Title: From Alexander Hamilton to the President and Directors of the Bank of the United States, 1 April 1793
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: President and Directors of the Bank of the United States

Treasury DepartmentApril 1. 1793.
Gentlemen

The Government has a considerable payment to make at Amsterdam in June next. The provision for the purpose hitherto made falls short of the object; and it is desirable for perfect safety not to delay the remitting of funds from hence beyond the Packet of the present month—though I have great reason to believe that a loan at Amsterdam will have furnished the requisite means independent of remittances from the United States.
In this situation, I am unwilling to place out of the power of the Treasury for current exigencies a greater sum than has been already applied to the purpose, and yet I wish to avoid every species of embarrassment to our Commissioners in the event of a loan not having been made.
I have thought that an arrangement of the following kind—while it would answer my purpose, might not be inconvenient to the Bank—viz
That the Bank should furnish me with bills upon their Correspondents, in London, at Par, for 100.000 Dollars. These Bills to be remitted to the Commissioners of the United States at Amsterdam with instruction to cancel and return them in case they should be otherwise possessed of adequate funds, and to give immediate notice to your Agents in London that this has been done. The Credit to the United States for the amount to be suspended, until I receive advice concerning the expected loan. If one has been negotiated so as to render it certain that the bills will not be wanted, the Bank, upon notice of this, to cause the Credit which had been suspended to be given; upon a stipulation from this Department that the bills shall not be made use of, but shall be returned cancelled and surrendered to the Bank.
If in the mean time the current market price of Bills should rise to par, so as to afford an opportunity to the Bank of selling at that rate—it shall then be in the option of the Bank to consider the bills as absolutely sold to the Treasury at Par; giving notice to me of their having made this election.
If desired by the Directors, I shall be willing to agree that if the bills shall be made use of, the Credit to be given to the Bank for them shall correspond with the amount of guilders which they shall produce at Amsterdam at the rate of 36 ⁴⁄₁₁ Ninetieths of a Dollar per Guilder.
I shall think it reasonable also to fix a period (say sixty days) within which the information that the bills are to be returned shall be given or the purchase on account of the Government become absolute.
I have the honor to be   Gentlemen, with respectful consideration, Your Obedt Servt.

Alexander Hamilton
The President and Directorsof the Bank of the United States.


Title: Conversation with George Hammond, [2 April–17 May 1793]
From: Hammond, George,Hamilton, Alexander
To:

[Philadelphia, April 2–May 17, 1793]

Since my last I have had several communications with Mr. Hamilton on the present critical state of affairs, from which I infer that he continues stedfast in his adherence to the opinions I have uniformly ascribed to him. In one of our most recent conversations I entered pretty largely into the exposition of those principles which your Lordship has been pleased to state to me in your last dispatch, as those that will actuate the conduct of his Majesty’s government in regard to the commerce carried on by neutral vessels. In the justice of these principles Mr. Hamilton perfectly coincided, and assured me that he would be responsible for the concurrence of all the members of this administration in the admission of their propriety to the fullest extent.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, [2 April 1793]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Olney, Jeremiah

[Philadelphia, April 2, 1793. On April 2, 1793, Hamilton wrote to Olney: “You will receive by this opportunity an official Letter.” Letter not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Edmund Randolph, 3 April 1793
From: Randolph, Edmund
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Philadelphia April 3. 1793.
Dear Sir

I am extremely thankful to you for your readiness to accommodate me on the subject of the bills; but find, that the negotiation of the gentleman, to whom you alluded, was not for me. I must therefore make an arrangement for myself.
The sum, which I want to sell, is much less than £2600 stg. It is only 1300 £; as I prefer waiting for a rise. For the money to be raised on this latter sum I Am bound for tomorrow. This caused me to apply to that gentleman for bills to that amount; but he replied, that he is assured, the exchange will rise before the 18th. of this month, and holds it to be his duty in consequence of the trust, reposed in him to hold up until that time. Now, my dear sir; as you do not mean to send the bill off immediately, I will give you my own bill, indorsed by an able merchant here, (which would be paid if necessary) but to lie with you ’till the 18th. to be then redeemed by Mr. Ross’s. Did I not suppose, that this would answer your object, I would not propose it; nor indeed would I ask the favour, but for the painful and unexpected dilemma into which I am thrown; and a belief, that I have not overated the degree of friendship, which I have experienced from you.
I am dear sir   Yr. friend & serv.

Edm: Randolph
Colo. Hamilton


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Jonathan Burrall, 4 April 1793
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Burrall, Jonathan

Treasury Department April 4th 1793
Sir

I have to acknowlege the receipt of the Bills on London for £6740 sterling, transmitted in your letter of the 1st instant.
The account has also been received and sent to the Auditor for settlement.
I am with consideration   Sir   Your obedt Servt

Alex Hamilton
Jonathan Burrall EsqrCashier of the office of Discount & DepositNew York


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Jefferson, [4 April 1793]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Jefferson, Thomas

[Philadelphia, April 4, 1793]

The Secretary of the Treasury presents his respects to the Secretary of State, and proposes, if convenient to him, a Meeting of the Commissioners of the Sinking Fund, on Saturday. The Secretary of State will please to name the hour and place.
Thursday April 4th.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, 4 April 1793
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Olney, Jeremiah

Treasury Department, April 4, 1793. “Your letter of the 28th of February has been … received. The forms of oaths you allude to were transmitted from the Comptroller’s Office… on the 23rd Ultimo. A Circular letter from this, of the 29th of the same month … contains an answer to your other enquiry.”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Wilhem and Jan Willink, Nicholaas and Jacob Van Staphorst, and Nicholas Hubbard, 4 April 1793
From: Willink, Wilhem,Willink, Jan,Van Staphorst, Nicholaas,Van Staphorst, Jacob,Hubbard, Nicholas
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Amsterdam 4 April 1793
Sir

We had the honor to address you the 25 Jany. and 25 February, since when we have [not] received any of your respected favors.
Mr. Short in answer to the Letter we wrote him the 24 January to Madrid, of which we forwarded you copy, has authorised us to open a Loan of Two Million of guilders for the United States at Five per cent Interest, to face the Reimbursment and Interest due the 1 June next to the amount of f 1.470.000.
The successes of the Allies, rendering certain the Evacuation of this country and Brabant by the French Troops, confidence has begun to recover; and will probably gain ground further, so as to enable us to negotiate the Loan at Five p ct. Interest, but we cannot flatter ourselves to obtain it at a Lower rate. Should there however be a possibility to succeed at 4½ p ct, our Exertions shall not be wanting to accomplish that desirable end, and we shall not fail to give you immediate advice by different channels of the business being concluded.
Mr Short having directed us some months ago; not only to with hold pressing the undertakers to receive their Bonds for the last loan of the united States at the periods fixed, but even to inform them, they would not be called upon to fulfill their Engagements punctually, one of them has 50 Bonds yet remaining in our hands, and his circumstances being reduced, we cannot foresee, He will soon have in his power to call for them, those Bonds selling for 90 p ct. we will take the necessary measures, to effect a settlement with him, upon the best footing we can stipulate for the United States.
The low price of all kinds of Public effects is no doubt chiefly owing to political causes, but is in some measure occasioned, by the many heavy failures that have lately happened both here, and in England which create a temporary extraordinary Demand for money in the commercial Line; We thank God are exempt from any loss. With the Houses that have been obliged to suspend their payments, and if we should suffer in an indirect manner, It can only be for Triffles.
Such a juncture you Sir, will naturally conceive, to be extremely unfavorable, to the execution of your plan, to engage Houses by a Premium to hold themselves ready to make large advances for the United States, and we are certain, none would assume the Engagement now: we will revolve the proposal well in our minds, and inform you and Mr. Short the Result, after the return of calm and confidence in the commercial World. In the mean while you may rely, that we are penetrated with every disposition to accede to your wishes, as far as is consistent with the Prudence we owe to our Families, and to our own tranquility, which are Blessings paramount with us to every consideration of gain.
We transmit you inclosed the account current of the United States with us, up to the 30 Ulto. the Balance whereon due by us Holld. cy. f486.506.18.8 we carry to their credit in a new account. Please have it examined, and on its proving right, pass same in conformity.
We are respectfully   Your most Obedient and   very   Hhble Servants.   Sir

Wilhem & Jan Willink
N. & J. Van Staphorst & Hubbard
Alexr. Hamilton Esqr.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John Brown, 5 April 1793
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Brown, John

Treasury DepartmentApril 5. 1793
Sir

Your letter of the 28th. of March came to hand yesterday.
I regret much every embarassment which is experienced by the Mercantile Body—whether arising from the public operations, from accidental and unavoidable causes, or from a spirit of enterprise beyond the Capital which is to support it. That valuable class of Citizens forms too important an organ of the general weal not to claim every practicable and reasonable exemption and indulgence.
I do not perceive however that I can at the present moment contribute to this end otherwise than by encouraging the Bank to continue its aids as liberally as shall be consistent with its safety under an assurance that I shall for some time to come forbear drafts upon them as much as shall be practicable. The deposits of the Government will during this period be proportionably considerable.
In making this declaration, I confide in the prudence of the Directors not to overstrain the faculties of the Bank by which the Institution and the public Interest might both suffer.
With consideration & esteem   I am Sir   Your Obedient serv

A Hamilton
John Brown EsqrPresident of the B of Providence


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to James Duane, 5 April 1793
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Duane, James

Treasury Department April 5 1793
Sir.

I return herewith the statement sent me in the case of Lemuel Toby and the Ship Lydia, in order that a further enquiry & statement may be had.
I am not at present satisfied of the innocence of the transaction, as it respects all the parties, who may be concerned, and as it is a shape in which fraud may present itself with great success, I am solicitous for a pretty strict scrutiny.
A Hogshead such as those we use with us is an Article so very distinguishable from a pipe, so different in the handling & stowage, that it is scarcely supposeable that the Captain could have been ignorant that the h’hds in question were on board & that they were not pipes.
It is still less supposeable that the Shippers of them could have considered them as pipes which it is presumable, (from their having been called so in the manifest) was the denomination given them.

