispensable for me to accede to their demands I have not done it. Of course the rate of their charges is left a matter of discussion between the U.S. & them. As a matter of right they certainly cannot claim more than 3½. p. cent & since in my letters authorizing the loan I stipulate expressly & repeatedly that the loan shall not be extended beyond three millions unless the charges are reduced & in strict justice they ought not to claim it since their profits are greater at 3½. p cent, the loan being six millions, than they would have been at 4. p. cent (the terms they agreed to) if the loan had been only three millions. I have thought it proper that you should have our correspondence on this subject, because finally it may be to be settled by you, to whom they will probably appeal from my refusal—if so it will be when they come to state their accounts with the U.S. I thought it possible they might insist on my accepting their terms before they paid the monies arising on this loan & in that case I should have thought it for the advantage of the U.S. to have assented to them. As yet however I have discovered no symptom of this intention.
They have already made two remittances out of this loan amounting to 1,723,771. 2. 3 livres tournois. They do not inform me at what rate of exchange these remittances are made. I have written to ask this information of them, which may be necessary to me in the case of the commissaries of the treasury desiring any part of this loan to be paid at Amsterdam. As yet they say they prefer having remittances made here.
Mr. Donald left London soon after writing me the letter communicated to you in mine of the 23d of August. His partner has since informed me that it does not appear to him possible that a loan could be effected in London for the U.S. at less than 5. p. cent, although he thinks it might be done at that rate. He observes that it being necessary that the agents there should guarantee the loan & the payment of interest, no house of any solidity would do this, & particularly if the loan is to continue ten years, for 5 p. cent commission. They would expect also a commission on paying the interest, which he estimates ⅓ p. cent for recieving & ½ p. cent for paying. He observes also that the proper time to attempt a loan would be in the spring after Mr Pitt shall have brought forward his budget. This is a less favorable view of the subject than that presented by Mr Donald. I am the more sorry for it as it leaves me in a doubt of what is proper to be done, not knowing how far you would desire a sacrifice should be made in the charges of a loan in order to effect it in London where you contemplate other advantages from its being made. I still hope however that it will be found that if it is practicable for the U. S. to make a loan there at all that it may be done at a reduced rate of interest so as to compensate the increased commission which will be indispensable on account of the guarantee. I shall continue my correspondence on this subject & inform you of the result. I learn that the domestic funds of the U S have been sold in London & that the six p. cents went as high as 10s.
I have heard nothing for some time from Antwerp. The Russian loan brought on there will of course prevent the U.S. from attempting one at a reduced rate of interest until it shall have been completed.
You will recieve by the way of Havre in a box addressed to the Secretary of State several books & pamphlets on the subjects of mint & coinage. I was advised to procure them & send them to you which I have done on the authority of others, having not sufficient knowlege of the subject to judge of their merit myself. I am told by M. Drost & the Abbé Rochon one of the members of the monetary commission here, that they will be useful to you in the researches you are making.
Mr. Brantsen late Ambassador from Holland here & employed in the mint of that country promises to give me an account of their manner of proceeding & the establishment of their mint. If he keeps his word I will forward you the information I may collect from him.
I have the honor to be with the most perfect respect   Sir   Your most obedient humble servant
W: Short The Honble.Alexander Hamilton Secretary of the treasury Philadelphia.