Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Henry Van Schaack, 1 April 1795
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Schaack, Henry Van

Dear Sir
Albany April 1. 1795
I am favoured with your letter of the 26. of March. It is curious to learn that in Massachusettes the assumption of the state Debts should be attacked.
In the theory of the plan, tis impossible there can be an increase of debt; for the sum assumed for each state was charged to that state in the settlement of accounts and served to diminish the ballance of some states and increase that of others proportionably so that if the ballances owing from debtor states are collected all must be as to the quantum of debt, exactly ballanced. If the debtor ballances are not collected tis not the fault of the plan but of the execution.
But if the Debtor ballances cannot now be collected the same reasons would have prevented their collection if there had been no assumption and then no man can pronounce without unravelment of the whole detail what would have been the difference in the view to which your inquiry relates.

But it is more easy to see that there would have been larger ballances to remit to the Debtor States and less justice to the creditor States—Because there would have been a larger mass of ballances in the first process of the account to have been subdivided among the states, by the rule of quotaing; if the account terminated here and the ballances as first found, (by which all the states were Creditors) were simply provided for the mass of debt to have been provided for would have been much greater than it now is.
This is an abstract and complicated subject, upon which it is not possible to give precise ideas without an elaborate deduction exemplified by tables; for which I have not with me the materials; else I should take pleasure in complying with your request.
I cannot foresee with certainty how far the agreeable tour you propose to us will be in our power or not. But both Mrs. Hamilton & myself have a great inclination to embrace your kind offer, and inclination will strive hard to accomplish it.
Mrs. H. joins me in respects to Mrs. Van Schaack.
With true esteem & regard   I am Dr. Sir   Yr. Obed ser

A Hamilton
H. V Schaack Esq


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Moses Brown, 2 April 1795
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Brown, Moses

Albany, April 2, 1795. “Particular circumstances have interfered until this time with my acknog the receipt & replying to your letter of the 9th March last. After full reflection I am of opinion that I cannot with propriety be concerned on your behalf in the Case you mention. This arises from the Situation in which I have been with regard to the subject of it as a Public officer and from my communications & proceedings in that capacity with Mr. Bingham—your application however will preclude me from being concerned against you….”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Tjerck C. DeWitt, 2 April 1795
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: DeWitt, Tjerck C.

Albany, April 2, 1795. Accepts DeWitt’s offer to serve as counsel for the town of Kingston, New York, except for two cases in which he has been retained by other clients.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Walter Livingston, 5 April 1795
From: Livingston, Walter
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Manor Livingston [New York] April 5, 1795. “I am happy to know that you will assist me in the Actions commenced against McComb & Prime, Jno. R. Livingston & Ben Seixas. In two first Suits Mr. B. Livingston is my Attorney, himself & Mr. Cozine are my Council. The other Actions have been commenced by Mr. Samuel Jones Since January. The cause of McComb is posponed on his Affidavit for the examination of Evidences in London. The Cause of Prime is Noticed for trial on the third tuesday in this month….”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Horace and Seth Johnson and Company, 9 April 1795
From: Horace and Seth Johnson and Company
To: Hamilton, Alexander

New York, April 9, 1795. “Mr Harison acquaints us that it is ⟨y⟩our intention to resume the practice of the Law in this State. One A Craigie, & ourselves wishing to retain you as our counsel, we inclose a Bank note for $100.”


Title: Introductory Note: To Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 10 April 1795
From:
To:

The contents of this letter can best be understood in the context of Hamilton’s “Report on a Plan for the Further Support of Public Credit,” January 16, 1795. Congress considered Hamilton’s proposals in February, 1795, and in the following month enacted “An Act making further provision for the support of Public Credit, and for the redemption of the Public Debt.” In this letter Hamilton is advising Wolcott on how the Treasury Department should implement Section 2 of this act. Section 2, which deals with the foreign debt, reads: “That a loan be opened at the treasury, to the full amount of the present foreign debt, to continue open until the last day of December, in the year one thousand seven hundred and ninety-six, and that the sums, which may be subscribed to the said loan, shall be payable and receivable, by way of exchange, in equal sums of the principal of the said foreign debt; and that any sum, so subscribed and paid, shall bear an interest equal to the rate of interest which is now payable on the principal of such part of the foreign debt, as shall be paid or exchanged therefor, together with an addition of one half per centum per annum; the said interest to commence on the first day of January next succeeding the time of each subscription, and to be paid quarter yearly, at the same periods at which interest is now payable and paid upon the domestic funded debt: Provided, That the principal of the said loan may be reimbursed at any time, at the pleasure of the United States.”
On April 13, 1795, Wolcott wrote to Willink, Van Staphorst, and Hubbard, the United States bankers in Amsterdam: “… These great events … have for the present greatly embarrased the pecuniary operations of this Department in respect to remittances for the support of our foreign Credit. It will be readily seen that sums adequate to the payment of the interest & installments falling due cannot at this moment be supplied from this Country without great difficulty & risque & that events may happen, to render remittances impracticable. It will however be my care to suffer no possible doubt to rest upon the conduct of this Department; you may therefore safely assure our creditors, that punctual provision will be made to answer their demands, unless uncontroulable events shall produce a temporary disappointment.
“As the only safe mode of remittance which occurs at present I have purchased & caused to be transferred in your names, the sum of 160,000 Dollars in the six ⅌ Cent Stock of the United States, which I request may be sold to enable you to meet the payments which will be demandable on the first of June, on the same terms & conditions as were prescribed by my predecessors Letter of January 25th….
“Herewith you will receive an authentic Copy of an Act of the last session of Congress entittled ‘an Act making further provision for the support of public Credit, & for the redemption of the public debt.’ This measure of our government, while it affords a new proof of its solicitude for the support of public Credit; while it indicates the sufficiency of its resources, by having vested funds for the extinction of the present debt; contains a proposition which I flatter myself the foreign Creditors of the United States will readily embrace.
“It is proposed as a measure of mutual accomodation to the Government & its Creditors, to convert the present foreign Debt into a funded Domestic Stock redeemable at the pleasure of the United States. The stock to be transferable in the books of the Treasury & the respective Loan Offices, and the Interest to be payable quarter yearly, in the same manner as has been practised in respect to our present Funded Debt.
“The advantages offered to the Creditors are an addition of one half ⅌ Cent ⅌ Annum, to the rate of Interest secured by their present Contracts, and a quarterly instead of a yearly payment of the annuity or Interest.
“It may be probably objected to this proposal, that a Capital fined for a certain reasonable time ought to have been offered instead of a Capital redeemable at the pleasure of the Government. It is believed however that such an objection, though naturally suggested on a slight view of the proposition will be considerably obviated if not wholly removed by a mature consideration of the system which has been adopted for the extinguishment of the present Domestic Debt.
“If the Creditors in Holland & Antwerp embrace the proposal which is now made, their claims will be converted into Stock bearing Interest at five & an half ⅌ Cent, five ⅌ Cent & four & an half ⅌ Cent ⅌ Annum.
“Considering the immense objects which continually offer in this country, for the profitable employment of Capital, it is unlikely that any considerable sums will be soon obtainable, on domestic Loans, below the highest rate of Interest which would be payable on the new Stock—with respect to that which will bear Interest at five ⅌ Cent ⅌ year & an half ⅌ Cent ⅌ Annum, a further reduction appears to be highly improbable.
“The probability that foreign Loans will hereafter be obtainable on reasonable terms is in my judgement constantly declining … at any rate the proposition now made to the foreign Creditors is an unquestionable evidence, that this government is indisposed to have recourse to foreign Loans, unless in cases of urgent necessity. A direct payment of the debt which would arise from the proposed reloan, is not to be expected, untill an extinction of the present six ⅌ Cent & Deferred Stock shall have been accomplished. The amount of these debts is nearly forty five millions of Dollars. The prior appropriations of the ordinary Revenue, to the discharge of these great sums of capital, bearing a higher rate of Interest than will be payable on any part of the new Stock may therefore be considered as affording reasonable ground for belief, that the proposed new Capital will remain fixed for a period sufficient to satisfy the Creditors.
“In respect to the proposed rate of Interest it appears proper to observe that an increase of one half ⅌ Cent ⅌ Annum, with a quarterly payment, affords a liberal compensation for occasional delays in remittances, loss by exchange & expences of Agency….
“But after a suitable explanation of the proposition which our government has thought proper to make, it remains for the Creditors ⟨only⟩ to determine whether it is acceptable. The United States can & will perform their engagements & no sacrafice of opinion still less of Interest, is expected or desired.
“As our foreign debt is understood to exist in bonds transferable by delivery, it has been foreseen that the Creditors may be unwilling to trust their obligations to insecure conveyances. I have therefore judged it proper to recommend a form of proceedure which I doubt not will meet with your concurrence from its obvious tendency to facilitate the proposed negociation.
“It is desired that suitable notice may be given to the creditors, that they are at liberty to surrender their obligations to you, which you will cause to be cancelled, so as to prevent their affording a future claim in case of any accident & in lieu thereof you will be pleased to issue triplicate Certificates…. These Certificates may be transmitted by different conveyances to the Treasury, & on the rect. of any one of them the proper Certificate of Domestic Stock … will be issued in the name of the Creditor indicated in your Certificate.
“As this arrangement is a matter of official discretion, it is proper that it be conducted with a due regard to the magnitude and delicacy of the trust & under such precautions as shall secure the United States from any possible injury. I must therefore desire that the Certificates which you may issue for any cancelled obligations may be uniform….
“It will also be proper to furnish me punctually with lists of the Certificates which may be issued therein describing their dates, numbers the names of the Creditors, & the amount—specifying also, the dates & numbers of the obligations Surrendered & cancelled, on what Contract on Loan they were issued & the rate of Interest payable therein. The utmost correctness in issuing the Certificates & in the lists to be transmitted must be observed, to prevent errors & perplexity in the accounts of the Treasury.
“According to calculations made at the Treasury founded on the best information which could be obtained, the value of the current florin of Holland, is found to be a small fraction less than forty Cents in money of the United States. In converting Florins into Dollars forty Cents will however be assumed as the par of exchange.
“It will be observed that the Interest on the Domestic Stock arising from a reloan, is to commence from the first day of January succeding the year in which the transfer shall be effected. The Certificates which you may issue during the present year … will therefore indicate that the Interest payable in the United States, is to commence from the first of January 1796—and those which may be issued during the year 1796, will promise a like Interest from the first of January 1797. I shall take care to supply you with funds to discharge the arrears of Interest which may be due to any subscribers to the reloan at the close of the years 1795 & 1796….
“As it is proper that the United States should be possessed of their obligation, whenever they shall be discharged, I shall for this purpose & to exonerate you from an unnecessary charge of papers, request our Minister Resident at Holland [John Quincy Adams] to receive from you any cancelled obligations and to grant acknowledgements therefor, which shall at all times prove to you full & sufficient Vouchers.
“It has occurred that if the Creditors under the four ⅌ Cent Loan, negociated pursuant to the Contract of March 9th: 1784, should reloan their claims, some special arrangement will be necessary in respect to the premium & gratifications hereafter payable. My construction of the act now transmitted, in respect to the Creditors under said Contracts, is, that they may convert the Capital of two millions of florins, into Domestic Stock bearing interest at four & half ⅌ Cent—and may leave the premiums & gratifications hereafter demandable on the basis of the present Contract. Some evidence of the residuary tittle, will of course be necessary in case the existing obligations are surrendered. I leave it to you in concert with our Minister, to settle what this evidence shall be….
“As it is not improbable that opinions unfavourable to the late Revolution in your government may have induced some of our Creditors to emigrate to England or Germany or to neutral Countries special measures may be necessary on their behalf. If in respect to such Creditors, there shall be found any difficulty in complying with the form herein proposed, you are requested in concert with our Minister to devise some safe mode to enable them to reloan their demands which on notice, I will readily adopt.
“Though the proposition for reloaning the foreign Debt now made, & which will be communicated to Mr. [Charles John Michael] De Wolfe of Antwerp, considerably diminishes the force of any obligations on the part of the United States to listen to the requests of the emigrant Brabanters, yet I think proper to consent that the Interest on the Antwerp Loan be paid according to the mean course of Exchange between Holland & that City, prior to the introduction of Assignats. The Government of this Country is not desirous to derive an advantage from the misfortunes of individuals….
“To prevent misapprehension, it will be proper to inform the Brabanters, that the accomodation conceded in their favour is to respect merely the Interest which became due in Decr. 1794. & that which will fall due in Decr of the present year. During the pendency of the proposed Loan, it is reasonable that all the Creditors should receive an equal provision. I am not however authorized to make a stipulation which shall permanently affect the existing Contracts, nor is it proper, that this Government should be answerable for depreciation in case the circulation of Assignats shall become more general….”
It should perhaps be noted that neither Hamilton’s advice nor Wolcott’s efforts could effect the conversion of the Holland loans. On July 17, 1795, Willink, Van Staphorst, and Hubbard wrote to Wolcott: “… We think the mutation will not be chosen by the Holders of a small number of Bonds, it not being worth their while, to hold a Correspondence about them in America, and We are inclined to believe, but few of the possessors of large quantities will avail themselves of it: their objection will We presume be, that a Bond to Bearer is generally of more easy and advantageous realisation than Registered Funds, and the preference they give to the receipt of their Interest upon Coupons, which they can employ even before they fall due, to its being remitted for their Account, from foreign Parts, and especially from so far as is America, attended with a Correspondence that far the Major part of our monied men wish to avoid: which joined to the idea, that the addition to the rate of Interest, is not a Compensation for the Commission in America, Charges, Loss upon the Exchange and risque of remittances, will we think deter them from acceding to the proposal, at least so long as we remain without Paper money, which we most ardently hope and trust will be the case.”
In a letter to Wolcott on August 29, 1795, the Amsterdam bankers offered the following reasons for the failure of the conversion of the Holland loan: “… The proposal for reloaning and Domesticating the Debt due to Individuals in this Country, that we advertised in compliance with your orders, not only met with little or no success, but even concurred with the General cause that affects the Market, to keep down the prices of your Bonds, and it is not looked upon by our Money Lenders, as a proof of the easy and growing State of your public finances. To the reasons that we mentioned in a former Letter, would deter our Capitalists from acceding to the Conversion may be added, that the present prohibition laid in England on the Sale of all Funds, to Credit of Persons resident in Holland, or subjects of our Republick, offers a Striking Instance, how much preferable it is to the Dutch Money Lenders to have their Capital invested in Bonds, that can at all times be converted into Cash, under the sacrifice of the Current depreciation, to having only a foreign Certificate of Credit, for the realisation of which they are forced to resort to a neighboring Market, liable to the Arbitrary clogs, Government is pleased to lay upon it. Besides which, another reason that we now experience to be most Powerfull upon the Holders of Bonds, is the Article whereby the United States reserve to themselves, the reimbursment of the Debt at their option.
“We find our exertions to convince people of the little weight of their arguments, of the futility of their apprehensions, and of the far superior consideration of their being at perfect Liberty to reject the measure if it does not suit them, inadequate to the large field, the bad impression already gained. Nothing will in our opinion do more effectually, than a speedy discharge of the Installment of one Million due the first of June last, and should not Mr. Nichs. Hubbard’s next Letters inform us the further Sale of your Stocks, We shall in all probability engage him to determine to the hard but unavoidable operation of pushing off such a proportion of them in London, as will be requisite to face the reimbursement.
“As yet, only 6 Bonds have been subscribed to the conversion.”
In describing this situation in his report to Congress on December 14, 1795, Wolcott stated: “Measures have been, moreover, taken for ascertaining whether the residue of the foreign debt, due in Amsterdam and Antwerp, could be re-loaned with the consent of the creditors. The experiment cannot yet be considered as fully made; but the prospect of success is not encouraging. The objections against a mutation of the contracts in the manner proposed, which have been stated, are, generally, 1st. That the proposed new stock will be redeemable at the pleasure of the United States, by which condition the Government will possess the power of reducing the rate of interest, or refunding the capital at periods when the reimbursement may be difficult, or disadvantageous to the creditors. 2d. That the proposed addition of one half per centum per annum to the rates of interest, does not afford an equivalent for the expenses of agency, loss upon the exchange, and the risk of remittances from America. And, 3d. That the facilities which attend the negotiation of bonds payable to bearer, over funds which can only be transferred at the treasury or loan offices in the United States, render the obligations of foreign debt, in their present form, particularly eligible for foreign creditors.
“It is not yet ascertained, that these objections will be conclusive in the minds of the creditors against the proposed re-loan, and circumstances are not unlikely to happen, which may, in some degree, abate their force. Nevertheless, as the object of converting the foreign debt into domestic stock, is of real importance to the United States; as unprecedented difficulties attend remittances at present; as similar difficulties will always exist, in a greater or less degree, in time of war; and, as in proportion to their operation, they must endanger the public credit; the Secretary respectfully submits it to the House of Representatives, to consider and determine whether some modification of the existing proposal be not expedient.
“Considering the actual state of Holland, and the restrictions upon our intercourse with that country, it was deemed for the interest of the United States to propose a postponement of the instalment which fell due in the present year. It has, however, been conclusively ascertained, that no additional loans can be obtained in Holland; of course, that the United States must be provided to make the reimbursements, stipulated in their contracts.
“The measures adopted by this Department, to effect a reimbursement, were seasonable, and such as promised to be effectual; but, owing solely to the war, and the stagnation of credit occasioned by the Revolution, the instalment which fell due on the first of June, had not been paid at the date of the last advices in August.
“The causes of the delay were, however, well understood by the creditors; and as they neither originated with, nor could be controlled by, the United States, and as the interest has been paid, the public credit has yet suffered no blemish.”
The negotiations with France were in marked contrast to those with the Dutch creditors. A historian of the national loans of the United States has written concerning the conversion of the French debt: “The foreign debt not payable in Holland was due to the government of France, and the revolutionary authorities of that country proved easier to deal with in the conversion than the private holders of the Holland loans. The terms of conversion provided for in the act of March 3, 1795, were accepted by James Swan, the authorized agent of France, and the full amount of the debt due that country, consisting of balances due on various loan accounts, was subscribed and paid for in the new stock. The amount so subscribed was $2,024,900, which, by the original contracts, bore interest, part at 4 and part at 5 per cent. Certificates of stock were therefore issued as provided for in the act, bearing interest at one-half per cent. more than had been previously paid on the amount subscribed. Of these certificates, $176,000 bore interest at 4½, and $1,848,900 at 5½ per cent. The issue of these certificates closed the accounts of the French debt, and it became merged in the domestic debt of the United States. A small amount of this stock was received for lands in 1797. Redemption of the remainder began in the year 1807, and was completed in 1815.”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 10 April 1795
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.

