Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Tench Coxe, [February-May 1791]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Coxe, Tench

[Philadelphia, February-May, 1791]
Dr. Sir
I send you some letters to be copied also the draft of instructions to Commanders of Revenue Cutters to be considered &c.
The preparation of the other letters concerning Cutters ought to be a primary object. As Registers cannot pursuant to the Registering Act be furnished to them will it not be proper they should have some Treasury paper as equivalent to it? If it will a Survey ought to be directed to be transmitted to the Treasury.
I remain at home this forenoon. Send me the note of monies in hands of Collectors when ready & whatever papers require signing.
I wish also to have your draft and my alterations of the manufacturing Report as I am about to review the whole and give it its final form. I want to see the papers in their original state as there are some minute things which have been altered perhaps not for the better—& on a revision may be reinstated.
Yrs. sincerely
A Hamilton
Tuesday Morning


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Tench Coxe, [19 March 1791]
From: Coxe, Tench
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Philadelphia, March 19, 1791]
Dear Sir
Mr. Jefferson has sent for the Bills of 99000 Guilders, which on application to Mr. Meredith, are said to have been countermanded. I had transmitted to Mr. Jeffn. the three letters of advice to be sealed by a wafer to the Bills. Will you be good enough to give me your instructions as Mr. Jefferson’s opty will be tomorrow.
yr. most obedt. Servant
Tench Coxe
March 19th. 1791


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John Rutherfurd, [March 1791–January 1795]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Rutherfurd, John

[Philadelphia, March, 1791–January, 1795]
General Hamilton will have the pleasure of Dining with Mr. Rutherford agreeable to his polite Invitation.
Tuesday 15th.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Théophile Cazenove, 26 April 1791
From: Cazenove, Théophile
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Mr. A. Hamilton
Philade. du 26 avril 1791
Je vous prie de me faire savoir si les éclaircissemens que vous désirés rélativemt. aux piastres seront fournis par la réponse aux questions detaillées sur la Notte que j’ai l’honnr. de vous envoyer.
Mes amis d’hollande m’ont authorisés á leur assurer quelque intérét dans les entreprises utiles qui se formeroient ici: je considere comme tel le plan de la Compe. de manufactures que Mr. Duer m’a communiqué de votre part!
Vous avés, Monsieur, acquis de si justes droits a la Confiance des Capitalistes hollandois, qu’il leurs suffira de savoir que vous avés formé un projet, ou que vous vous intéressés a sa réussite, pour désirer & chercher d’y contribuer de leur côté.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Théophile Cazenove, [26 April 1791]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Cazenove, Théophile

[Philadelphia, April 26, 1791]
Sir
The minute of questions you have been so obliging as to prepare (and which is return’d) comprises all the points about which I was desirous of information, and adds others; eclaircissements concerning which cannot fail to be useful. I will thank you to have the inquiry pursued, and any expense, which may attend the making of assays &ca will with pleasure be reimbursed.
I learn with Satisfaction the light in which you view the plan for a manufacturing society communicated to you by Mr Duer, in consequence of my suggestions, and feel myself indebted for the dispositions toward me, on the part of the Dutch Capitalists, which you so politely assure me of. These dispositions are not merely flattering—I regard them as a real resource towards the Success of my public views. And shall cherish a sincere wish to preserve them.
The readiness with which, You, Sir, enter into the Plan proposed by me is a new proof of that liberal and elightened judgment which has led you, on every occasion that has occured since your arrival in this Country, to discern the perfect harmony that subsists between the interests you represent and measures tending to give solidity to the affairs of the United States.
It is also an additional title to that real esteem with which I have the honor to be   Sir   Your obdt & hbl. servt.
A Hamilton


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Tench Coxe, 9 May 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Coxe, Tench

Treasury DepartmentMay 9th 1791
Sir
Being about to leave the City for a Fortnight—I have requested the Bank of North America to advance to your order such sums as you may find necessary for the current service of the Government during my absence to the extent of Twenty thousand dollars. This provision is designed to enable you to answer such demands as may arise in relation to the civil list (including the contingencies of the several executive departments and of the two houses of Congress) to the Act making provision for the Debt of the United States, & to the several acts of the last session concerning the duties on distilled spirits and compensations for the officers of the Judicial Courts of the United States and for jurors and Witnesses. Your disbursements will of course be confined to objects, for which there have been appropriations by law, and you will in each case obtain some voucher of a nature to operate as a discharge of the warrants which must hereafter issue to cover the sums paid.
I remain with great consideration and esteem   Sir   Your obedient servant
Alex HamiltonSecy of the Treasury
PS If the 400.000 Guilders for drawing which directions have been given shall have been sold or nearly sold in my absence you will direct the drawing for two hundred thousand more (say 200.000).

To Tench Coxe EsqrAssistant Secretary


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from David Wolfe, 16 June 1791
From: Wolfe, David
To: Hamilton, Alexander

New York 16th June 1791.
Sir
Mr. Walcot informs Mr. Anspach by letter that Colo. Pickering late QMG was Consulted by you with respect to the Debts of his department & that Colo. Pickering expressly stated “that in all cases where printed Certificates had been issued he consider’d the Claim for payment in specie as extinguished.” And in Consequence of the aforesaid Consultation &c. payment of a number of Certificates have been refused at the Treasury office.

This I conceive to be unjust for the following reasons—

1st
because they are included in the Estimates in the Treasury Office under the term specie Certificates signed by Col. Pickering

2d
because Colo Pickering has paid in specie at Divers times, principal & Interest of those certificates to the Amount of Several thousand dollars as may appear by his Accounts render’d at the Treasury Office

More reasons might be added if necessary, But those are sufficient to prove that Colo. Pickering has not heretofore considered the Claim of printed certificates for payment in specie as extinguished.
Your examining into these matters and directing the payment of the Certificates held by Mr. Graham will abate the Censure now reflected on the Treasury Department.
I am sir   Your Obt servant
David Wolfe
Colo. A. Hamilton


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John Jay, [8 July 1791]
From: Jay, John
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[New York, July 8, 1791. Letter not found.]


Title: Conveyance to Isaac Moses, 21 July 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Moses, Isaac

New York, July 21, 1791. “… that for and consideration of the sum of One thousand and eight hundred pounds current lawful money of New York to the said Alexander Hamilton and Elizabeth his wife in hand paid by the said Isaac Moses at or before the unsealing and delivery of these presents the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged they have granted bargained sold aliened released and conveyed … unto the said Isaac Moses … All that certain lot of ground situate in the Dock Ward of the City of New York fronting Northerly to the Street commonly called Dock Street.…”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [12 August 1791]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Hamilton, Elizabeth

[Philadelphia, August 12, 1791]
You cannot imagine My beloved Betsey how much I am afflicted at learning by your letter of the 6th instant, that you had not received one from me. It is wholly inconceivable. I wrote you from New York before my departure from that place which was the Sunday after you left it, and sent the letter to the Post Office by Charles. I write by this opportunity to him to Endeavour to trace it.
On my arrival here I also wrote to you and twice Since. For let me be ever so busy, I could not forbear to allow myself the only Converse which your distance from me permits. I could not endure that you should be pained by my silence.
Be of good Chear my Darling; but if you Cannot make yourself happy come to me, for the only thing that can reconcile me to your absence is that your health might benefit by it, but this cannot be the case if you are anxious and uneasy.
Heaven bless my Charmer & my dear infants   Yr. Ever Affect.
A Hamilton
Aug 12
Mrs. Hamilton


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

Treasury Department, September 3, 1791. Sends commission of “Philip Thomas Esq. Inspector of the Revenue for Survey No. 2 in the District of Maryland.”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Robert Troup, 12 September 1791
From: Troup, Robert
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[New York] 12 Sep. 1791
My dear friend
I have reced. your favor respecting the special authority necessary to be given to those who represent the original holders of Bank Shares in the choice of Directors and have done as you requested. The speculations in those shares have been prodigious & much money has been made & lost by them. The fluctuations in their value have excited alarm in the minds of the well wishers to public credit as tending to exhibit an unsound state of our finances. The truth is that the fluctuations are principally owing to the arts & contrivances of mere jobbers & amongst these our friend Brockholst stands in the foremost ranks. A few days ago a cursed scheme of depression was planned & executed under his immediate patronage as is universally said & believed. It frightened the Directors of our Bank & seriously injured many persons amongst whom are some of Brockholst’s particular friends. The current has since taken a contrary direction but it is conjectured it will not carry the shares to as high a value as they have generally been at since the bubble first broke. By the by our friend Brockholst some how or other has an unfortunate story eternally pursuing him—And as he rises in fortune he appears to sink in reputation. His last maneuvre has occasioned a separation between him & several who were his warmest supporters. Duer on the contrary is mounting fast above him. The basis of his conduct as a speculator is frankness & I have not heard him even suspected here of any dishonorable combination or of any stratagem to deceive—so that he really Stands amongst us upon better ground in point of character than ever. There is between him & me an amnesty of all past bickerings & I mean to do every thing in my power to promote his election. I have already formed some arrangments upon this subject & am preparing the way generally for him. The event is certainly doubtful but I hope & am determined to hope for the best. Pray write an answer to the enclosed letter by the first post. I wish you to be careful of what you say with respect to the speculations in paper—the value of Stock &c. You have been quoted upon some occasions for the purposes of mere jobbing. God bless you
Yours
Robt Troup.
A Hamilton Esqre