The following particulars for different reasons appear to me desirable to be known
1 The Owner or Owners of the Ship
2 The Owner, Shipper & Consignees of the Geneva in question.
3 The denomination in the bills of lading & invoices of the Vessells containing it whether h’hds or pipes
4 The position of the H’hds in the Ship in relation to the use of the Cargo, as whether low down—midway—or at the top
5th   The behaviour of the Ship upon her arrival on the Coast or within the Hook, whether she loitered or came immediately up—whether at the time of her arrival the Cutter was on the Coast or near the hook & had communication with her or not.
If the Ship was within reach, I should request an inspection of the Account of her Cargo while taking in, and of her log book, to ascertain the denomination there given to the H’hds.
I observe, it is stated, there were no certificates with the H’hds. If this has only been inferred negatively, a revision of the fact, with a more critical eye may be found useful.
It will readily occur that if they had been in possesion of the master, or any other person they may have been suppressed—and if any fraud was intended, the Oath of a party liable to suspicion would not be conclusive respecting such a point.
It would be reasonable in such a case to ask of the Consignee a production of his Correspondence.
It is with reluctance, I at any time give the trouble of a revision or restatement, but the present Case is in my opinion of a nature to require particular vigilance & circumspection. I doubt not the aditional attention requisite will be chearfully bestowed.
With respectful Consideration   I have the honor to be Sir   Yr Obdt Servt

A Hamilton
The HonbleJames Duane EsqNew York


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Uriah Forrest, [5 April 1793]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Forrest, Uriah

[Philadelphia, April 5, 1973. On the back of Forrest’s letter to Hamilton on November 7, 1792, Hamilton wrote: “Answered April 5. 1793 with thanks &c.” Letter not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Richard Harison, 5 April 1793
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Harison, Richard

Treasury DepartmentApril 5 1793
Sir
I enclose you a copy of a Letter from me to the district Judge of this date requiring a revision in the Case of Lemuel Toby and the Ship Lydia.
You will see that I am not at present satisfied of the innocence of the transaction. The Invoice & Bill of Lading ought to be seen before there is time for fabrication.
I request your particular attention to a scrutinous investigation of the transaction.
With great Consideration   I am Sir   Yr Obed Servt
A Hamilton
Richard Harrison EqAtty for the Districtof New yorke


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Jefferson, [5 April 1793]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Jefferson, Thomas

[Philadelphia, April 5, 1793]
Mr. Hamilton presents his Compliments to the Secy of State—elects his office as likely to be most convenient to him where Mr. H will accordingly attend tomorrow at 10 oClock.
Friday   April 5


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John Nicholson, 5 April 1793
From: Nicholson, John
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Philadelphia] April 5 1793
sir
I have this morning seen Mr. Randolph who informed me he gave you his opinion just before on the question whether New Loan debt of this State was subscribable and that it was in the negative. It appears to have been thus decided principally to avoid any difficulty with the State. Inclosed is a Copy of a letter I addressed to the Committe on Ways & means, and should be glad you would suspend any decision on Mr. Randolphs opinion untill I have an opportunity of seeing you thereon. If the mode I propose be adopted you will have the difficulty removed.
I am Yr ob servt
J N
The Honble Alexr. Hamilton Esqrsecty Treasy


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 5 April 1793
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

Philadelphia April 5. 1793
Sir
The Ship John Buckeley is just arrived here from Lisbon, which place she left on the 23. of February.
The Messrs. Walls a respectable Mercantile House here have received a letter from Mr. John Buckeley a respectable Merchant of Lisbon, after whom the Ship is named, of which the following is an extract.
“By letters from France by this day’s Post, we find, that an Embargo took place there the 2d. instant on all English Russian and Dutch Vessels, which is certainly the prelude of War.” This letter is dated the 22d of February.
Messrs. Walls, in addition, inform that on the 23 of Febry the moment the Ship was getting under way Mr. Buckeley came on board with a letter from Mr. Fenwick of Bourdeaux, informing him that War had been declared by France against England Russia & Holland. The foregoing particulars I have directly from the Walls.
The Report in the City is that the War was declared on the 8th of Febry.
Combining this with the Letter of Lord Grenville to Mr. Chauvelin requiring his departure & the Kings Message to the House of Commons founded upon—there seems to be no room for Doubt of the existence of War.
With perfect respect & the truest Attachment   I have the honor to be   Sir   Yr. Most Obed serv
A. Hamilton
The President of the UStates

P.S.   I this instant learn that there are English Papers in Town by way of St Vincents which mention that on the 8th of February The late Queen of France was also put to Death after a Trial & Condemnation.


Title: Meeting of the Commissioners of the Sinking Fund, [6 April 1793]
From: Randolph, Edmund,Commissioners of the Sinking Fund
To:

[Philadelphia, April 6, 1793]
At a Meeting of the Trustees of the Sinking fund, at the Office of the Secretary of State on the 6 of April 1793.

Present, The Secretary of State,
The Secrey. of the Treasury, and
The Atty. Genl. of the U States.

It appears by a Certificate from the Register, bearing date this day, that there are at the disposal of the Board 25,445d.76Cts arising from the dividends of Interest payable on the 31st of March 1793. Whereupon it is,
Resolved, that the same be expended by Saml. Meredith, Agent, in the purchase of the several species of Stock, constituting the Debt of the United States, at their respective market prices, not exceeding the par or true value thereof, and as nearly as may be in equal proportions.
The Attorney Genl being of opinion that in fixing the par or true value of the 3 pr. Cent stock—a calculation according to the rate of Interest prescribed by the Resolution of the 15 of August 1791— ought to govern; and the Secretary of the Treasury being of opinion, that it is not now expedient or necessary, that the said calculation should be exceeded;
It is further Resolved, that the price to be given for the said 3 pr. Ct. Stock, shall not exceed the limit prescribed by the said resolution of the 15 of Augt. 1791—the Secretary of State continueing to dissent from any estimate of the true value of the said 3 pr. Ct. stock at more than 10/— in the pound.
Edmd Randolph
AprovedApril 12 1793, Go. Washington.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John Cochran, 8 April 1793
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Cochran, John

Treasury Department, April 8, 1793. “Enclosed is a List of certificates of transfers issued by the commissioner of Georgia in which the time from which they bear interest has been altered, from the 1st of January to the 1st of April 1792.… I have thought proper to give You this information in order to remove any scruple which might arise on account of the alteration.”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from David Ross, 8 April 1793
From: Ross, David
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Bladensburgh [Maryland] April8. 1793
Dear Sir
I expected before this Copies of your and Co Mercers Communications & the Statement to the President with the Certificates respecting the Bribe—& I need say nothing farther than that particular circumstances render me more anxious for them than ever. It is still asserted here that you attended the Coffee House on the Evenings the Purchases were made and that it was a common mode of expression that the Secretary would be in Market and that Certificates was sure to rise in consequence of it: so that you see, the Journals of the Commissioners will not convince some of Co Mercers advocates.
By insisting on it we have at least got Co Mercers Detail which he referred to in one of his publications. It would not be sufficiently interesting to you to send a Copy of it, but if you should desire it from the nature of the enclosed answers you shall have it from
Your friend & obedt Servt
David Ross


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Simeon Theus, 8 April 1793
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Theus, Simeon

Treasry DepartmentApril 8. 1793
Sir
I have collected and reviewed the Papers relating to Mr. Prioleaus Petition. If you persist in your request, those which came from you will be returned to you; but as I shall certainly report on the case at the next session of Congress, which is the course the business must have—I wish to retain them ’till that is done.
The claim appears to be of a nature, that I should reluctantly feel myself under a necessity of reporting against it and I am therefore desirous of preserving in my possession whatever may throw light upon the final consideration to be bestowed upon it. I am Sir
Your obedient Servt
A Hamilton
Simon Theus Esq


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 8 April 1793
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

PhiladelphiaApril 8th. 1793
Sir
The papers of to day, which I take it for granted are forwarded to you will inform you of a confirmation of the War between France England & Holland & of such other leading particulars, as are contained in the English Papers brought by the Packet.
The object of this Letter is merely to apprize you that the whole current of Commercial Intelligence, which comes down to the 11 of February, indicates, thus far, an unexceptionable conduct on the part of the British Government towards the Vessels of the UStates.
This information is received here with very great satisfaction as favourable to a continuance of peace—the desire of which may be said to be both universal & ardent.
With the highest respect & the truest attachment   I have the honor to be   Sir   Your obedt & humb servant
A Hamilton
P.S   Lest the papers may not be regularly transmitted I enclose the two of this morning.
The President of the UStates


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Bingham, 9 April 1793
From: Bingham, William
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Philada April 9th 1793
Dear sir
The Committee of the Board, (on the subject of the Loan) were unfortunate in not finding you at your Office or House, when they had the Honor of waiting on you this Morning.
They were instructed to confer with you on a Point, which is the Object of the inclosed Letter, & to which I request your early Reply, as the Board are desirous of terminating this Business, at an adjourned Meeting to Morrow Morning, at ten oClock.
The Reasons that influenced this Application, will naturally occur to you—they are not unfavorable to the Success of your Views.
I have the Honor to be   Your &c
Wm Bingham
Honble Alexr Hamilton Esqr