Dear Sir
Albany April 10. 1795
I wrote you a few lines by the last Post. I sit down to fulfil my promise then made.
The fulfilment of our foreign engagements under the existing circumstances is no doubt a perplexing task—But I hope it will not be found impracticable to effect enough to preserve character and credit.
Every thing must be done to this end, though with considerable sacrifices, provided you do not go so far as to endanger Credit at home. This must at all events be kept sound—since a shock there will be fatal, while the extraordinary situation of the times will furnish an apology for any omissions which may happen abroad, and by eventual indemnification the wounds which may be given to foreign Credit may be healed. The opinion which some entertain is altogether a false one that it is more important to maintain our credit abroad than at home. The latter is far the most important nursery of resources & consequently far the most important to be inviolably maintained. A failure here would be the more material, because it would argue want of means & could not shelter itself under the plea of temporary embarrassments from external causes and because it would derange our whole internal œconomy.
But except the compromitting our domestic credit nothing must be left undone to preserve external credit.
I do not doubt that the means which have been taken down to the 1st of June inclusively will be deemed adequate considering the circumstances. They may however fail of the effect intended. But I do not apprehend any material evil from the delay of reimbursing the installment of principal if the interest is but punctually and honestly paid. I hope our commissioners, with the public and their own resources, will effect this till further provision can be brought into action.
As to sending specie from this country tis out of the question. ’Twould derange every thing and our Commissioners ought to be frankly told that it is impracticable, owing to the interruption by the war of some of the usual channels through which we have derived our supplies of specie.
But commodities may be remitted on the public account, and this (the resource of Stock failing) must for ought I see be done—unless what I shall now mention can be accomplished with the judgment of our Commissioners in its favour (to wit)
Let them enter into an arrangement with the constituted authorities of Holland or France (preferring the former) to receive at Amsterdam the sums necessary for paying those which we shall owe, giving drafts, upon our Treasury for equivalent sums. This will enable the French or Dutch Government to obtain supplies here which they will want.
But may they for this purpose receive and pay assignats? not so, if assignats are not the general currency of the Country—but if they are, there may be no choice. Gold and silver may not then be obtainable at all. Perhaps the Commissioners may be able to raise funds by the sale of Bills upon this Country otherwise as many may wish to remit from the Netherlands.
Yet our Creditors must not be paid, without a reasonable indemnification, in depreciated paper. Consequently our Commissioners must be authorised, if obliged to pay in assignats, to augment the rate so as to allow an equivalent.
Accordingly if the arrangement I have intimated can be effected the Commissioners may give Bill florin for florin, of gold or silver (or a dollar for 2½ florins) but if they are obliged to receive assignats they ought to secure a premium of exchange equal to the depreciation.
This transaction ought to be managed under the superintendence of our minister.
What I wish you were able immediately to do is this—To ship without delay commodities sufficient, together with the monies certainly in the command of the commissioners independent of sales of Stock, to pay interest to September inclusively; writing them a letter suggesting the above plan and authorising them to act upon it if they approve.
The Stock remitted may be ordered to be sold in England which will furnish a fund upon which you can draw in order to prosecute other methods of remittance.
At the same time I think it may be well to take measures for ascertaining whether some arrangement could not be relied upon for remitting through England to Amsterdam. I know of no impediment even now to sending bullion (including Spanish and other foreign Gold & Silver Coin) in American bottoms to Amsterdam but impediments might arise. Perhaps in this case London might be made an intermediary of remittances to Holland either by sales of Stock or commodities there.
The commodities to be remitted ought to be such as to be liable to as little casualty as possible from war considerations & they ought to be most effectually insured and ought to appear authentically as those of the UStates sent to pay their debts, on their own account and risk. I suspect however the other plan will be found practicable on satisfactory principles—but no agreement ought to be for a longer term than a year.
If you are not able to send immediately commodities for payment of interest to September it may then be of necessity to wait further information, giving full latitude if it has not already been given to sell Stock for payment of interest at any price—suggesting the possibility of doing something through London & proposing the plan of the arrangement which has been suggested.
All the Stock not saleable in Amsterdam ought to be placed in London under due precautions for security to be sold there as a fund.
The cooperation of our Minister in Holland will be proper throughout—& pretty large discretions must be confided.
If a very trusty & a clever fellow could go from hence as Agent for the Treasury with alternative instructions according to circumstances it might be very useful. I believe Wm. Smith of South Carolina would go & he would be safe & competent. Would not James Watson go? he would also do.
In contemplating a possible course of things I had my eye upon the expedient of issuing Warrants upon the Treasurer payable at future periods from Two to twelve months in nature of Exchequer Bills. This may be a mean of providing for the current service by Credit besides the expedient of loans from the Bank. By being negotiable they may answer the purposes of contractors—though articles may thereby cost something more to the public than on the plan of anticipated or prompt payment.
I mention this because I foresee that from the embarrassment of foreign events there may be a press upon the Treasury.
If any thing further occurs you shall have it. Write me as freely as you please.
Yrs. with great regard

Alex Hamilton

P.S. There is one idea which may deserve attention. A depreciated paper naturally gives to gold & silver an artificial and exaggerated value. This may even occasion an undue loss to a Debtor who is honorable enough to pay in Gold & Silver when a depreciated paper is the general currency. This is more than just. But it may be policy in a Government to submit to it. Yet there may be bounds. The idea may be brought into the view of our Minister & Commissioners for this purpose—to suggest that if such an artificial advancement of Gold or silver takes place, the compensation for depreciation may be adjusted upon some equitable ratio. But a moderate sacrifice for simplicity & proceeding may in this case be best.
I send a letter to The Attorney General which you will read seal & deliver. You will easily divine my reason for addressing it to him. The President ought to view this matter as it is, but I do not write to him because I do not wish to appear officious.
Have you taken any arrangement at Amsterdam, to facilitate the change of foreign into Domestic Debt according to the law of last session? The moment is favourable. Facilities on the spot may promote the Object. Our Commissioners & our Minister are worthy of Trust.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Robert Troup, 13 April 1795
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Troup, Robert

Albany April 13. 1795
I should want feeling & friendship were I not penetrated by the affectionate concern you so repeatedly manifest for my interest.
Without knowing the particulars of the plan to which you refer I ought not to decide finally against it. But I very much believe that it will not comport with my general system which is to avoid large or complicated speculations especially where foreigners are concerned.
Tis not my Dear Friend that I think there is any harm or even indelicacy in the thing—I am now in no situation that restrains me—But ’tis because I think there is at present a great crisis in the affairs of ⟨man⟩kind which may in its consequences involve this country in a sense most affecting to every true friend to it—because concerns of the nature alluded to, though very harmless in the saints, who may even fatten themselves on the opportunities or if you please spoils of office, as well as profit by every good thing that is going—who may ⟨– – –⟩ agents & tools of foreign Governments ⟨without⟩ hazarding their popularity yet those who are not of the regenerat⟨ing⟩ tribe may not do the most unexceptionable things without its being thundered in their ears—without being denounced as speculators peculators British Agents &c. &c. Because there must be some public fools who sacrifice private to public interest at the certainty of ingratitude and obloquy—because my vanity whispers I ought to be one of those fools and ought to keep myself in a situation the best calculated to render service—because I dont want to be rich and if I cannot live in splendor in Town, with a moderate fortune moderately acquired, I can at least live in comfort in the country and I am content to do so.
The game to be played may be a most important one. It may be for nothing less than true liberty, property, order, religion and of course heads. I will try Troupe if possible to guard yours & mine.
You are good enough to offer to stand between me and ostensibility. I thank you with all my soul. You cannot doubt that I should have implicit confidence in you but it has been the rule of my life to do nothing for my own emolument under⟨cover—what⟩ I would not promulge I would avoid. This may be too great refinement. I know it is pride. But this pride makes it part of my plan to appear truly what I am.
God bless you. Always Affectionately Yrs.

A Hamilton
Robert Troupe Esqr


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Le Guen and Company, 14 April 1795
From: Le Guen and Company
To: Hamilton, Alexander

philadelphie le 14 avril 1795
Monsieur,
S’il ne nous appartenoit pas d’aller vous témoigner les Regrets que nous partagions avec vos Concitoyens, quand vous avez effectué la retraite du ministère qui vous étoit confié: vu l’affluence des mécontents, par notre qualité d’etrangers, nous n’en comptions pas moins aller solliciter de vos bontés de continuer à être le protecteur de notre entreprise, & à lui procurer une circulation étendüe, en l’enrichissant de vos notes. Soyez Monsieur assez Bienveillant pour votre pays & pour nous par Contrecoup, de nous recommander aux personnes instruites de votre connoissance nous vous en aurons une éternelle reconnoissance.
Nous avons L’honneur d’être avec la plus parfaite consideration,
Monsieur,
Votre très humbles & très obts serviteur

L. lguen & CeLtd.
Colonel hamilton


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Christopher Gore, 20 April 1795
From: Gore, Christopher
To: Hamilton, Alexander

My dear sir
Boston 20 April 1795.
I have hitherto delayed answering the letter, you did me the honor to write under date 28 Febry, in hopes of being able to obtain such information on the subject as woud be agreeable to you, & afford a reasonable expectation of an adoption, by the government, of your propositions respecting the unsubscribed debt. But I am sorely mortified to find that many from whom you had a right to expect sound principles, & honest politics, are crooked & perverse, &, I fear, obstinately so on the subject of public credit. They do not view the system as appealing to the option of the creditors, but to their necessities—and mortification at having assented to terms which they think not quite so good, as those proposed in your plan to the non subscribers, is sufficient to induce the decided & warm opposition of some who have attained over many, an influence, which is due only to the union of great talents & sound principles.
From conversing with influential men, in the district represented by Mr Goodhue, I believe he might be induc’d to withdraw his opposition—probably a fear of blame from some, for having advised their compliance with the existing system, has caused a part of his opposition—or if it arises from other causes, it might cease on his being convinced, that respectable men in his district were dissatisfied with his conduct, in this particular.
But the men, who, in this part of the country, coud influence Mr. Strong, are of the class I mentioned in the former part of this letter.

I feel deep regret at being obliged to communicate to you, such a character of our citizens; and shall be very happy to attempt any thing that may be considerd likely to produce a more just way of thinking; and save our government from the imputation which necessarily results from the rejection of your propositions; but I fear a sense of honor as respects the credit of the nation too weak, & prejudices too deep to admit of any alteration.
I am, my dear sir, very respectfully   Your sincere friend & obed. servt.