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

Newport Rhode IslandSepr. 14th. 1791.
Sir,
I have the Honor to transmit You the Petition of Peleg Saunders upon the mitigating Act; and the Proceedings thereon. I feel myself much obliged by Your very polite Letter of the 30th of June; The interesting Concern You are pleased to take in the Situation of Officers of Government residing at a distance; and the flattering Hopes We have reason to entertain of a Speedy Relief in the mode of Payment of their Salaries. With all possible Esteem I am,
Sir,   Your most obedient and very humble Servt.
Henry Marchant.
Alexander Hamilton Esq.Secretary of the Treasury of the United StatesPhiladelphia.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John Armstrong, [17 September 1791]
From: Armstrong, John
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Fort Washington,Territory Northwest of the River Ohio,September 17, 1791]
Dear Sir:
Permit me Sir to intrude so fancy to call your attention for a moment on a subject that to me is very interesting. In a report I made to Gel. Knox the 21st of February last a copy of which I am told was sent to your Office, I stated some facts relative to the Conduct of the late contractors, and having since learnt that they have by some means procured certificates contradicting this report, I therefore concieve it necessary to inform you that when called on I can Support the facts therein stated by the Testimony of Captain Beatty, Captain Strong Lt Sedam Lt Kingsbury & in short almost every Officer in the Rgt. Major Ferguson to whom I showed a copy of that Report in reply to that part wherein I speak of the due bills, Says he always compeled the contractors to pay the Articles on Soap in Lieu thereof. I wrote General Knox more fully on the Subject on the 15th. July, but perhaps that letter may have miscarried. Major Hamtramck who was commanding Officer at Post Vincennes informs me that Messrs Elliot & Williams directed their agent to call on him to certify that the troops had been well furnished, which certificate he refused giving as the troops had often been on half allowence. Their agent was also requested to take his deposition before a Magistrate on this Subject, but he had too just a sense of their rights to do so.
It will appear by the Merchants books at Fort Washington that during the last Summer they sold to the Individual Soldiers more than Six thousend weight of Bacon beef &c. It is therefore evident if the Soldiers had drawn their rations they could have had no use for that quantity, this proves also that there was plenty of provisions to be had & I believe it was offerd the contractors at a time when the troops were in a sterving condition as mentioned in my report. I have in my possession an account renderd by the contracters wherein I stend charged 22/6 pr. hundrid for flour & 7/6 pr Gallon for whisky as mentiond in my report. It is a fact Sir that every imposition has been played off against the Soldiery, & that they have been the continual Subject of Speculation.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Walter Livingston, 5 October 1791
From: Livingston, Walter
To: Hamilton, Alexander

New York Octobr. 5 91
Sir
In the month of June last Mr. Seton Cashier of the Bank of New York gave me the perusal of a letter of yours to him purporting that monies for shares in the United States Bank, to a certain amount might be paid to him. Mr. Seton asked me if I chose to avail myself of the priviledge. I replyed in the affirmative and gave him a check for 2500 Dollrs. being the first payment for my Subscription for 100 Shares. Mr. Setons certificate for my Subscription was given to Mr. Constable who applied on the morning of the 4th. of July to the Commissioners appointed to receive Subscriptions to the Bank of the United States for the above 100 Shares (not all in my own name) and was refused. The money was lodged in the Bank at Philadelphia where I believe it still remains. The above information was not communicated to me until the 2d. Instant on my return from the Country or I should have written to you on the Subject sooner.
Will you be so kind as to inform me what steps I must pursue to obtain my Shares in the Bank, to which I am legally entitled.
To the Honbl: Alexr. Hamilton Eqr. Philadel:


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Catharine Greene, 2 November 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Greene, Catharine

Philadelphia Nov. 2 91
You are right My Dear friend in conjecturing that your letter from Charles Town did not reach me. I am still to learn whether you received mine in answer to one you wrote me from Georgia.
I hope in ten days to be able so far to extricate my self as to report on your Memorial. Indeed I will do it & if possible sooner.
God forbid I should think it possible that my departed friend could violate honor or truth. I admit every thing he says and only doubt on the score of public precedent, in a case in which every requisite precaution was omitted.
But whatever may be my ultimate opinion on the merits of the question referred, I cannot but endeavour to do you service. And surely the family of General Greene will not be permitted to be the Victims of his want of caution in an instance of great zeal for the public service. I write in the most intense confidence.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Ann Pemberton, [2 December 1791]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Pemberton, Ann

[Philadelphia, December 2, 1791]
Mr. Hamilton presents his respects to Mrs. Pemberton—having no copy of the agreement respecting the hire of the house & lot in use of the Treasury Department he will be much obliged to her for one. If not convenient to furnish a copy & she will please to send the original it will be copied & returned.
Decr. 2. 1791


Title: Introductory Note: Report on the Subject of Manufactures, [5 December 1791]
From:
To:

[Philadelphia, December 5, 1791]
When The Papers of Alexander Hamilton, X, was published in 1966 the Tench Coxe Papers in the Coxe Family Papers, which then, as now, were located in the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, were not open to scholars. Through the courtesy of Mr. Daniel M. Coxe, however, the editors received a copy of a draft by Coxe of a paper on manufacturing. This was printed under the title “Tench Coxe’s Draft of the Report on the Subject of Manufactures,” 1790.
Since 1966 an examination of the Tench Coxe Papers has revealed additional contributions by Coxe to Hamilton’s “Report on the Subject of Manufactures.” In the first place, Coxe wrote a first draft, dated September, 1790, which consists of three manuscript pages. This document is printed below under the title of “Tench Coxe’s First Draft.” In the second place, Coxe’s draft printed in The Papers of Alexander Hamilton in 1966 has proved to be incomplete. A more complete and accurate version of this document is printed below as “Tench Coxe’s Second Draft.” Some doubts remain concerning the order in which Coxe’s draft was written, for various pages of the manuscript are not numbered and were originally scattered throughout the Tench Coxe Papers. When questions concerning the order have arisen, the editors have used as a guide “Alexander Hamilton’s First Draft of the Report on the Subject of Manufactures,” 1790, on the assumption that Hamilton reproduced Coxe’s material in the same order in which Coxe had presented it.
As Jacob E. Cooke has pointed out in detail, Hamilton relied far more heavily than had originally been suspected on Coxe’s work in drawing up his own first draft. At the same time, Coxe’s influence can be seen to diminish progressively and drastically in each of Hamilton’s subsequent drafts and his final report. In any event, this is a subject not worth pursuing, for readers can easily reach their own conclusions by comparing the various documents in question.
No attempt has been made to annotate the two Coxe documents printed below, for the points which they raise have been explained in either the originally published “Tench Coxe’s Draft of the Report on the Subject of Manufactures,” 1790, or “Alexander Hamilton’s First Draft of the Report on the Subject of Manufactures,” 1790.


Title: Tench Coxe’s First Draft, September 1790
From: Coxe, Tench
To:

Treasy. Dept. September  1790
The Secretary of the Treasury in obedience to the order of the house of Representatives of the fifteenth day of January last has applied his attention at as early a period as his other duties would permit, to the subject of manufactures, and particularly to the means of promoting such as will tend to render the United states independent on other nations for military and other essential Supplies.
The expediency of encouraging manufactures in the United States, tho recently deemed very questionable appears now to be universally admitted.
The advantages of the landholder in furnishing raw materials, food, fuel & other supplies to the manufacturers, the aid which the fisheries derive from manufactures by the consumption of articles derived from them, their assistance to commerce by promoting the importation of raw articles and the exportation of manufactured commodities, their favorable effects on population by inducing the emigration of foreign workmen, their encreasing and rendering more certain the means of national defence, and other essential supplies, the promotion of individual industry and œconomy which naturally result from them, and lastly the reduction of the prices of imported supplies, which has already taken place on the appearance of competition in the American Market are considerations which entitle this important object to a share of Legislative attention.
Among the methods devised by Other nations to encourage manufactures protecting duties have been very generally adopted. It cannot be unobserved by those who are engaged in these pursuits nor by those capitalists and workmen who may intend to transfer their property and business to the United States that the duties already imposed by the legislature for the purposes of Revenue afford great & certain advantages to the American Manufacturer. Whether any additions to these duties be necessary to encourage particular branches is a question respectfully suggested to the wisdom of the house.
Prohibitions of rival articles, or duties equivalent, frequently present themselves in the laws of foreign Nations. Tho this measure may seem of doubtful propriety for the United States, in most instances, it does not appear advisable to decide against it so far as regards military supply. From the present flourishing condition of some manufactories of warlike stores, such as gunpowder, leaden & iron ball, iron cannon, & cartridge paper, it may not be deemed hazardous, in a season of profound peace, to encrease the duty so as to effect an exclusion of them.
Besides military stores there are certain Articles manufactured from materials with which the United states abound which do not appear unfit subjects of excluding duties. Among Articles here contemplated are Malt liquors, Spirits made from grain of every sort & from several kinds of fruit, the oils of sea & land animals & of flax seed, Starch, Snuff, chewing & smoking Tobaccoes, spirits of turpentine, and other things manufactured from such productions of our lands & fisheries as are constantly exported in large quantities. The wisdom of the house however will render them duly aware of the Danger of extending too far the application of duties equivalent to prohibitions should they be induced to impose them on some articles necessary for defence and on certain manufactures highly & extensively beneficial to the landed interest.