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Tench Coxe, 9 April 1793
From: Coxe, Tench
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[April 9, 1793. On April 11, 1793, Hamilton sent to George Washington “a communication of the 9 instant from the Commissioner of the Revenue.” Letter not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Jefferson, 9 April 1793
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Philadelphia Apr. 9. 1793
Sir
Having received full authority from mr William Short to superintend & controul the disposal of his property in the public funds, I take the liberty of desiring that no property of his of that kind, whether standing in his own name or in that of mr James Brown or any other person in trust for him may be permitted to be transferred or to [be] paid to any person whatever. I have the honor to be Sir
Your most obedt. humble servt
Th: Jefferson
The Secretary of the Treasury.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to ———, [10 April 1793]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To:

[Philadelphia, April 10, 1793]
Mr. Winstanlly brought me a letter of Introduction from Chief Justice Jay; stating him to be a Young Gentleman from England, who, without having made it a profession, had made some promising essays in Landscape Painting.
There are two views of situations on Hudson’s River painted by Mr Winstanly, in the drawing Room of Mrs. Washington, which have great intrinsic merit—and considered with reference to his opportunities, as related, announce a very superior genius in this branch of painting, worthy of encouragement.
A Hamilton
Philadelphia April 10. 1793


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Edward Carrington, 10 April 1793
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Carrington, Edward

[Philadelphia, April 10, 1793. On April 26, 1793, Carrington wrote to Hamilton: “I am favored with your[s] of the 10th. Instant.” Letter not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Peter Colt, 10 April 1793
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Colt, Peter

PhiladelphiaApril 10. 1793
Sir
I have received two letters from you of the 28th. of Feby & the 27 of March—which the urgency of official avocations has prevented my acknowleging sooner.
I received five hundred Dollars from Mr. Duer, by an order upon his Agent in the City (whose name I at this moment forget) which with the money received of Mr. Walker is the whole that ever came to my hands on account of the Society, and leaves me in advance all the difference between those two sums & my disbursements for the Society:
As soon as I can find leisure I will make out and render an exact account. I should not be sorry however, if a provisional order was made by the Directors, for paying such sum as should be found due to me, as a reimbursement will be at this time convenient to me.
The affairs of the Society would appear to require a termination of Mr. Morts salary. With regard to Mr. Hall I think it will depend on the evidence he may have given by this time of zeal for the interests of the Society & capacity to promote them. If these stand as might be wished I should imagine there would be objections to a temporary reduction of his salary. It will however deserve consideration if under the prospects of the society, they can afford permanently the salary intended for Mr. Hall and still more whether his conduct hitherto has been such as to justify the retaining of him in the employment of the Society.
I express myself thus—because I have heared suggestions of a delicate nature; and though I have no means of judging how far they may be founded and am always an advocate for careful & dispassionate examination before accusations are allowed to influence, yet there have been symptoms which impress me with an idea, that it will deserve serious investigation whether it be the interest of the Society to continue Mr. Hall.
Marshall is an essential, and, I believe, a very deserving man. I think his salary ought to be increased.
Pearce has valuable qualities & some ill ones. He is prone to new projects & will require a watchful eye on that score. Probably it may be good policy to secure him, till further experiment of his discretion and real skill, by an augmentation of Salary.
I have heard in different ways the proposed change in the plan, to which you refer. Perhaps I do not appreciate all the circumstances which ought to decide—But I acknowlege I feel a strong disapprobation of it. Perseverance in almost any plan is better than fickleness & fluctuation.
I wish these remarks to be considered as so far confidential that they may not be formally communicated to the Board but you are at liberty, if you think it of any use to make them known to such members of it as you may judge expedient.
With esteem I am Sir   Your Obed Se
A Hamilton
Peter Colt Esqr


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Stephen Higginson, 10 April 1793
From: Higginson, Stephen
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Boston Apr. 10. 1793
Dr Sir
France having declared War against Britain &c, Questions may arise tending to involve us in their disputes. I know indeed that attempts will be made to procure Aid to France from us, on the grounds of policy interest & obligations from Treaties &c. Such an attempt may be made through the medium of our Legislature in their May Sessions; & very sound Assertions will be made which may not be easily refuted without more information than I find any one here at present possesses.
Are there any Articles existing between us & France involving such an Obligation beside the 11 & 12 in the Treaty of Alliance?—Have those Articles been in part or wholly done away since the Treaty was made & how? Do general guarrantys like that in those articles, without any provision for specific Aid, imply or involve any obligations to give Aid? If there be no political or moral obligation on us to take a part, it is a pity We should not know it, & be able to convince every one of it.
Your Situation must have led you to examine those Questions; & if there will be no impropriety in doing it, I should request you to give me some information on this Subject. It is important I think to prevent any general impressions, which may lead to a popular call to become Parties in European quarrels & I wish to know the true State of things, so as to meet assertions with facts, & to form Sentiments upon them.
You will excuse this application if it has any appearance of impropriety in your mind, & will comply with the request so far only as may appear proper.
If the Executive could by proclamation inform the public on this Subject it would do great good, or prevent much mischief. Will not the Citizens be prohibited from taking any part under cover or openly? Some of our old adventurers in privateering who are again reduced will require a tight Rein to prevent them.
I am with respect Sir your hum Servant
Stephen Higginson


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John Jay, 11 April 1793
From: Jay, John
To: Hamilton, Alexander

New York 11 ap. 1793
Dr Sir
Your Letters of the 9th. Inst. were this Day delivered to me, as I was preparing to go out of town. The Subject of them is important. I have not Time to judge decidedly on some of the points. The enclosed will shew what my present Ideas of a proclamation are—it is hastily drawn—it says nothing of Treaties—it speaks of neutrality, but avoids the Expression because in this country often associated with others. I shall be at Pha. in my way to Richmond. I think it better at present that too little shd. be said, than too much. I wd. not recieve any Minister from a Regent untill he was Regent de facto; and therefore I think such Intention shd. be inferable from the proclamn. Let us do every thing that may be right to avoid war; and if without our Fault we shd. be involved in it, there will be little Room for apprehensions about the Issue. It is happy for us that we have Presid. who will do nothing rashly—and who regards his own Interest as inseparable from the public good.
Yours sincerely
John Jay
Col. Hamilton


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Gouverneur Morris, 11 April 1793
From: Morris, Gouverneur
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Paris 11 April 1793.
Dear Sir
In mine of the sixteenth of February I mentioned to you the Case of Colo. Laumoy and that I would write in Answer to his Applications that I am not authoriz’d to make payment but on Production of the Certificate. I do not know how I came to misunderstand you so egregiously as I find upon reading over your Letter to have been the Case. In the present State of the Business however I think it will be as well to adhere to the line adopted because the Communication between this and other Countries being interrupted a power of Attorney falling into bad Hands might be used to defraud the Party: and further it is decreed long since by the Convention that those who remit to Emigrants shall be punished with Death so that the Bankers and Agents of every Kind are either afraid to act or else disposed to betray their Trust. Wherefore it is more simple that such as are under this disagreable Predicament, should receive their Whole Demand in America. That being the only Way to avoid very disagreable questions. Genl. Koskiusko was here some Time ago and not having his Certificate did not receive his Interest, but I desired Messrs. Grand to Enquire after him and pay him if he still be in France.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 11 April 1793
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

Treasury Department, April 11, 1793. Encloses “a communication of the 9 instant from the Commissioner of the Revenue, this morning received, transmitting a Contract with Abishai Woodward as Superintendant of the workmen to be employed in completing the Lighthouse at Bald-Head.” Recommends that the contract be approved.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Charles Lee, 12 April 1793
From: Lee, Charles
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Alexandria [Virginia] 12th. April, 1793
Sir!
Having resigned the Office of Collector, at the District of Alexandria, my successor who I have heard is to be John Fitzgerald, will to-morrow commence his official duties. To him, I have supposed myself bound to pay the balance of public monies and of public bonds due from me at this time, and his receipt I shall transmit to the Comptroller, that he may be debited with the amount. To him also I shall deliver all the laws and instructions heretofore received from the Treasury Department, and in his hands I shall leave all the Books containing any matters of public account. Wishing to be finally discharged from all the demands of the United States against me, I shall send on my accounts ending with the last quarter, and from that to the present time, and I hope they will upon examination be found to be correct, and that I shall soon receive an acquittance.
There were some prosecutions commenced by my orders against offenders of the Revenue Laws, and the costs in some instances, will be and are payable out of the public money, but not being demanded they remain unpaid. I wish you to make some arrangements for paying whatever sums of money would have been payable on account of prosecutions before mentioned by me as Collector, if I had continued in Office.
I shall be thankful to you if you will transmit to me your directions respecting the paying and delivering to my successor, the various matters herein before mentioned, in order that I may conduct myself in a manner agreeable to you, and safe to myself.
I am Sir!   with the most respectful considerations   Your Obedt. Humble Servant
Charles Lee, Collector


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Lee, 12 April 1793
From: Lee, Henry
To: Hamilton, Alexander

In Council [Richmond] April 12th. 1793.
Sir,
I had the honor to receive your letter of the 22d. Ultimo and submitted the same to the Council of State.
In conformity with their advice, I have given directions to the proper officer of this Commonwealth to Supply the loan officer of the United States with the information requested.
Some doubts arise with respect to the propriety of the measure adopted, but our Solicitude to prevent any interruption to the laws of the United States and a thorough confidence in your declaration of rectifying when required any inconveniencies which may result from our decision should the construction of the law under which you act be found erroneous produced a compliance with your request.

To understand unequivocally the law on the case, I beg leave to propose to you, that the matter be brought before the Supreme judiciary of the United States at their next term, and hope you will favour me with your reply to this proposition. I have the honor &c.
Henry Lee


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Gouverneur Morris, 12 April 1793
From: Morris, Gouverneur
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Paris 12. April 1793.
Dear Sir
I wrote to you Yesterday and mentioned the affair of General Laumoy. A View of that Gentlemans very disagreable Situation and the sincere Desire of releiving him from it have suggested to my Mind an Expedient and I have in Consequence written the Letter to our Bankers in Amsterdam of which a Copy is enclosed and by which he will be I hope enabled to receive his Due. For his Capital however he must be indebted to your kind Interposition.