C. Gore


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Comfort Sands, 20 April 1795
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Sands, Comfort

[Albany, April 20, 1795. On April 27, 1795, Sands wrote to Hamilton: “Your Favor of the 20th I have Recieved.” Letter not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to James Watson, 20 April 1795
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Watson, James

Albany, April 20, 1795. Advises “a resort to Chancery” in a land case involving Watson and William Constable.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 21 April 1795
From: Washington, George
To: Hamilton, Alexander

My dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 21st, Aprl. 1795
If this letter should ever get into your hands, it will be placed there by a nephew of mine, Colo. Wm. Augt. Washington who will be on his way to Boston with a view of fixing two of his Sons at the Andover Academy. Your kind attentions to him if he should take New York in his way, will much oblige
Dear Sir   Your Affecte. friend

Go: Washington

Present me to Mrs. Hamilton
Alexr. Hamilton Esqr.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Comfort Sands, 27 April 1795
From: Sands, Comfort
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Dear Sir
N York April 27. 1795
Your Favor of the 20th I have Recieved. As Soon as your Furniture arrives I will take Care of it and put it in my store. If it is possible I will Engage a Room for you for an Office—it will be difficult to get One. I hope to be Able to get my House done so that I may Remove at the time I promised Mrs. Hamilton. I hardly Doubt, but I shall. I Inclose an order on the Bank of Albany for 2329.85 D, which if it is paid I will thank you to get me a post Note for it or if it Suits the Bank better let them Credit the Bank of NYork for it.
I am with great Respect   Yr. Mo. Obt H S

C Sands


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Wadsworth, 27 April 1795
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Wadsworth, Jeremiah

[Albany, April 27, 1795. On May 31, 1795, Wadsworth wrote to Hamilton: “Your favor of the 27 April came duly to hand.” Letter not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Richard Varick, 30 April 1795
From: Varick, Richard
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Dr Sir
New York 30th. April 1⟨795⟩
I have the pleasure of inclosing to You a Certificate from the Mayor & Aldermen of this admitting You to the Freedom of this City, as their Testimonial & that of the Corporation of this City of their Opinion of your Merit & distinguished Services in the Cause of your Country.
This Testimonial has remained in my Hands some Weeks to be forwarded by the Patroon, but he left us unexpectedly. Afterwards General Schuyler promised to dine with me & I expected to send it by him, but he also left so suddenly I now embrace the favorable Opportunity by Mr Henry of conveying it to You with my best Wishes for your Happiness being with sincere Esteem & Respect
Your most Obedt servt.

Richd. Varick
Colo. Hamilton.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Gerrit Boon, 6 May 1795
From: Boon, Gerrit
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Albany, May 6, 1795. “The day of yesterday favoured me with your Counsel, on the Matter in question: I have Perused the Same, and Shall act accordingly. I intend to sett of from here, this afternoon for the westward; and shall endeavour to get all the Further Information, I am able to collect….”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Bradford, 10 May 1795
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Bradford, William

[Albany, May 10, 1795. On May 21, 1795, Bradford wrote to Hamilton: “I thank you very sincerely for your letter of the 10th. inst.” Letter not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Tench Coxe, 10 May 1795
From: Coxe, Tench
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Sir
Philada. May 10. 1795
Since I wrote you last I have recd. a reconveyance for eleven tracts of the land formerly Church & Coxe’s & sold to Wheelen Miller & Co—taken out by lot or draught. The deed was made to Mr. Church in consequence of our law being repeated, which gives foreigners a right to hold lands in Pennsa. & before your letter about Mr. Anthony appeared. If it be not agreeable to have the title so the deed now made can be cancelled, and one to Mr. Anthony can be made. It however appears to me adviseable to take all the titles in Mr. Church’s name because he will be able to hold when the law expires. I do not suppose his equitable title under a trust now would enable him to receive the legal title, if the law were terminated by its own limitations. I offered to take for Mr. Church from the gentlemen as many more of the lands as would make up his original quantity but they would not consent to it, unless I would draw out of the whole—that is out of patterson’s as well as mine. This I would not agree to as those we hold are really better. The deeds for the Twenty tracts with Ruston & Co are lying ready to be drawn out of the entire parcel owned by Mr. Murray, Mr. Church & myself. Mr. Anthony was ready once when I had not time, & since that his Daughters Marriage & the Grand Jury on the Western Business have prevented him.
Doctor Francis Josh. Smith of the concern of Ball & Smith offered me a few days ago his moiety of that original Concern (half of 89 tracts) out of which Church, Murray, & Coxes 1600 A. are to be taken. The dispute with Messrs. Willing Bingham & the Surveyors continues, but I have so good an opinion of the Justice of our Cause, and I consider the owning Smiths half of the original right so important to our success & is itself so well worth purchasing that I gave him 800 Drs. or £300 for his original Moiety of the 89 tracts subject to the cost & charges & to the claim of Church Murray & Coxe. It being most equitable & proper that our original concern should have it, I have written to Mr. Murray to offer him the same proportion of it as of the contract with Ball & Smith vizt. ³⁄₁₂, and I now make you the offer for Mr. Church of half of the remaining ⁹⁄₁₂, the other half I hold of course. The proportion in Money for Smith will be to Murray £75—to Church £112.10.0 to Coxe £112.10. If it be agreeable to you be pleased to inform me & I will charge Mr Church in account as interest of my Bond to him. The contract with Smith is of the 22d. day of April last.
All difficulties with Wheelen, Miller & Co. are now obviated. They were in my opinion only pecuniary in the late trying Times. They have ⟨– – –⟩ments for nearly all the first payments, and have desired me to make out Bonds for the 2d. & 3d payments, which I shall have done immediately. I am, sir,
your most obedient Hble servt.
Alexr. Hamilton, Esqr.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Robert Troup, 11 May 1795
From: Troup, Robert
To: Hamilton, Alexander

My dear friend
N York 11 May 1795
Mr. Burghdurf has paid me on acct. of your bond & mortgage 562 ²⁰⁄₁₀₀ Doll and this sum is lodged in the Bank of New York to your credit & may be drawn for whenever you think proper. I have lately recd. a bill of exchange for £100 which I am to sell & pay you the proceeds of on account of Mr. Williamson. Col Walker has paid the same sum to Mr. Harison but I believe he has not paid you. This sum when paid is intended as a general retainer to you in behalf of Mr. Williamson. I think his controversy about the preemption line will be settled without the trial of the ejectment suits in consequence of a late act of our Legislature. I have been waiting for bills of exchange to rise but can sell the bill when ever you want the Money.
I have received your letter in answer to the one I wrote you some time since. I sincerely hope that we shall both save our heads and that you may by some fortunate & unexpected event acquire the means of perfect independence in spite of all your efforts to be poor. I have an interest in an event of this nature which perhaps you have forgotten. I have often said that your friends would be obliged to bury you at their own expence. For some days past I have thought my head in no small danger. Mr. Jay informed Mrs. Jay by the Allice Cap Harvey who arrived a few days ago that he could not leave England without hearing from the Government—from which we concluded he was waiting for the ratification. Last saturday the Port Mary owned by Rob. Lenox arrived in a short passage from Liverpool & the Cap. says he was applied to for his cabbin for the use of Mr. Jay provided he could stay ten days longer. Not being able to wait that time he left Mr Jay and we now expect him in the first London or Bristol ship. We conjecture that Mr. Jay has heard of the new arrival of the treaty within the time expected & that he has of course determined to return without delay. The opposite party, except some whose minds are prejudiced to an extreme, appear to consider Mr. Jay as elected. Our friends have no doubt of it. If therefore he should not return in time—after the extracts we have published from his letters—his character will be injured—mine will not be benefitted—the whole party will in some degree suffer. And I think it not unlikely that I shall be delivered over to some revolutionary tribunal.
The accounts from England are that there is certainly a French agent from the Convention now incog. in England confering with the British Ministry upon the subject of peace—that Moderation in France is gaining strength—and that As a decisive proof of the ascendency of this spirit (what an age do we live in!) Barrere and his associates will certainly be guillotined—that Royalty begins to be openly advocated in France—and the people are squinting strongly at the Constitution of 1791.
God bless you

Rob Troup
A Hamilton Esq


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Richard Varick, 12 [May] 1795
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Varick, Richard

Dear Sir
Albany [May] 12, 1795
The last post but one brought me your letter transmitting me a certificate of the freedom of the City of New York. Among the precious testimonies, I have received, of the approbation of my immediate fellow Citizens, none is more acceptable or more flattering to me than that which I now acknowlege. I beg you to convey to the Board the expressions of my high sense of the honor they have done me (which I shall be happy in every opportunity of manifesting) as well as of my sincere respect for themselves.
With true friendship and regard   I have the honor to be Dr Sir
Your very obed servant

Alexander Hamilton
Richard Varrick Esqr
Mayor of the City of New York


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Charles Brown, 13 May 1795
From: Brown, Charles
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Sir
Georgetown South Carolina 13th. May 1795
Having heard of the death of poor Colo. Motte, by whose departure an office of emolument is left open, and my situation in life from the ravages of War and the depreciation of Money making it necessary for me to be watchful for every opportunity which may offer to support a large family induces me to request your friendly assistance to become the naval Officer of Charleston.

The business of the Naval Officer I am perfectly acquainted with, having been obliged to perform that duty as well as Collector of the port of Georgetown for three Years and a half.
I am Sir   With the greatest respect   Yr. Most Obed ser

C Brown
Alexander Hamilton Esqr.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Joseph Anthony, 16 May 1795
From: Anthony, Joseph
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Alexander Hamilton Esqr.
Dear Sir
Philadelphia. 16th. May. 1795
Since writing you by the last post, I have had a further Conference with Mr. Coxe, who Says he has Received Notes Nearly to the amount of the first payment of Whelan & Millers Purchase, and that he will hold himself Accountable for Mr. Churches part, when they fall due; but it Seems he has taken them in Some Such way, that he cant give all Mr Churches proportion; he talks in Such a Stammering Misterious way that I find it Difficult understanding him, and as I am Some in want of Confidence, I dont feel so Easy, tho he may mean well. He did Not like the Idea of his being held to Account for a further Quantity of Land, if there Should prove to be more than was Expected, or Included in the first Dividend; but he has at last Consented, thus to be held. He assures me he has wrote you and given a full Detail of the Business, that when I hear from you again I can better Judge how to Act; and Remain affectionately your friend.