Title: Tench Coxe’s Second Draft, [September 1790]
From: Coxe, Tench
To:

Treasury Department the  1790
The Secretary of the Treasury, in obedience to the order of the house of Representatives of the fifteenth day of January last, has applied his attention, at as early a period as his other duties would permit, to the subject of manufactures, and particularly to the means of promoting such as will tend to render the United States independent on foreign Nations for military and other essential supplies.
The expediency of encouraging manufactures in the United States, tho recently deemed very questionable, appears at this time to be generally admitted. The advantages of the Landholder in furnishing raw materials, subsistence, fuel and other supplies to the workmen—the support which the fisheries derive from them by their consumption of articles drawn from the ocean—the assistance given to external commerce by promoting the importation of raw articles and furnishing manufactured commodities for exportation—their favorable effects on population by inducing the emigration of foreign artists and laborers—the introduction of money by offering a new & promising field to capitalists of other nations—the promotion of individual industry & œconomy which naturally result from manufactures and particularly when engrafted upon an extensive agriculture—their encreasing and rendering more certain the means of defence and other articles of prime necessity and lastly the Reduction of the prices of convenient & essential supplies for public & private use, which has already taken place on the appearance of competition from the American manufacturer are among the considerations, which have produced more favorable opinions concerning this Object.
In addition to these advantages manifestly resulting to the U.S. from the small share of attention which manufactures have hitherto obtained several circumstances present themselves, strongly encouraging the sedulous & steady promotion of them.
It is a position in commerce of indisputable “truth” that the greatest resort will ever be to those marts wherein the supplies while equally valuable are most various. Each difference of kind holds out their proper inducements to those who need or desire it. Thus the trade of the grain states is animated by the conversion of a part of the various species of that commodity into meal and bread, and the portions of Hemp, flax, iron, leather, wool & cotton which are manufactured into sail cloth & cordage, anchors, implements of husbandry, & fabrics for apparel occasion more foreign orders to the mercantile citizens than the raw materials would have drawn. Consumers abroad, who would never resort to a market of unmanufactured commodities, being unable to work them up, will be inivited to the same port when it shall present them with the fabrics for which they have occasion. The operation of these facts is equally certain and beneficial, whether an original export or remittrances for prior importations be the End in View.
Should the United States decline or omit to encourage manufactures their local situation will subject them to some peculiar disadvantages. Their commodities, which are generally very bulky, will sustain in the freight & other charges of exportation to their distant foreign consumers a proportionate deduction &, as the equality & moderation of individual property & the great portion of unimproved lands occasion an unusual demand for coarse manufactures a corresponding weight of expence will be imposed on all their supplies. In Seasons of profound peace these circumstances occasion an immense annual deduction from the gross value of their productions, but in the time of a war that shall involve their principal carriers the charges of expor[ta]tion on some of the most bulky raw materials, perhaps the most profitable, must become a grievous burden to the farmer, if the introduction of factories should not be previously effected.
It is unnecessary to suggest to the house the sound policy of pursuing such measures as will retain at home the a[c]tive capital, which will certainly flow with due œconomy, out of the affairs of industrious & sensible people. That Manufacturing in a considerable degree, is necessary to this purpose appears highly probable since we know not of any great manufacturing nation, however inconsiderable its agriculture may be, that does not abound with money, nor is there any instance of a country, which does not manufacture that can retain its Specie, however blest its soil or abundant its sources of the precious metals. The reason is obvious. The importations of manufactured supplies, incessantly drains the merely agricultural people of their wealth. Hence it is that the West India Islands, the soils of which are the most fertile, and the Nation that supplies Europe with Coin, exchange to a loss with every country in the world. In further illustration of this point it may be observed that undisputed Statements in a principal manufacturing Country of Europe render it more than probable that their exports including their various fabrics never exceeded one third of the gross value of their Manufactures. Had they entirely neglected this domestic branch of trade, and had they as freely consumed foreign articles similar to those they make for themselves, it is evident that national & individual poverty must have been the consequences. That the U. S. have heretofore felt the inconvenience of that situation in a very great degree is a matter of notoriety. To prevent the increase, and gradually to diminish the evil was the Object of the house, it is humbly presumed, in the resolution which calls for this report.
Altho agricultural employments are generally speaking the most proper for the great body of the inhabitants of these States, yet when the variety of human talent is duly remembred, and it is considered that minds of the strongest & most active powers for their proper objects, may fall below mediocrity, or labor without effect, if confined to incongenial pursuits, it will appear unwise so to arrange our political œconomy as to impel to agriculture the whole body of the people. It is interesting to the prosperity and advancement of the U. S. that those who have been peculiarly qualified by nature for the useful arts, should find the encouragement necessary to call forth their various talents. All employments, that are comprehended in the general plan of a well formed community, were doubtless intended to be pursued, & that nation, whose citizens have attained to facility and eminence in the greatest variety, will be found at once the most independent and the most respectable.
If a doubt should remain of the expediency of encouraging manufactures in the United States an appeal to the substantial Evidence of facts may be safely made. The house may be respectfully reminded that those parts of the Union in which Manufactures have most strikingly encreased have recovered in the greatest degree from the injuries of the late war, and that those States, which have given the most liberal encouragement to this branch of trade, are now among the most flourishing. Nor is this less manifest in the states that possess extensive bodies of vacant Land, than in those that are most numerously populated.
It may be useful in a survey of this subject to advert to the capacity of the U. S. in the business of Manufactures, especially as it was the opinion of a former period, not very remote, that they were incapable of any thing considerable in this branch of trade. To a body, as accurately informed as the honorable house, it is unnecessary to adduce proofs that a very considerable number of manufacturers in a great variety of branches have already established themselves in the United States, not a small part of whom carry on branches depending entirely on manual labor. It may be reasonably argued that what has succeeded in so many instances, notwithstanding the disadvantages supposed to exist, may succeed in many more. The cheapness of provisions which is likely to encrease, the trivial taxes & internal duties (compared with those of other countries) which a workman pays, the exemption from tythes & from corporation restraints, the growing cheapness of raw materials, together with the heavy charges of importing rival Articles have produced this success, and promise the same advantage to all prudent & œconomical attempts to establish even handicraft manufactures of articles in general Use. But when it is remembered that the great objection to American manufactures (the price of labor) is in the most valuable branches obviated by the agency of fire, or by that of water, or by that of labor saving machines moved by fire, water, or hand a doubt of success cannot be entertained.
But the rate of labor it is believed will not be found on consideration so weighty an objection as it is by some supposed to be. Many branches are conducted wholely or in a great degree in the U. S. & all other countries by the thrifty industry of private families in hours that would otherwise be unemployed. The wages in others, do not exceed, in some parts of the Union, the rates which successful manufacturers in Europe pay in the same branches. Women are known to perform the work, in the making of some kinds of fabrics, which in other parts of the World is executed by men. This useful habit may be extended, & the labor of Children. It is moreover a reasonable expectation, that European workmen will be induced, by the supposed high rates of labor, whenever they really exist, to transplant themselves from that consideration to the United States.
After these preliminary observations which have been rendered as brief as the nature of the subject would admit the immediate object of the resolution of the honorable house remains to be considered.

