Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Newton, Junior, 18 July 1791
From: Newton, Thomas, Jr.
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Norfolk [Virginia] July 18th. 1791
Sir

Since I wrote you of the 8th I have been to Cape Henry & took a veiw of the place for fixing the Light house. The Sands are much shifted since laying of the two acres. I had some conversation with Mr. McComb on the subject of going deeper; it is not yet certain that it will be necessary. I will attend to the business & do all in my power for the best, but shall be at a loss, how to act without a copy of the agreement or some instructions, to know in what manner the work is to be done, which you’l please to send on as soon as possible as Mr McComb thinks of beginning the foundation in a fortnight. He mentiond that sheds were to be built for holding of oil, I am apprehensive that they wou’d be coverd with sand in a short time, one gale of wind might effectually prevent the keepers getting at oil, if cesterns were fixed in the Light house they wou’d be safer & more convenient & I suppose no extra charge wou’d attend it, they should be lined with lead. Mr. McComb also mentiond a wooden cornice; if it is the case I am afraid it will soon want repairs, the exposed situation of the place woud soon destroy any wood that cou’d be fixed there & shou’d it want repairing, the scaffolding alone will cost more than the differance between a stone & wooden Cornice.
In what manner is the pavement to be laid? If it is to be done on the loose sand without a wall to keep it up, it will be of little use, but if a wall is run about three feet deep and ten feet from the light house, it wou’d add greatly to the safety of the house & the pavement. I thought it my duty to give these informations; but shall follow whatever directions you shall give. I am
Respectfully   Yr. Obt Servt
Thos. Newton Jr.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 19 July 1791
From: Olney, Jeremiah
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Providence, July 19, 1791. “I have received your Letter of the 6th. Instant, relative to Mr. Arnold’s Teas &c. and it affords me pleasure to inform you, that I have reason to expect he will discharge his Bond tomorrow; if he does, it will prevent the transmission of the Notice you mention. I enclose my quarterly Return of Exports, amounting to One Hundred and Twelve Thousand Five Hundred and Ninety-three Dollars & 14 Cents.…”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Short, 19 July 1791
From: Short, William
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Paris July 19. 1791
Sir

I had the honor of writing to you on the 8th. of this month by the French packet & of acknowleging the reciept of your letter of the 9th. of May.
The commissioners at Amsterdam have since then informed me that all difficulties being removed they have consummated the payment of the million of florins to the French bankers there & recieved their bill on this government for its amount 2,696,629 ₶. 4. This you will find a much more advantageous rate of exchange than that of the payment made last fall, which was also advantageous.
In consequence of your letter of the 9th. of May which authorized me after leaving f800,000 in the hands of the commissioners, to complete the payment of the million & an half of florins of the last loan destined for France I wrote to them informing them of this disposition—adding that before the intended payment was made known I would settle with the present commissioners of the treasury (who have succeeded to the Director general) a basis for fixing the rate of exchange. I had no knowlege of the late loan being otherwise disposed of than as to the f800,000. mentioned in your letter. In answer to mine I have just recieved one from them of which I send you an extract. It is dated Amsterdam July 14. 1791.
“Your calculation of our having funds in hand to discharge this order of f800,000 is erroneous, the disposals of the Secretary of the Treasury having absorbed the balance of the U.S. up to about f350,000. Thus we shall be in advance about f150,000—besides which there will be due for interest in

February next on
loan of
2. mills
 80,000

do.
do.
3
150,000

March
do.
2½
125.000

so that the U.S. will have to provide here in a few months f505,000—
which considering the employ there appears to be yet in America for monies negotiated here, we presume the Secretary would desire to face by a loan, preferably to making us remittances for it.”
As it appears to me from your letter that you expected the payment of f500,000 to be made out of the loan I shall write to the commissioners that such appears to me to be your wish & of course that I do not direct a payment beyond what the loan furnishes viz. about f350,000. I have not fixed any term of payment or any sum with the commissioners of the treasury but have desired them to authorize their bankers to recieve such sums as may be offered them by the commissioners in proportion as they may have monies in their hands & to fix the rate of exchange agreeably to that which prevails at the time of payment. The commissioners of the treasury like M: Dufresne desire the payment to be made at Amsterdam, but proposed that the exchange should be fixed according to a mean rate taken on eight days prior & eight days posterior to the payment. I have told them that this was inadmissible because it subjected us to the loss accruing from any artificial rise which might be occasioned in consequence of such payments & remittances being made known. They have agreed individually that the observation was just & have promised to settle it otherwise at their first meeting. I am waiting only for the result in order to give orders to our commissioners.

In answer to my letters with respect to a loan at 4½. p. cent interest & also a diminution of the charges in case of the interest being continued at 5.p.cent, they continue to say that the reduced interest can be hoped for only from delaying the loan & augmenting the commission. And as to the loan on the same interest they persist in assuring that no diminution of the charges can take place. They say that the bonds will inevitably fall to par on such a loan being proposed, the rise to 101 having taken place only from its having been believed that no other 5. p. cent loans would be proposed & that the bonds may be now had [at] 100½ in parcels. They add that it would be highly impolitic to sink the goodwill of the undertakers by reducing them ½ p.cent on their commission as I proposed. I own I am not of the same opinion & am persuaded that if they pleased, they might carry through a loan at 3½ p.cent commission. I have not informed them of my intention to open soon a loan either there or elsewhere, but only have given them to understand, which they know however full as well as I do, that Congress will soon have occasion for further loans: & so the matter stands with respect to them.
Mr. Morris is in correspondence with his friends at Antwerp respecting a loan as mentioned to you in a former letter. He shewed me a letter from them in which they say that they think a small sum might be raised at 4½. p. cent by allowing sufficient time, but that the commission must be 6. p. cent. I have authorized Mr. Morris to propose to them a commission of 4. p.cent. & to say that in that case I would contract with them. He is now waiting for their answer though I have little hopes they will take so low a commission. As it would be highly advantageous however to make such a loan even as they offer, I may perhaps be tempted to accept it if nothing better can be done—but in that case, as the solidity of the house would be much less known to me than that of the houses at Amsterdam I should think it most advisable to have the sums remitted here in proportion as they recieve them, taking it for granted you would approve such precaution although you have not given orders for the payment. By it the U.S. will reduce the interest of their debt & will also gain considerably by the advantage of the exchange on making the payment.

I have had a further conversation with Mr Grand on the subject of paying off a part of the French debt by loans here. He thinks now that it will be necessary to fix the interest at 5. p. cent & also to recieve the assignats at 10. p. cent depreciation, although in fact it is 14. He has taken up this opinion from an idea that the holders of assignats think they will appreciate & of course would not place them for eight or ten years at their full depreciation. If so it will be much more advantageous to make loans abroad for the payment of the French debt, as the exchange which in that case operates as depreciation is much more considerable.
Under these circumstances I shall wait somewhat before opening a loan unless it should be that at Antwerp at 4½ p. cent interest. The probability of peace taking place to the north increases: should it be realized it may perhaps enable the U.S. to make a loan also at Amsterdam at a reduced rate of interest. If however I were authorized to complete the payment of the whole sum due France I should prefer the certainty of doing it immediately by 5. p. cent loans abroad to waiting for the smaller sums to be raised by degrees at 4½. p. cent, because the present advantageous rate of exchange would counterbalance the ½. p. cent interest.
The bankers at Amsterdam have written to me that they have no doubt that a loan opened there the middle of next month might be pushed to six millions of florins, at 5. p. cent. The same interest would unquestionably procure loans also at Antwerp & perhaps at Genoa. These resources being used, the French debt as far as due might be immediately paid & large sums remitted you for purchasing up the American funds, which bearing an higher interest & selling considerably below par present great advantages for the public credit. The benefit of such measures depending on a general combination of your plans, no steps of course can be taken towards it but by your orders. The view however in which this subject has long presented itself to me makes me regret that such advantages should be lost or delayed. It is useless to mention to you the effect which our domestic funds being at par would have on the credit abroad.
I have never known the reason why the Senate threw out the bill for paying off the foreign officers. It would certainly have had an happy influence on our credit & particularly here. Its not being done could thwart much any design of borrowing money in Paris to pay off the French debt or at least would render the terms less advantageous.
I have thus made you acquainted Sir with the present position of affairs & shall take care to inform you of every step that is taken respecting them.
Various circumstances have prevented the directors of the mint here giving me as yet the information they promised. As soon as obtained it shall be forwarded to you.
In the mean time I beg you to be fully persuaded of the


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Arthur St. Clair, 21 July 1791
From: St. Clair, Arthur
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Fort Washington [Northwest Territory] July 21st 1791
Sir,

On the 26th. of May last I had the honour to address you on the Subject of the purchase which Judge Symmes had made of the public Lands and enclosed Copies of Some Correspondence between him and me relative thereto. The Boat by which those papers were Sent was Attacked by the Indians on the Ohio River and defeated, and the dispatches were thrown over Board. I have now taken the Liberty to forward Duplicates.
The Letter I mention to the judge, has been the fruitful Mother of Thousand more, and produced a Lengthy Correspondence which must be laid, I believe, before you, or the Secretary of State; but it could not be got ready for the present Occasion. It has Issued in the publication of the Proclamation I alluded to, in which the Boundaries of the Contract are set forth, and a piece of Land round the Fort is laid out for the Use of the Garrison—notwithstanding, that I Shewed him the Orders for laying out that Ground, he has gone on Selling it every Since; and there is very little that has not been Appropriated: whatever may be done with the rest of what is without his Bounds, which he has laid Claim to, and sold, this round the Fort will I hope be reserved: I have not now ground to form a Battalion upon nor can I pay so much attention to the health of the few Troops that are here, as to change the ground of their encampment, for they are not enough to take a position at any distance in the Woods.
General Butler (nor any of the levies) has not yet arrived, and three Companies only of the recruits. I am at my Wits end about it, for much will be to be done after they do arrive and the Season is passing—from every appearance it will be September at Soonest before it will be possible to move, and then there is not much time left for the operations of the Campaign.
Mr. Duer has not put the affairs of his department in that Certain State they ought to be with respect to the transportation; Mr. Laidlow has some agency in it but he tells me he has not sufficient authority to procure Horses. In hopes of hearing from Mr. Duer I directed him a fortnight ago to make conditional Agreements which if neither he nor me had information, in a Short time, that might render it improper, I would direct him to make final—if that information does not reach me I must take it upon myself.
I have the Honour to be   Sir   Your most obedient Servant
Ar. St. Clair
The honorable Alexander HamiltonSecretary of the Treasury