Joseph Anthony


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Bradford, 21 May 1795
From: Bradford, William
To: Hamilton, Alexander

My dear Sir,
Philada. May 21. 1795
I thank you very sincerely for your letter of the 10th. inst. which I received a few days ago. The conduct of Fauchet which you so justly reprobate could not escape the notice of the president tho’ it does not seem to have excited so much public attention as I expected. A little before this took place, that minister had intimated to Mr Randolph his expectation of returning soon to France; and Mr Munroe’s letters gave reason to expect that M. Adet was on his way to America to succeed him. Mr Randolph therefore thought it would be sufficient to communicate to his successor either at the first interview or immediately after the sense of the govt. on this subject. If such gross improprieties could have been suppressed for the future, without any new visitation to Fauchet, who has been extremely soured of late & is disposed I suspect to do us mischief on his return, it would have been desirable, and perhaps the best course: but as we hear nothing more of Adet & this man is evidently endeavoring to stimulate the party which is opposed to the Treaty, the march you intimate would not have been amiss. I shewed your letter to the Secy. of State: but his censure of Fauchet outran yours: and he means that he shall learn thro’ his successor the sentiments which are entertained of his behavior. As no letter can be given him at his d⟨e⟩parture, he will at least gather it from that c⟨ir⟩cumstance. He finds great fault with Mr Randolph of late & I understand has had the effrontery to complain “That he did not shew him the whole of the instructions to Mr Jay” & that he did not inform him that Mr Jay was authorised to conclude a commercial treaty. On the subject of that Treaty he is extremely irritable: and from various circumstances I have reason to believe that the pieces signed “Franklin” which are directed against our having any connection with G. Britain, are written under his direction: but it is impossible to prove that the fact is so. I am persuaded no means will be left untried to induce the Senate to reject the treaty: and I sincerely hope Mr. Jay will arrive before the discussion commences.
The trial of the insurgents has commenced. Mr. Rawle selected what he thought a pretty strong case: but his principal witness proved recreant & flatly contradicted what his deposition contained. The prisoner was of Course acquitted without argument: & on applicati⟨on⟩ of the district Attorney, the Witness—Major Parke⟨r⟩ (you may recollect him, perhaps a tall, red haired snuff-taking fellow) was bound in recog. to take his trial for the perjury. The trials of several others have been put off on affidavits of the absence of material witnesses, the Court being of opinion “That they were intitled to a reasonable time to collect their evidence, after the list of the U.S. witness is furnished.” This creates not a little embarrassment & their Counsol will in future try the prisoners in such order as best suits their own views.
Adieu. Believe me, very truly & affly Yours

W. Bradford
A. Hamilton Esq.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Jonathan Burrall, 25 May 1795
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Burrall, Jonathan

Dear Sir,
Albany May 25 1795
I have this day drawn upon you in the name of Leonard Ganseevort & Co. for One hundred Dollars in the belief that Robert Troupe has deposited in your Office a larger sum in my name. If there is any misapprehension you will oblige me by calling upon him & he will enable you to pay my order. Should he be absent Judge John Laurance will do it. Should both be absent I will ask the favour of you to take it up. I leave this tomorrow morning for New York & shall in the last case immediately reimburse you.
Yrs. with esteem

Alex Hamilton
Jonathan Burrall Esq.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Wadsworth, 26 May 1795
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Wadsworth, Jeremiah

Dr. Wadsworth
Albany May 26. 179⟨5⟩
I find on perusing the papers that the account received by letter of a certain transaction was not accurate and though there was a very improper transacti⟨on⟩ several of the suggestions in a paper lately sent you are not correct. If not too late you will forbear to do with it as was intended.
Yrs.

AH
Jeremiah Wadsworth


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Edward Rutledge, 27 May 1795
From: Rutledge, Edward
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Dear Sir
Charleston [South Carolina] May 27th: 1795.
The Cause of the Execs of General vs. Harris & Blackford, has been decided; & we have lost it: The Argument lasted for three days, & I exerted every Faculty in favor of our Friend: but it was all in vain; & we shall have the enormous Sum of 11000 Sterling to pay in this infortunate Business. Mrs: Greene, (as well she might) relies implicitly on your Friendship for assistance. She means to make an application to Congress for Relief, & is sanguine in her expectation. The Delegates from this State in the Senate have offerd her their best Services: & she feels a Pleasure in observing that, most of her Enemies are out of Congress, & that their Places have been supplied by better Men. Mr. Warrington, the Agent of Harris & Blackford, has acted from the beginning, to the End of this Affair, with uncommon Humanity & kindness. His Success has not damp’d his virtues, & he is now as willing to oblige as ever he was. Mrs: Greene thinks his Testimony may be of considerable importance. He was one of those whose Debts the General originally guaranteed; was being to all the Transactions; & is able & willing to speak with great clearness on the Subject. He knew the Motives, by which our Friend was actuated: he will bear Witness to the patriotic Principles which gave rise to all his honourable Embarassments—Embarrassments, my dear Sir, which were too mighty for his independent Spirit; & which in a luckless Sham bereaved his Country, of one of her brightest Ornaments. As you are not only perfect Master of the Subject, but know full well the precise Objections, which were made to the Relief solicited by Mrs. Greene, I thought it best to place Mr. Warrington in your Hands, that you may obtain from him such ample Testimony, as shall be sufficient to remove every doubt with respect to the fairness of the Generals’ Conduct. This Business, happily terminated, will leave the Family in the Enjoyment of a very considerable Estate, & add to the Catalogue of Services which she has received from your disinterested Friendship.

I am dear Sir, with much Esteem, & Respect your very hble Servt

Ed: Rutledge

Mrs: Rutledge, who was once known to you & to Mrs. Hamilton, desires me to say that she has not lost the Remembrance of your friendly Attention, & hopes she still holds a place in the Esteem of those, whom she highly values. She congratulates Mrs. H: on your Return to private Life, & wishes you may reap your full Share of the Golden Harvest.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jacob Cuyler, 1 June 1795
From: Cuyler, Jacob
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Albany, June 1, 1795. Asks Hamilton to serve as attorney with Richard Harison in a “Suit depending to the Claim of certain lands in Hosack Patent.”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Robert Morris, 1 June 1795
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Morris, Robert

[New York, June 1, 1795. On June 2, 1795, Morris wrote to Hamilton: “I have this minute Received your favour of yesterday.” Letter not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, 1 June 1795
From: Pinckney, Charles Cotesworth
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Charleston [South Carolina] June 1, 1795. “This will be presented to you by Mr: Daniel Blake, a young Gentleman born & educated in England tho of American Parents. He is the Son of a Mr: Wm: Blake a Gentleman of very extensive fortune in this State. He intends to spend this summer in visiting the Northern & Eastern States….”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Wilhem and Jan Willink, Nicholaas and Jacob Van Staphorst, and Nicholas Hubbard, 1 June 1795
From: Willink, Wilhem,Willink, Jan,Staphorst, Nicholaas van,Staphorst, Jacob van,Hubbard, Nicholas
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Sirs!
Amsterdam 1 June 1795.
With heartfelt satisfaction and gratitude did we receive your esteemed favor of 31 January.

That one of your last Ministerial Acts, should have been, to testify the sense you entertain of the Zeal and Fidelity We have invariably exerted, to promote the Interests of the United States committed to our management, is the most flattering and honorable Recompense, that could be bestowed upon us; and We assure you we highly cherish it as such.
The success of those efforts you have been pleased to deem meritorious in us, have been greatly facilitated, by the unlimited Confidence, We have had in your abilities, probity, and Zeal for the support of the honor of your Country, and the credit of its Government: which have enabled us most boldly and conscientiously, as well to our dearest Relations and nearest Friends, as to the most indifferent Money lenders, to recommend the Investment of their Capitals in Bonds of the United States preferently to those of any European Power whatever: An advice we now experience the pleasure to be sincerely thanked for.
We are happy to learn from You the Character of your Successor. Your Testimony of him, cannot fail to secure him our full confidence, and we shall not be wanting in our Duty, to inculcate same, where it may be necessary or useful.
Allow us, in taking leave of you Sir, in your official Capacity, to return you our most unfeigned Thanks, for the Confidence you have constantly shewn us, and for the polite attention You have ever paid, to all our advices and recommendations. Be assured Sir, they have made an indelible impression on our hearts, and that none of your Friends can wish you, more Happiness and Felicity in your retreat, than we do, nor be more desirous to promote them, than We are, by any agreeable Offices or services it may be in our power to render you.
Entreating you most earnestly and sincerely, as a proof of your Regard and Friendship for us, not to spare us, but on the Contrary freely to apply to us on all such occasions, We remain with the greatest respect and esteem   Sir!
Your mo. ob. hb. servants

Wilhem & Jan WillinkN & J. Van Staphorst & Hubbard
Alexr. Hamilton Esqr.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Robert Morris, 2 June 1795
From: Morris, Robert
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Alexander Hamilton EsqreNew York
Dear Sir
Phila June 2. 1795
I have this minute Received your favour of yesterday and I will directly set about the Arrangements for replacing the $9500 with Interest. The Account you desire shall also be made out, and I shall send you the Copy of a letter which I have written to Mr Church respecting the deferred Debt, which I expect will be agreeable to him and to you.
I am Dr Sir Yrs


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Willing, 3 June 1795
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Willing, Thomas

Dr Sir
New York June 3. 1795
I will thank you to have made out and forwarded to me my account with the Bank from the period the ballance was last struck & forwarded. Having lost my Bank book I am not able to name it but I presume it will appear by the books of the Bank.

With true respect & esteem   I am Dr. Sir   Your Obed serv

A Hamilton
Thomas Willing Esqr


Title: Enclosure: Robert Morris to John B. Church, 28 May 1795
From: Morris, Robert
To: Church, John B.