Capitals, it is urged, are wanting in the U. S. for manufacturing establishments. This seems to be no more than an unduly confined assertion of an obvious & comfortable truth—that the opening affairs of this rising country afford profitable objects for more capital than it has yet acquired. It is true as well with regard to foreign commerce as manufactures else why do the American Merchants import so largely upon credit. That it is also true with regard to agriculture our millions of uncultivated acres fully prove. The past success of many branches of manufacture shew that our own industry & funds, if wisely directed, may be advantageously applied to them. But when the European manufacturer & capitalist shall be accurately informed of the situation of this country—of the cheapness of provisions & raw materials, of the duties on the importation of his European fabrics & the exemption of our own—of the cheapness of mill seats & buildings—when he shall advert to the expences of freight & insurance with which his commodities are loaded and the facility of establishing the great labor-saving works by water & fire, he must be convinced that no profit can accrue in Europe adequate to what must follow a well conducted establishment with a suitable capital in the many parts of the United States.
Among the means devised by the European nations to encourage manufactures protecting duties have been very generally adopted. It cannot be unobserved by those, who are engaged in these pursuits nor will it escape the notice of those capitalists, and workmen who may intend to transfer their property and business to the United States, that the duties already imposed by the legislature, tho principally for the purposes of Revenue, afford very considerable and certain advantages to the American manufacturer. Tho it may be very doubtful whether general addition to these duties be necessary further to encourage the manufactures of the United States, yet it is humbly conceived a few articles may be very properly aided by a moderate encrease. Among those in View is Sail Cloth which is important to defence, to domestic & foreign commerce, the fisheries, &c, as it relates to the raw materials, to agriculture likewise.
Prohibitions of rival articles, or duties equivalent, frequently present themselves in the laws of foreign nation. Tho this measure, in most instances, may be of doubtful propriety in the United States, it appears to merit consideration in regard to particular Articles. From the present flourishing condition of some manufactories of military supplies, such as Gunpowder, leaden & iron balls, iron cannon & cartridge paper it may not be deemed hazardous, in a season of profound peace, to encrease the duty so as to prevent the Importation of them. Besides warlike stores there are certain Articles manufactured from materials with which the United States abound, that do not appear unfit Subjects of excluding duties. Among the objects here contemplated are Malt liquors, spirits made from grain of every sort & from fruit (excepting that made of the grape), the oils of sea and land animals, flaxseed, the spirits of turpentine, snuff, chewing & smoking tobacco, starch and other things manufactured from such productions of the Earth & of the fisheries as are constantly exported in large quantities which are encreasing on our hands, and for which a sufficient vent is consequently difficult to procure. The wisdom of the house however will render them duly aware of the injuries that may be occasioned by an indiscriminate & too extended an application of duties equivalent to prohibitions should they be induced to impose them in favor of certain manufactures necessary for defence, or highly and universally beneficial to the landed interest.
Pecuniary Bounties upon home made articles have been tried in several European countries with great success. The linen branch in Ireland is a well known instance. But under the present circumstances of this country the Secretary cannot discover sufficient inducements to these expensive encouragements to justify a strenuous recommendation of them to the consideration of the legislature. This aid to manufactures however is less necessary at the present moment in the United States than in any European country, because their fabrics being generally wanted for hom⟨e consumption, are free from the heavy expences of importation, which rival foreign⟩ goods sustain to the amount, of fifteen, and twenty five ⅌ Cent on their Value according to their bulk. But if it should on consideration be deemed inexpedient to grant bounties in money to encourage manufacture⟨s⟩ it may nevertheless appear advisable ⟨to⟩ reward certain great and useful promoters of them by other means. The United States having a very large quantity of unappropriated lands the Secretary humbly submits to the house the propriety of setting apart the quantity of five hundred thousand acres, of a good quality and advantageously situated, for the purpose of rewarding the first introducers or establishers of new and useful manufactories, arts machines, & secrets not before possessed, known or carried on in the United States. The objects here contemplated, and the mode of applying this landed fund will be more clearly explained by the plan contained in the paper (A) which accompanies this report. A measure of this nature would evince to the manufacturers of Europe the disposition of the legislature to encourage and reward them, and would afford to persons ⟨who⟩ transfer their capitals and establishments to ⟨the United States a certain⟩ tho ⟨not⟩ an immediate compensation ⟨even in unsuccessful⟩ instances.
In addition to these rewards for the Importation of manufacturing Machinery and secrets of great value, acts may be passed, if sufficiently warranted by the extraordinary utility of the object and the difficulty of attaining ⟨it,⟩ granting to the introducers such exclusive privileges for a term of years as would have been secured by patent had they been the inventors. Public Advantage, if derived from each in an equal degree, will justify this favor to the one as well as to the other, and the successful practice of the principal manufacturing nations of Europe establishes the prudence of the measure.
As a substitute for pecuniary bounties on particular articles beneficial to the landed interest to merit that expansive and inconvenient encouragement, the revenue may be calculated to assist them by diminishing the use of rival tho in some instances different commodities. Thus the Duties on ardent spirits may be rendered a virtual bounty on beer ale or porter & the impost on foreign spirituous liquors an encouragment to those made at home. By careful attention to regulations of this Nature it is believed very effectual aid may be given to our manufactures without any hazard of public inconvenience or injurious frauds. An examination of the Articles imported for consumption in the United States, and of the capacity of our manufacturers to make succedanea for them out of our own produce, and imported raw Materials will suggest many objects to which it is supposed this Idea may be advantageously applied.
A drawback of the amount of the duty on the raw Material on the ex⟨portation of manufactured⟩ Articles is a measure recommended ⟨by policy, and rendered in some degree necessary⟩ by the practice of nations, who will hold a competition with us in foreign Markets. The duty on Molasses, if the idea here suggested should meet the approbation of the legislature, might be allowed on the exportation of American rum—that on Muscovado sugars on the exportation of refined—that on Cocoa on the exportation of Chocolate—and in such other instances as shall admit of due security against deception & fraud, the danger of which is the only Objection that occurs to this mode of encouragement.
The Admission of the tools and implements of their trade and the household furniture of manufacturers, free from import duty is a regulation, which the legislature have already been pleased to make in their favor, in common with other emigrants. The continuance of this exemption appears to be perfectly safe and politic.
The promotion of friendly intercourse & fair trade with the indian Tribes will have a favorable effect upon some valuable branches of Manufacture, the raw materials ⟨for which are derived from the western Country. Towards these ends the wisdom⟩ of the Legislature and of the ⟨Chief Magistrate⟩ have been already successfully directed, but some objects of great consequence to the Indian trade & consequently to the Manufacturer dependent on it remain to be obtained. The pursuit of them however rests upon considerations of so much more Importance than any which arise on the present topic, that it is sufficient merely to present them to the attention of the house as connected with the subject of this report.
Facility of communication, and cheapness of transportation are matters of primary importance in the business of every country; but under the existing circumstances of the United States they call for the earliest & most efficient exertions of government. The good condition of the post roads especially where they happen to connect places of landing on the rivers & bays, and those which run into the western country will conduce exceedingly to the cheapness of transporting and the facility of obtaining raw materials, fuel & provisions. But the most useful assistance perhaps, which it is in the power of the legislature to give to manufactures and which at the same time will equally benefit the landed & commercial interests, is the improvement of inland navigation. Three of the easiest and most importan⟨t⟩ operations of this kind are the improvement of communication between New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island & Boston by cutting a passage thro the peninsula of cape Cod, the Union of Delaware and Chessapeak bays by a canal from the waters of the former to those of the latter, and the junction the Chessapeak bay & Albermarle sound by uniting the Elizabeth & the . The accomplishment of these and other objects of the same nature seems likely to afford greater & more various aids to our growing manufactures than any other measure that has occured to the Secretary in the investigation, which he has been directed to make.
A fur⟨ther measure⟩ of pro⟨moting⟩ the cheap transportation of raw materials & provisions presents itself in the abolition of the duty of Tonnage imposed on coasting vessels. This appears to be a burden on the produce of lands, as substantially as if it were imposed on working waggons, and seems hardly consistent with sound policy.
The principal production of the fisheries may not improperly be considered as articles of the nature of manufactures, & the remainder are of great Utility as raw materials or cheap & wholesome food. Whalebone cutters, the makers of whips, umbrellas, stays, millenary, fishing tackel & philosophical apparatus consume whalebone, Ivory turners use the Seahorses teeth, druggists, chemists instrument makers, hatters, tanners watchmakers, sadlers, & shoemakers work up the skins & furs of various Sea animals, Shipbuilders, riggers, soap & candle makers, and leather dressers consume the oils or spermaceti, and the workmen & manufacturers are enabled to observe a more beneficial œconomy by the use of the oils in lighting their shops & houses & of the fish in their sustenance. Aiding the fisheries therefore appears to be a very safe & efficient method of promoting manufactures: but as the means of encouraging that important branch of trade have been refered by the house to the Secretary of State it is unnecessary and improper to enlarge upon it here.
The establishment of impartial and judicious inspections by which frauds upon consumers at home & exporters to foreign countries might be prevented and proper standards might be ascertained, would have a favorable effect upon the quality & character of our manufactures. The reputation of flour in some ports, and of potash in others have been established by that method. The same good name may be derived to those articles by similar means in all the ports of the U. S. from whence they are usually shipt; and inspection may be advantageously extended to other commodities. The manufactory of Gunpowder, it is conceived, is now in a train to be perfected by placing it under this wholesome regulation, & it is not to be doubted that reflexion & time will suggest other objects.
The regulation of inland bills of exchange, so as to ensure due caution in drawing them and strict punctuality in paying them, must have a favorable effect on the purchases of raw Materials & sales of manufactured Articles in a country so extensive as the United States.
⟨The⟩ ability to place funds with celerity & ease in every part of the Country for the purchase of raw materials and provisions is a matter of great importance to the manufacturer. To aff⟨ord⟩ the accomodation of a general paper circulation of the nature of Bank Notes payable with absolute certainty in specie on demand is therefore very desirable. This benefit will immediately result from a national bank, & from such arrangements of Government with that ⟨Institution⟩ as soon as it shall be erected as may give ⟨uni⟩versal circulation to their cash notes.
The want of sufficient capital being deemed one of the principal difficulties in a national view, with which the manufactures of the United states have at this time to contend a steady pursuit of such measures as will give full and unfluctuating value to the public funds appears of the utmost importance to the increase and prosperity of American Manufactures. Having enlarged upon the beneficial circulation that ever grows out of a well funded national debt in the report upon public credit, which he had the honor to make in January last, the Secretary conceives it sufficient at this time to repeat his thorough convictions of what is therein stated on that point.

The ⟨Importation of⟩ raw materials and ingredients, and of colors, drugs & other articles necessary to com⟨plete⟩ manufactures, free of duty, is an encouragement ⟨of⟩ obvious propriety, generally consider⟨ed⟩ but when it is remembered that the principal nations of Europe afford this aid to their manufactories, and that we are to meet them as competitors in our own & in foreign markets it appears to be almost indispensible. Proceeding, it is presumed, on these principles the legislature have been pleased to exempt from impost a number of articles of the nature above described thereby giving the sanction to the principle here contemplated. An extension of this exemption further than has yet taken place particularly to include cotton & hemp, the Secretary humbly conceives to be necessary to success in the business of manufactures.
The peculiar value to the U. S. of improved implements and machinery for manufacturing, and the inducements to export those we have already obtained or may hereafter procure, which the interest of our competitors obviously creat⟨es, seem to⟩ render a penalty for such exportations an eligible me⟨asure.⟩ It is manifestly proper to guard carefully against extending this f⟨urther⟩ than is absolutely necessary to preve⟨nt⟩ a deprivation of any particular ⟨im⟩plement or machine, lest in the formation of the law, the export trade of well Known articles, applicable in manufactures may be unfavorably affected.
Besides the measures for the encouragement of manufactures, which it appears eligible that the legislature should pursue there are some of considerable importance which fall more immediately within the sphere of the other branches of government, and on which for obvious reasons arising out of the nature of those measures, the Secretary refrains from enlarging.
Under the existing circumstances of this Country the foregoing Ideas, are respectfully submitted as the constituent parts of a general plan for the encouragement of national manufactures. The requisite aid to those particular branches, which are necessary for defence, or which may be deemed essential to the Government & citizens of the United States are yet to be considered.