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Welcome Arnold, 22 July 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Arnold, Welcome

New York, July 22. 1791
Sir

I have before me your letter of the 15 instant, which first apprised me of any controversy between the Collector and yourself, about the validity of any part of the demand on you.
From the simple statement of the fact to me, I had been led to conclude that there had been a delay of payment of an acknowleged and undisputed debt, and as I had understood that your situation precluded the supposition of want of resource, I was left to suppose, that there was a voluntary delinquency, on some mere motive of convenience. Hence the instructions I gave.
Being now informed that there is a controverted demand, I write to the Collector of Providence to suspend, if not too late, the notifications he was directed to give, and to state particularly to me the circumstances. I shall be glad also to receive them from you; as it is my earnest wish to see the laws executed with equity and moderation, as well as exactness.
I am Sir with all due consideration   Your obedient servt.
Alexander Hamilton
Welcome Arnold Esquire


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jedediah Huntington, 22 July 1791
From: Huntington, Jedediah
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[New London, Connecticut, July 22, 1791. On August 25, 1791, Hamilton wrote to Huntington: “I have considered the case you State in your letter of the 22nd July.” Letter not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, 22 July 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Olney, Jeremiah

New York July 22d. 1791
Sir

Having received a letter from Mr. Arnold informing me that the delay of payment of his bond had proceeded from a part of the demand being controverted, I am to desire that, if not already given, you will suspend the notifications you were required to give to the Collectors out of your state, and that you will inform me particularly of the nature and circumstances of the controversy. I have requested Mr. Arnold to do the same, and I shall be glad if possible, that there may be no disagreement in the statement of facts.
You will also forbear any further proceeding upon the bond until you hear again from me.
I am with consideration   Sir   Your Obed ser
Alex Hamilton
Jeremiah Olney Esqr&c


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Skinner, 22 July 1791
From: Skinner, William
To: Hamilton, Alexander

United States Loan Office [Hillsboro]North Carolina, July 22nd. 1791.
Sir,

The Governor of this State with the advice of his Council two days past, Entered into a Resolution directing the Comptroller to subscribe for; and Deposite in my Office in behalf of the State, all the Certificates of this States Debt, which are in the Comptroller’s office, as well those punched as unpunched; This I consider to be in direct opposition to a paragraph in your circular Letter of the first of November last which says that it is an Erroneous Idea that a State can become a Subscriber for a proportion of that part of the Debt which has been Assumed; from the construction which I put on this part of your Letter. I think I can by no means admit of such a Subscription; I therefore wish your imediate direction how I am to govern myself in this matter.
I am most respectfully   Your most Obedient Servant.
W Skinner.
The Honble. Alexander Hamilton Esqre.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Skinner, 22 July 1791
From: Skinner, William
To: Hamilton, Alexander

The 22nd. of July 1791. from Hillsbo. [North Carolina]
Sir,

Since writing you on the Subject of the States becoming a Subscriber, the inclosed. was handed me by the Governor Private Secretary which I do myself the Honour of inclosing you to which please to give me an imediate answer.
I am most Respectfully   Your most obedient Servant
W Skinner.


Title: Enclosure: From Thomas Rogers, 20 July 1791
From: Martin, Alexander
To:

State of North CarolinaIn Council July 20th. 1791.

A Proposition of His Excellency the Governor. Having received information that the States of New York and South Carolina have funded their Public securities by Subscribing them on Loan to the United States, pursuant to an Act of Congress passed in their second Session intituled an Act “for making provision for the debt of the United States,” I consider it the duty of the Executive as the General Assembly will not meet till after the time limited by said Act for taking in Subscriptions to said Loan to lay this important subject before you on so urgent an occasion. I submit to your deliberations and advice the propriety of Subscribing at this time all the State Certificates and Public Securities thereof fundable by said Act now in the possession of the Treasurer Comptroller or other Public Officers of the State as a Loan in the Office of the Commissioner of Loans of the United States for this State. Please to signify your advice accordingly and should the measure meet your approbation the manner and by whom the same is to be effected. As these Certificates are of a negoceable nature and the property of the State acquired by taxation and purchace it appears that she has a right to dispose of them as she pleases. Should the public accounts be never settled as is suggested by some a saving of the interest will be made to the State by subscribing these Certificates as aforesaid. Should a Settlement take place which is ardently wished for this State it is presumed will be a large Creditor State. She will have it in her power to deduct from the ballance due her the sum subscribed or so much thereof as will be an equivalent to said Ballance and the residue if any will be on Loan to the United States. Should the State contrary to all expectations be a debtor, she will still have it in her power to transfer the Subscription by her made in payment of part or in full of the Ballance that may be due the United States.
Alex: Martin
The Council taking the proposition of his Excellency the Governor under consideration conceive it a subject of great magnitude in which the State is much interested having maturely considered the fourth Section of the Act of Congress for making provision for the debt of the United States are of opinion that the words “Body Politic” mentioned therein give this State, being the first Political corporate Body by which we are governed in a State capacity a right to Subscribe to the United States a Loan of its Public Securities equal to a person or persons therein mentioned. And as the reasons set forth in the Governor’s pro[po]sition together with the emergency of the occasion seem to call for the immediate interposition of the Executive Resolved they do recommend and advise that His Excellency the Governor authorize and empower Francis Child Esquire Comptroller of the public accounts of this State to subscribe or cause to be Subscribed on or before the last day of September next for and in behalf of this State in the Office of the Commissioner of Loans of the United States for this State all Certificates and other Public Securities the property of this State fundable by said Act now in his possession or that may come into his possession before that time: And that the said Comptrollor obtain a Certificate or Certificates or a receipt or receipts for the same from the said Commissioner of Loans and make return thereof to the Governor by him to be laid before the next General Assembly that the State be enabled to derive from the said Loan the advantages mentioned in said act.

Extract from the Journals of the Council of State.
Test.   Tho. Rogers C C.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Theodore Foster, 23 July 1791
From: Foster, Theodore
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[July 23, 1791. On September 1, 1791, Hamilton wrote to Foster: “I have had the pleasure of receiving your two letters of the 23rd July & 4th of August.” Letter of July 23 not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 23 July 1791
From: Lincoln, Benjamin
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Boston July 23d: 1791
Sir

Agreeably to your orders I here send you a description of the Cutter Massachusetts built at Newbury port in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the year 1791. She has on deck two masts her length is sixty feet above her upper deck her depth is seven feet Eight inches her breadth seventeen feet Eight inches she measures seventy tons ⁴³⁄₉₅. She is a square sterned schooner has quarter badges & an Indian head she has a long quarter deck & a deep waist.

You will Observe that the Cutter is much biger than I contracted to have her. This is caused by her being much deeper than is mentioned in the contract. When Captain Williams went to inspect her I wrote to the builders and permitted them to make any little alterations in finishing her, diverse from the plan, given them which Captain Williams should direct but so as never to augment the price of the vessel. The first wish Captain Williams Expressed was to lay the deck eight inches higher than in the original plan with this request the Carpenters complied hence the vessel is much biger than was expected or wished for.
The builders notwithstanding my letter to them, directing that they might not do any thing which should increase the price of the vessel, had hopes as they now say that an allowance would be made them now finding this to be inadmissible they propose to build an other vessel of the size first contracted for & receive this back when the other shall be fitted for the Sea. I hope they will pursue their present intentions for this vessel is biger than is necessary.
I find that the Masters of the Cutters are allowed three rations ⅌ day & the mates two. The officers will take care & supply themselves & receive the money of me. What must they receive for each ration? I have allowed them twelve cents a ration, the same price which is given for the supply of the Soldiers here, for time back.
The officers complain that while at Newbury fixing the vessel they were involved in an expence much above the value of twenty four Cents ⅌ day. Can I make them any allowance & can they be allowed any thing besides their pay while working on board the vessel before fitted for the Sea?
Is it expected that the Sailors be confined to the same ration to which the soldiers are? If they are to have rations in manner of land troops by whom are they daily to be issued?
I have the pleasure to return the two certificates in a form which I hope will be agreeable.
Secretary of the Treasury


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 23 July 1791
From: Olney, Jeremiah
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Providence, July 23, 1791. “I have recd. your circular Letter of the 8th instant, relative to Teas. The Duties on the Hyson-Skin, imported in the Ship Genl. Washington, were ascertained at 20 Cents a pound; it appearing from all accounts, to be less costly than even Souchong and inferior in quality, I judged it could not properly be classed higher than ‘other green Teas’.…”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Joseph Whipple, 23 July 1791
From: Whipple, Joseph
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Portsmouth, New Hampshire, July 23, 1791. Acknowledges receipt of the “Commissions of the three first officers of the Revenue Cutter.”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Marshall, [24–31 July 1791]
From: Marshall, Thomas
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[New York, July 24–31, 1791]
Sir