John B. Church Esqr (London)
Dear Sir
Phila May 28, 1795 Wm penn Copy via N York to care of Colo Hamilton
On the third of this month I received your letter of the 20th Feby and since a Copy of it. The bargain which my son made with you for the deferred Debt was an unpleasant transaction to me, but it was always my determination to comply with it, and with this view I had determined to make you a Consignment of a number of Shares in a plan which I have formed for the Sale Improvement and Settlement of Six million Acres of Land. I spoke to Colo Hamilton on this Subject some months ago and he promised me a letter to you respecting this plan, but in his and my hurry it was omitted at the time of his departure from hence. I shall now however carry my intentions into effect by sending you 750 Shares in the North American Land Compy which you will receive enclosed herewith—That is, the Certificates for the same together with Six printed Copies of the Plan by which you will perceive that these Shares are each of the Value of 100 Mexican Dollars and they must not be disposed of for less, but on the Contrary they should now produce considerably more because One Years Int will be paid on the 31st decemr next & because we are progressing in this business of the Company. None of the Parties can sell these shares for less than 100 Dollars being under Bond to each other & to all the Share holders not to part with them at less than that price under a penalty of $100,000. I would propose therefore that you ask such an additional price as will compensate your Trouble in disposg of them (by way of Commission). I have been led into this measure by the assurances that Robert (who is absent at present) has given me that you would readily undertake any thing of this kind upon being allowed a proper Commission, for that you had told him so, with an assurance that it would be pleasing to you if you could render me a service, consequently I place implicit confidence in your doing this business. Some of these Shares have already been sent to England & Holland for sale and directions were given to Messrs Bird Savage & Bird to have the plan reprinted in London, so that you can learn from them and from William Temple Franklin Esqr what success they have met with in the sale of what has been committed to them, and if needful you can get more of the Printed Plans from the former if they have had them reprinted. Whether the above named Gentlemen have or have not succeeded in the Sale of their Shares I expect you will; because I suppose you to be better connected with Persons likely to purchase and as I conceive this plan to be the best that ever was formed in this Country for the benefit of all Parties I will take up some of your time by giving you some of my reasons for thinking so well of it….
… As you make Sale of these Shares, you will be good enough to lay out the Money in the purchase of deferred debt to the Amount which you are to receive from me, and I pray your Attention to have the purchase made on the cheapest terms possible. Any Surplus that arises you will advise me of with authority to draw for the Same. I will send a Copy of this letter to Colo Hamilton & request that after reading he will forward it to you….


Title: Enclosure: Robert Morris to John B. Church, 7 June 1795
From: Morris, Robert
To: Church, John B.

  New York Copy ⅌ Cleopatra
  John B. Church Esqre
  Dear Sir
  Phila June 7, 1795

You will receive herewith a Copy of my letter of the 28th ulto which with the Certificates for 750 Shares in the North American Land Company standing in your name upon the books of said Company was sent by the Ship William Penn Ca Josiah from this Port for London. She is a fine Ship and little doubt but she will arrive safe. I find that two letters, one from a certain Jonas Fauches (who is a Militia Lieutenant and keeps a tippling House in one of the Western Counties in the state of Georgia) to Joseph Fauchet the French Minister here, and the other from the said Minister to one of the Boards of the French Administration in Paris, have got into the English papers in Consequence of their being published in Paris. My name is most wickedly & falsely made use of by Mr Fauches & Mr Fauchet has given it the Sanction of his, which he now regrets much.
Upon receiving this Publication from Paris I wrote to Fauchet and have sent my Correspondence with him and ample certificates to prove the false hand asserted or insinuated by these two Characters so far as regards me or my Lands in Georgia, and I will now send Copies to be published in the English papers, seeing that the others have got there. This unprovoked and unexpected Attack will produce good instead of Evil as it affords an oppy of laying before the Public Proofs of the good quality of the Lands of the Certainty of Title, and of the Cautions I used previous to the purchase in regard to those points, which I could not otherwise have introduced into the public View. I will send these Papers by the next Conveyance to England for publication, the Copies are making out for that purpose and I think they will secure your Confidence in our plan which it certainly merits. I send this open to Colo Hamilton, who will forward it sealed to you.
I am Yrs

RM

P.S. added to the Copy 17 June I send enclosed my publication.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Rufus King, 10 June 1795
From: King, Rufus
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Philadelphia, June 10, 1795. On June 11, 1795, Hamilton wrote to King: “I thank you for your letter of the 10th.” Letter not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Joseph Anthony, 11 June 1795
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Anthony, Joseph

[New York, June 11, 1795. On the cover of a letter which Anthony wrote to Hamilton on May 16, 1795, Hamilton wrote: “Answered June 11.” Letter not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Rufus King, 11 June 1795
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: King, Rufus

Dear Sir
New York June 11. 1795
I thank you for your letter of the 10th. The case has been with me as with you. Reflection has not mitigated the exceptionable point. Yet it will be to be lamented if no mode can be devised to save the main object and close the irritable questions which are provided for. Every thing besides an absolute & simple ratification will put something in jeopardy. But while on the one hand, I think it adviseable to hazard as little as possible—on the other I would be willing to hazard something and unwilling to see a very objectionable principle put into activity.
It is to be observed that no time is fixed for the ratification of the Treaty. It may then be ratified with a collateral instruction to make a declaration that the UStates consider the article in question aggregately taken as intended by the King of G B as a privilege; that they conceive it for their interest to forbear the exercise of that privilege with the condition annexed to it till an explanation in order to a new modification of it shall place it on a more acceptable footing or till an article to be sent to our minister containing that modification shall be agreed upon between him & the British Court as a part of the Treaty—the ratification not to [be] exchanged without further instruction from this country unless accepted in this sense and with this qualification.
This course appears to me preferable to sending back the Treaty to open the negotiation anew because it may save time on the points most interesting to us & I do not see that if the ratifications be exchanged with this saving there can be any doubt of the matter operating as intended.
Adieu Yrs. truly

A Hamilton
Rufus King Esq


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Abraham Yates, Junior, 12 June 1795
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Yates, Abraham, Jr.

New York, June 12, 1795. Gives legal opinion on the “advantages of Anchorage and Wharfage in the Port & Harbour of Albany.”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Bradford, 13 June 1795
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Bradford, William

My Dear Sir
New York June 13. 1795
Yours of the 21st of May by going to Albany did not reach me till yesterday. The expectation of Mr. Adet properly varied the course of proceeding. I am glad the impression with you corresponded with mine.
If Mr. Randolph shewed Fauchet any part of the instructions to Mr. Jay—I do not much regret that he manifests displeasure at the witholding of a part. When shall we cease to consider ourselves as a colony to France? To assure her Minister that the instructions to Mr. Jay contained nothing which could interfere with our engagements to France might under all the circumstances have been expedient, but to communicate specifically any part of the instructions to our envoy was in my judgment improper in principle & precedent.
I expect the Treaty will labour. It contains many good things but there is one ingredient in it which displeases me—of a commercial complexion. I am however of opinion on mature reflection that it is expedient to ratify accompanied by a declaration, that it is our intention till there be a further explanation & modification of the article to forbear the exercise of a certain privilege & consequently the performance of the condition of it—or something equivalent. This it is true may or may not be accepted. But I believe it will create no difficulty & would rather risk it than take the Treaty unqualifiedly. I prefer this course to that of sending back the Treaty for a new negotiation, because (among other reasons) it may save time and more speedily close certain matters which I deem it very important to terminate.
I am glad to learn that since the date of your letter there have been some Convictions of the insurgents. This was very essential to the permanent good effects of the measures which were pursued on that subject.
You see I have not intirely lost my appetite for a little Politics—you must not infer that I have not a very good one for law.
Adieu Yrs. truly

A Hamilton
⟨William Br⟩adford Esq

P.S. I had almost forgotten a principal object of this letter. It concerns the Marquis La Fayette. In conversation I think but certainly by letter (this entre nous) I suggested to Mr. Jay that in case the Treaty with Great Britain turned favourably it will be well to hint to the British Minister that the U States took a very particular interest in the welfare of La Fayette and that the good offices of that Court to procure his liberation would be regarded as a valuable mark of friendship. I believe I also had some conversation in the same spirit either with The President or the Secy of State but I do not remember if any thing was done.
If the thing has not been tried & if the Treaty ⟨is ra⟩tified will it not be adviseable to instruct the person who is to exchange it to accomodate it with an observation of the above import. The moment will be a favourable one and I imagine the time is fast approaching when La Fayette will recover his popularity in his own Country. The chief thing against this is the rivalship of those who hold the power. But will they not be glad to consolidate their general plan by the weight of a man who with all parties has maintained the character of well-intentioned and who probably has the good will of the multitude spite of all that has passed.
I see no inconvenience in your taking occasion to ask Mr. Jay if the Marquis La Fayette was ever the subject of conversation between him & the British Minister & how it terminated.
And I will thank you, if you feel yourself at liberty, to let me know whether any thing like the step I have suggested obtains.
Yrs. &c


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 15 June 1795
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.

[New York, June 15, 1795. On June 18, 1795, Wolcott wrote to Hamilton: “I have recd. your Letters of June 13th. & 15th.” Letter of June 15 not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John Langdon, 16 June 1795
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Langdon, John

Dear Sir:
New York June 16. 1795
Will you allow me the liberty of introducing to your civilities Mr. De Liancourt and the Gentleman who accompanies him, Mr. Guillemand, a young Englishman who is mentioned to me as a man of sense information and worth. I take it for granted you made Mr. De Liancourt’s acquaintance at Philadelphia and that you know his character.
Your politeness and hospitality are destined to be taxed. I will make no apology for doing it in this instance; but knowing how much you are exposed I shall be as discreet as possible in my intrusions.
With great Consideration and Regard I have the honor to be Dear Sir Your Obed. serv

A. Hamilton.
John Langdon Esquire


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Tallmadge, 16 June 1795
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Tallmadge, Benjamin

[New York, June 16, 1795. On June 20, 1795, Tallmadge wrote to Hamilton and referred to “your Letter of the 16th. instant.” Letter not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Richard Varick, 16 June 1795
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Varick, Richard

Circular
Sir
New York. June 16. 1795.
I beg the favour of you to cause a search to be made in your office for books belonging to me, and if any are found to send them to me.
Inclosed is a list of books which I miss. There may be others of which I have neither minute or recollection—but I believe my name will be found written in any that belong to me.
I am Sir your very obedt. Servt

A Hamilton


Title: Enclosure: Deficient Books of Mr. Hamilton’s Law Library, [16 June 1795]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Varick, Richard

  Strange 1st. & 2nd. vols.
  Burrowes both. vol.
  Equity cases abridged 1st. vol.
  Yearbooks complete, I think 6 vols.
  Atkyn’s Reports 3 vols.
  Wilson’s Reports 3 vols.
  Trials per pais 1 vol.