The manufactory of Gunpowder has been rapidly advanced, & principally by individual exertion within the few last years. Tho it may be considered as established yet its importance & utility renders its extension thro the Union very desirable. Sulphur, which is a very considerable ingredient in its composition, has been made liable to the non-enumerated duty of five ⅌ Cent. No quantity of that article has yet been produced from internal sources. The addition of Sulphur to the class of free goods appears therefore to merit consideration. It may be further observed that another principal use of this commodity is in finishing the bottoms of Ships, a manufactory that cannot be deemed secondary to that of gun powder, they being at once powerful instruments of defence, and the necessary vehicles of all the productions and all the supplies of the United States.
The annual importation of a certain quantity of Salt petre, rough or refined, has been made an indispensible Obligation on one of the most successful East India companies of Europe. This, it is understood, has been required with a view to assisting the manufactures of gun Powder. The trade to China being now well established, a moderate regulation of this nature, duly proportioned to the Tonnage of each vessel, might perhaps be conveniently enacted. The United States not having factories established in other parts of the East Indies the requisition could not be reasonably extended to Vessels from any other than the port of Canton.
Leaden Ball & Shot employ but few hands & require little skill to make them & therefore may be expected to succeed. To aid the exertions of the owners of lead mines the foreign commodity has been charged with a duty of one cent per pound, which may be safely extended, it is believed, to shot, ball and all the manufactures of this Article. These are liable at present to the lowest rate of duty, tho the foreign raw material is subjected to one of the highest, which operates to encourage the importation of the foreign manufactures.
The brass foundries, that are already introduced into the U. S., tho at present confined to common wares, may be considered as furnishing the future means of manufacturing ordinance of that metal. In the new impost law iron Castings and copper wares are rated at seven and one half per cent & those of brass are included in the non enumerated class which pay the lowest duty. If this raw material be continued among the free articles, and copper (the ingredient in brass) in pigs & bars should be added to that class, there appears to be perfect safety in placing manufactured brass in the list of wares subject to the duty of seven and one half ⅌ Cent. This metal being also used in the manufactory of some kinds of small arms & instruments in the Arts & Sciences, and other useful articles the influence of the duty, which cannot be deemed high, will be extensive.
Musquets and all the class of small fire arms, swords and other military weapons of that nature, and the connected articles of Surgical instruments and cutlery might be rated it is conceived without injury at seven and one half ⅌ Cent; Iron & Steel of which they are made, being among the most abundant productions of the United States.
The several Species of wood & timber ordinarily used in cabinet work & Ship building are free of duty in foreign Countries, when imported in their national Vessels. Cabinet Wares being in general use, and frequently exported, and the manufactory of ships being the most perfect in the United States it appears both safe & politic to give the workers in wood support, wch. other nations have universally extended to them. A further inducement to this regulation arises from its favorable tendency in regard to our Magazine of ship timber. The encreasing scarcity and the growing importance of that Article in European countries admonish the United States to commence & systematically to pursue measures for the preservation of their stock.
In the enumeration of the several kinds of paper wch. are subjected to a duty of 7½ ⅌ Cent, sheathing and cartridge paper are omitted, being the most simple manufactures of that nature, and necessary to military supply, as well as the national shipping the addition of these to the specification appears to be recommended by the considerations that apply to the other articles.
The duty on nails, and spikes, however various in size & value is laid upon their weight. The Effect of this is to reduce the impost on the smaller Kinds below  ⅌ Cent, while the larger pay a considerable ad valorem duty. Of the persons employed in this branch a great proportion are boys, whose early habits of industry are of importance to the community to the present relief of their families, & to their own future comfort. The raw material is a native production of almost every state—the necessary fuel is abundant in all. An addition therefore of  ⅌ Cent upon the Value of nails only does not appear unworthy of consideration.
Glue starch, hair powder, and wafers are left in the mass of non enumerated articles at five ⅌ Cent. No manufactures are more simple. The first, like paper, is an entire œconomy of materials, which if not manufactured, must be left to perish. The three last are made with the utmost ease from the most abundant productions of the Earth. They all appear suitable additions to the class of Articles rated at 12½ ⅌ Cent. In Europe they are generally objects of excluding duties, or expressly prohibited.
The progress, which has been made within a few years in the manufactory of Sail Cloth and other coarse linen articles, their importance in equipment of fleets and in the appointment of armies, the universal capacity of the states to produce the raw materials, both flax and hemp, and the precious effects of the linen branch upon individual industry & domestic œconomy recommend all the fabrics of that Kind in a peculiar degree to the protection of the legislature. To these considerations may be added the example of a more encouraging duty upon the principal manufactures of cotton, which are rated, & with sound policy it is conceived, at seven & a half ⅌ Cent. There appears to be no hazard of injury from placing a little above non-enumerated goods, two descriptions of merchandize, the cotton & the linen, capable of being manufactured by the great labor saving machines.
It is not possible to do complete justice to the subject of this report without bringing into the view of the house those great Instruments of manufacture in the European Nations, labor-saving Machines. The United States, by the bountiful distribution of mill seats over the face of their Territories & by their skill in Mechanism, are peculiarly qualified for their profitable modes of manufacture. A fitness, no less peculiar arises from the State & nature of their population. By the qualities of their soil & the activity of their Merchants they can command the raw materials to which these machines best apply, on the most advantageous Terms. The requisite Machinery is already obtained: but the enterprize has hitherto appeared too novel for individuals. The capital required is not inconsiderable and the risque of injury in the attempt consequently greater than a private person has yet ventured to encounter. Tis seldon adviseable for a government to interest itself in these undertakings & however promising the calculations, because they too often suffer in the execution of projects that would have been profitable to individuals. It is also true that a loan of capital to individuals, even upon indubitable security is a measure that should be very rarely adopted, and that such aid should never be extended to objects of confined Utility. Yet there may be cases of such obvious safety & from which such extensive national benefits will certainly result, as to justify a deviation from those rules, by which a wise government will circumscribe itself in all ordinary instances. Whether that now contemplated may be deemed of a nature, that will warrant the advancement of an adequate capital, is humbly submitted with the other suggestions in this report by
Alexander HamiltonSecy of the Treasy.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to the President and Directors of the Bank of the United States, [21 December 1791]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: President and Directors of the Bank of the United States

[Treasury Department, December 21, 1791. The description of this letter in the dealer’s catalogue reads: “On banking matters and suggesting that they give ‘such information as you can prudently impart to enable them [the Collectors of Impost and tonnage throughout the United States] to detect counterfeits which may be offered them.’” Letter not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Ann Pemberton, [December 1791]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Pemberton, Ann

[Philadelphia, December, 1791]
Coll Hamilton with his Respects to Mrs. Pemberton returns the Agreement for the House the same having been copied at the Treasury.
Wednesday afternoon


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Tench Coxe, [1791–1794]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Coxe, Tench

[Philadelphia, 1791–1794]
Dr. Sir
I am engaged at home to day. If any thing requires my attention at the Office will you send it to me.
Mr. Horsefield takes a family dinner with me at three OClock. Can you be of the party.
Yrs.
A Hamilton
Tuesday
T Coxe Esq


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Webb, [1791–1792]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Webb, William

[1791–1792. The description of this letter in the dealer’s catalogue reads: “In regard to ‘expenses incurred in consequences of the action against Jonathan Williams.’” Letter not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John Kean, [28 February 1792]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Kean, John

[Philadelphia, February 28, 1792. Letter listed in dealer’s catalogue. Letter not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Banks, 1 March 1792
From: Banks, William
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Philadelphia] March 1, 1792. Recommends various ways by which the collectors of customs could improve their record keeping and reports on exports.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to the President and Directors of the Bank of the United States, 19 March 1792
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: President and Directors of the Bank of the United States

Treasury Department, March 19, 1792.
Gentlemen:
It has been represented to me that a sum of money, unusually large, has and will become due to the United States, from the importers into the district of Philadelphia, in the course of the current month. On this occasion I think it proper to remind you that the collector of that district, in consequence of standing circular instructions to the custom-houses, will receive from the merchants, upon equal terms with cash, the post-notes of the Bank of the United States, if not issued for a longer term of payment than thirty days after date. You will judge how far it may be convenient to you to make operations payable in such notes, which might not be convenient if payable immediately in specie or in cash notes.
It has occurred that such an operation may have special reference to those who have the payments to make, and it is particularly desirable, at the present crisis, that every reasonable accomodation should be afforded.
I am, gentlemen, &c.,
A. Hamilton, Secretary
The President and Directors of the Bank of the United States.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Duer, 21 March 1792
From: Duer, William
To: Hamilton, Alexander

New york. March 21st 1792
My dear Friend
Your Letter of the 14th has been a Balm to my Soul, in the Midst of my affliction. The Advice you give, I had laid down as the previous Rule of my Conduct—and with Rigidity adhere it. Whatever may happen, you shall never blush to Call me your Friend. Of this no more!
This Letter will be presented to you by my Friend Mr. Vandenbenden, the Principal Support of the Flourishing Colony of Gallipolis—⟨–⟩ my dear Friend, at the Expense of my Fortune, unaided, and unprotected by the Government. Let me my dear Sir, Entreat all your Influence to call the attention of Government to this Valuable Settlement, which has introduced Arts, and the Cultivation of objects which will prove a Source of wealth to the western world; whilst it serves as a Medium to preserve under proper Encouragement, the Friendship of the Savage Tribes.
They are at present altogether Destitute of Protection; whilst Marietta an older Settlement—as well as that of Symmes, has Experienced Constantly the fostering Care of Government, as far as our military Force will admit of. I have assured this Gentleman, you had the Interest of that Settlement much at heart, and that as far as depended on you, you would use your Influence to Extend Protection to them.
God bless you & Yours!
W Duer.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Philip Livingston, [25 March 1792]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Livingston, Philip

[Philadelphia, March 25, 1792. On Tuesday, March 27, 1792, Livingston wrote to H: “Your letter of Sunday was brought to me yesterday morning.…” Letter not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Nicholas Low, 25 March 1792
From: Low, Nicholas
To: Hamilton, Alexander