Title: Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 12 April 1793
From: Treasury Department
To: Collectors of the Customs

Treasury Department, April 12, 1793.
Sir,
The Collectors stand charged with the sealed blank Certificates of Registry which have been furnished from this Department under the act, entitled, “An act for registering and clearing of Vessels, regulating the coasting Trade, and for other purposes.”
It will therefore be proper that all such blank Certificates as may have remained on hand after the last day of March past (the time when the operation of the act, entitled, “An act concerning the Registering and Recording of Ships or Vessels” commenced) be forthwith returned to the Register of the Treasury; accompanied with an account, agreeably to the annexed form, shewing the number of Registers which have been received by you from the Treasury, and the number issued and returned.
With consideration, I am,   Sir, your obedient Servant,
A Hamilton


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 12 April 1793
From: Washington, George
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Mount Vernon 12 April 1793.
Dear sir,
In due course of Post I have received your Letters of the 5 and 8 instant. & thank you for the information contained in them.
Tomorrow I leave this for Philadelphia. The advices which I may receive this Evening by the Post, will fix my route by Baltimore (as usual)—or by the one I intended to have come—that is, by Reading, the Canals between the rivers, Harrisburgh, Carlisle &c. In either case ten days, I expect, will land me in the City.
Hostilities having commenced between France & England, it is incumbent on the Government of the United States to prevent, as far as in it lies, all interferences of our Citizens in them; and immediate precautionary measures ought, I conceive, to be taken for that purpose, as I have reason to believe (from some things I have heard) that many vessels in different parts of the Union are designated for Privateers & are preparing accordingly. The means to prevent it, and for the United States to maintain a strict neutrality between the powers at war, I wish to have seriously thought of, that I may, as soon as I arrive at the Seat of the Government, take such steps, tending to these ends, as shall be deemed proper & effectual.
With great esteem,   I am &c.
Geo: Washington


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John Davidson, 13 April 1793
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Davidson, John

Treasury Department, April 13, 1793. “… I shall regret your final determination to resign at the same time, that I should be wanting in candour were I to hold out to you the probability of any material increase of your present official emoluments. Yet it is expected that the subject of compensations at large will engage the consideration of the Legislature at their next session, and it is impossible to forsee what alterations they may make. Should you persevere in your intention to resign it will be proper for you to communicate it to the President & at the same time to transmit your Commission to him.”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Joseph Whipple, 13 April 1793
From: Whipple, Joseph
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Portsmouth [New Hampshire] April 13, 1793. Writes concerning “a Small Seizure in this district of one bag of Cocoa and four bags of Coffee.” Discusses the details of the case. Asks for “instructions on this matter.”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 14 April 1793
From: McHenry, James
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Fayetteville near Baltimore 14 April 1793
My dear Hamilton
Though exceedingly mortified and hurt at Mr. Perry’s being refused that inspectorship I did not once think of blaming you. I ascribed it to the peculiarity of your situation and the enmity of those who were near you, originating in the part that gentleman had taken against them. The Tilghmans I believe influenced Coxe. Coxe made the thing an object and you had those of greater magnitude to attend, till it was too late to counteract your assistant. I perceive he understands his business, or rather the intrigues of a court. He appears to present Eccleston as the most intitled; all the recommendations run hig[h]est for Eccleston, and yet Richardson, who was then treasurer of the Eastern shore is appointed inspector; which some how or other fell in with the views of the Tilghmans much better than Ecclestons appointment, and short of the wishes of Henry and Murry. It is true as I have mentioned before to you Mr. Richardson is a very worthy man and very deserving of the office, but not more worthy and less active than Perry as far as I have been able to investigate character.
I know not what to say to Perry when I may see him. I cannot tell him what you have told me; and from the impressions made against him I cannot flatter him with being remembered in future. What impressions the disappointment may excite and how they may issue is impossible to foresee. However as I shall not see him soon I shall have time for meditation.
I did not forget you during the late storm, and had the pleasure to find that the merchantile interest in Baltimore entertained corresponding opinions. Perhaps you may contrive to visit me sometime in the summer, should the President return again to his seat and you should have any business with him to cover a journey.
Our people wish to be able to carry our produce freely to all the parties at war who may want it, without having any thing further to do with the war.
Yours affectionately & truly
James McHenry
I cannot get the whole of your communications to Congress during the late session. If convenient I beg you will send them.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Knox, [15 April 1793]
From: Knox, Henry
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Philadelphia, April 15, 1793. On April 18, 1793, Hamilton wrote to Knox: “The requests contained in your letter of the 15 of April have been complied with.” Letter not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 15 April 1793
From: Olney, Jeremiah
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Custom-HouseDistrict of Providence 15th. April 1793
Sir
I have the Honour to acquaint you that the Suit commenced against me by Mr. Edward Dexter in the Case of the Brigantine Neptune, was taken up and argued before the Superior Court in this Town on Saturday afternoon the 13th Instant and continued untill 9 o’Clock in the Evening, when Mr. Howell Counsel for the Plaintiff moved for an adjournment of the Cause untill the next Term to be held here in September, assigning for reason that he was much fatigued and should not be able to close the cause that evening! But to avoid a delay calculated to give them an advantage (by an expected and probable change of the Court in May next) I proposed that the cause should be removed to the County of Kent, and the pleadings closed before the same Court which meets there in course on the 22d. Instant, which was objected to by my opponents, but the Court adopted my proposition.
Judgment was not given in the Case of Mr. Arnold, as that of Mr. Dexters being Similar; the Court deemed it expedient to defer their Opinion untill the Pleas of the latter were closed at Kent when both would be decided upon, and I have no doubt of a favorable Issue. The District Attorney has Promised me (after the rising of the Court at Kent) he will give you a particular Statement of the principles on which these Causes have been conducted and Decided upon, this I presume will prove satisfactory to you.
I have the Honor to be   very Respectfully   Sir   Your Most Obedt. Hume. Servt.
Jereh. Olney Collr.
Alexander Hamilton Esqr.Secretary of the Treasury


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Isaac Holmes, [16 April 1793]
From: Holmes, Isaac
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Charleston, South Carolina, April 16, 1793. On May 10, 1793, Hamilton wrote to Edmund Randolph and referred to a letter “of the 16th of April from the Collector of the District of Charlestown.” Letter not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John Kean, 17 April 1793
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Kean, John

[Philadelphia] April 17. 1793
D Sir
A warrant lately issued for money for the Quarter Master’s department 40000 Dollars which Mr. Hodgsdon will receive by a Check from the Treasurer as usual. He is instructed to receive & forward the money in Post Notes of the Bank. I mention this that in case contrary to instruction, he may call for specie, you may be able to state your knowlege of the arrangement & refer it to me. I have some suspicions that sometimes the intention of the Department in this particular has not been strictly pursued.
Yrs.
A Hamilton


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Nathaniel Appleton, 18 April 1793
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Appleton, Nathaniel

[Philadelphia, April 18, 1793. Letter listed in dealer’s catalogue. Letter not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Samuel Hodgdon, [18 April 1793]
From: Hodgdon, Samuel
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Philadelphia, April 18, 1793. On April 20, 1793, Hamilton wrote to Hodgdon and referred to “your letter of the 18 inst.” Letter not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Henry Knox, 18 April 1793
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Knox, Henry

Treasury DepartmentApril 18. 1793
Sir
The requests contained in your letter of the 15 of April have been complied with.
There are two points arising out of the Estimate of the Qr. Master General, which you transmitted, to which I beg leave to call your attention.
One Item of Expenditure in the estimate is 450 Pack-Horses. It has been noticed to me by the Accounting Officers of the Treasury, that there appear to have been already expended in the purchase of this article a large sum by the present Qr. Master’s Department. And it is recollected that a very considerable number of horses were purchased and paid for, for the use of the Campaign under General St Clair, a great part of which survived the Campaign and it is understood were put out to be recruited for future service.
This renders it desireable that Inquiry should be made what ultimately became of those horses—what are the calculations of the quantity of transportation for which so extensive a provision of pack-horses is intended?
I submit also to your consideration whether under the prospects of the Campaign the provision need be made at once to the extent contemplated or may be made successively, so always as to be in measure for ulterior operations. The maintenance of a superfluous number of Packhorses, when not required for service, has an objectionable side on the score of expence. Whether the procuring them much sooner than they will be wanted may not have other inconveniences is for you to determine.
In making these suggestions, I certainly do not mean to throw any impediment in the way of timely preparation. This is a primary idea. But if expence can be saved by a delay in providing not injurious, it is of course to be desired.
Another item in the estimate of the Qr. Master General is 12000 Dollars for pay of his Department to the 1st of July.
This sum appears considerable especially as seperate sums are estimated for Horse Masters Waggon Masters and Drivers. No light on this head can be obtained from any accounts heretofore rendered at the Treasury. I understood you that none was possessed by your department.
Hence the necessity of an inquiry into the circumstances.
With respect & esteem I have the honor to be Sir Your Obedt serv
The Secretary at War


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jean Baptiste de Ternant, 18 April [1793]
From: Ternant, Jean Baptiste de
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Philadelphia] du 18 avril [1793]
Le M. f. previent le S. d. la t. des E. U. qu’il a donné à Conyngham Nesbit et compe. deux mandats dont un de 40624 Doll. 33/00 à vue faisant le reliqua du payement echu au 15 du present et l’autre de 9980 Dol. 28/00 payable au lr. de may prochain.
T.