From the Nature of your enquiries on Saturday I have ventured to presume so far on your time and Candour as to Solicit your perusal of the following lines.
After you have made choice, Sir, of a person for the Directorship, the first Necessary Consideration may be that of obtaining Mechanics from England, (if they cannot be got here) for the purpose of making Machinery and assisting in the Conducting of the Manufactory. A Man for the Brass Work, or fileing up business will be very Necessary; a Person Accustom’d to Superintend the Drawing in the Capacity of “Master of the Room” will be of infinite Utility; a Man who is Master of his business in the weaving branch, and in possession of all or most of the Fashionable Patterns now worn in England will be very Useful. If the Bleaching business is not intended to be confin’d solely to the Cotton Manufactory, a person Competent to the Undertaking, wou’d I doubt not, well answer the Expence of Importation. If any of these men shou’d have Children Accustom’d to work in the Mill their Utility wou’d be greatly Increased.
If the above steps are approved, Sir, it may next be proper to direct the attention towards an Eligible Spot for Erecting the Manufactory upon, in the Judicious choice of which very much indeed depends. The grand Object in this point is Water, and too much precaution and Circumspection in this particular is Impossible, especially upon the very Extensive scale at present Contemplated; for if there is not a regular and constant Supply of Water in the driest of Seasons Sufficient to work the Mill 23 hours pr Day, the Interest of the Subscribers will severely suffer. To prevent this, Sir, it will be Necessary to be Acquainted with the Scource (if easily possible) of the River, the Situation of the Country through which it runs, the Number of other streams that empty themselves into it, and from whence or by what means they are supplied. From these and Similar Observations together with the best Information that can be obtained from those who have long known the River & its particularities, a Judgment may be form’d what Effect a Dry or Wet Season has on it; that is, Sir, wether in a drought there will be a Sufficiency of Water to Supply the Works, and when heavy or continued rains happen, what Effects are to be Apprehended either from its Overflowing, or the Accumulated Impetuosity of its Current, which if not known and guarded against may prove totally destructive to the Buildings. Next fixing on a place where the Natural Current, (within a reasonable distance) is not impeded by Mills, Bridges, Projections or Eddies: the Speed of the Water must be taken (by which the Interior heavy Wheels are regulated) together with the Quantity of Water it is capable of delivering in a given time: the Fall must likewise be measured.
If the Person employ’d in this Business is satisfied about the above particulars, the next Object is the Exact Spot for the Building, and he shou’d consider that not only the common requisites which belong to Mills in General, such as the Convenience of good head Water, Tumbling Bays, and a Sufficient clearance or decent for the purpose of carrying off the back Water & preventing the Wheel from Sludging, is Necessary; but also that particular regard be paid to the Natural Foundation on which he is about to Build. An Amazing Weight stands on the Ground, therefore it is absolutely Necessary that the Strata to a Considerable Depth Shou’d be of a disposition proper to sustain the Burden, such as Stone Gravel or hard Clays; without this precaution, however Judicious ⟨ever⟩y other step, the building must Inevitably be in Imminent danger of having its foundation undermined by the Water, or giving way and falling to pieces.
If the above Obstacles are done away, Sir, the next Step may be that of entering into Agreement with the most able and Experienced Mill Wright to be met with, but as the Nature and Extent of his Employ depends much upon the particular Situation of the Spot &c no decisive rule can at present be laid down. The Building follows next, and perhaps, Sir, you might approve of the Smiths & Carpenters Shops being run up first, which wou’d enable the Machine makers to have some parts ready for setting up by the time the Mill was finish’d. The last thing is the market for the raw Material of Cotton.
If, Sir, I have mistaken the Information you wish’d to Obtain, I have humbly to Solicit your pardon for the truble I have here given you, and beg leave to remain,
Your Most Obedient Humble Servant
Thos: Marshall


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Short, 24[–25] July 1791
From: Short, William
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Paris July 24. [–25] 1791
Sir

Since my last of the 19th inst. in which I gave you an account of the then prospects with respect to loans at Amsterdam or Antwerp, Mr. Morris has recieved an answer from his correspondent at the latter place. He still assures that a loan for the U.S. being opened there for a million of florins at 4½. p. cent might successively be carried to greater amount. He insists however on the commission of 6. p. cent: as he seemed to do this more fully in his last letter I have authorized Mr. Morris to offer him 5. p. cent commission, & to tell him that if he would accept it he might set on foot immediately a loan for any sum not less than a million of florins & might extend it as far as three million—taking care however not to commence it without having full certainty of its success.
Mr. Morris assures me that the house with which he corresponds (Wolfe of Antwerp) may be relied on for solidity and prudence, & is particularly regarded as having the best influence among the money lenders. It was formerly employed by Russia in loans made there. At present Hope obliges that power to concentrate its loans at Amsterdam.
Should this loan succeed I shall go to Antwerp to sign the bonds if thought necessary. Hitherto I have thought it best to let Mr. Morris negotiate this business by his correspondence so that the U.S. might not appear in it unless it should be brought to effect.
It is easy to see that such an event would be attended with a variety of good consequences for the credit & interest of the U.S. If they are able to make loans at this reduced rate of interest at Antwerp there is no doubt that that will enable them to do the same at Amsterdam in a very short time.
There is however one aspect in which this subject may be considered differently. Should the U.S. be able to borrow a small sum only a 4½. p. cent, as it is certain they might immediately make large loans at 5 p. cent, it may be questioned whether the advantages arising from paying off the French debt with the present immense profit of exchange, or from purchasing up the domestic debt at its present price, would not more than counter-balance the ½. p. cent additional interest. The privilege which the U.S. reserve to themselves of re-imbursing their loans would have weight in deciding that large sums at 5. p. cent were more for their advantage at present than a small one at 4½. Still it would be necessary to be much better acquainted with your general plan & views on these subjects than I am, not to make this experiment of a loan at a reduced rate of interest. You shall be kept regularly informed of its progress.

M. Durezzo of Genoa, one of the richest & most influential citizens of the Republic, is now here. I have put him fully in possession of the present situation of the government and resources of the U.S. He seems highly satisfied with them & in the present situation of affairs in Europe considers the U.S. as a new treasure found for the capitalists of Genoa: viz. for all the men of property of the country. He does not return to Genoa before October or November next, & he thinks that the information which he shall carry there & the zeal which he should use in person would insure loans for the U.S., particularly if in the beginning by the way of inducement they would recieve a part in the French funds to be set off by the ministry here against the American debt. He says the months of October & November are favorable also for loans. I rather think however he has fixed on that season because he expects before that time to recieve further information from the Genoese Consul in America to whom he has written on the subject. It is natural that information coming from that source should be more relied on by the Genoese & for that reason I am happy that M. Durezzo has taken measures for collecting it. Should the Consul shew any desire to resort to administration in his researches I don’t doubt you will consider it proper to give him every facility, as it is certain the more the real situation of the U.S. is exposed to the Genoese the greater will be their confidence. I think it highly probable that the U.S. will in time find considerable resources at Genoa & that these will be followed by commercial advantages also.
The commissaries of the treasury having not yet changed the principle on which they had desired the payment at Amsterdam to be made, it is probable I shall find it necessary to desire our commissioners to remit the balance in their hands to Paris, as otherwise we should be exposed to the artificial rise in the exchange which our payments would enable the French bankers or other persons interested, to make.
I have the honor to renew the assurances of attachment & respect with which I shall ever remain   Sir   Your most obedient humble servant
W: Short

P.S. July 25. The commissaries of the treasury have just come to desire I would have the payment made at Amsterdam & have agreed to fix the rate of exchange according to what it may be to day at that place. The exchange has been rather on the rise for some time viz from 44½ to 44 7/8. I shall desire our bankers to comply with this request.
The Honble. Alexander Hamilton, Secretary of the Treasury. Philadelphia


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 25 July 1791
From: Ellery, William
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Newport [Rhode Island] July 25, 1791. “… A person usually residing in this District, is in the District of Boston & Charlestown and there purchases a vessel; is he obliged to take the Oath or Affirmation, required by law previous to the making a Registry or granting a Certificate, before the Collector of this District omitting in said oath or affirmation and inserting what is to be omitted and inserted according to the Proviso in the 7th. Sec. of the Coasting Act, and to produce a Certificate thereof to the Collector of the District in which he and the vessel are, in order to obtain from him a Certificate of Registry for such vessel? Please to favour me with an answer to this question.…”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Martin, 25 July 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Martin, William

[Philadelphia, July 25, 1791. On March 14, 1794, Hamilton wrote to Martin: “Since mine to you of the 25 of July 1791.” Letter not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Short, 26 July 1791
From: Short, William
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Paris July 26. 1791.
Sir

After closing & forwarding my letter to you yesterday I recieved one from the bankers at Amsterdam of which I think it necessary to send you a copy. It is for the most part in answer to one from me in which I had repeated the arguments, already communicated to you, in favor of our right to reduce the rate of commission in the case of a new loan being opened at 5. p. cent. You will see that the bonds of the U.S. instead of rising have taken a considerable fall. This is so different from the expectation of every body that it is to me quite unaccountable unless indeed it should be intended as a means of removing all grounds for reducing the charges of loans in future.
It is possible also they may have had at Amsterdam some hint of the intended experiment at Antwerp & may wish to make it fail. It would be unjust to adopt suspicions of this kind & to propagate them. Still taking it for granted that the present fall in the price of the bonds is not in the actual course of things, & searching for what may be the artificial cause, I own I see none so probable as the desire of those interested in the American loans at Amsterdam to prevent their being carried elsewhere & to keep the charges from being reduced. I had hoped the loan would be published at Antwerp before it were known at Amsterdam (& I am not yet certain that it is known there) as I feared a coalition at that place among the bankers, brokers & undertakers might be formed in order to counteract if possible our designs elsewhere.
I shall be anxious to know what effect this fall will produce at Antwerp & it seems highly probable that it will render impossible the reduction of interest there. If so & a loan can be effected at 5. p. cent I shall suppose it better to make it there than at Amsterdam for the sake of having a credit in two places & of course being less dependent on the speculations of those employed in the loans. I hasten to send this letter in hopes of its overtaking that sent yesterday to Havre. I have the honor to assure you of the attachment & respect with which I am,
Sir,   Your most obedient, humble servant
W: Short
The Honble. Alexander Hamilton Secretary of the Treasury—Philadelphia