  Buller’s Nisi Prius
  Law of Evidence
  Vesey’s Reports 2 vols.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 18 June 1795
From: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Dear Sir
Philadelphia June 18. 1795
I have recd. your Letters of June 13th. & 15th. for which I thank you & I inclose the statement you desire.
I had in season taken measures for receiving our Debt on Loan in Amsterdam. The plan is to surrender the existing obligations to the Comrs. who in lieu thereof issue triplicate descriptive Certificates to the Creditors—any one being produced at the Treasury will command the new Stock. The Certifs are not transferable. To prevent fraud and insecurity in the transmission the old bonds are to be cancelled & did to our Minister, who is to possess a controul over the whole business.
A similar plan has been adopted for Antwerp, which I expect will be conducted by Mr. De Wolfe under the ⟨eye⟩ of Mr Adams Jr. the Secy of the Ministry.
⟨S⟩ome of our Creditors have doubtless imigrated & may be unable to comply with the proposed form. Mr. Cazenove has suggested the expediency of advertizing that the original bonds will be recd. at the Tresy. This may be necessary, yet as the bonds cannot be verified here a very inconvenient delay or great risque must be incurred. Will you favour me with your opinion on the point?

The French Debt has been finally settled & the balance issued in Stock to James Swan agent to the Republic pursuant to an authority from the Comtee of Salut Public.
This Mr. Swan has proposed to me to contract to pay our Interest in Specie in Holland & when done to receive payment here at par. He ha⟨s⟩ immense funds at command here & as he says in France. ⟨His⟩ ability cannot be doubted. ⟨All the⟩ objections which exist will occur to you. Supposing I contract with him & at the same time authorise our Comrs. to draw on the Treasury, if he fails to comply—will the provision be adequate or what better can be done? The shipment of produce is impracticable. The French Agents command every thing & the risque & probable loss would be immense. On this point will you drop me a line soon.
The 500.000 Dolls you sent arrived in London the latter part of April. This was in season—if my subsequent remittance went safe & the Stock would sell—The Prin Interest & Installs. were paid punctually.
I must soon decide upon some plan for paying off our Dom. Debt under the law of the last session. Several questions arise.
1st   Is it best to declare by a public act that the payments will be made & to state the mode throughout or only that a payment will be made next Decr?
2d   If a declaration is to be made, in what manner & by what officer should it be made?
3d.   What distribution of the annual 8 ⅌ Cent for principal & interest will be proper in the several years, to avoid too minute fractions & essentially to comply with the Law? The enclosed table in the Columns marked A & B exhibits the most exact scale which can be adopted in practice—& the Columns C. & D. the true distribution on the principles of the Law. Is it a matter of discretion, after the year 1807 to divide 1 ⅌ Cent for three quarters of a year, & 5 ⅌ Cent at the close of the year? This distribution would be most convenient in practice & most satisfactory to the Creditors. The fractional dividends after that time on small sums, of Capital, would not be worth attention.
4th.   Does it not result from the general spirit of the Act of the last session, & from the express authority to borrow (for Interest) in the first Sect. that the payments of Interest as well as principal are to be made under the management of the Trustees of the sinking Fund? And is not this idea fortified by the necessity which exists of the blending a portion of the payments of principal in the Dividends of Interest?
5th.   What is it the duty of the Secy to do in respect to the vested & appropriated Funds—that is, is he to seperate them from the Treasury when wanted? Or is he to carry them by Warrant to a distinct Account as they accrue in the Treasury? The former mode is justified by a practise & understood by the Legislature—the latter is the most efficient mode, by preventing a competition with the demands for the current service, & by compelling an adequate revenue establishment?
6th.   If I am oblidged to recur to new Loans, will it not be best to make an arrangement by which the Bank shall be the organ of the Sales of Stock for the public—or to endeavour to obtain a Loan on the Bank for which transferrable Stock is to be delivered? Can any objection in relation to the Charter of the Bank be made to the last expedient?
7th:   The 11th. Sect. of the Act, directs the Comrs. of the sinking Fund to pay the Installments of the Loan of 2 millions to the Bank. What is the Fund out of which the payments are to be made? And is a farther appropriation necessary?
For reasons which are sufficient I have but little knowledge of what is going forward in the Senate—but I understand generally that the prospects are good. The Senate is more firm & able than at any former period. A certain number will however oppose the ratification—but except on a point of which you are informed, I believe there is no difficulty—even that will be so managed as to avoid danger. I think I can assure you, that the result will be satisfactory.
I am very respectfully   your obedt servt.

Oliv. Wolcott jr.
Alexander Hamilton Esq

P.S. We have as yet no Compt. appointed & I do not see a prospect of obtaining an efficient character.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Rufus King, 20 June 1795
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: King, Rufus

My Dear Sir
New York June 20. 1795
A considerable alarm has been spread this morning by a report that the Treaty had been disagreed to. I have assured those I have seen that I was convinced any rumour of a decision must be premature. The anxiety however about the result is extreme. The common opinion among men of business of all descriptions is that a disagreement to the Treaty would greatly shock and stagnate pecuniary plans and operations in general. This is not a small source of disquietude. Others who are not likely to be affected in that sense (and among these myself) look forward to the result with great soclicitude as fixing or indangering the stability of our present beneficial and desireable situation.
My influence in seconding the wishes of our friend General Gunn is, I fear, overrated. Unwilling to raise expectation which may not be realised, I will only say, that it will give me real pleasure to be able to promote his accommodation or advantage; as my opinion of him intirely coincides with yours. In the mean time, I will as far as circumstances permit, have an eye to the affair.
Yrs. Affectionately

A Hamilton
Rufus King Esq


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Tallmadge, 20 June 1795
From: Tallmadge, Benjamin
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Dear Sir
Litchfield [Connecticut] June 20th. 1795
In reply to your Letter of the 16th. instant I would observe that so far as the Draughts of the Ohio Lotts have been completed, every proprietor may know his own Lotts; but as this business has been executed but in part, it was tho’t best not to insert the numbers of the Lotts in the body of the Deeds. I except to go to Marietta the ensuing fall, when the Accounts of the Ohio Company will probably be closed, the Surveys completed & the Allottments to the several proprietors more fully ascertained. After this, I shall take pleasure in communicating to you every Information respecting your business which it may be within my power to afford.
In the mean time I remain,   very respectfully, Dr Sir   Your Obedt Servt.

Benjn. Tallmadge

P.S. Your 2d Dividend can be obtained by applying to Mr. Paschal N. Smith N.Y.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 22 June 1795
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.

Dear Sir
New York June 22. 1795.
I have received your letter of the 18th instant. I will reply to one or two points now and to the rest hereafter.
With regard to the measure of receiving Dutch bonds here to be exchanged, as is usual, it has different sides. To do it may be in some measure necessary to effectuate the main object; as there may be many individuals who from circumstances might not think themselves safe in employing the mode which has been adopted and which is no doubt proper, Yet it is easy to see it must be attended with hazard of imposition. But something may depend on the nature of the Checks which the course of the business o[r]gininally gives to our Agents at Amsterdam. If similitude of hand writing is the only internal check perhaps it may be possible to manage the matter here. A conversation with Cazenove may furnish you with the requisite data. Yet I feel great doubts of the safety of the operation, and if adopted at all it ought to be upon condition that no definitive or alienable evidences are to be given in exchange for the original bonds till after a period (to be named) long enough to receive at the Treasury the result of the operation in Holland and a particular and detail statement of it & that no interest be payable (in the mean time) without a guarantee for repayment. With these Checks none but respectable men will come forward and there may be little or no risk. Yet, as I intimated, even the expediency of this may depend on the nature of the original checks—and it ought to be announced that the Treasury reserves to itself intire discretion as to the admission or non admission of the bonds presented here.
With regard to the contract proposed by Mr. Swan, I answer, that I doubt much the adviseability of concluding any thing with him here—for being concluded it must be relied upon as a primary resource with the auxiliary & contingent expedient of drawing in case of failure, and Mr. Swan is not of standing or character to justify the leaving the public Credit to depend primarily upon his punctuality. If Mr. Swan is able to do what he offers, it must be on the basis of French Government funds or that of a powerful monied combination in Europe. If either, why cannot he be referred to our Commissioners & Minister under letters from the Treasury stating the offer—the desireableness that such a contract could be formed under adequate guards for its performance, and leaving it to them to judge of the adequateness of the guards which shall be proposed? It appears to me very material that they should be satisfied with the arrangement & essential that there should be good security & known resources for the execution of it.
Else no loss on shipping commodities or otherwise for the short time it can last will counterpoise the risk of disappointment and censure of reliance on an incompetent character.
I will barely observe on one point of the latter part of your letter, namely the payment of interest under the direction of the Com~ of the Sinking Fund. I have not the act by me & can only speak from memory but I am persuaded it does not require it. I am sure it will be highly inexpedient to place any extra clogs on that operation and I do not perceive why the manner of keeping the account may not obviate every embarrassment from a separate management of the two things. I will write again more particularly on this as well as on other points. I am glad to know that there is a probability of a proper issue to the affair of the Treaty.
Yours truly

A Hamilton
Oliver Wolcott Esq


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Theodorus V. W. Graham, 23 June 1795
From: Graham, Theodorus V. W.
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Albany, June 23, 1795. “Yours of the 11th. current covering your opinion for the Corporation of this City I have been favored with….”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Edward Carrington, 25 June 1795
From: Carrington, Edward
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Dr Sir
Richmond June 25th. 1795.
The absence of the Clerk of our House of Delegates where I believe are lodged the authenticated reports of the debt redeemed from year to year has prevented my complying with your request, in the manner, and so early, as I wished. He is at the Springs for his Health, & no person is authorised to shew his records. He has not yet returned, & having lately learned that his health continues bad, I have proceeded to satisfy myself as to your object, by other means as well as I could.
From the best principles on which I can act, I find that of certificates redeemed by Taxes, sales of Land &c from the end of the war with Great Britain to the end of the year 1789, there was

2,613,692
dols.

and by means of the Sinking Fund there was
  478,260

3,091,952

To avoid further delay I forward the above, and suppose it is not wrong but should it be consistent with your purpose to defer using it for a few weeks, it may possibly be in my power to give you a more satisfactory & authentic statement after the return of the Clerk of the House of delegates. At all events I will, on the 15th. July, write you.