Title: George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, Henry Knox, and Edmund Randolph, 18 April 1793
From: Washington, George
To: Hamilton, Alexander,Jefferson, Thomas,Knox, Henry,Randolph, Edmund

Philadelphia April 18th. 1793.
Sir,
The posture of affairs in Europe, particularly between France and Great Britain, places the United States in a delicate situation; and requires much consideration of the measures which will be proper for them to observe in the War betwn. those Powers. With a view to forming a general plan of conduct for the Executive, I have stated and enclosed sundry questions to be considered preparatory to a meeting at my house to morrow; where I shall expect to see you at 9 ‘o clock, & to receive the result of your reflections thereon.
Go: Washington


Title: Cabinet Meeting. Opinion on a Proclamation of Neutrality and on Receiving the French Minister, [19 April 1793]
From: Jefferson, Thomas,Hamilton, Alexander
To:

[Philadelphia, April 19, 1793]
At a meeting of the heads of departments & the Attorney general at the President’s Apr. 19. 1793. by special summons to consider of several questions previously communicated to them in writing by the President.
Qu. I. Shall a Proclamation issue &c.? (see the questions)
agreed by all that a Proclamation shall issue, forbidding our citizens to take part in any hostilities on the seas with or against any of the belligerant powers, and warning them against carrying to any such powers any of those articles deemed contraband according to the modern usage of nations, and enjoining them from all acts and proceedings inconsistent with the duties of a friendly nation towards those at war.
Qu. II. Shall a Minister from the Republic of France be received? agreed unanimously that he shall be received.
Qu. III If received, shall it be absolutely &c.
[The Attorney general & Secretary of state are of opinion he shoud be received absolutely & without qualifications.
The Secretaries of the Treasury & War?]
This & the subsequent questions are postponed to another day.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John Hopkins, 21 April 1793
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Hopkins, John

[Philadelphia, April 21, 1793. On April 29, 1793, Hopkins wrote to Hamilton: “In compliance with your letter of the 21st of April.” Letter not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Tench Coxe, [22 April 1793]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Coxe, Tench

[Philadelphia, April 22, 1793]
The President is of opinion that it will be adviseable to close the purchase & to extend it to a years supply taking due precaution as to preservation &c.
April 22, 1793A Hamilton


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 22 April 1793
From: Olney, Jeremiah
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Providence, April 22, 1793. “As it may, in some measure, affect arrangements made at the Treasury, on the probable amount of the Revenue for twelve or Eighteen Months hence, I take leave to inform you, that the difficulty of paying Duties, owing to the scarcity of Specie, has induced the Owners of Two or Three Ships, expected here this Season from the East Indies, to forward Orders to such foreign Ports as it is probable they may touch at on their passages, directing the Supercargoes to dispose of the principal part of the Effects on board, before their return to the United States; fixing the prices so extremely low that there is but little doubt of its being accomplished. This will probably reduce the Duties, which would otherwise have been secured at this Office, about 50,000 Dollars.…”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 22 April 1793
From: Olney, Jeremiah
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Providence 22nd. April 1793.
Private.
My Dear Sir
By the last Post I acknowledged the receipt of your confidential, and very Friendly Letter of the 2nd Instant, and I embrace the first leisure moment to express my Gratitude, and return my sincere Thanks for the kindness of the motives which prompted you to write it.
Your flattering approbation of my official Conduct in general, and the intimation you have been pleased to give of the great confidence you have in my Intentions, afford me the sincerest satisfaction; and I hope my future Behavior, as a public officer, will furnish you with no cause to alter your good opinion, I will at least endeavor that it shall not.
Your acquainting me, in this private manner, with the “Idea of some good Men who have expressed to you that in some Instances, my conduct has been too punctilious, and not sufficiently accommodating,” I esteem an unequivocal proof of your Regard; and which is greatly enhanced by your favorable construction of those intimations. On this point I beg leave, Dear Sir, respectfully to observe, that it is more than probable the introduction of punctuality and exactness, in the execution of the revenue Laws, may appear to some Gentlemen like vigour; especially when it is considered, and which I assert as a Fact, that the Merchants in General, in this District, were before strangers to an honorable punctuality and exactness, as they respected the collection and payment of the Duties imposed by the State Legislature; for it is a well known Truth, that the Merchants paid but little regard to the law when it clashed with their Interest; and that the officers of the Customs being annually chosen, were perfectly under their controul; hence they were permitted to make such Entries as they pleased (very seldom exceeding half the cargoes;) to regard the law in other respects, (particularly in altering registers at their pleasure &c.) so far only as it suited their own convenience; and to clear out their Vessels even on the Sabath! It is therefore, easy to conceive, that so great a change, in being suddenly restricted from this pleasing liberty, is the real and only sourse of the illiberal and unmerited Censure against me,
I have never ventured to exercise a discretionary power in the execution of the Duties of my office, not authorised, by the Law or your instructions; because I considered it dangerous to establish a precident, which might, from the imperfection of human nature, of which perhaps, I possess too great a share, lead me beyond the line of Prudence and my Duty to the public. But Sir, since you have been pleased to place such confidence in me, as to permit a discreet exercise of it, on urgent occasions, I will venture upon the expedient, with great caution, as those occasions may arise, taking particular care to execute every essential part of the Law. With such views I shall not doubt but your candour will induce you to make every allowance for any unintentional deviation from the law in my exercise of Discretion.
The good will of the Merchants is very important and desirable, as you observe; and it shall be secured, if a fair and Just discharge of my duty will obtain it: indeed, I possess it already, from a greater part of the Gentlemen.
With every sentiment of Esteem and Gratitude,   I have the honor to be, Dear Sir,   Your much obliged, and   Most Obedt. Servant
Jereh. Olney
Alexander Hamilton Esquire.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Wilhem and Jan Willink, Nicholaas and Jacob Van Staphorst, and Nicholas Hubbard, 22 April 1793
From: Willink, Wilhem,Willink, Jan,Van Staphorst, Nicholaas,Van Staphorst, Jacob,Hubbard, Nicholas
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Amsterdam, April 22, 1793. On August 12, 1793, Hamilton wrote to Willink, Van Staphorst, and Hubbard: “I have lately the pleasure of your letters of the 22d of April and first of may.” Letter of April 22 not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Jefferson, 24 April 1793
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Philadelphia, April 24, 1793. Requests a warrant “for the sum of six hundred fifty one Dollars, sixty seven Cents, the Balance of the appropriation for my office, to be applied to defray its contingent expenses.”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Rufus King, 24 April 1793
From: King, Rufus
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[New York] 24 Ap. 1793
Averse to any connexion with the war beyound what may be permitted by the laws of strict neutrality, we are pleased to see the Proclamation. I have no precedents with which to compare it, but I could have wished to have seen in some part of it the word “Neutrality,” which every one would have understood and felt the force of.
Having anxiously considered the point respecting which we conversed when I was with you last, I hope you are founded in your opinions. The change which has happened will not perhaps justify us in saying “the Treaties are void”—and whether we may contend in favor of their suspension is a point of delicacy and not quite free from doubt. The authority of the present government is as extensive with their Territory, which is free from the possession of their antagonists.
Prudence would seem to require us to move with caution, and by delay to insure a safe decision. The mere reception of the minister will do us no injury, although I am in Mind to believe, that in order to avoid being pressed on points we may wish not to decide, it will be best to qualify the reception of the Minister in such manner, as will save our commitment in reference to those questions, we wish to stand open.
Our Treaty with Holland may be used with advantage. The report of Mr. Le Brun to the convention respecting perfidy of the monarchy towards us is proof of such a want of good Faith as poinsons the whole Treaty. Have you noticed that the 16th. article of the Treaty of commerce between Eng. and France, is in the Teeth of the 22d. article of the Treaty of commerce between France & us? On the principle that all the articles of a Treaty have the force of conditions, the violation of this article by France, wd. give us the power to renounce the whole Treaty.
Examining our Laws respecting the registry of our Ships & vessels I was struck with a difficulty which will luckily be in the way of our purchasing Prizes brought into our ports by any of the powers at war. It is worth your attention. As the law stands, I do not perceive that any such vessels can be protected by the american Flag, even though owned bona fide by american Citizens. Of this point however I will not be confident—such vessels will beyound doubt be liable to pay the foreign Tonnage.
The conduct of England in searching our ships, and impressing seamen engaged under our Flag, is very different in the present armament from what it was in the late armament against Spain. The masters of our ships which have arrived here from England, as also those who have arrived from Ireland, speak with the appearance of national pride, when they mention the hotness of the Press, and the intire exemption of Ships which sail under our Flag. The circumstance is one from which we may make pretty certain inferences. Farewel, I wish I could give assistance to the measures & maxims you will pursue. We must not become intangled with this mad War.
Yours &c
Rufus King


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 25 April 1793
From: Olney, Jeremiah
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Custom HouseDistrict of Providence 25th April 1793.
Sir
Agreeably to the information contained in my Letter of the 15th Instant, I have attended the Superior Court which met at East Greenwich for the County of Kent on the 22nd. Instant, and am sorry to acquaint you that the Causes of Messrs. Arnold and Dexter, against me, in the Case of the Brigantine Neptune, remain undecided, the Chief Justis being indisposed and unable to attend the Court declined acting on this Business in his absence, this will unavoidably postpone a decision of it, untill the Court meets here in Septr. next. There will be some Change in the Court, one new Judge at least, will be added in the place of one some time Since Deceased, which will be the cause of additional Expence, as the pleadings must then Necessarily be Taken up a Second time.
I have the Honor to be &c.
Jereh. Olney Collr.
A. Ander Hamilton Esqr.Secy. Treasury


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from David Ross, 25 April 1793
From: Ross, David
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Baltimore April 25. 1793
Dear Sir
As it is probable the enclosed might not have come to your knowledge from its contracted circulation I have sent it and you will see my reply to it in the Baltimore Journal of Monday next. Co Mercer has lodged the communications, with Mr. Angell except your last. Mr Angell does not mean to publish them unless he shall give more explicit directions than are contained in his of the 18th of April. Co Mercer will I expect be sufficiently known to prevent the necessity of any thing personal between you. I have not let any one see or know of yours & Co Mercers last nor shall I without your permission.
Yours in haste
David Ross