New york 25 March 1792
Dear sir
The Moment I received Information of poor Duer’s Stopping payment I apply’d to walker to know the particular State of the Funds of the manufacturing Society—since this A Mercer & John Nielson from Brunswick having called upon me to consult we have had an informal Meeting of such of the Directors as were in Town & find the State of the Funds to be as follows—50 thousand Dollars paid to John Dewhurst in Bills drawn by Alexander Macomb and remitted by Dewhurst for the purpose of importing a Quantity of Cotton Cloths from England. I am not without my Fears (all I say to you is in Confidence and I shall therefore speak with the greater Freedom) that this Money will be misapply’d. I doubt the Integrity of the man & he was constituted the agent upon this Occasion in Defiance of what little Influence I had in the Committe & Interest against him. 5 Thousand Dollars have been paid to walker about three thousand of them expended the Residue subject to the warrants to be drawn upon him by Duer for the purposes of the Society—10 Thousand Dollars paid to Duer—who has given the most solemn assurances and which he repeated to me yesterday that he will at the next meeting of the Directors lay before them an account with proper vouchers of his Expenditures to Amount of about 5 thousand Dollars—and pay them the Balance in money. The Residue of the Stock of the Society is loaned to Alexander Macomb for one year at 7 ⅌ Cent upon his Bond with deferred Debt at 14/ in the pound to be transferred at the opening of the Office—as a collateral Security—we agreed that as it would be impossible in the present State of things to command the Attendance of the New york Directors at Brunswick—the Jersey Directors should meet there on the first Tuesday in April next adjourn to powles Hook come here arrange all that is to be done & go over to the Hook to complete the Business of the Meeting. during my visit to Duer yesterday in Jail, I suggested to him in very delicate Terms & applying to his own Feelings of the propriety of signing his appointment as Governor & Seat as a Director of the Society this he refuses in most positive Terms to do—telling me he had that morning been applyd by A Mercer on the same Subject. His Reasons for refusing are that he has the Institution much at Heart & sees clearly that local views will govern upon his Resignation—to you I say that in the present State of his affairs & person—his Continuance as either Governor or Director is in my Opinion not only extremely ridiculous—but dishonorable to him & disgracefull to the Society. If you see the propriety of his resigning you will advise him to the measure and I trust he will take your advice. If he refuses is it in the power of the Directors to supercede his appointment or suspend his Functions as Governor and ought to call a meeting of the Stockholders to chuse another Director. He has signed about one fourth can we appoint another person to sign the Residue of the Scrip. The Stockholders are extremely impatient to have them, give me or if you please to A Mercer, such Communications as you wish for the Information of the Directors—we all look up to you for your advise.
you will I am sure do every Thing in your power that can be warranted by the principles of Prudence & Discretion to contribute to the Support of publick & private Credit in this alarming State of it. it seems to me that the Bank of the united States with its Branch in this City might agree with the Bank of North America and of New york that upon this trying Occasion & for a limited period say for 6. 9 or 12 Months—their whole Specie Capital shall be as a Common Stock to be applyd to the aid & Support of each other—that by this mean Discounts might be extended very considerably without fear of a Run upon either—the Specie now in all the Vaults the aggregate Sum will remain none can be wanted to send to any other parts of the Union, nor for Remittances to Europe while Bills are so low and whatever Projects may have been formed by some Individuals among ourselves heretofore for draining the vaults no Man who shall be detected in them hereafter will be permitted to live in this City.
Besides Duer—John Bush & Royal Flint are gone to Jail—John pintard & George Knox absconded—Walter Livingston stopped payment. Brockholst told me last Evening that Duer has executed a Bond in Judgment to waiter for £160,000 which yesterday was entered upon the Dockets here & will be in other States where Duer has real Estate—that Duer had written to waiter yesterday forbidding the payment of all Notes given by him to waiter—upon which Monies were obtained at usurious Interest, he inform’d me further that waiter is desirous of submitting to one of two alternatives—either that he be left in the Management of his own affairs under the Direction of three to be appointed by his Creditors or to surrender all his Estate real & person and take a Discharge. I observed to him upon this that in either Event the usurious Lenders would all be precluded from payment, and that the general Opinion is (and indeed I know waiter has declared) that he is amply secured against all his Negociations for Duer—a singular Circumstance that waiters Friends—Brockholst—John & Edwd. are most industrious in propagating the Report of his Failure, and that all the Stock Dealers either Doubt the Truth or are not affected by the Event of it. It was brot. forward in the Stock Room yesterday by John & seems to be a matter of perfect Indifference to all whom I converse with. I suspect that most of his Indorsements for Duer are upon usurious Notes. When poor Duer stopped payment no arguments were necessary to convince the Town that he was really Bankrupt. It is hard upon the other Gentm. that with all the Eloquence of his honorable Friends, to aid him he cannot lead us to enterain the same Opinion of him. I Am in Hopes that we have seen nearly the End of Bankrupcies in Consequence of the Shock created by Duers Stoppage. Whippo whom I once thought gone is I now believe secure, he pays up handsomely. my Negociations of late have been pretty much limited & I have no payments due to me which I consider at Hazard unless it be macombs paper—& this I consider as secure & that he will pay punctually.
It will be adviseable that you send for a Mr. Griffiths—a young Man employ’d by Governor Duer & whom you will hear of at Mrs. Roberts’s in Chesnut Street and direct him to attend the Meeting of the Directors of the Manufacturing Society and to bring with him all the Books & papers &ca. This is a most unfortunate Time for Mr. Carachie’s propositions I fear he will not get forward with his Subscriptions—and If he gets Subscribers one half of them may be dead or Bankrupt before the Expiration of the Ten years.
Inclosed is Bill of Loading for the Two Cases of Glass ware sent by Mrs. Church to Mrs. Hamilton. she will please to send me the Invoice on their Arrival. in the Interim I have made a Deposit with the Collector for Duties upon their supposed value £20. Sterling.
I am Dear sir   yours very sincerely &ca &ca.
Nich Low


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John Kean, [28 March 1792]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Kean, John

[Philadelphia, March 28, 1792]
Dear Sir
I request that you will not draw out from the Bank of N America any further sum without a previous communication to me.
Yrs.
A Hamilton
March 28th. 92
Cashier of Bank of U States


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Tench Coxe, [15 March–April 1792]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Coxe, Tench

[Philadelphia, March-April 15, 1792]
Dr. Sir
Be so good as to inquire of General Irvine the character of Mr. O Hara as a man of business and Integrity and qualifications as for a Quarter Master. If any one else occurs to you I will thank you to mention him. I have thought much of the affair & of characters supposed to be attainable; I am at a loss to satisfy myself.
Yrs.
A Hamilton

Send Bowman.
I wish also for Mr. Meyer.
What was the state of Stock last night?


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to the President and Directors and Company of the Bank of Maryland, 10 April 1792
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: President and Directors and Company of the Bank of Maryland

Treasury Department, April 10, 1792.
Gentlemen:
I am induced, by circumstances which have come within my knowledge, to inform you that the operation suggested in my letter of the 29th ultimo continues to be desirable, in relation to those who have payments to make at the custom-house in the course of the current month. You will consider it as it concerns the convenience of the Bank of Maryland.
I am, gentlemen, &c.
A. H., Secretary.
The President, Directors and Company of the Bank of Maryland.


Title: Tobias Lear to Samuel Hanson, [21 April 1792]
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Hanson, Samuel

[Philadelphia April 21st: 1792]
Sir
I am directed by the President [of the U. S.] to acknowlege the receipt of your letter of the 10th of March and to give you the following answer.
The law appears to contemplate the surveyor where there is one at a Port, as the person who is ordinarily to perform the service of measuring Vessels, and it may be inferred that the exercise of the power given to the Collector to appoint persons for the purpose is intended to be auxiliary and occasional only.

Under this view of the matter and as the power of appointment is expressly vested in the Collector, there does not appear to be propriety in a special interposition to produce the arrangement you desire, contrary to his judgment of what the public service requires.
[With esteem & consideration   I have the honor to be Sir   Yr Most Obed ser
Tobias Lear. S. P. U. S.
Samuel Hanson of Samls Esqr]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [5 May 1792]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

[Philadelphia, May 5, 1792. The calendar description of this letter reads: “Enclosing Application of Thomas Mendenhall for position of Assay Master of the Mint.” Letter not found.]


Title: Treasury Department Circular, [9 May 1792]
From: Treasury Department
To:

[Philadelphia, May 9, 1792. The description of this circular reads: “Concerning the President’s (George Washington’s) appointment of Tench Coxe to the office of Commissioner of Revenue.” Circular not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Sylvanus Bourne, 10 May 1792
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Bourne, Sylvanus

Philadelphia May 10. 1792
Sir
You will have heared of the issue of a certain appointment, which was desired by you.
An alteration which has been made in the Treasury Department will lead to the appointment of an additional number of Clerks. If nothing better offers itself to you & an appointment of this Nature can be a temporary accommodation, it is at your service.

   A corresponding Clerk. The present emolument can only be 500 Ds. A speedy answer is requested.