Title: Enclosure: Wilhem and Jan Willink, Nicholaas and Jacob Van Staphorst, and Nicholas Hubbard to William Short, 21 July 1791
From: Willink, Wilhem,Willink, Jan,Van Staphorst, Jacob,Van Staphorst, Nicholaas,Hubbard, Nicholas
To: Short, William

Amsterdam 21 July 1791
Sir

We have your respected favor of 15 Instant, in consequence of which We have confirmed to Messr. Hogguer Grand & Co. our having received your Order to pay them f500,000.—.—. on account of the U.S. and our readiness to fulfill it. They will apply to us for the Money so soon as they shall be authorized by the Commissaries of the Treasury; When We will endeavor to fix the Exchange at a just and equitable rate.
There are some Truths difficult to be seized and especially at a Distance: This is the case, with the American Bonds being at present only at par in very small Quantities, and obtainable in Numbers at 99½ per Cent; Such a State of Things, while far from having any bad We have none but the best and most encouraging News of the Government and Finances of that Country, baffles all reasoning, entirely overturns your Hypotheses grounded upon the Price of Bonds at 100 per Cent, and is almost impossible to be impressed unto the Conviction of any Persons not well acquainted with our Local, altho’ It is perfectly visible and feelingly experienced by the Holders of these Effects. In these Circumstances, to secure a Loan at any rate would be an hard Task, We however hope It will still be possible to have one undertaken after the Middle of next Month; But We cannot consent to any Reduction in the Charges, after their having been reduced by you to the very lowest pitch, below what they ought to have been in reason & Justice, or than the Custom of this Place has sanctioned to Transactions of this Nature.
As any thing interesting will occur, We shall not fail communicating it to you, in the Interim We are with great Esteem and Respect
Sir   Your most obedient and very humble Servants
Wilhem & Jan Willink
N & J. Van Staphorst & Hubbard

Les Obligations sur le Liquidated debt ont emalemt. decliné, ceux de 5½ ⅌ Cd’interêt j’achettent a 99½ ⅌ Ct.
Willm. Short Esqr. Paris.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Joseph Whipple, 26 July 1791
From: Whipple, Joseph
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Portsmouth [New Hampshire] July 26, 1791. Describes the case of “the Brig Polly Wentworth R. Miller Master,” which arrived from France on October 1, 1790. States that “a quantity of plaister of Paris which is exempted from duty was inserted in the Manifest,” but that the manifest did not include “a quantity of Bur Stone.” Points out that Miller did not appear “to be acquainted with the exemption of duty on Plaister of Paris & could not therefore … have any intention to conceal the Bur Stone.”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Short, 27 July 1791
From: Short, William
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Paris July 27. 1791.
Sir

Mr. Morris has just recieved a letter from his correspondent at Antwerp in which he informs him that since his last of which I mentioned to you the subject he had recieved an express from the Russian ministry authorizing him to open a loan for the Empress at 5. p. cent interest with a considerable advantage in the exchange. He of course declines undertaking the American business for the present (he had not then recieved Mr. Morris’s letter in which I propose 5. p. cent commission & 4½. p cent interest) & begs Mr. Morris to endeavour to secure it for him when he shall have completed this loan for Russia. The matter will rest in status quo for the present & consequently not become public. The reduction of interest at Antwerp will be impossible to be effected so long as Russia keeps a loan open there at 5. p. cent with the high commission she gives, & until the obligations of the U. S. at Amsterdam shall have taken a rise. Under present circumstances therefore it will be necessary to give still 5. p. cent interest & probably without a diminution of the charges—still however I shall use every endeavour to effect it.
Russia having ordered a loan at Antwerp shews that she is endeavouring to extricate herself from the house of Hope; unless indeed it should be with their consent. As there is no longer any probability of a rupture with England I rather think the Russian ministry will continue to place their whole confidence in that house.
I write to-day to the Secretary of State by the way of the English packet but I think it best to send this letter by the way of Havre in order to avoid its being read in the English port, as it is possible it may still arrive in time for a vessel that sails from thence.
I beg you to be assured of the sentiments of attachment with which I have the honor to be
Sir,   Your most obedient & very humble servant
W: Short
The Honble. Alexander Hamilton Secretary of the Treasury Philadelphia


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Tobias Lear, 29 July 1791
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Hamilton, Alexander

United States July 29. 1791.

By the Presidents command T. Lear has the honor respectfully to transmit to the secretary of the Treasury the enclosed obligation of J. G. Blount & Chas. Cook for the stakage of certain shoals & channels within North Carolina which has been approved of by the President. Also a letter from Mr. Short to the Secretary of the Treasury, & instructions for Mr. Short on certain points relative to Loans.
Tobias LearS.P.U.S.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 29 July 1791
From: Lincoln, Benjamin
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Boston July 29 1791
Sir

I have been honoured with the receipt of your circular letter of the 8th. instant. I will aim at that discharge of the duties therein required which shall give satisfaction.
A few days since I had a hint that a vessel from the Bahama Islands had touched into tarpaulin cove, in one of the Elizabeth Islands, and had there landed a few bags of Cotton. The same vessel came into this port and entered without reserve. The surveyor afterwards mentioned to the master the hint we had received. At first he absolutely denied the fact, but afterwards finding us possessed of certain facts he acknowledged his error. Thereon we brought an action against him & his mate for the fine of one thousand dollars as directed in the Statute. The Captain gave bond, & the mate was committed. The Captain, I suppose, has been advised to attempt a justification on the ground of distress. To this purpose he yesterday took the depositions of all his men & a passenger or two. Of this the Captain in the first place made no mention. How far a Jury may carry the necessity of landing two bags of Cotton weighing both about five hundred after making almost her whole passage I know not. At the time of taking these depositions the Attorney of the district was present & it so fully turned up in the course of this business that the Cotton was landed and as the master had not made any mention of it at the time of entery but swore to the contrary Mr. Gore thought it his duty to prosecute the Captain & have him bound over to answer to the Circuit Court for false swearing.

I wrote immediately to the officer at Martha Vineyard in whose district is tarpaulin cove that he might put hand on the cotton so landed. Since I have received the following answer. “On the receipt of yours of the 12th. inst. I immediately went to tarpaulian cove and applied to Mr: Nye who informed me that about a fortenight before there was a Schooner came in there the Master of which asked of him the favour to leave two bags which he granted. He thereupon landed two bags which he took to be cotton containing as near as he could guess 200 each. The bags were in his Garrot where they remained five or six and were carried off unbeknown to him. Neither did he know the man that landed the same. The foregoing is the whole of the information which I could obtain respecting the cotton.”
I am &c
Mr. Secretary Hamilton


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 29 July 1791
From: Olney, Jeremiah
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Custom-HouseProvidence 29th. July 1791.
Sir.

I am astonished that Mr. Arnold, to excuse the non-payment of his Bond, should have recourse to a subterfuge so wholly unfounded, as “that the delay was occasioned by part of the demand’s being controverted”! Permit me Sir, to assure you, upon my honor, that no Controversy ever existed between Mr. Arnold and me, relative to this Bond, after its amount was first ascertained; before which, indeed, he disputed the value of the Rix Dollar of Denmark, as stated by Law. But on my receipt of the Act repealing that Law, which was about Six Weeks before his Bond became due, application was made to him for Documents to ascertain the real value of the Rix Dollar, that a Statement might be made, and the difference in the amot. of Duties allowed in payment of the Bond; which, in this case, was the only proper mode of refunding, and to which Mr. Arnold never lisped an Objection, until after the Suit was commenced. The delay, therefore, could not proceed from this cause; and in fact, the only one he pretended to aledge here, was a disappointment in a Remittance he expected from Philadelphia. This, if necessary, can be proved by a number of Witnesses. In short Sir, it appears, upon reflection, to be my Duty to inform you, that Mr. Arnold has said, in the presence of several Persons, that he had made a Calculation, and found it would be no disadvantage to let the law take its course; and that he did not mean to pay the Money until he was obliged to. And I have no doubt but your Instructions to notify his delinquency, was the sole cause of his discharging the Bond on the 20th instant, to which Day I had limitted the payment, as the only condition that would prevent a compliance with your directions. That Mr. Arnold should have no shadow of complaint, the Money to be refunded on account of the Rix Dollar, was repeatedly offered to him, first on the Day his Bond was transmitted to the District Attorney, and about a Week afterwards, in my Office, before the Naval Officer and Surveyor; but he refused it, and threatned a Prosecution; which, however, he thought proper to omit. Upon his refusing the Money, I acquainted Mr. Charming with the amount, requesting him to see that Judgement should be made up for so much less. I also not only gave him the usual Ten Days notice, but on the Evening of the Day his Bond became due, I called at his Store, and he being out, desired his Clerk to request him to send the Money on opening my Office the next Morning. Hearing nothing from him in the Morning, and being extremely unwilling to commence a Prosecution, I requested the Surveyor to call on him and let him know, that if the Bond was not discharged before a Packet sailed for Newport, I should be under the necessity of sending it to the District Attorney; but there appearing from his reply no probably of his paying the Money that Day, I conceived it to be my Duty, in compliance with the Law and your possitive Instructions, to transmit the Bond by the Packet, which departed about an hour after; but it was not put in Suit until Four Days had elapsed, which afforded him abundant Time, had he been so disposed, to have stopped the Process by Payment of the Money.
If Mr. Arnold should represent any other Matters unfavorable to the rectitude of my Conduct, in the execution of my Office, I have no doubt you will, by a communication thereof, afford me an opportunity of justifying myself.
I have the honor to be,   Very respectfully, Sir,   Your Most Obedt. & Most Huml. Servant
Jereh. Olney Collr.
Alexr Hamilton Esqr.Secy. of the Treasury.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 29 July 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Hamilton, Alexander

United States July 29. 1791.