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 25 April 1793
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

Treasury Department, April 25, 1793. Submits “two communications from the Commissioner of the revenue; one enclosing a Contract entered into by the Superintendant of the Delaware Lighthouse with Matthew Van Dusen, for a mooring Chain for one of the floating beacons in the Delaware bay—the other transmitting an offer of Samuel Wheeler concerning two Iron Lanterns for the Lighthouses on Tybee & Cape Fear Islands.” Recommends approval. Suggests that “A House for the Keeper & an Oil Vault” for the Baldhead lighthouse be made “concurrent operations.”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Edward Carrington, 26 April 1793
From: Carrington, Edward
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Richmond Apl. 26. 1793
My dear Sir,
I am favored with your[s] of the 10th. Instant. Your determination to persevere with patience in your labors to establish a permanent and successful system of Revenue & credit for the United States, must give satisfaction to all who feel that these are the only supports of public safety and private prosperity. I am well assured that, in private life, you experienced pecuniary advantages, and personal ease, both of body & mind, not to be found in your present office, even were all hands to Unite for your assistance; great indeed then must be your sacrifices when, instead of this generous assistance, you are beset with numerous hostilities.
To your enquiries concerning the public mind in Virginia in regard to the events which are happening in Europe, I will give the most satisfactory answers I can; it is not however unknown to you, that upon things so remote, but few are heard actually to speak, and these generally take the liberty to affix the name of the people to their own suggestions. The truth is, that the great body of the people desire nothing that will interrupt the freedom, peace, and happiness, they now enjoy. With regard to the Cause of France, I believe the general wish is, for its success. My own sentiments are in favor of such reforms in most of the Governments in Europe, & indeed in the World, as will give to the human race the most Free Goverments it can enjoy. The experiments in France have not however, been very flattering. This applies to your first question.
As to the second. I believe the decapitation of the King is pretty generally considered as an Act of unprincipled Cruelty, dictated by neither justice nor policy. In my own mind, it was an horrible transaction in every view, and, to an American who can even yeild to its propriety, it ought to be felt as a truly sorrowful event.
As to the third. I have no doubt, that the sense of this Country is for a perfect neutrality, if it can possibly be had. My own sentiments are, that the French, from having commenced one of the noblest causes that ever presented itself in any country, have lost themselves in the wildest quixotism: my wish is, that they may recover their reason, and establish for themselves a good government, leaving other Countries to judge for themselves. If they will do this, they need not fear the combinations of their Enemies.
As to the 4th. & 5th. So far as I have heard observations upon the subject of the Treaty between France & America, it appears to be considered that no alteration in the Government of either Country, changes the obligations of preexisting Treaties; at the same time, it is generally held, that, should we in consequence of Treaty, be bound to take any other than a Neutral station in the business of France, it will be an unfortunate circumstance, as we could do them no real service, and would involve ourselves in distress. I have no doubt of its being the general opinion, that if we, of right, have an option, the most perfect neutrality ought to be observed. We have in this, as there are, no doubt, in every State, some characters to whom any thing but quiet would be agreeable—this, however, is not the case with the great body of our fellow Citizens, and the few who are desirous of new adventures, will, doubtless, have the consent of their Countrymen to go to France in quest of them. My own sentiments on these two questions are, that, in determining what is to be done in regard to the Treaty, several considerations present themselves. 1st. its applicability to the present State of the parties. 2dly. the reasonableness of calling, on the part of the French, for a performance of it, on ours, in reference to the original motives for entering into it. 3dly. the probable consequences to both parties from an attempt to fulfil the required service. The first consideration I shall leave to those well versed in the Laws of Nations; and, perhaps, the sentiments of the people in the Islands concerned, may claim some regard in the determination. If they are desirous of adhering to the old government, it may not be an insupportable opinion, that theirs is the claim upon us for the guarantee promised in the Treaty. Upon the principles of liberty and equality, it would seem that this distinct part of the old Kingdom, should have a free choice upon the subject of the Revolution. The american Confederacy, as well as I recollect, demanded not the co-operation of Georgia until she, sometime after the commencement of our opposition to Britain, voluntarily joined her Sister Colonies; nor did we during the War, claim the allegiance of Canada: and our connection with these colonies in a common subjection under the British Monarchy, was as compleat, and, locally, more so, than France and the French Islands under the French Monarchy. To this it may with some pluasibility be said, that the american case was not a Revolution of the national supreme power, but only a separation of a part from it, and therefore not applicable in the present instance; granting this, we have a more recent one which, the principle of this objection, renders certainly applicable in our late change of government, when a sufficient number of States had adopted the new form to give it effect, the constituted power did not claim right of government over the two non-adopting States, until they, voluntarily, reconsidered the subject and adopted. There can be no doubt but, that at the time of this event, we were an entire Nation, bound together under one government, and that the change was a Revolution of the national supreme power, as compleatly as that which has taken place in France. I should suppose that, should these Islands elect to place themselves in a situation independent of the French Republic, or even to place themselves under the protection of any other power, such election would be in perfect consistency with the avowed principles of that Republic, & when we consider the actual situation of the Islanders, as well in regard to the nature of their property, as their dependence upon foreign protection, it is highly probable that, if they be taken by any of the maritime powers now combined against the French, the event will be a consequence of their desiring it. Upon the 2d. consideration, it must be concluded, that each of the contracting parties had regard to the extent of its engagement, and relied as much on mutual good faith in reasonable constructions of, as compliances with the stipulations contained in the Treaty; and it would seem that, upon either involving itself in War by voluntary acts, which thing cannot be supposed to have been contemplated at the time of Contract, there can be no equitable claim upon the other for performance. Could it be, at the time of the Treaty, in the contemplation of the United States that a revolution, such as has happened in France was possible, and that the new power, before organizing itself upon a rational form, would be crusading it after the liberties of other countries, and by that means arising all Europe against it? Had they foreseen that such was to be the state of French affairs, would they have bound themselves to guarantee the Islands under the consequent Wars? I presume that had the United States at any time after the peace thought proper to attempt the freeing of Canada from Britain, or the Spanish Colonies from Spain, neither the King, nor even the Republic of France, would have thought we had a reasonable claim upon that Nation for a participation in the war on accounts of her having, in general terms, guaranteed our “liberty and independence as well in government as Commerce.” Upon the third consideration, could our attempting a compliance with the Treaty produce good to the French Cause? We have not, nor had ever, at the time of the contract, a Navy, the only means by which the Islands can be protected against naval powers; we could, therefore, give no immediate defence in that quarter. We might attack Canada, and, upon the same principle, the Spanish Colonies also; but any offensive operation, would, at once, involve us in war with them, and all the combined powers; this must, inevitably, interrupt our Trade, which neither America nor France is in a situation to protect, and prevent those supplies of provisions, now sent to Europe, of which France is in greater need than any of her Enemies. This consequence would follow, although even should no part of the Forces destined to act against the Republic, be diverted to Act in America; and, should such deversion take place, the scenes here would be so considerable as to interrupt our agriculture, and abridge, if not totally, prevent, a surplussage of provisions for exportation. These would undoubtedly be the consequences to France from any attempt on our part to assist her as an ally, and, it does appear to me, that her true policy, if she can be in temper to reflect on it, is, to be vigilant in keeping the United States clear of the War, leaving them to enjoy of the Mare liberum as fully as possible. This is the only Country from which she can expect supplies of provisions, and if we can retain the free use of the seas, she will be more certain of receiving them in the course of Trade, than by a feeble attempt of government to supply her against the fleets of her Enemies. The consequences to the United States, from an attempt to comply with the Treaty, need not be mentioned; they must be evident to all who will think at all on the subject; nor will any one, whose happiness is connected with that of his Country, be willing to encounter them, but under the pressure of inevitable necessity. This, I am inclined to think, will not occur, if we are wise. The Inhabitants of the United States ought to rejoice, that, being no longer adventurers for their own liberties, they are too remote from the Countries which have the desperate game yet to play, to be brought into hazard with them.

In answer to your 6th. question, I suppose the Embassador from the French Republic, might be received in form without the least impropriety upon the ground of neutrality. He comes from the prevailing Authority of the nation, and it would seem, that any government refusing a reception, would manifest more than a spirit of neutrality. The Conduct of England on this point was followed by effective measures against the Republic. The expediency of a reception in form, I have no doubt of, upon more considerations than the mere propriety of it. It will prevent many cavils against our Administration. It is proper for me to inform you, that we have amongst us, those who are preparing the people for such an event as a refusal, under the old Story of an Eastern influence in favor of Monarchy in America, and, consequently, unfriendly to the liberties of France. You will readily perceive that the motive for this, arises less from a zeal in the cause of France, than a desire to destroy the confidence of the people in their own Government.
I would be for receiving an Embassador from the French Republic, and from any other of the beligerent powers, but would be publicly explicit, as to a perfect neutrality. The French, I suppose, have a good pretext for business with us, not connected with a participation in the War. The Debt, which it appears to be understood, ought to be paid to the existing Authority is certainly no unimportant ground of intercourse.
The only chance, that I can now perceive, for the United States being lugged into the War is, that great Britain may attempt to restrain, by force, the passage of their ships into the French Ports with provisions, and our feeling it necessary, for the public honor, to resent the injury. Should such a circumstance happen, we shall, I suppose, have a delicate, and, perhaps, difficult, part to act. I cannot however be very apprehensive of our being brought into the difficulty, if we, evidently, preserve a neutrality. If we leave our Trade open to all Countries, and our Citizens free to visit all ports, I see not how Great Britain can have a pretext to meddle with our vessels going into France, unless laden with what are called contraband articles, or approaching places beseiged &c. Some of our hotheads throw out opinions that we should attempt, by an order of Government, an exclusive exportation to France; these however are few and contemptible. The nation that would attempt this, without even one armed ship, and in behalf of a nation too, whose naval force is impaired, and far inferior to that of her Enemies, would indeed entitle itself to the ridicule of the whole world. It is certain that France could derive no benefit from such an attempt, which she may not secure without our infringing the rights of neutrality. Having no navy, we must rely altogether, in the effort, upon her Convoys; and if these could cover our trading ships, their own might, under the same convoys, pass safely home with the provisions purchased in our ports.
I have, my dear Sir, complied with your request in giving the result of my observations and reflections upon the present very important crisis, and have indeavored to render them worth your trouble in asking for them. Your own judgement will direct you how far to rely upon their accuracy. With every sentiment of private friendship, and the fullest confidence in your public administration,
I am your afft. Hl. sr.
Ed. Carrington
Alexander Hamilton Esq


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Pinckney, 26 April 1793
From: Pinckney, Thomas
To: Hamilton, Alexander

London, April 26, 1793. Introduces “Mr. Archdekne and Mr. Godfrey … Gentlemen of independent Fortune who purpose visiting as Travellers several parts of the United States.”