 I beg you to be always assured of the friendly dispositions of
D Sir   Y Obed ser
A Hamilton


Title: Receipt to Rufus Putnam, 21 May 1792
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Putnam, Rufus

Philadelphia May 21. 1792
Received by the hands of General R. Putnam a deed executed by Rufus Putnam M Cutler, Robert Oliver & G Greene purporting to be a conveyance to me of five shares of the land of the Ohio Company of Associates & bearing date the 14th of May 1792.
Alexander Hamilton


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Duer, 30 May 1792
From: Duer, William
To: Hamilton, Alexander

New york May 30th. 1792.
My dear Friend.
Amidst the Embarassments in which I am involved there is one which perplexes me not a little: not only on my own account, but as to its Consequences respecting others.
The matter I allude to you, is an Agreement, made with the Ohio Company—by Mr. Cragie, Flint, and myself in behalf of the Scioto Proprietors, for the Purchase of a Tract of Land, to accommodate the present Settlers at Gallipolis—the Particulars of which Mr. Cragie will acquaint you with. I had Every Reason to suppose that these Lands would not have been included, in the Tract designated by the Act of Congress for the Ohio Company—and if Genl: Putnam and mr. Cutler, had acted with Candor, I presume they would not have been. The Fact however is, that all the Town of Gallipolis, and 16 Lands more Immediately adjoining it are Included—in Consequence of which the Settlers, are left to the Tender Mercies of the Directors who will Covet their Lands, and Improvements. This Apprehension is so strong in their Minds, that it threatens to break up the most Valuable Colony, in all the Western Country—and not only that but to involve Mr. Cragie Flint, & myself in a Contest of a very Disagreeable Nature with the Ohio-Association. I find by the Act relative to the Ohio Purchase, that the Tract, actually defined, does not Include, the whole of the Land, which the Directors Engaged to Convey to us, for the Scioto-Association. If therefore the Supplementary Grant of Lands can be so shaped, as not to include the Residue of the Land which they agreed to give us Title for, we shall stand on a Footing to settle with them on Grounds favorable to the Settlers, as well as ourselves. May I request your friendly Aid, in preventing any further Steps being taken, which will defeat so just an End. This can only be done by a Representation to the President—if you thing any thing which I under my present Circumstances can say, will have any Effect to defeat the Artful Designs of the Ohio Directors, let me know—and I will write such a Letter, as you may judge adviseable.
I received from Baron Steuben, a Letter you wrote to me at Newark: & a Communication of your Letter to him. I will answer this Letter, in a few days, and am in the Mean while,
Your very Affectionate & Obliged Friend.
W Duer
A: Hamilton Esqr.
New york May 30th. 1792
PS At the Time we agreed with Putnam & Cutler, for the Lands alluded to, it was never Understood that we were personally responsible (but clearly, and Explicitly the Reverse)—nor do I think they can make us so. However it has been insinuated to me, that some of the other Directors, mean to Attempt it.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Robert Troup, [7 June 1792]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Troup, Robert

[Philadelphia, June 7, 1792. “An application is made to me by a Mr. Sarragon of South Carolina for some copies of vouchers of a claim against James Neilson which he says were sent to me in September 1789; but of which I have no present recollection. If they were sent they are with you.” Letter not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John Hancock, [10 June 1792]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Hancock, John

[Philadelphia June 10, 1792. “The period of the session did not permit the subject being brought before Congress, with advantage, previous to their rising. Your excellency however may rely that it shall receive the attention which is due to so benevolent a purpose and to the auspices under which it presents itself.” Letter not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John Langdon, 18 June 1792
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Langdon, John

Philadelphia, June 18th, 1792
Dear Sir:
In turning over my private letters a day or two since, I found that from Mr. Church, which relates to your demand upon him. The ground on which he places his refusal to pay is that he was not an owner at the time. As your letter to me of the 5th of March contains no explanation on this point, nothing tending to shew that the above supposition is an error, Mr. Church’s answer to it must of course be the same as to the former.
I am therefore to request that you will state such particulars of the transaction to me as will serve to shew either that Mr. Church was an owner at the time the expense in question was incurred, or that he was under some collateral or incidental engagement, which made him responsible to you. If you remove the doubt on this point, either by a letter to me, or to Mr. Church I presume you will remove all obstacle to the admission of your claim. With respectful & very cordial regard, I have the honor to remain Sir
Your Obed. Serv.
A Hamilton
The Honorable J. Langdon, Esq.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Robert Purviance, [19 June 1792]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Purviance, Robert

[Treasury Department, June 19, 1792. The dealer’s description of this letter reads: “Concerning a fraudulent practice.” Letter not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Edward Wigglesworth, [28 June 1792]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Wigglesworth, Edward

[Philadelphia, June 28, 1792. Letter listed in dealer’s catalogue. Letter not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Henry Marchant, 29 June 1792
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Marchant, Henry

Treasury DepartmentJune 29th 1792
Sir
The Bank of the United States have agreed to undertake the payment of the salaries of the public Officers, and the details of an arrangement for that purpose will be adjusted prior to the expiration of the next quarter.
On the point of the quantum of compensation to the District Judge of Rhode Island, I could not with propriety say any thing, as it is a matter entirely foreign to my department. As an individual, I must always wish liberal allowances to the Judiciary, as of great importance to their independence, and consequently to the well administering of Justice.
With respectful consideration,   I have the honor to be,   Sir, Your Obed Servant
Alexander Hamilton
Henry Marchant Esq.Judge of the District Court,Rhode Island.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Robert Troup, [30 June 1792]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Troup, Robert

[Philadelphia, June 30, 1792. “I think, I sometime since, requested you to settle my account with Judge Hobart. In turning over my papers, I find the enclosed—which I send you, in order that you may have the goodness if anything remains due, to discharge it.” Letter not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to James Lingan, [3 July 1792]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Lingan, James

[Treasury Department, July 3, 1792. The description of this letter in the dealer’s catalogue reads: “Acknowledges receipt of a draft in the amount of $1500.00.” Letter not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Tallmadge, 20 July 1792
From: Tallmadge, Benjamin
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Col. Hamilton
Litchfield [Connecticut] July 20th 1792
Sir,
The Design of this Letter is to communicate to you the Information which I have collected respecting a Gang of Counterfeiters, the Effects of whose Villainy have long been known, but whose Connexions & more particular Operations have never been thoroughly developed.
We have in Custody, at this place, a Man by the name of Jackson, who has long been known to be a notorious horse-thief, as well as a Purchaser & Seller of public Securities. This Man within a few days, partly from a Compunction for his former Demerits, but principally to avoid punishment, has discovered a wish to disclose the Scene of Villainy. He declares that the Seat or Head Quarters where this business is principally effected is in a Den or Cavern of a rock in the State of N. York, near the North river (the particular location of which can at any time be more minutely pointed out) to which place Adonijah Crane the principal penman, Francis Crane Brother to Adonijah commonly called Wright—Ephraim Willard & a very important Character from the Southward, who is said to be a very rich man & a Gentleman but has never had any name among them with many others of smaller Note, frequently resort. He describes the Cavern to be a large room perfectly enclosed & tight, with only one Entrance, which is by a Trap door from the Top. This Door is supported by large hinges, & covered with Turf, Green Ivys &c, & has been in the same Situation ever since the peace, & has never yet been discovered. In this place are kept the Implements for extracting the Ink & counterfieting public Securities; also a plate with which they strike off bank bills &c. I have shewn to him a Bank bill of the U. States which he says they make in the greatest perfection. They have collected a considerable Quantity of thin paper exactly similar to that used by the Bank, on which they are impressing the Bank Stamp of the U. States, as well as that of the State of N. York, & he declares to me that he knows of immense Sums having been sent out & put off lately in different parts of the Continent. He says (what would be very natural to suppose) that they have Agents in different parts of the Continent who are continually purchasing up final Settlement Notes & other public Securities of small nominal amot. which they make into larger Sums, & these together with their other Counterfeit paper, are sent abroad & sold to the people. He further informs that the last time he was at this Pandœmoneum, they were preparing a Machine to counterfeit Gold Coin. He mentions that he saw at that place, John Sturla, the Man who counterfieted the Checks upon the Banks at N. York, who with some others were waiting for a Vessel to be got ready, on board which they were to sail to the West Indies or some foreign port. The Gang are considerably numerous, tho’ seldom all there at a time, but are armed with Guns & pistols & very desperate.
From this general Statement of the business, together with a variety of other Information, a number of Gentlemen in this Quarter have determined to make an Attempt to detect & break up this Gang. Particular reasons require that it should be done without loss of time. I propose accompanying them by all means, unless the State of Mrs. Tallmadge’s health (which at present is very critical) totally prevents. At any rate my whole aid & Assistance shall be afforded to further the Expedition. If any thing important should be effected, you may expect to hear further from me on the Subject. At present I tho’t it my Duty to lay this information before you, that you may pursue such measures as your prudence may dictate.
I need not request you to consider this as a Confidential Communication for the present. Perhaps it may be proper to lay this Information before the President & Directors of the Bank of the United States.
I have the Honor to be,   with the most perfect Regard,   Sir, your most Obedt Servt.
Benj Tallmadge


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to the President and Directors of the Bank of Maryland, 25 July 1792
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: President and Directors of the Bank of Maryland

Treasury Department, July 25, 1792.
Gentlemen:
I think it proper to inform you that I have directed the collector of Baltimore to divide his deposits, hereafter, between the Bank of Maryland and the Office of Discount and Deposit of the United States Bank, until the 1st of October, ensuing; and thenceforth to deposit the public moneys wholly with the said office or branch bank.
I am, gentlemen, &c.
A. H., Secretary
The President and Directors of the Bank of Maryland.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 11 August 1792
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

Philadelphia Aug 11. 1792
Sir
I have already written to you to go by the Post. This is barely to inform you, that I have made the communication you desired to Mr. Kean, who promises every possible exertion—and that Mr. Langdon has been here about a fortnight.
With perfect respect & attachment I have the honor to be   Sir   Your obedient servant
A Hamilton
P.S I have made progress in certain answers; but shall scarcely be ready to send them before Monday’s Post.

The President of The UStates.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Constable, [19 August 1792]
From: Constable, William
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[London, August 19, 1792]
Conversation between My Ld Hawkesbury & Mr. B—— a Mercht. August 19th 1792

Mr. B.
I wait upon your Ldship with the Copy of a letter from the American Secretary of State respecting the Flag of that Nation, stating that all Vessells actually owned by Citizens of the States, whether registered or not, are to be Considered as equally entitled to the Protection of their Neutrality.

Ld H
Mr. Jefferson is a Party Man & We know it.

Mr B.
Considerable apprehensions are entertained in the City of a War with America, permit me My Lord to ask if these fears have any foundation.

Ld H
Not the smallest be assured of it, as long as Washington is at the head of the Executive & the Fœderal Party prevail there will be no War with this Country as Peace is the Interest & Wish of both Govmnts.

