Title: Enclosure: Statements, [24 September 1789]
From: Nourse, Joseph
To:

State of the Anticipation of the Taxes of the Superintendant of Finance

Dol. 90ths.
Dol. 90ths.

On William Whipple, receiver for the state of New-Hampshire

For an order in favor of M. G. Sullivan, dated 24th Jan. 1784,
1,300

Ditto Brig. Gen. Moses Hazen, dated 24th Jan. 1784,
2,887 72

Do. Capt. Olive, dated 6th March, 1784,
406 26

Do. Capt. Philip Leibert, do.
105 17

Do. Lieut. Germaine Dienne, do.
85

Do. Capt. Anthony Selin, 8th do.
 219  5
5,003 30

On James Lovell, receiver for the state of Massachusetts

For an order in favor of John Langdon, continental agent at Portsmouth, dated 4th August, 1784,
5,000

Do. Timothy Pickering, quarter-master-general, dated the 30th Sept. 1784,
5,000

On George Olney, receiver for the state of R. Island

For an order in favor of Timothy Pickering quarter-master-general, dated 30th Sept. 1784,

3,000

On Hezekiah Merrill, receiver for the state of Conn.

For an order in favor of Timothy Pickering, quarter-master-general, dated 30 Sept. 1784,

3,000

On Thomas Tillotson, receiver for New-York

For an order in favor of Timothy Pickering, quarter-master-general, dated 30th Sept. 1784,

50,000

10,000

Do of Abraham Skinner, later commissary-general of prisoners, dated 30th Sept. 1784.
38,892 75

88,892 75

On Wm. C. Houston, receiver for the state of N. Jer.

For an order in favor of Timothy Pickering, quarter-master-general, dated 30th Sept. 1784.

5,000

On Wm. Geddes, receiver for the state of Delaware

For an order in favor of Timothy Pickering, quarter-master-general, dated 30th Sept. 1784,

5,000

On Benjamin Harwood, receiver for the state of Maryland

For an order in favor of Timothy Pickering, quarter-master-general, dated 30th Sept. 1784,

9,000

On George Webb, receiver for the state of Virginia

For an order in favor of Timothy Pickering, quarter-master-general, dated 30th Sept. 1784,

 25,000

153,896 15

Total as above
153,896 15

Deduct so much thereof paid,
 60,432 76

Leaves unpaid
 93,463 29

Treasury of the United States.Register’s office, Sept. 24, 1789.

Joseph Nourse, Register.

General Account of Anticipations.

Dol. 90ths.

Amount of orders drawn by the late superintendant of finance,as per particular statement herewith, No. I.
93,463 29

Amount of warrants drawn by the late board of treasury, remaining unpaid, as per particular statement herewith, No II.
189,906 34

Dollars,
283,369 63

Treasury of the United States.Register’s office, Sept. 24, 1789.

Joseph Nourse, Register.

The Secretary of the Treasury of the United States.
}

No. I.
A particular Statement of Orders drawn by the late Superintendant of Finance, on several of the Receivers of Taxes, remaining unpaid, and were comprised in the Estimate made by the Secretary of the Treasury, and by him reported to the House of Representatives of the United States.

Date of Orders.

Dol. 90 ths.

March 6, 1784.
On William Whipple, receiver for N. Hampshire, in favor of Capt. Philip Leibert, being balance of pay due him,
105 17

March 8, 1784.
On ditto in favor of Capt. Anthony Selin, being ditto,
219  5

Sept. 30, 1784.
On George Olney, receiver for Rhode Island, in favor of Timothy Pickering, quarter-master-general, for the use of his department,

Deduct so much paid,
3,000

1053 58

1,946 22

Ditto

On Thomas Tillotson, receiver for New-York, in favor of Timothy Pickering, quarter-master-general, for use of his department,
50,000

Sept. 30, 1784
On do. in favor of Abraham Skinner, late Commissary-gen. of prisoners for the payment of assumptions made by him for the board of prisoners at Long-Island,
38,892 75

88,892 75

Ditto.
On William Geddes, receiver for Delaware, in favor of Timothy Pickering, quarter-master-general, for the use of his department,
5,000

Deduct so much paid,
 2,700

 2,300

Dollars,
93,463 29

Treasury of the United States,Register’s office, Sept. 24, 1789.