Upon a full consideration of the reasons offered by Mr. Short, in his correspondence with you, for removing the restrictions laid upon him by his present instructions, so far as relates to his not opening a loan for more than a certain sum and not being allowed to open a new Loan until the terms of the preceding one shall have been ratified here, I have thought it expedient, & for the interest of the United States that those restrictions should be removed. And I do hereby authorise you to inform Mr. Short that he may open at his discretion loans for the United States, at such times & places, & for such sums as he may find adviseable within the limitations of the respective Laws authorising these Loans.
Go. Washington


Title: Receipt from George Parkinson, 30 July 1791
From:
To:

Philadelphia July 30th. 1791

Received from Alexander Hamilton Esquire Forty eight Dollars, being for three months subsistence to wit; from the 20th April 1791 to the 20th instant.
Geo: Parkinson
Dollars 48.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Fisher Ames, 31 July 1791
From: Ames, Fisher
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Boston July 31. 1791
Dear Sir

I gave your letter addressed to Mrs Warren into the hands of her husband, and tho, you inform me, something pretty was in it, I cannot believe it was a love letter. I told him that I was desired to subscribe for you to her poetical work. I shall take half a dozen Books, which, I presume, will be as much poetry as you will consume, and will carry the compliment as far as it will bear with any appearance of sincerity.
Mrs Walker lives in the country. I have sent your Letter to her. I hope your enquiries will find proper ground to allow her petition.
You make mention of the Bank in your favor of the 2 July. The eagerness to subscribe is a proof of the wealth and resources of the country and of the perfect confidence reposed by our opulent men in the Govt. People here are full of exultation and gratitude. They know who merits the praise of it, and they are not loth to bestow it. But with all this good temper, many lament that the Philadelphians have engrossed so much of the stock, & have so divided the shares as to multiply their votes. They believe that there was management and partiality in the commissioners. They wonder that of the five, the three Philadelphians only attended. Suffer me to write unreservedly.
Mr Willing’s name is mentioned for Prest. It is said that he is Prest. of the N. Ama. Bank, that his name will be useful to the circulation, that his appointment would quiet, perhaps destroy, a faction in the city &c. Allow me to state the other side of the question.
They urge here, that the Prest. ought to be free from all suspicion of management—above the influence of favorites—that Mr Morris, whom they fear as a man of talents & intrigue, with his connections, will make a property of this man & govern him at their pleasure. I fear that his appointment would create a faction here. His friends will not pretend that he has talents to make him worth forcing upon the stockholders in the eastern quarter. An idea that the Bank will be hazarded by partiality to men who will make desperate speculations would be a bad one to get a currency. The Prest. & Directors should be solid and fair. I only wish to have you possessed of the fact that our prudent and respectable stockholders will entertain the opinions I have suggested, and I leave it to your judgment whether Mr Willing is a proper man for Prest.
If the Bank would do business for five per Cent, they would do a great deal more & with safer people. They would overpower the state Banks by giving borrowers better terms. I have had my fears that the state Banks will become unfriendly to that of the U.S. Causes of hatred & rivalry will abound. The state banks will narrow the business of the U.S. Bank & may become dangerous instruments in the hands of state partizans who may have bad points to carry. I will not expatiate. The occasion is a favorable one. The Bank & the U.S Govt. at this moment possess more popularity than any institution or Govt. can maintain for a long time. Perhaps no act of power can be done to destroy the state banks, but if they are willing to become interested individually, I mean the state stockholders, and to establish Sub Banks so as to absorb the funds & contract the business of the local Banks, why should any measures be adopted to support the local Banks to the prejudice of my hypothesis? Or why should cold water be thrown upon the plan of Sub Banks? Mr Willing & the Philadelphians are thought unfriendly to this idea. Perhaps it may be attended with some hazard. But if it must fail, let it not be charged to local prejudice, but to solid reason.
I have lately conversed with a judicious respectable friend on the subject of the Bank in this town. The justness of his sentiments or their coincidence with my own induced me to request his ideas in writing. He has complied and I inclose them. They are the offspring of a moment & were intended for me only. You will read them with due allowance for the manner of their production.
The success of the Govt. of the U.S and especially of the measures proceeding from your department has astonished the multitude & while it has shut the mouths it has stung the envious hearts of the state leaders. All the influence of the monied men ought to be wrap’d up in the union and in one Bank. The State Banks may become the favorites of the States. They, the latter, will be proud to emulate the example of the union & to shew their sovereignty by a parade of institutions like those of the nation. I intended to be concise, & by writing in haste I have been lengthy.
The Distillers here have answer’d a letter from New York, desiring them to shut up their Distilleries &c, with proper disapprobation. Some increase of the duty on W. I. Spirits & some amendment of the excise system, I presume would be proper. It is what they expect & their late conduct has a claim to merit.
Your plan relating to Manufactures is not yet generally known here. I think it will be popular. Have you any objection to a similar incorporation in New England? Some object that agriculture better merits encouragement, & that domestic manufactures will be injured by the company. I do not think these topics unanswerable.
I regret it that when the funding Act passed, the Stock had not been declared free from tax. Some inconvenience & vexation I fear will spring from this neglect. The Assessors are, in some places, disposed to pry into the entries at the Custom House, and the Loan Office Books.
I write meaning that you only should read but I am not sure that the sentiments deserve your perusal. I will not desire an answer. I know your time is occupied sufficiently. I am, dear Sir, with sentiments of esteem and regard
Your very Obedt. hble servant
Fisher Ames
Mr Hamilton


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Elizabeth Hamilton, 31 July 1791
From: Hamilton, Elizabeth
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Albany, July 31, 1791. On August 10, 1791, Hamilton wrote to Elizabeth Hamilton: “I received your precious letters of the 31 of July & 3d. of August.” Letter of July 31 not found.]


Title: Enclosure: Nett Amount of Duties on Goods Wares and Merchandize Imported into the United-States from the 1st. October 1789 to the 30th. of September 1790, 16 February 1791
From: Nourse, Joseph
To:

States
Nett Amot of Duties

New Hampshire
14,550.19½

Massachusetts
320,430.98¼

Rhode-Island
17,675.29½

Connecticut
64,336.20½

New-York
446,646.38

New-Jersey
4,291.85½

Pennsylvania
472,756.35

Delaware
9,914.21½

Maryland
206,750.27

Virginia
214,341.31¾

North-Carolina
14,340.15¼

South-Carolina
102,438.62

Georgia
  15,237.64¾

Total Dollars
1,903,709.48½

The above Summary agrees with the General Accot. of Impost as rendered to Congress. It will receive an addition of about 30,000 Dollars upon the receipt of the quarterly Return commencing the 1st. July and ending 30th. Septr. 1790 for the district of Charleston So. Carolina and of two or three of the smallest quarterly Returns from the State of Massachusetts.

Joseph Nourse Regr.
Treasury DepartmentRegisters Office 16th. Feby 1791.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 2 August 1791
From: Ellery, William
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Collector’s OfficeNewport [Rhode Island] Augt. 2nd. 1791
Sir,

This will be attended by a weekly return of monies received and paid, a monthly schedule of bonds; a List of a Post-note of the North American Bank for One hundred and ninety five Dollars, No. 8080, dated Philadelphia 9th. July 1791, one moiety whereof was transmitted by the last post, and the other moiety is now transmitted by this.
The District Court which met here this day adjourned to the 15th of this month, the Atty. of the District and the other Lawyers being obliged to attend a Court of the State, which this day sits at Providence; so that nothing has been done respecting the case of the Brig: Seven Brothers, and her late master, a Statement of which was transmitted to you on the eleventh of the last month. Since that time we have had an account of the Death of Capt. Browning.
Last Saturday I seized the Sloop Betsy of which Thomas Cotterell was formerly sole Owner, and James Bissell Master on a complaint made to the Surveyor of the Port of North Kingstown, which excited a strong suspicion that on her arrival from Cape Francois a twelve month ago the 10th. of this month, She had unladed, without a permit, goods of the value of four hundred Dollars. I received a letter from him dated July 27th, from which it appears that we shall be able to prove beyond a doubt, that goods were landed out of that vessel without a permit, and I think we shall be able to prove also that they were of four hundred Dollars value and more. The Surveyor had committed to writing the accounts which had been given to him of this transaction; but they were too long, to be copied and it would have been imprudent to have transmitted them. It is impossible for me to give a regular Statement of this case untill I shall have seen him.
If these vessels or either of them, or any other should be seized, condemned and exposed to sale I have reason to apprehend that the principal merchants in this District would not bid at the vendue, and that others might combine to favour the late owner or owners; in this case unless the Offrs. of the Customs should interfere in the sale forfeited vessels would be struck off, at a price which instead of discouraging would tend to encourage transgressions of the Revenue Laws. I wish for your instructn in this respect and am Sir
Yr. most obt servt.
W Ellery A Hamilton Esqr


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, 2 August 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Hamilton, Elizabeth

[Philadelphia] Aug. 2, 1791

I thank you my beloved Betsey for your letter announcing your safe arrival; but my satisfaction at learning this has been greatly alloyed by the intelligence you give me of the indisposition of my darling James. Heaven protect and preserve him! I am sure you will lose no time in advising me of any alteration which may happen. I trust he will not be in danger.
Remember the flannel next his skin, and If he should not be better when this reaches, try the bark-waiscoat. Remember also the benefit he received from Barley water with a dash of brandy. Be very attentive to his diet. Indulge him with nothing that will injure him. Not much fruit of any kind. Be sure that he drinks no water which has not been first boiled in some iron vessel. I hope he will have had some rhubarb or antimonial wine. Paregoric at night in moderation will do him good & a little bark will not do him harm.
Take good care of my Lamb; but I need not recommend. It is among my consolations that he has Doctor Stringer with him.
I am myself in good health & will wait with all the patience I can the time for your return. But you must not precipitate it. I am so anxious for a perfect restoration of your health that I am willing to make a great sacrifice for it. Remember me affectionately to your Father, mother & all the family & love me always as I do you.
Yr. ever tender
A Hamilton E Hamilton