In the Course of Conversation his Lordship mentioned that a Person of Consequence wou’d shortly go out to America. Be so good as to burn this after reading, especially as a Gentns. Name is mentioned for whose Patriotism I have a sincere respect and of whom I am convinced Ld. Hwkby entertains a very erroneous Opinion. As his Ldship is a very influential Member of the Council I thought it worthwhile to lett you know his ideas of the Parties in our Country & their Sentiments. It is unnecessary for me to sign this.


Title: Honorary Degree from Rhode Island College, 4 September 1792
From: Rhode Island College
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Providence, September 4, 1792. “Voted, That the Degree of Doctor of Laws be conferred on … the Hon. Alexander Hamilton, Secretary of the Treasury of the United States.”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to James Lingan, 6 September 1792
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Lingan, James

Treasury DepartmentSeptember 6. 1792.
Sir
It has been stated to me by Messrs Oliver and Thomson that the Ship Eliza, N Stone Master, entered at Alexandria in November last, and proceeded up the River in Ballast to load at George Town, where the said Master had been obliged to pay Tonnage a second time.

If the case is accurately stated, and the Master had paid Tonnage at Alexandria, as may be inferred from the entry said to have been made there, your charge was erroneously made, and the Tonnage Duty paid to you must in that case be refunded.
I am, Sir,   Your Obed. Servant.
Alexander Hamilton
James M Lingan Esqr.George Town.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Tobias Lear, 11 September 1792
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Lear, Tobias

Treasury Department, September 11, 1792. Encloses a letter “left at the office by Mr. Fraunces the Steward … of the President of the United States.”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John Campbell, [18 September 1792]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Campbell, John

[Philadelphia, September 18, 1792. Letter listed in dealer’s catalogue. Letter not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Nicholas Low, [18 September 1792]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Low, Nicholas

[Philadelphia, September 18, 1792. The description of this letter in the dealer’s catalogue reads: “Complains humorously ‘of the badness of my memory’ and promises that “I shall (Deo volente) meet you & other friends at New Ark on the first Monday of October. I am glad to learn that King will be there.…’” Letter not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to ———, [22 September 1792]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To:

[Philadelphia, September 22, 1792. Letter listed in dealer’s catalogue. Letter not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James Lovell, October 1792
From: Lovell, James
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Boston Octr. 1792
Sir
Agreably to the directions of your circular letter of August 31st. covering an order of the Senate passed on the 7th. of may last, I now transmit the demanded account. I cannot, however, refrain from expressing an Hope that my statements may not prove injurious to such Officers as have had usual & necessary Assistance of Clerks, without being driven to devote their own Nights as well as days to their Offices. Adversity has formed but few such callous Drudges as myself in a similar Line of Life.
I am sir   with Consideration   your obedient

James LovellNaval off
To the Secretary of the Treasury of the United States


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Knox, 3 November 1792
From: Knox, Henry
To: Hamilton, Alexander

War department,3d. November 1792
Sir
I have considered maturely of the magazines of provisions, the meat part whereof to be salted, which the service may require to be kept in advance for the garrisons and divisions of the troops north west of the Ohio. I have the honor to transmit you the result, which has been approved by the President of the United States, and the general subject of which has been transmitted to Major General Wayne.
To wit.

Fort Jefferson.
}
The garrisons may be
}
Rations
—— St. Clair.
from 120 each, to 150, but ye.
450 for 90 days. 40,500
—— Hamilton
latter number is taken

Additional quantities.

Fort Jefferson

50,000

—— St. Clair

50,000
100,000
Posts.
Probable garrisons
No of days Subse.

Fort Knox
120
130

21,600.

Fort Steuben
60
90

5,400.

Galliopolis
40
90

3,600.

Blockhouse dry Ridge
12
90

1,080.

Marietta
70
90

6,300.

Fort Franklin
120
180
21,600

Additional

10,000
31,600

Big Beaver
40
90

3,600

General Wayne’s encampment

50,000
122.680

Total
262.680

The garrisons generally ought to be furnished with three months rations in advance. This has been a fixed principle, and is a proper precaution to be taken against the evils of a blockade or siege.
But it seems necessary to place a further quantity in the advance posts at Forts Jefferson and St. Clair. This quantity will probably be required to serve to replenish any desultory parties which may be ordered out during the winter, or early in the spring, or to serve for contingencies which cannot now be specified.
Fort Knox being very distant, and supplies precarious, it is thought proper the garrison should have six months provisions in the Magazine—and it being difficult to communicate with Fort Franklin in winter—and moreover, it being a place to which the friendly Indians must resort, it ought to have for its own garrison six months provisions, and Ten thousand rations for the extra purposes of the Indians.
As Fort Washington will be the main post at the lower parts of the Ohio, and from which detachments and succours will be made to the advanced posts, and also the point from which desultory expeditions will be furnished, it ought to be supplied with One hundred thousand rations in advance.
The position which General Wayne will occupy north of the Ohio, being liable at times to have its communication interrupted, it ought to have the Fifty thousand rations mentioned.
I have the honor to be   Sir   Your obedient servant
H Knox
The hon. the secretary of the Treasury


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Theodosius Fowler, [9 November 1792]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Fowler, Theodosius

[Philadelphia, November 9, 1792. On November 13, 1792, Fowler wrote to Hamilton and referred to “the receipt of your favour of the 9th. instant.” Letter not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Knox, [14 November 1792]
From: Knox, Henry
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Philadelphia, November 14, 1792. On November 14, 1792, Hamilton wrote to Knox and referred to “your letter of this day.” Letter not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to the President and Directors of the Bank of the United States, 8 December 1792
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: President and Directors of the Bank of the United States

Treasury Department, December 8, 1792.
Gentlemen:
I understand there is at present an unusual press for money, proceeding from certain mercantile speculations.
As an accomodation in regard to notes in which the Government is interested may, in this state of things, be of peculiar convenience to the persons concerned, I shall have no objection if the bank will renew such notes for thirty days in all cases where it can be done with perfect safety to the public.
I have the honor, &c.
A. H.
The President and Directors of the Bank of the United States.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to James O’Hara, 18 December 1792
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: O’Hara, James

Treasury Departmt. Dec. 18. 92
Sir
It is indispensable that your Account as Quarter Master General should be render’d to the Treasury, up to the end of the present year as soon as possible—and thenceforth regularly after the expiration of every Quarter.
It is expected that this Arrangement will be strictly observ’d, it being essentially requisite that any future advances must of necessity be regulated by the issue.
I am Sir, with consideration   Your Obt. Servant
Alex Hamilton


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Winthrop Sargent, 31 December 1792
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Sargent, Winthrop

Treasury DepartmentDecember 31. 1792
Sir
I duly received your letter of the 24th of October. An extreme press of business has prevented me, hitherto, from making a Report on your petition; but you may rely upon the promise which I now make you, that one will be very shortly made.
I am, Sir, with consideration, Your Obedt Servant
A Hamilton
Winthrop Sargent Esq.Cincinnati,North West of the Ohio


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Willing, [8 January 1793]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Willing, Thomas

[Philadelphia, January 8, 1793. Letter listed in dealer’s catalogue. Letter not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to the President and Directors of the Bank of the United States, [10 January] 1793
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: President and Directors of the Bank of the United States

[Philadelphia, January 10, 1793. Letter listed in dealer’s catalogue. Letter not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Theodosius Fowler, 2 February 1793
From: Fowler, Theodosius
To: Hamilton, Alexander

New York Feby 2. 1793
respected Sir
I have observed lately in the public prints another Report of a Committee of Congress on the failure of the Expedition under the Comd of Genl St Clair.
I take the liberty of writing to you in Confidence and beg you to favor me with the particular situation of the Contract that Mr William Duer acted under, whether he has fulfilled on his part and if he has produced Vouchers and other documents sufficient to cover the advances made him by the Public. Do pray write me on this Subject and let me know how the Matter stands for I am distressd beyond description about this afair—tho I am an inocent person in the whole of this Transaction, which no doubt you are perfectly senciable of. My dr Sir permit me to say I must look up to you as my friend and protector in this Business for if I am made an inocent Victim of it [it] will be a most cruel fate to me and my family for ever.
I hope my particular situation in this Business will be a sufficient apology for my taking the liberty of writing to you on this Subject.
Believe me to be with perfect respect & Esteem your most obt & very Humble Sert.
T. Fowler


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Hull, [28 February 1793]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Hull, William

[Philadelphia, February 28, 1793. “… The issue is contrary to expectation and is matter of regret. The best, however, must be made of circumstances. The object of your mission being at an end, I am to request that … you will return to this place.” Letter not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to the President and Directors of the Office of Discount and Deposit, Baltimore, 2 March 1793
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: President and Directors of the Office of Discount and Deposit

Treasury Department, March 2, 1793.
Gentlemen:
I find that my letter of the 23d ultimo, (which was written in haste,) proposing an arrangement for the accomodation of merchants who are indebted to the custom-house, does not correctly express the idea which was contemplated.
I therefore request that the following mode may be pursued: The directors are to judge of the safety of the notes which may be presented for discount for the respective sums due to the custom-house, and to take the risk of non-payment upon themselves. When the notes are accepted, the proceeds are subject to checks in favor of the collector only, which checks the bank receives for the collector as cash.
If the arrangement should be found necessary, it will be proper that this explanation be communicated to the collector.
I have the honor, &c.
A. H.
The President and Directors of the Office of Discount and Deposit, Baltimore.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, [30 March 1793]
From: Pinckney, Charles Cotesworth
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Charleston, South Carolina, March 30, 1793. Letter listed in dealer’s catalogue. Letter not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John Kean, 4 April 1793
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Kean, John

Treasury DepartmentApril 4 1793
Sir
If you have any Treasurer’s Drafts on the Bank of Providence I request they may not be disposed of till you hear further from me and shall be glad to know their amount. With consideration & esteem
I am Sir   Your obedient servant
A Hamilton
John Kean EsquireCashier of the Bank of the U States