Joseph Nourse, Register.

No. II.
A particular Statement of Warrants drawn by the late Board of Treasury on Michael Hillegas, late Treasurer of the United States, which remain unpaid, and were comprised in the Estimate made by the Secretary of the Treasury of the United States, and by him reported to the House of Representatives of the United States.

Date of Warrants.

Dol. 90ths.

1786
Civil List.

Oct. 10
Edward Chinn, commissioner for adjusting the accounts of R. Island, for his own and clerk’s salaries, office-rent &c. from the 1st of July, to 30th Sept. 1786,

464 15

Paid in part,
 50

414 15

1787. Nov. 19.
Arnold H. Dohrmad, late agent for the United States, at the court of Lisbon, his salary,

15,600

Paid in part,
 2,562 46

13,037 44

1788. July 5.
Elizabeth Wallace, for the payment of a register’s certificate in favor of Robert Patton, per act of Congress, 24th June, 1788,
557 16

8.
Jonathan Burrall, assignee to John White, late commissioner for the states of Pennsylvania, Delaware & Maryland, for salaries and contingent expences from 1st Jan. to 3d March, 1788,
705 35

Ditto, assignee of Wm Winder, commissioner for the states of Virginia and N. Carolina, for salaries and contingent expences of his office, from 1st April to 30th June, 1788,
1,354 84

Sept. 3.
Dunlap & Claypoole, for printing the resolves of Congress, advertisements for contracts, &c.
115 38

Jeremiah Wadsworth, assignee of Jonathan Trumbull, being for the principal and interest of a register’s certificate, per act of Congress, 28th July, 1788,
2,383 45

Deduct so much paid, as appears by the receiver’s account,
2,000

383 45

Jonathan Burrall, assignee of John White, commissioner for the states of Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland, salaries and contingent expences of office, for one quarter, ending 30th June,
694 41

27.
Ditto, assignee of do. being an advance on account of said White’s salary,
600

Oct. 9.
Joseph Hardy, attorney to Geo. Reed, commissioner for South-Carolina & Georgia, for salaries, quarter ending 30th June,
343 18

Dec. 19.
Edward Chinn, late commissioner for Rhode-Island, for salaries and contingent expences of office, one quarter, ending 30th June,
566 86

Dec. 24.
Ditto, do. do. do. from 1st Jan. to 31st April, 1787
231 60

Ditto, do. do. do. from 31st Oct. to 31st Dec. 1786,
464 15

John Halstead, in part of a sum due him agreeable to act of Congress, 4th June, 1781,
1,000

1789. Feb. 10.
George Stanton, for the rent of the house occupied by the board of treasury, from 1st Nov. to 31st Jan.
56 22

Feb. 10.
John White, commissioner for the states of Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland, being for expences attending the transportation of public papers, &c.
86 74

March 26.
William Winder, late commissioner for N. Carolina & Virginia, for salaries and contingencies of office, transportation of public papers, &c. from the 1st Oct 1788, to 20th Mar. 1789,
1,199 82

Ditto, do.    do.
54 34

Ditto, do.    do.
101 75

Ditto, do.    do.
22 34

Ditto, do.    do.
23 78

Ditto, do.    do.
91 73

Ditto, do.    do.
500

Ditto, do. from the 1st of July to the 30th Sept. 1788
500

Ditto, do. do.
193 15

May 16.
George Stanton, for rent of the house occupied by the board, from 1st Feb. to 30th Ap. 1789,
56 22

June 2.
Paul R. Randall, for his salary as secretary to the Algerine legation, from Sept. 1785, to Sept. 1786, per act of Congress, of the 11th Sept. 1788,
700

Aug. 3.
John Jay, Secretary for Foreign Affairs, for officerent, & other contingent expences,
57 22