It will always give me pleasure to receive your commands, being with unalterable Freindship & confidence
my dr sir


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Simeon DeWitt, 25 June 1795
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: DeWitt, Simeon

New York, June 25, 1795. Asks DeWitt to forward the deed to the lands formerly owned by George Croghan.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Robert Morris, 30 June 1795
From: Morris, Robert
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Philadelphia] June 30, 1795. “You will receive enclosed a Sketch of your Account as it stands on my Books exclusive of the $10,000 of which only $500 has been paid. The remainder I shall remit you soon as possible….”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 30 June 1795
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.

Dr Sir
New York June 30, 1795
Doctor Livingston sometime since left with me a bundle of vouchers relating to the questions between Phil Livingstons estate & the public. There was among other things a little Register or book with a marble cover doubled up. I do not find it among my papers & if my memory does not deceive me it was sent on breaking up at Philadelphia to one of the Offices of the Treasury. Mr. Jones may know something of it. It is interesting to the estate. Pray let a careful search be made & when found let it be forwarded by a careful hand to me.
Yrs

A Hamilton

P.S.
I find the non publication of the Treaty is working as I expected that is giving much scope to misrepresentation & misapprehension. The Senate, I am informed by several members, did not take any step towards publication because they thought it the affair of the President to do as he thought fit.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Bradford, 2 July 1795
From: Bradford, William
To: Hamilton, Alexander

My dear Sir
Philada. July 2d. 1795.
Your letter of last month should not have remained so long unanswered had I not been suddenly carried off to Easton by the allurement of a stout fee, and detained on my return, by the funeral of Secr Stockton, till the day before yesterday. I took care, however, before my departure, to bring the situation of La Fayette into the President’s view and submitted to him the propriety of the step you suggested for his relief. The president said that no one could be more anxious than himself to succour him and that he would consider of the measure proposed. As the measures to be taken with regard to the Treaty are not yet decided on, I have not since my return brought up the subject again: but it shall not be forgotten.
I find that the mode of ratification you hinted as the proper one, has been advised: yet the resolve of the Senate is so equivocally expressed that it may mean either, that the President shall now make a conditional ratification: or that he shall ratify it hereafter, if the British King shall consent to insert in the treaty the proposed article. Which of these do you take to [be] their meaning! On either construction, I hold this act to be the final act of the Senate & that it is not necessary to submit to them the new article after it shall have been agreed to on the other side of the water.
You have no doubt seen the indecent publication of the Treaty by Mr. Senator Mason, together with Burr’s and Tazewell’s motions. I am told by Mr Randolph that Tazewell who is still in town disavows any abettment in this affair & even censures the publications. I am afraid these publications will have some mischievous effects: and endeavors are pretty industriously used to excite disgusts with the Treaty. Swanwick & Co. declare that all the advantages are on the side of G.B. & it is given out, that Mr Jay is to be burnt in effigy on the 4th. July. This I suppose is done to feel the pulse of the City. Mr Adet after expressing to Mr R. his “disquietudes” on the occasion, has, I hear, just sent him a milk-and-water thing in which he states objections so feeble & wrongheaded that he could not have done worse were he playing booty with us. The Spanish Minister also affects alarm about the Missisippi-article, & has formally demanded of the Secy. of State whether that article as published be genuine. He is answered in the affirmative—but no memorial yet!
Your squabbles in New York have taken our Chief Justice from us—ought you not to find us another? I am afraid that department “as it relates neither to War, finance nor Negociation,” has no charms for you: & yet when one considers how immensely important it is, where they have the power of paralizing the measures of the government by declaring a law unconstitutional, it is not to be trusted to men who are to be scared by popular clamor or warped by feeble-minded prejudices. I wish to heavon you would permit me to name you: If not, what think you of Mr. Randolph?
You know the issue of the Argument on the Carriage-Tax-suit brought in Virginia. The Judges differed in opinion: but for the sake of a decision in the Sup. Court next august, the cause is put in a situation to be brought up by a writ of Error. I consider the question as the greatest one that ever came before that Court; & it is of the last importance not only that the act should be supported, but supported by the unanimous opinion of the Judges and on grounds that will bear the public inspection. This is more necessary because J. Taylor who argued the cause below intends to publish the speech he delivered on that occasion & which I am told is calculated to do mischief. I have therefore requested permission of the President for leave to call in auxiliary counsel & to invite you to join me in defence of the act. He thinks the measure very proper—and, you know, we will all be rejoiced to see you. This too will be a proper occasion for you to make your debut in the Supreme Court, and it is a cause in which the compensation shall be such as you approve of. No one understands the subject so well as yourself & as a complete report of the case may be necessary to expel the poison of Taylor’s publication, I wish the subject should be thoroughly discussed. Independent of these motives—ought you not to have a little parental concern on this occasion, & to take care that no injustice be done to your own begettings? May I therefore certify to the Secretary of the Treasury that you will be of counsel with the U.S. on the argument of the cause? An early answer will oblige me.
It will always give me pleasure to hear from you: & I will endeavor to repay you with what you may consider “as a smack of the Whip.” Yet I hear that you have renounced every thing but your profession—that you will not even pick up money when it lies at your feet, unless it comes in the form of a fee! But it is in vain to kick against the pricks. You were made for a Statesman, & politics will never be out of your head.
Adieu my dear sir—present my regards to Mrs Hamilton & believe me to be with great sincerity
Your friend & hum sert.

W. Bradford
A. Hamilton Esq.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Isaac Sherman, 2 July 1795
From: Sherman, Isaac
To: Hamilton, Alexander

New York, July 2, 1795. “The land which I have discovered in this city that belonged to Richard Ashfield deceased, under whom we claim by descent, is situated on the south side of liberty street, between Nassau street & Broadway, adjoining west on the lot of Doctor Moore’s. On one of these lots is a painters shop and house; and on the other a blacksmiths shop belonging to Mr. Cliland. This last mentioned lot, Mr. Cliland purchased of Richard Morris Esquire, about three years ago….”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 2 July 1795
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.

[New York, July 2, 1795. On July 10, 1795, Wolcott wrote to Hamilton: “I have recd. your several Letters dated June 22d. 26th. 30th. & the 2nd. current.” Letter of July 2 not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 3 July 1795
From: Washington, George
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Philadelphia 3d July 1795
(Private, & perfectly confidential)
My dear Sir,
The treaty of Amity, Commerce and Navigation, which has lately been before the Senate, has, as you will perceive, made its public entry into the Gazettes of this city. Of course the merits, & demerits of it will (especially in its unfinished state) be freely discussed.
It is not the opinions of those who were determined (before it was promulgated) to support, or oppose it, that I am sollicitous to obtain; for these I well know rarely do more than examine the side to which they lean; without giving the reverse the consideration it deserves; possibly without a wish to be apprised of the reasons, on which the objections are founded. My desire is to learn from dispassionate men, who have knowledge of the subject, and abilities to judge of it, the genuine opinion they entertain of each article of the instrument; and the result of it in the aggregate. In a word, placed on the footing the matter now stands, it is, more than ever, an incumbent duty on me, to do what propriety, and the true interest of this country shall appear to require at my hands on so important a subject, under such delicate circumstances.
You will be at no loss to perceive, from what I have already said, that my wishes are, to have the favorable, and unfavorable side of each article stated, and compared together; that I may see the bearing and tendency of them: and, ultimately, on which side the balance is to be found.
This treaty has, I am sensible, many relations, which, in deciding thereon, ought to be attended to; some of them too are of an important nature. I know also, that to judge with precision of its commercial arrangements, there ought likewise to be an intimate acquaintance with the various branches of commerce between this Country and Great Britain as it now stands; as it will be placed by the treaty; and as it may affect our present, or restrain our future treaties with other nations. All these things I am persuaded you have given as much attention to as most men; and I believe that your late employment under the General government afforded you more opportunities of deriving knowledge therein, than most of them who had not studied and practiced it scientifically, upon a large & comprehensive scale.
I do not know how you may be occupied at present; or how incompatible this request of mine may be to the business you have in hand. All I can say is, that however desirous I may be of availing myself of your sentiments on the points I have enumerated, and such others as are involved in the treaty, & the resolution of the Senate; (both of which I send you, lest they should not be at hand) it is not my intention to interrupt you in that business; or, if you are disinclined to go into the investigation I have requested, to press the matter upon you: for of this you may be assured, that with the most unfeigned regard—and with every good wish for your health & prosperity
I am Your Affecte friend and Obedient Servant

Go: Washington
Alexr. Hamilton Esqr.

PS. Admitting that his B. Majesty will consent to the suspension of the 12th. article of the treaty, is it necessary that the treaty should again go to the Senate? or is the President authorized by the Resolution of that body to ratify it without?

G W


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 6 July 1795
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

[New York, July 6, 1795. On July 7, 1795, Washington wrote to Hamilton: “Your letter of yesterday is this moment received.” Letter not found.]