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Skinner, 2 August 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Skinner, William

[Philadelphia, August 2, 1791. On August 12, 1791, Hamilton wrote to Skinner and referred to “my letter to you of the 2nd instant.” Letter not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Cooper, 3 August 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Cooper, William

PhiladelphiaAug. 3, 1791
Dear Sir

Mr. Lincklaen, the bearer of this, is a Young Gentleman of Holland, nephew of Mr Cazenove, of whom you have heard.
He is about to travel through the part of the Country in which you reside and has among other objects that of Examining what can be done with regard to the manufacture of the Maple Sugar. I have told him that you could give him more light on the subject than any other person and have assured him that you will do it with pleasure. The Connexion can bring with activity any Capital that may be necessary for the purpose.
With great regard   I remain Yr Obed Sr
A Hamilton Judge Cooper


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Elizabeth Hamilton, 3 August 1791
From: Hamilton, Elizabeth
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Albany, August 3, 1791. On August 10, 1791, Hamilton wrote to Elizabeth Hamilton: “I received your precious letters of the 31 of July & 3d. of August.” Letter of August 3 not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, 3 August 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Pinckney, Charles Cotesworth

Philadelphia August 3d 1791
Dear sir

It is a cause of no small regret that there appears in a considerable part of the citizens of South Carolina a strong disinclination to the law laying a duty on distilled spirits; and that in consequence of it, difficulties occur in obtaining proper characters to carry it into execution.
This was the more unexpected as the duty in question has been rendered necessary by a measure peculiarly interesting to South-Carolina (I mean the assumption of the state Debts) and its operation, as far as concerns the part objected to, falls with very trifling weight upon the state. While I console myself that in almost every other part of the united States, the law has thus far gone into operation with much greater facility than could have been expected, I rely that the citizens of South Carolina will not be long in discovering that their honor and their interest conspire with their duty to demand a ready acquiescence in the measure; and by affording it, will supersede the necessity of coercive expedients.
In the mean time impediments exist, and it has become necessary, on account of distance, to empower the Supervisor of the Revenue for the District comprehending your state to nominate definitively the Inspectors of Surveys. This has accordingly been done, with only this restriction that he shall previously consult Mr Edward Rutledge, the Attorney of the District, and yourself, or such of you as may happen to be at any time accessible. In giving him this instruction, the President as well as myself has relied upon your zeal for the Support of the national laws, that it will not be disagreeable to you to afford your advice upon the occasion.
The Supervisor from the difficulty of procuring proper characters within the Surveys, has suggested the idea of deputing persons from Charleston. This appears a very questionable expedient, and I incline to think that rather than have recourse to it, it will be well to submit to a little delay. Nevertheless he has been left at liberty to pursue the idea, if upon a full consideration of circumstances it shall be thought eligible, as well by the Gentlemen to whom he is referred as by himself.
I am with very great consideration and esteem, Dear Sir   Your obedient Servt
Alexander Hamilton General PinckneyCharleston, South Carolina


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Nathaniel Appleton, 4 August 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Appleton, Nathaniel

Treasury Department August 4th 1791
Sir,

The Treasurer has received directions to remit you a draft for six thousand, two hundred and ninety four Dollars to enable you to pay a half years pensions to the Invalids of your State, which according to a notification from the Department of war is to be paid on the fourth day of September ensuing. You are to pay under such regulations as shall have been communicated to you from that department as heretofore. The draft sent you is not to be presented for payment ’till a day or two before the period above mentioned.
I am sir   Your obedient servant
Alexander Hamilton Nathl Appleton EsqrCommr of LoansMassachusetts


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Nathaniel Appleton, 4 August 1791
From: Appleton, Nathaniel
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Boston, August 4, 1791. “Agreeably to your directions I now improve the first oppo. to transmit an Account Current of 6 ⅌ Ct. & 3 ⅌ Ct. Stock funded in this Office to the 1st April 1791. They should have been sent forward sooner but a few errors occasion great delay in examining so many Accounts. The Acct. of the defered Stock shall be forwarded as soon as possible. About 1,300,000 Dollrs. have been subscribed by 450 persons to the Loan payable in Certificates of this State Debt. This branch of the business occasions much labor & attention as the endorsment of Interest on State Certificates are very various.…”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Theodore Foster, [4 August 1791]
From: Foster, Theodore
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[August 4, 1791. On September 1, 1791, Hamilton wrote to Foster: “I have had the pleasure of receiving your two letters of the 23rd July & 4th of August.” Letter of August 4 not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, 4 August 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Seton, William

[Philadelphia, August 4, 1791. On August 15, 1791, Seton wrote to Hamilton: “I am honored with your Letter of the 4th.” Letter not found.]


Title: Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 5 August 1791
From: Treasury Department,Hamilton, Alexander
To: Collectors of the Customs

Treasury Department,August 5th, 1791.
Sir,

Information has been given to me, that the Sloop Lurana, of Washington in North-Carolina, lately commanded by Thomas Eastwood, has been sold in Hispaniola to a person unknown, and there is some reason to apprehend that her certificate of registry has been disposed of with her, or retained for illicit purposes by the Captain. This certificate is numbered 28, and bears date at the port of Washington on the 9th day of December 1790. It states the vessel to be fifty three feet and one inch keel, eighteen feet two inches in breadth, five feet nine and a half inches in depth, and of the burden of forty six and two-thirds tons; that she has a round house, a billet head, and but one deck. Her late owner’s name is James Eastwood. Should this vessel arrive in your district, you are to detain the certificate of registry till you receive my instructions, and to withhold from the Sloop and cargo the allowances and benefits granted to Vessels of the United States. If Captain Thomas Eastwood should be on board, you will proceed against him, after the expiration of eight days, for the nondelivery of the register on the occasion of the change of property, agreeably to the 9th section of the registering act. It is said, however, that he has gone to France, and it is not therefore probable that he will appear in your district.

I have also received information, that the certificate of registry of the Schooner Fortitude, of New-York has been lost. The vessel having been stranded, and there being a possibility that the certificate of registry may have fallen into improper hands, it is necessary for me to put the Collectors on their guard, and to desire, that, if any vessel should enter with the certificate, it may be detained. It is No. 30, purports that the Schooner is of the length of fifty three feet, the breadth of seventeen feet four inches, the depth of six feet nine inches, and the burden of fifty two tons and one quarter, square sterned, round tucked, without badges, galleries or head, the property of George Scriba of New-York, commanded first by Roderick Latesta, afterwards by Christian Geerman, and registered in NewYork on the 24th of October 1789.
The papers which the legislature have directed to be prepared against their meeting, relative to the commerce of the United States, render it particularly necessary, that the returns of inward and outward tonnage, of decked vessels built in the several districts, of exports, and imports, should be made with as much expedition as may be found practicable, and that they be transmitted from time to time as soon as made up. No time ought to be lost in forwarding such as may be in arrear.
Having received information that the instruction communicated in my circular of the 30th November 1789, transmitting the opinions of Messrs. Jones and Harison, has not been universally complied with, it becomes necessary to ascertain in what instances there have been deviations. If any such therefore have taken place within your district, it is my wish to be made acquainted with them, and with the considerations upon which they have been founded.
It has also been stated to me, that in some districts a practice has obtained of measuring vessels of the United States previously registered, and of charging for such admeasurement. This, though perhaps within the letter of the law, does not appear to be within what may reasonably be supposed to be its true intent, and is of a complexion to excite dissatisfaction. It is with difficulty presumable, that the legislature could have intended to withhold credit from the acts and certificates of its own officers, so as to render an admeasurement in each district into which a vessel might happen to come necessary, and to subject the merchant to a repetition of the expence incident to that idea. The case of foreign vessels is different, because the documents they can produce are the acts of officers of another government. This practice therefore wherever it may have obtained is to be forborne; though if any reasons shall be offered in support of it they will be duly considered.
It will be satisfactory to receive a copy of the table of fees at each Custom-House, which is directed to be set up by the 54th section of the Collection Law. Uniformity in practice as to the article of fees is particularly desirable. The want of it has already been a source of complaint, and is of a nature to produce both discontent and censure. I am, Sir   Your most obedient servant,
Alex Hamilton
Enclosed is a return of the Consuls and Vice-Consuls of the United States for the use of your Office.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Newton, Junior, 8 August 1791
From: Newton, Thomas, Jr.
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Norfolk [Virginia] August 8, 1791. “On monday last the foundation of the Light house was laid on Cape Henry; it was found necessary to go twenty feet deep below the water table, at the depth of thirteen there was nothing but loose sand, at twenty it appeared solid & firm.… I cou’d come to no others terms with Mr. McCoomb than what is enclosed.… He is perserving & merits much for his industry, the drifting of the sand is truly vexatious, for in an instant there came down fifty cart loads at least, in the foundation after it was cleansed for laying the Stone, which he bore with great patience & immediately set to work & removed it without a murmer. As to the time of payment for the additional work, it must be left to your determination. He has now above fifty hands at work & proceeds as fast as can be expected, but from a Conversation with him he does not think he will finish until October next, twelve months.…”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Short, 8 August 1791
From: Short, William
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Paris Aug. 8. 1791.
Sir