July 22.
Benjamin Walker, commissioner for settling the accounts of the late secret and commercial committees of Congress, from 1st April, to 30th June, 1789,
475

Nathaniel Appleton, loan-officer of the state of Massachusetts, balance due him on settlement at the treasury, of his account of salary, to the 30th of June, 1789, and which having been introduced in the accounts of expenditure, forms a part of the balance of 189,906 34-90ths. dollars, anticipation by the late board of treasury, on the 11th Sept. 1789,
2,645 66

March 9.
Roger Sherman, Esq. assignee to Isaac Sherman, being in full for his expences whilst executing surveys in the western territory, from 21st April, to 21st Sept. 1787,
33 30

William Ellery, loan-officer of the state of RhodeIsland, on a settlement at the treasury, of his account of salary to the 30th of Sept. 1788, and which having been introduced in the accounts of expenditure, forms a part of the balance of 189,906 34-90ths. dollars, anticipation by the board of treasury, on the 11th Sept. 1789,
710 26

May 13.
Patrick Ferrall, being in full for contingent expences, and office rent of the office of the board of commissioners appointed to adjust the accounts of the several states, from the 20th of Nov. 1788, to 2d May, 1789,
22 33

Aug. 1.
John Cochran, loan-officer of the state of NewYork, being for his salary and stationary for his office, from 1st April, to the 30th June, 1789,
   261 56

28,260 69

Western Territory.

1788. March 4.
Thomas Hutchins, geographer general, advanced for the use of his department,
288 74

1789. Mar. 31.
John Lawrence, assignee to John C. Symmes, one of the judges of the Western Territory, for his salary, from 26th March to 30th June, 1788, per act of Congress 13th July 1787,
213 13

Ditto, do. do.   from 1st July, to 31st of Dec. at 200 dol. per qr.
400
613 13

Joseph Nourse, attorney to Thomas Hutchins, geographer-general, for his salary from 1st Jan. to 31st March, 1789,
  375

1,276 87

Indian Affairs:

1787.
Richard Butler, agent for Indian affairs, for salary

Aug. 21.
one quarter, ending 30th June last,
250

Nov. 22.
Ditto, do. do. ending 30th September last,
250

Dec. 31.
John Woods, in full for his services and expences attending sundry Chiefs of the Choctaw Nation on a visit to Congress, per act of the 18th July last,
500

1788.
Comfort Sands, attorney to Wm. Winn, superintendant of Indian affairs for the southern department, being for said Wm. Winn’s salary from 1st April, to the 29th August 1788,
416 60

1789. May 23.
Arthur S. Clair, Esq Governor of the Western Territory, to be by him applied, agreeably to an act of Congress of the 27th of October 1787,
1,867

Ditto, being part of the sum of 20,000 dollars, appropriated for the extinguishing of Indian claims, per act of the 2d July, 1788,
2,000

Ditto, same purpose,
2,068  7

25.
Richard Butler, superintendant of Indian affairs, one quarter’s salary, ending 14th October, 1788,
538 32

26.
Do. for sundry expences in the Indian department, from 12th October, 1786, to the 14th October, 1788,
1,611 68

June 17.
Arthur St. Clair, Governor of the Western Territory, in part of the sum of 20,000 dollars, appropriated for the extinguishing Indian claims, per act of the 2d July, 1788,
779 15

Ditto, same purpose,
1,220 75

July 17.
John Cochran, attorney to Jas. Livingston, deputy superintendant of Indian affairs, northern department, his salary from 1st July, 1788, to 30th June, 1789,
   500

12,001 77

Pensions, Annuities and Grants.