Title: Conveyance by Lease and Release to Gulian Verplanck, 27 April 1793
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Verplanck, Gulian

[Philadelphia] April 27, 1793. “… Alexander Hamilton and Elizabeth his wife for and in consideration of the sum of Two thousand four hundred pounds current money of the State of New York … paid by the said Gulian VerPlank … HAVE granted, bargained, sold, aliened, released and confirmed, and by these Presents DO grant, bargain, Sell, alien, release, and Confirm unto the said Gulian VerPlank … and to his heirs and assigns for ever ALL that certain messuage or Dwelling House and the Store House thereunto adjoining, as also a Lot of Ground whereon the said Dwelling House and Stone House do stand,… situate lying and being in the ward lately called the South ward of the City of New York, pointing to a certain Street called Wall Street.…”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 27 April 1793
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

Philadelphia, April 27, 1793. “… The enclosed Letter just received from the Collector of Charleston contains information & raises a question, which are proper for the eye of the President.”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Tench Coxe, 28 April 1793
From: Coxe, Tench
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Philadelphia, April 28, 1793. On May 4, 1793, Hamilton wrote to George Washington and referred to “a letter of the 28 of April received yesterday from the Commissioner of the Revenue.” Letter not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Stephen Higginson, 28 April 1793
From: Higginson, Stephen
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Boston Apr. 28. 1793
Dr Sir
In the present State of things new cases every day arise that require a referrence to you.
It is a very desireable thing to have our Vessels & Our Seamen so guarded, as to prevent any interruption in Our Commerce that shall appear unreasonable & affrontive. There are men among us who will make the most of every injury done to our property, or insult offered to Our flag. I wish there were Sea Letters or other proper Documents issued by the Officer of the Union, to serve as uniform mode of Evidence as to the property &c. For want of this every man follows his own fancy as to the manner of doing it, & each foreign Consul is tenacious of his own forms & modes of legalising or authenticating. Why may not the Secretary, to whom it belongs, consult with the ministers or Residents from the different powers, & decide on the form of such Documents to be sent signed, & countersigned or not, to the several Collectors to be issued by them; & also on the mode of authentication by the Consuls? We shall have a vast number of Vessels, scattered every where over the face of the Deep; & I fear much uneasiness may arise, & real injury be sustained for want of a proper & uniform mode of evidencing the property, beside what results from the common custom house papers. The Dutch Treaty contains a form settled & required by the 25th Article, it may serve as a model, but I should prefer ours more simple & clear.
This Object may not fall within your department, but you can put the business in train & help it forward.
I am in haste but with respect   Yours &ca
Stephen Higginson


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from George Thacher, 28 April 1793
From: Thacher, George
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Biddeford, District of Maine, April 28, 1793. On May 18, 1793, Hamilton wrote to Thacher: “Your letter of the 28th. of April has been received.” Letter not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Wilhem and Jan Willink, Nicholaas and Jacob Van Staphorst, and Nicholas Hubbard, 28 April 1793
From: Willink, Wilhem,Willink, Jan,Van Staphorst, Nicholaas,Van Staphorst, Jacob,Hubbard, Nicholas
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Amsterdam, April 28, 1793. On May 1, 1793, Willink, Van Staphorst, and Hubbard wrote to Hamilton and referred to “our Respects of 4 & 28 Ulto.” Letter of April 28 not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 29 April 1793
From: Ellery, William
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Newport, Rhode Island] April 29, 1793. “I acknowledge the Receipt of your Circular Letter of the 29th. of March last.… As a War has been declared between the French and British Nations, the Port of Newport is easily accessible, and it may be convenient for the Ships of War and Privateers of the French Nation to bring into it Vessels which they may capture from the British on this coast, and they are not prohibited by the Treaty of Amity and Commerce from selling such Vessels and their cargoes in any port of the United States, it is probable that some British Vessels which may be captured by them, may be brought into & sold in this District, and it is uncertain how soon this may take place. I should therefore be happy to be informed how I am to conduct on such an occasion. The Duties imposed by Law on goods, wares & merchandize imported into the United States I imagin would be demandable on such prize goods, and that of course they must be reported and entered at the Custom House; but what, upon this supposition, should be the form of the Report and Entry I am at a loss to determin, and whether the duties should be paid down or secured to be paid, and, if secured to be paid, what time should be allowed for payment. Be pleased to favour me with such directions in this respect, and in general with regard to my Official conduct towards the Ships of War & Privateers belonging to either of the powers which may be at war, and the Vessels and their cargoes captured by them and brought into this District as shall be judged proper; and with such Sea Letters or Pass Ports as you may deem will be for the security of our navigation & commerce.”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John Hopkins, 29 April 1793
From: Hopkins, John
To: Hamilton, Alexander

United States Loan Office[Richmond] State of Virga. April 29. 1793.
Sir
In compliance with your letter of the 21st of April 1792, I have to inform you that James Brown this day applied for the purpose of transferring the Stock standing in his name in trust for William Short Esqr to the said William Short; and considering that the object of Mr. Jeffersons letter to you of the 19th of April would be fully answered by this Transfer, I have accordingly permitted it to take place and the Stock now stands in the name and to the Credit of Mr Short.
I have the honor to be,   Sir,   Your Mo. Obedt Servant.
John Hopkins,Commr Loans for Virga.
The HonbleAlexander HamiltonSecretary of the Treasury.


Title: Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 29 April 1793
From: Treasury Department
To: Collectors of the Customs

Treasury Department,April 29th, 1793.
Sir,
It having been deemed expedient, to commit to the Commissioner of the Revenue the business of preparing certain documents, respecting commerce, navigation, and manufactures, with a view to the public service, I request that you will regularly transmit to his office the quarterly Returns of Exports. It is also my request, that you furnish him from time to time with such other papers and pieces containing information relative to those objects, arising from materials in your office, or matters under your immediate observation, as he may desire. This, however, is not meant to include any official returns or documents which you have been or shall be directed to transmit to any other office of this Department.
With great consideration,   I am, Sir,   Your Obedient
A Hamilton


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John Steele, 30 April [1793]
From: Steele, John
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Salisbury [North Carolina] April 30th. [1793]
My dear sir,
This morning Mr. Genet the French Minister set out from this place for Philada. His route is by Richmond thence to Mont Vernon, where he hopes to see the President. It will require 18 or 20 days for him to reach Philada. tho: he professes, and really seems to be in haste. You have heard much of this Citizen no doubt, and therefore any thing of him from me will seem superfluous; but as I am writing of the man that we are all affraid of, permit me to say, that he has a good person, fine ruddy complection, quite active and seems always in a bustle, more like a busy man than a man of business. A French man in his manners, he announces himself in all companies as the Minister of the Republic &ca. talks freely of his Commission, and like most Europeans seems to have adopted mistaken notions of the penetration, and knowledge of the people of the United States. He is, or affects to be, highly gratified by the affectionate treatment he has thus far experienced from the Americans, except of Charleston where an insult was offered to a French seaman which he attributes to the Merchants, who seem in his opinion almost wholly attachd to the Brittish. The Minister, notwithstanding his good nature, spoke angrily of this insult, and for a moment deviated from his system which is I think, to laugh us into the war if he can. The best informed men in this State, who are wholly disinterested continue uneasey, from an aprehension that our political connection with France, and our commercial intercourse with England will place the United States in a delicate, if not a dangerous situation during the war. My own mind has been at ease since the communication which you were pleased to make to me of your sentiments of that subject in Philada. This conversation having been confidential, I have never considered myself at liberty to repeat any part of it, but I have often said, on proper occasions, that the friends to Neutrality, & peace would find in the Secty. of The Treasury, an able and zealous friend. In short the best men in this country rely chiefly upon your talents, and disposition to avoid the rocks which lie upon the right hand, and upon the left, ready to dash our young government to pieces upon the least unskilfull pilotage.
This part of the country affords nothing worth your attention, except the prospect of plentiful harvests, and good share of political contentment. Those who have usually been most clamourous, are now in Congress, where you may be assured, they can do less evil than at home. With these honorable Citizens I am perfectly acquainted, and cou’d give you a more certain description of their characters, than of the illustrious Republican who occupies a considerable space in this letter. But you will know them soon enough.
Perhaps I may say a word, or two of each of the new Ones, sometimes before next December, as it is certainly important that a man in your situation should know what sort of Materials he has the misfortune to work with.
Commend me to the remembrance of Mrs. Hamilton, and believe me to be
With perfect respect   Your most humble servt.
Jno. Steele


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to ———, [April 1793]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To:

[Philadelphia, April, 1793]
Dr. Sir
I request the favour of you to present for me the inclosed Bill & when paid to remit the amount in bills of the Bank of the UStates.
Yrs.
A Hamilton