The letters which I have lately had the honor of writing to you are of the dates of July 8.—19—24—26—27. In them I informed you of what had been done with respect to the intended loan. Since then I have recieved your letter of the 24th. of May, which increases my powers both as to the repetition of the loans & the disposition of the sums arising from them. At the time of its receipt a sudden & unexpected fall had taken place in the bonds of the U.S. at Amsterdam, & previously to that, as already mentioned to you, the house at Antwerp had declined undertaking a loan at 4½. p. cent interest. Our bankers have since informed me that the fall was owing to local circumstances, which they do not explain, & not to any discredit of the bonds which are again on the rise.
Thus situated I had to chuse between the certainty of a loan at Amsterdam & the experiment of one at Antwerp. I should have preferred the latter, for the reasons formerly mentioned to you, if it had not been that I were advised to put off opening a loan there until that for Russia should be completed, so as not to enter into competition with a power which gives such high premiums, & also informed that I must begin with small sums at first so as to insure success. The sums on the market of Antwerp being inconsiderable when compared with those at Amsterdam seemed to render such precautions proper. When I considered therefore the amount of those which the U.S. stood in need of & the advantageous mode of their present employment either at home or abroad I thought it most for their interest at this moment to secure them at Amsterdam where they were offered with certainty & without delay, on the terms of the last loan. As the bonds were above par it seemed to me just & reasonable that the charges should be somewhat reduced, but the bankers refuse it absolutely & say that the bonds will immediately fall to par as soon as a new loan is brought on the market. I am exceedingly sorry not to have been able as I expected, to reduce these charges; but the bankers, undertakers &c. are all so well acquainted with our position & the advantages we derive from the loans made there, & know so well that they depend on them in a great measure that I apprehend they would hold out against any attempt to reduce them lower.
I have thought it therefore, after an examination of the business in all its parts, most for the interest of the United States to subscribe to those terms for the present, & have accordingly authorized the bankers at Amsterdam to open a new loan in the beginning of the next month for three millions of florins on the conditions of the last loan.
In their last letter they state that time as the proper one & add a desire that I should leave them at liberty to extend it as far as six millions in case the moment should be favorable. I have not done this as yet because I thought it best to make it the condition of their abating ½ p. cent on their charges in which case I have told them that I should have no objection to extending the loan, & added at the same time that it was to be understood that I allowed the 4. p. cent charges only on the condition that the undertakers still exacted 2. p. cent. I did not know but that they might have reduced them to 1½ p. cent as in the loan they formerly made, without allowing the U.S. the benefit of this reduction. If however I find that they persist in the 4. p. cent charges I shall probably authorize them under your last letter to go as far as the six millions & this as well because it will be easier, if the moment is favorable, to push it then to that amount than to make a new loan soon after, as because it will leave a greater space of time between this & the next loan at Amsterdam which I should hope might be made, with a sufficient interval, at 4½. p cent interest. The balance which will remain due to France after the payment arising from this loan, may perhaps be provided for elsewhere either at Antwerp or Genoa. I leave Paris out of the question at present because I find from enquiry that although loans might be made here, they would afford less advantage to the U.S. in the payment to their debt to France than is derived from the rate of foreign exchange. Besides the foreign officers being not paid their interest here would of course prejudice the business of loans. I think it a misfortune the bill did not pass for re-imbursing them as it might have been done with much advantage on account of the exchange, & the application which M. de Ternant is to make in the names of the officers have been thus avoided.
I will take care Sir to keep you regularly informed of what is done with respect to the loan & shall desire the bankers also to announce it to you immediately on its being brought on the market, that no time may be lost with respect to the part which you intend to draw for. I suppose you find it most advantageous to receive these sums by drawing, otherwise there would have been less time lost perhaps in having the specie sent out.
I do not go to Amsterdam previous to the loan being made because it is not impossible that my presence there which would be known to the whole class of brokers & undertakers, by proving the want of a loan, might make them rise in their terms or render delay necessary in order to beat them down—or at least might furnish a pretext to the bankers for playing a game of that sort. Besides I do not see that any inconvenience can possibly arise from not being there at present. I shall go there to sign the bonds & at the same time stop at Antwerp in order to examine with more accuracy into the real situation of affairs at that place.
An offer has been lately made me indirectly, through Mr. Swan of Boston & of course I suppose it comes from Schweizer & Jeanneret, of furnishing the U.S. with all the money they want for paying off the French debt due & to become due & of taking their obligations in Amsterdam. The source & chanel of this offer rendered it impossible for me to have any confidence in it & as the terms they offered were less advantageous than those found in borrowing at Amsterdam to pay off this debt, I did not think it worth while to go into a particular enquiry. They proposed to allow the U.S. 10. p. cent for the exchange & 4. p. cent for the commission & asked charges on the re-imbursement of their bonds. The exchange at present procuring an advantage of 20. p. cent, this offer was of course inadmissible, besides that they insisted on the debt to become due being included, which was beyond my powers. I mentioned among other things that I would not give the bonds payable at Amsterdam where our credit was already established & where it might be injured by such an operation. Mr. Swan said the persons in question would consider whether they would take the bonds payable at Genoa & London. I mention this to you merely that nothing may be omitted, & have no idea that any thing can be done in that way with the persons in question as I suppose it merely an enterprize of some adventurers who have nothing to lose may risk any thing—who would be supported by people of capital if this bargain was advantageous & abandoned if it should turn out the contrary. It is possible however as I have formerly mentioned that in the crisis of the affairs of this country, the moment may arrive when many may be disposed to withdraw their fortune from the funds here by means of the American debt & thus put it in the power of the U. S. to derive advantage from anticipating the payment of their debt not yet due; as could be the case if such a change should take place as should threaten bankruptcy, & render the circulation to specie alone. In this situation the stockholders would be glad to get out of the funds with the present rate of exchange, which would be much more advantageous probably for the U.S. than that which would prevail after the abolition of the assignats. Such a crisis & such a turn in affairs is by no means impossible though I cannot undertake to assert its probability, as it depends on foreign as well as domestic operations.
The Honble. Alexander Hamilton Secretary of the Treasury—Philadelphia


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Ellery, 10 August 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Ellery, William

[Philadelphia, August 10, 1791. On August 23, 1791, Ellery referred to Hamilton’s “letter of the 10th of this month, requesting the particular circumstances that led to a remeasurement of the Brig Sally.” Letter not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [10 August 1791]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Hamilton, Elizabeth

[Philadelphia, August 10, 1791]

This day, my beloved, on my return from Brunswick I received your precious letters of the 31 of July & 3d. of August. I was surprised to find you had received none from me; as without recollecting dates, I think one, which I wrote you, before my departure from New York, ought to have got to hand previous to your last.

You will easily imagine how much pleasure it gives me to learn that my Dear James was better: but then My Betsey, your health had suffered by your anxiety and you were not so well as when you left me! Think how afflicting an alloy this is. For Heaven’s sake, do not yield too much to the little adverse circumstances that must attend us in this pilgrimage. Exert your fortitude. Keep up your spirits. Never forget for a moment the delight you will give me by returning to my bosom in good health. Dear Betsey—beloved Betsey—Take care of yourself—Be attentive to yourself—Use every mean that promises you benefit.
You say you have not forgotten your bark & Vitriol. But have you constantly remembered it? Have you used the other remedy also?
I have a wish that you would try the Cold bath, beginning by degrees. Take the air too as much as possible and gentle exercise.
I am myself in good health & only want you with me, & in health also, to be as happy as it is reasonable to wish to be. But I charge you (unless you are so anxious as to injure you, or unless you find your health declining more) not to precipitate your return. I cannot help hoping that your native air if taken long enough will be of service to you.
Adieu My angel. Assure yourself always of my tenderest affection & unceasing prayers.
Aug 10, 1791


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 11 August 1791
From: Olney, Jeremiah
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Providence, August 11, 1791. “A Sailor belonging to the Ship Providence, Entered here on the 5th Instant from Cape Francois, started out of a Barrel (which was included in the Manifest of her Cargo) about Eighty pounds of brown Sugar, and while she was unloading, attempted to carry it off in a Box before it was weighed; but the Surveyor meeting him some distance from the Wharf, seized and deposited it in the Custom-House Store. This Sugar being forfeited by its removal without permission, with an evident design to defraud the Revenue, I purpose to proceed against it in the same manner as if it was an Article of greater value; and I hope it will prevent similar Practices in future.…”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Skinner, 11 August 1791
From: Skinner, William
To: Hamilton, Alexander

United States Loan Office [Hillsboro] North CarolinaAugust 11th. 1791.
Sir.