1787. Jan. 29.
Samuel Hodgdon, attorney to Doctor John Warren, for the education of Joseph Warren, eldest son of the late Major Gen. Warren, deceased, from the 1st Jan. to 30th June, 1786, per act 8th April, 1777,
248 89

24.
Ditto, attorney to do. for the support and education of the three younger children of said Gen. Warren, deceased, from 1st July to 31st Dec. 1786, per act of the 1st July, 1780
225

Aug. 2.
Ditto, attorney to do. for do. from 1st Jan. to 30th June, 1787,
225

Oct. 16.
John Warren, guardian to the eldest son of the late General Warren, being for the education of said eldest son, for one year, commencing 4th July last,
500

1788. Nov. 18.
Joseph Nourse, attorney to Col. Richard Gridley, his pension from 1st July, 1787 to 30th June 1788, per act of the 2d October last,
444 36

May 22.
George Morgan, for the tuition of George M. White Eyes, from 1st Nov. 1786, to 30th Sept. 1788.
58

1789. Mar. 10.
Daniel M’Cormick, executor to the estate of Eliz. Thompson, deceased, for her pension, from 1st July to 16th Aug. 1788,
12 78

23.
Joseph Bindon, attorney to Joseph Traversie, for his pension from 1st October, 1788, to 31st March, 1789, per act of the 8th of August, 1782,
   60

1,774 23

Contingencies of the War Department.

1787. Sept. 13.
Henry Knox, secretary at war, being for the use of the ordnance department,
1,600 30

Oct. 5.
Doctor Joseph Waldo, being for his attendance, and medicines supplied sundry sick soldiers of Col. Jackson’s regiment at Springfield, in the state of Massachusetts,
252

Dec. 22.
James O’Harra, Contractor on the Western Frontiers, on account of issues to be made under his contract, and for expenditures in the quarter-master-general’s depart. for
28,691 15

Deduct so much pd.
19,711 15
8,980

1788. Mar. 31.
Henry Knox, secretary at war, being for the contingent expences of the war department,
960

April 14.
Ditto, being for the purpose of subsisting recruits, ordered to be raised by the resolve of Congress, of the 3rd of October last, during the time they are collecting, and on their route from their respective states, to Fort-Pitt,
5,500

From which deduct so much paid on said warrants,
3,000

2,500

Ditto:
Ditto, being to enable him to discharge the arrears of pay due to sundry store-keepers, and other officers in the ordnance department, for the year 1787, and to defray charges hereafter arising in said department,
6,000

1789. Jan. 19.
Ditto being to discharge the rent of sundry buildings, occupied by the public in Virginia, and the pay of Thomas Holt, Assistant Deputy Commissary of Military Stores, from 1st of July 1787, to 30th of June 1788,
1,310

Feb. 17.
Robert Watts, Attorney to Stephen Moore, being for the rent of West Point, from 31st of December, 1787, to 31st December 1788
437 45

March 2.
James Reid, Attorney to Joseph Hubley, late Assistant Deputy Commissary of Prisoners, at the Post of Lancaster, being for his pay, rations, and forage, from 1st of January to the 25th of February 1782.
95 10

April 7.
Smith and Wyckoff, for provisions issued at West Point.
178 18

May 15.
Ditto for their issues at West-Point in January last.
197  2

June 17.
Ditto for provisions issued at West Point.
187

Aug. 4.
Ditto for the same purpose,
   191  3

22,888 18

For the Pay of the Army.

1788. Oct. 6.
Joseph Howell, jun. paymaster general, being on account of pay due to the troops in service, for the year 1788,
20,000

Dec. 31.
Ditto, being to discharge pay and forage due to the army, up to the 31st Dec. 1788, viz.

No. 1043,
Six thou.
do.
6000

1044,
do.

6000

1045,
do.

6000

1046,
do.

6000

1047,
do.

6000

1048,
do.

6000

1049,
do.

6000

1050,
four
do.
4000

1051,
do.