Title: Statement on Remarks by John F. Mercer, [April 1793]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To:

[April, 1793]
Mr. Mercer after amusing with his financial reveries the House of Representatives, during the last session, has thought fit to serve them up a second time, for the entertainment or instruction of the electors of Prince Georges and Anne Arundel counties, in the State of Maryland. And as if the Editors of certain Gazettes thought doctrines worthy of propagation in proportion to their absurdity, we have seen the wild paradoxes of that Gentleman handed from paper to paper with no less attention than would be due to the most precious truths.
To follow Mr. Mercer, through all the incoherent ravings of a sublimated and excentric imagination, that often indulges itself in more than poetic fiction, would far exceed the leisure I have to bestow upon him. But he shall be examined in a few palpable particulars—the result of which will serve to shew his entire ignorance of the subject he undertakes to speak and write about, and his total incapacity to be the reformer of the public administration and the instructor of his fellow Citizens.
To effect this, in the clearest and simplest manner, I shall state each suggestion meant to be examined distinctly and shall connect with it its answer.
1 Suggestion   The present advantageous rate of the loans made abroad is not to be attributed to prudent management: For the old Congress, without the command of any fund whatever, in the midst of an unequal war, on the doubtful event of which all payment depended, borrowed of the Dutch once at four per Cent, and never at more than five per Cent. While the Secretary of the Treasury, in full possession of all the productive funds of the Continent has borrowed at five ⅌ Cent and never till lately so low as four.
Answer   The low rates of the loans made under the old government were for the most part nominal; those made under the present government are real. The only four per Cent loan made by the UStates on their own Credit of Individuals under the former government was in fact a  per Cent loan. This arose from

The 4 ⅌ Cent loans made under the present government are incumbered with nothing but a charge of 5 ⅌ Cent for brokerage and commissions and upon strict calculation allowing for the deduction to satisfy this charge, they will actually cost the United States  per Cent and no more. The difference is nearly  per Cent in favour of the present Government.
From the manner of expression used by Mr. Mercer, it would be supposed by one unacquainted with facts, that much time had been spent in bringing the reduction to this point. Whereas the provision for borrowing was only made the  and as early as  a loan was effected at Antwerp at 4½ per Cent in  one was effected at Amsterdam at four [per] Cent and a subsequent one has been made at the same place, at the same rate. So that this important point was accomplished in
And from the facts stated it is evident that the present advantageous rate of loans is a consequence of the sound credit established by the measures of the present Government; contrary to the ignorant or deceptive assertion of Mr. Mercer. Now is there a truth which every channel of correspondence between this country and Europe conforms.
2 Suggestion.   Were it not for the irredeemable quality of the debt, we might at this moment reduce the interest upon it to 4 ⅌ Cent by borrowing the money in Holland at that rate.
Answer 1   The thing asserted is not practicable. Exertions have been making for  to borrow money abroad to pay of the arrears of our foreign debt and change the form of the residue advantageously; and in all that time the total amount of the loans effected does not exceed


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Jefferson, 1 May 1793
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Philadelphia. May. 1. 1793.
Sir
When you mentioned to me yesterday that M. de Ternant proposed to apply for a sum of money, & founded himself on a letter of mine which gave him reason to expect it, I thought I could not have written such a letter, because I did not recollect it, & because it was out of the plan which you know had been adopted that when we furnished one sum of money we should avoid promising another. I have now most carefully examined all my letters to M. de Ternant, as far back as Mar. 7. 1792. the date of the first on the subject of furnishing money, & can assure you there is not a word, in one of them, which can be construed into a promise, express or implied, relative to the present subject, or which can have committed the government in the smallest degree to a departure from the rules it has laid down. I am equally confident that I have never said a word which could do it. Upon the ground therefore of any such commitment by me, the proposition will not be supported.
With respect to these applications in general, they were of course to pass through me: but I have considered them as depending too much on the arrangements of your department to permit myself to take & be tenacious of any particular ground, other than that whatever rule we adopt, it be plain & persevered in uniformly in all cases where the material circumstances are the same, so that we never refuse to one what has been done for another. It is, & ever has been my opinion & wish that we should gratify the diplomatic gentlemen in every way in which we can do it, without too great inconvenience or commitment of our own government. I think it our interest to do so; and am under this impression in the present case so much that I should readily concur, if it be the pleasure of the President, in reconsidering the rule adopted on a late occasion, & substituting any other consistent with our public duties, more adapted to the gratification of the diplomatic gentlemen, & uniformly to be applied where the material circumstances shall be the same: for it would reverse our aim were we to put ourselves in the case of disobliging one by refusing what we have done to gratify another. In these sentiments, I will hand to the President any application which M. de Ternant shall think proper to communicate to me in writing.
I have the honor to be with great respect, Sir   Your most obedt. humble servt.
Th: Jefferson
The Secretary of the Treasury.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Wilhem and Jan Willink, Nicholaas and Jacob Van Staphorst, and Nicholaas Hubbard, 1 May 1793
From: Willink, Wilhem,Willink, Jan,Van Staphorst, Nicholaas,Van Staphorst, Jacob,Hubbard, Nicholas
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Amsterdam 1 May 1793
The Situation of affairs here, as we had the honor to point it out to you in our Respects of 4 & 28 Ulto. naturally urged our every attention, to provide for the support of the Credit of the United States, at the fast approaching Period of the first of June, when was to be paid f.1.000.000.—Reimbursement
“ 470.000.—Interest

All the monies in our hands, having been more than absorbed by the Bills you had ordered to be drawn upon us, and which we must at all Events hold ourselves ready to honor, The Demands against the United States, required a Loan for Two Millions of Guilders, to face, the payments of June; the sums that we every Day expect your orders to apply to the Department of State, whose Funds are exhausted; and the Interest due next September, for which the last Instalments of the Loan would but just have been in time. Circumstances, which joined to the strong probability of our Advices of the State of affairs in Europe, not reaching you early enough, to enable you to make the Provision in Season, seemed to prescribe absolutely the Recourse to a Loan of that Extent; notwithstanding which, the disagreeable Consequences of giving five per Cent Interest for a new Loan, after we had assured our undertakers the United States would borrow no more at that rate, and the difficulty such a step would lay in the way of a future Reduction of the Interest, operated so forcibly upon us, that after having protracted the Decision of the matter, to the last moment Prudence warranted, We determined only to propose a prolongation of the Reimbursment, and to assume the advance ourselves of the large sum of Interest, which in such a critical Juncture, is an object of very great consequence indeed. By this means, We should maintain the appearance, of not borrowing any fresh Sums at an increased Interest, avoid Stretching the Credit of the United States to the utmost under such unfavorable Circumstances, and thereby facilitate the obtainments hereafter at a lower Interest, should events render such in any wise practicable.
It was therefore only on the 27th. April, that we closed with the undertakers, for the prolongation of the Reimbursment of the one Million of florins due the 1st. June 1793 by the United-States, at the same Interest of five per Cent per Annum for Ten years, reserving however unto the united States, the faculty to discharge same, as much sooner as they shall please: It was totally impossible, to stipulate for a Lower Interest, A Point you will easily concede, upon our informing you, that the five Per Cent American Bonds were not Saleable at more than par, and the four per Cents were not above 91 Per Cent.
We succeeded to fix the Charges at 3½ Per Cent, because It was a Prolongation, which is an half Per Cent lower than the last five Per Cent Loan, and extraordinarily favorable, considering the State of affairs here and all over Europe: You Sir! we are persuaded will judge the same of them.
On the 29th. ultimo, we received your Respected favors of 1 February, 15 & 16 March, advising your having arrested the Negotiation of f495000. of the Bills you had directed to be drawn upon us, and of your Intention to remit us further, by the British April Packet f975000. in Bills upon London and Amsterdam, Exertions on your part, not only active and praiseworthy in the extreme, but likewise beyond what we could have deemed or supposed probable: The last Letters had a very quick passage, yet arrived a few days too late, to prevent the prolongation of the Reimbursment.
The Treasurer of the United States has remitted us, Robert Morris’s Bill at Sixty Days Sight on Bourdieu Chollet & Bourdieu, of London £12096.15. Stg. for which the united States shall be Credited.
We rejoice in the Determination we took not to open a New Loan, and likewise at the Intelligence of your Remittances coming forward at such a crisis, which have tended to raise an high Idea here, of the Credit and Resources of your Country, and of the judicious management of them; This can but operate very favorably, upon the future Loans to be raised here for the United States.
We are even at a loss to decide, whether the Prolongation is really to be regretted, since from the present Posture of the Powers of Europe, Events may proceed, of a Nature to render future Loans for some time to come, very difficult if not totally impracticable, as is actually the case with Austria and Russia, whose Agents here have Powers to borrow at five per Cent Interest, the very first moment they can push a Loan upon the market: If so or even in the prospect thereof, the Honor and permanent Advantages, flowing from the Provision your Remittances will make, for discharging regularly the large Amount of Interest, that is constantly falling due hereby the United-States, can greatly preponderate over any temporary Sacrifices, that such Provision may have occasioned.
We are respectfully &c.
W & J. Willink
N & J van Staphorst & Hubbard


Title: Alexander Hamilton and Henry Knox to George Washington, 2 May 1793
From: Hamilton, Alexander,Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

PhiladelphiaMay 2. 1793
Sir
A conformity of opinion, and upon the same grounds, enables us to submit to you a joint Answer to the third of the Questions, which you were pleased to propose on the 18th. of April to the Heads of Departments and the Attorney General.
We have concluded that this mode would be more agreeable to you than a repetition of the same ideas and arguments in seperate answers.
With perfect respect & the truest attachment   We have the honor to be Sir,   Your most Obedt & hum servan⟨ts⟩
Alexander Hamilton
H Knox.
The President of The UStates