In about eight or ten days after my inclosing you the Extract from the Council Books, the Comptroller of the State agreable to his instructions came forward with a small part of the Certificates collected from his office, with an intent to begin the business of subscribing in my office in behalf of the State for the Certificates in his and the Treasy. offices; this Subscription I considered it my duty to refuse admiting until I should receive your particular directions respecting that business, In consequence of my refusal another attempt was made two days past by the Comptroller to subscribe for the Certificates in his own name, this Subscription I also considered it my duty not to admit of, as it was going expressly contrary to the advice of the Council, and in a manner might be deemed sporting with the public property, for an individual to fund the Pub Securities in his own name; I am apprehensive the Governor of the State (who has the business much at heart) will perhaps throw the Certificates into several hands that I may not suspect, and by that means obtain his wishes, however I shall be as much on my guard as possible to prevent the Subscription taking place until I receive your particular orders, but it is possible it may be accomplished by hands which I may not mistrust. The Checks to the small indents issued Mr. Jas Green for the May & April Money, I am told is in the possession of the Admr. of Mr. Green but will not be delivered up without your orders and that cannot be accomplished so as to answer any good purpose before the first of October.
I am most respectfully   Your most obedient Servant

W Skinner.
The Honble. Alexander Hamilton Esqr.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 11 August 1791
From: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Treasury DepartmentComptroller’s Office11th: August 1791.
Sir,

On examining the Accounts of Daniel Benezet, Collector of the Customs, for the district of Great-Egg-harbour, from the 1st: of January to the 31st. of March last; it appears, that he has collected duties on American Coasting Vessells, under 20 Tons burthen, at the rate of Six Cents per Ton, per annum, to the amount of one dollar & Eighty six Cents.
As the Collection of those duties, seems to have been made, contrary to the intent of your circular Letter to the Collectors, of 20th. November 1789, I take the liberty of submitting the circumstance to your consideration.
I am &ca:
O: W: Jr:


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Arnold and Others, 12 August 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Arnold, Thomas

Treasury DepartmentAugust 12 1791
Gentlemen

In the month of July last Mr Thomas Arnold left at the Treasury a note relative to the tonnage and impost on the Sloops Betsy & Peace, stating that those duties had been paid at the foreign rates by their Captains on entries at Wiscassett and Bath subsequent to the adoption of the federal Constitution by the Convention of Rhode Island. On examination it appears that the entries were made in the month of April, which, it will be perceived, puts it out of my power to direct a refund. Should there by any mistake in regard to dates, in either case, further attention will be paid to the matter, on your transmitting an accurate statement, with such original papers in proof as may be in your possession.
I am, Gentlemen,   Your Most Obedt. Servant
Alexander Hamilton Messrs Thomas Arnold & Others,Owners of the Sloops, Peace& Betsy, Providence


Title: Conversation with George Beckwith, 12 August [1791]
From: Beckwith, George,Hamilton, Alexander
To:

PhiladelphiaAugust 12th [1791]

An Officer at the Head of an Executive Department
Mr. —— Since I saw you, we have got Mr. Ternant, the minister pleniopotentiary from France; I have seen him for a few minutes only. You will find him a man of easy, pleasing manners, and very fit for the objects of his appointment. There has been a sort of alarm in France, and a degree of jealousy of your having lately turned your attention more towards this Country than formerly.
From the nature of our government foreign affairs are totally in the department of the Secretary of State; we have no Cabinet, and the heads of Departments meet on very particular occasions only, therefore I am a stranger to any special views, that may be in the contemplation of the French government from the appointment of this Minister, but I think it probable, that a revision of their whole commercial condition with us may be in agitation, in the Hope of acquiring thereby some share in the trade and consumption of this country; he is a fit man in many respects for such purposes.
Monsieur de la Fayette has written several letters by Mr. Ternant; they contain his opinions of the state of France, and declare his expectation of a completion of the Revolution without a civil war.
Geo. Beckwith


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Duer, 12 August 1791
From: Duer, William
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[New York, August 12, 1791. On August 17, 1791, Hamilton wrote to Duer: “I have received your two letters of the 12th and 16th.” Letter of August 12 not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Lee, 12 August 1791
From: Lee, Henry
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Alexa. [Virginia] 12th August 1791.
My dear sir

Our parting conversation has deeply employed my mind & I continue to lament exceedingly the existence of any event which puts us even politically opposite.
No man is more warmly attached to his friends than I am; among the first of whom my heart places you. I thoroughly confide in the unstained purity of your principles, altho I feel enmity to the measures flowing from them. I am solicitous for your encreasing fame & yet cannot applaud your system. The superiority of your understanding I am not a stranger to & therefore very often am led to doubt the accuracy of my own conclusions; my consequent apprehensions introduce re-deliberation which always terminates in confirmation of my opinions.
In one thing I am nearly decided, to advocate a patient trial for a few years of the fiscal plan, because by this the harmony of the community will be undisturbed & such alterations may be effected as will go to banish from among us bickerings & discord. Amendments of this nature yourself would surely patronise, because the undivided confidence of a nation is not only highly gratifying to a public minister but is the best foundation for complete success to just & wise measures. I wish I could know your mind on this subject & whether you cannot project a mode which will in our day gradually extinguish a debt which so many abhor & dread. This would cure the hurts of thousands, allay the fury of faction & re-laurel your brow.
I have partly contracted for your riding horse & as soon as I can will forward him to you.
Since my return, in consequence of a conversation with Mr. Cazinove I have received a large sum in funded paper & shall send the same as soon as I get the transfer to Mr. Leroy & Bayard recommended to me by Mr C to turn into cash.
The money being soon wanted & the price allowed by me very high, disappointment in the agency will be injurious & distressing. Therefore do I take the liberty to request you the moment you read this ltr. to walk to Mr Leroys, see my letr. to him & urge him to do the business in the best manner for me, as I am a stranger to him.
By return of the post I expect to receive your reply; if you will then enclose Graysons bond, I shall be able to put it on a probable road to paymt.
most affy. yours always
Henry Lee Col. Hamilton


Title: Conversation with Thomas Jefferson, [13 August 1791]
From: Jefferson, Thomas,Hamilton, Alexander
To:

[Philadelphia, August 13, 1791]

Aug. 13. 1791. Notes of a conversn between A. Hamilton & Th: J.
Th. J. mentioned to him a lre recd. from J. A. disavowing Publicola, & denying that he ever entertd. a wish to bring this country under a hereditary executive, or introduce an hereditary branch of legislature &c. See his lre. A. H. condemning mr A’s writings & most particularly Davila, as having a tendency to weaken the present govmt declared in substance as follows. “I own it is my own opn, tho’ I do not publish it in Dan & Bersheba, that the present govmt is not that which will answer the ends of society by giving stability & protection to it’s rights, and that it will probably be found expedient to go into the British form. However, since we have undertaken the experiment, I am for giving it a fair course, whatever my expectns may be. The success indeed so far is greater than I had expected, & therefore at present success seems more possible than it had done heretofore, & there are still other & other stages of improvemt which, if the present does not succeed, may be tried & ought to be tried before we give up the republican form altogether for that mind must be really depraved which would not prefer the equality of political rights which is the foundn of pure republicanism, if it can be obtained consistently with order. Therefore whoever by his writings disturbs the present order of things, is really blameable, however pure his intentns may be, & he was sure mr Adams’s were pure.” This is the substance of a declaration made in much more lengthy terms, & which seemed to be more formal than usual for a private conversn. between two, & as if intended to qualify some less guarded expressions which had been dropped on former occasions. Th: J. has committed it to writing in the moment of A.H.’s leaving the room.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 13 August 1791
From: Olney, Jeremiah
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Providence, August 13, 1791. Asks that Jeremiah Greenman be appointed “Second Mate of the Cutter fitting in Connecticut.”


Title: Promissory Note from William Adams, 13 August 1791
From: Adams, William
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Augst. 13th, 1791

One Month after Date I Promise to pay to Alexr. Hamilton Esq Or Order fifteen pounds for Value Red.

Wm. Adams
£15..0..0


Title: Treasury Department Circular, 13 August 1791
From: Treasury Department,Hamilton, Alexander
To:

Philadelphia Augt. 13. 1791.
Dear Sir

Some investigations in which I am engaged induce a wish to be able to form as accurate an idea as can be obtained of the usual product in proportion to the value of cultivated lands in different parts of the United States.

As I am persuaded no person can better assist me in this object than yourself, I take the liberty to ask the favor of your assistance.
It has occurred to me that if the actual product on cultivated farms of middling quality could be ascertained with tolerable precision, it might afford as good a rule, by which to judge as the nature of the thing admits of.
With this view I have prepared a form with a number of Columns under heads specifying the different kinds of produce usual in your quarter in order that they may be filled in each case according to the fact and as the nature of each head shall require.
There are besides some additional Columns which respect the Total value of the farm and the different kinds of Land of which it consists.
The value of the farm must be determined not by what it would fetch in Cash on a forced or sudden sale, but by what it would sell for at a reasonable and usual credit or perhaps by what the opinion of the neighbourhood would compute to be its true value.
The quantity of each kind of land must conform to the actual quantity in cultivation at the time for which the product is taken.
It is submitted to your judgment according to circumstances whether to determine the product by the average of a series of years, three or more, or by what has been considered as a year of middling fertility.
The price ought to express the value of each Article on the farm. Perhaps to determine this there is no better rule than to deduct the expence of transportation from the price at the nearest usual market. The high price of an extraordinary year would not be a proper criterion; but that which is deemed by intelligent and reasonable farmers a good saving price.
If not inconvenient to you to execute my present request, you will add to the favour by explaining in each case the rule by which you have proceeded; and if it would not be attended with too much trouble the extension of the inquiry to two or three different farms would be satisfactory.
In a matter with which I am not very familiar, it is possible I may have omitted circumstances of importance to the object of my inquiry. The supplying of such omissions will be particularly acceptable.
As whatever comes from the Treasury is apt to be suspected of having referrence to some scheme of taxation, it is my wish that the knowlege of this request may be confined to yourself. And I think it not amiss to add that in truth it has not the most remote referrence to any such purpose.
With great consideration & esteem   I remain   Sir   Your Obedt. servant
Alexander Hamilton


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 13 August 1791
From: Williams, Otho H.
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Baltimore 13 August 1791
Sir

The Brigantine Hawke, Robert Hathaway, Master, arrived at this Port the 28th February last from Havre de Grace, having on board sundry articles of Merchandize, the duties on which amounted to sixty one dollars and eighty four Cents agreeable to the enclosed abstract.
The Brigantine Hawke was registered ninety eight tons, but some circumstance induced the Surveyor of this Port to remeasure her, and she was found to be of one hundred and ten Tons burthen as will appear by the enclosed certificate of admeasurement; she was not registered anew, but the tonnage duty and fees were charged agreeable to her actual tonnage, which I conceive to have been the intention of Congress, and which has invariably been the practice at this port.

I have enclosed an authenticated copy of the Act of the Legislature of Maryland that was ratified by Congress the eleventh day of August last, and which authorizes the collection of two Cents ⅌ Ton, for the benefit of this port.
I am, Sir