4000

50,000

Deduct so much paid,
4,086 45

45,913 45

1789. Feb. 28.
Ditto, being for the arrears of the four months specie pay, for the year 1783, granted to the non-commissioned officers and privates of the late Virginia line,
3,500

Ditto, drawn in like manner with the foregoing, and for the same purpose,
3,000

Do. do. and for same purpose
2,000

Do. do. and for same purpose
2,422 47

Do. being on account of subsistence due the officers of the Virginia line, for the year 1782 and 1783,
1,626 76

Feb. 8.
Joseph Howell, jun. paymaster general, being for the arrears of the four months specie pay, for the year 1783, due to the non-commissioned officers and privates of Col. Posey’s detachment of the Virginia line,
3,102

Ditto, being on account of the arrearage of subsistence, due to the officers of the Virginia line, for the years 1782 & 1783,
3,539 31

Ditto, being for the arrears of pay for the year 1783, due to Col. Gibson’s detachment of the Virginia line,
3,490 60

Ditto, being for the arrears of the 4 months specie pay; granted to the non-commissioned officers and privates of the late North-Carolina line, for the year 1783,
4,500

Ditto, drawn in like manner with the foregoing, and for the same purpose,
3,500

Do. do. & for the same purpose
3,000

Do. do. for the same purpose
3,000

Do. do. for the same purpose
  3,320 60

105,915 49

Clothing Department.

1787. Sept. 10.
Stephen Bruce, for provisions and sundry articles in the clothing, and quartermaster’s department, furnished the troops in the state of Massachusetts, between the 21st of November, 1786, and the 21st of June, 1787,
669 51

1789. March 2.
William Hill, being an account of his contract of the 4th Feb. last, for clothing the troops in service,
6,000

Deduct so much paid on do.
4,339 39
1,669 35

March 3.
Royal Flint, for so much payable on the 1st October, 1789, agreeably to his contract with the board of treasury, being for clothing, &c. supplied the troops in service, in the year 1788,
3,000

Do. for the same purpose,
3,000

Do. for do.
3,000

Do. for do.
3,000

Do. for do.
  3,449 75

 17,788 71

Amount of Anticipations, by the late board of Treasury,

Dollars,
189,906 34

Treasury of the United States.Register’s office, Sept. 24, 1789.

Joseph Nourse, Register.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Allibone, 26 September 1789
From: Allibone, William
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Philadelphia, September 26, 1789. Discusses aids to navigation in Delaware Bay and River. Suggests appointment of a superintendent for the entire Delaware district. Mentions a pending bill in Pennsylvania legislature which would cede to United States all state-owned navigational aids in Delaware River.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Richard Harison, [26 September 1789]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Harison, Richard

[New York, September 26, 1789]
Dr. Sir
Taking it for granted that you will be appointed Atty General of the district I request your opinion as to the Bond required to be taken by the Collectors respecting the certificate of Registry of Vessels. Can it be taken directly to “The United States of America” or must it be in the name of the Collector? Will any bond to the United States of America be valid?
The Question arises on the act for Registering & clearing vessels &c.
Yrs
A Hamilton


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jedediah Huntington, 26 September 1789
From: Huntington, Jedediah
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[New London, Connecticut, September 26, 1789. On November 17, 1789, Hamilton wrote to Huntington: “in respect to the Question referred to in Your Letter of the 26th of September.” Letter not found.]


Title: Treasury Department Circular to the Governors of the States, 26 September 1789
From: Hamilton, Alexander,Treasury Department
To: Governors of the States

Treasury DepartmentSeptember 26th. 1789
Sir
In obedience to an order of the House of Representatives of the 21st. Instant (Copy of which I have the honor to enclose) it becomes my duty to request your Excellency to procure and transmit to this Office the Documents and Information therein required.
As the next Session of the Legislature will be on the first monday of January ensuing, it is greatly to be wished that the whole of the above Statements may be forwarded to this Office before that day; particularly the Statement of the Loan Office Certificates or other public Securities of the United States which may be in the Treasury of your State.
This last Statement is immediately necessary to enable me to prepare with the requisite accuracy, the plan referred to in other resolutions of the House of the same date with those abovementioned, a Copy of which is likewise inclosed for your information.
It would be adviseable to transmit at the same time as accurate a Statement as can be made of the Interest (if any) which the State may have paid on the Evidences of the public Debt abovementioned.
I have the honor to be   Your Excellency’s most Obedt. humble servt.
A HamiltonSecy of the Treasury


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 29 September 1789
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Lincoln, Benjamin

Treasury DepartmentSeptember 29th. 1789.
Sir
It may happen that the Treasurer will draw upon you for the Compensation to the Senators and Representatives of New Hampshire as well as those of your State. The direction given to you with respect to the latter, is to extend to the former.
I am Sir   Your obedient Servant
Benjamin Lincoln EsqrCollector of the Customsfor Boston Massachusetts


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Lee, 30 September 1789
From: Lee, Henry
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Alexa. [Virginia] 30th. Sepr. 89
My dear sir
Least my brother should have returned I take the liberty of asking your safe delivery of the two lets. enclosed & any reply which may be given to you for me.
At the same time let me present my hearty gratulations on the proper honor you have received from our country.
I anticipate good to the public & new lustre to my friend notwithstanding the obstinate difficultys & embarrassments which oppress our finance.
May complete success crown your endeavors. How is Mrs. H & family. Poor Mrs. Lee continues still very infirm. She desires to be remembered to her good friend.
Always yours


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Richard Harison, [September 1789]
From: Harison, Richard
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[New York, September, 1789]
Dr Sir,
The Subject which you have mentioned was in a great Measure new to me. However I cannot hesitate as to the Validity of a Bond given to the United States, the People of which I think form one great Body politic for all the important Purposes of Government. The Constitution speaks of “Controversies to which the United States Shall be a Party” as forming a Branch of the Judicial Power; and I can have no Idea of the United States being a Party to a Controversy, except they are considered in their politic Capacity, as an Individual, capable of suing, but perhaps not amenable as a Defendant before any Tribunal.

The Rules of Evidence & Trial which respect the private Members of the Community cannot I think be applied to the Public, and therefore no Objection arises from them to Securities given or Suits carried on for the United States. Besides the same Rules would apply, where the Securities were taken on Behalf of the United States as if taken directly to them.
Such are my Ideas upon the general Question, tho’ upon the whole I am of Opinion that the Act for registering & clearing Vessels &ca. had in Contemplation that the Bond should be given to the Collector in his own Name in Behalf of the United States.
The Expressions however are not so certain, but that I should think either Mode might be adopted.
With great Respect &ca.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Sharp Delany, 1 October 1789
From: Delany, Sharp
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Philadelphia, October 1, 1789. “In conformity to what I esteem your instructions, I yesterday paid the Bank of No America Thirteen Thousand Dollars.…”


Title: Promissory Note from William Grayson, 1 October 1789
From: Grayson, William
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[New York, October 1, 1789]
Thirty days after date I promise to pay to Alexander Hamilton Esqr. or order the sum of two hundred dollars specie value recieved.
Willm. Grayson
New York October 1st. 1789.


Title: Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 1 October 1789
From: Hamilton, Alexander,Treasury Department
To: Collectors of the Customs

Treasury DepartmentNew York October 1st. 1789
Sir
The United States in Congress having by their Act of the 7th. of August last Ordained “That all expences for the necessary support and maintenance of Light-houses, Beacons, Buoys &ca. within any Port or Harbour of the United States, should after the 15th. of August last, be defrayed out of the Treasury of the United States”; You will be pleased to transmit forthwith to this Office, as particular an Account as will be consistent with dispatch, of the nature and annual expences which may attend any establishment as above described at the port where you Act; under whose superintendance it is at present; and whether this person, or any other, whom you would undertake to recommend, is well qualified for the Business.
I am Sir   Your Obedient   Humble Servant
Alex HamiltonSecy of the Treasury


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Willing, 1 October 1789
From: Willing, Thomas
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Bank of North America [Philadelphia] 1st October 1789
Sir
Your Favor of the 25th Ult was received on the 29 and has this day been laid before the Directors, as well as your Official Confirmation of the Agreement made with your Assistant Mr. Duer on the 17th of September respecting the Loan of 50,000 drs.
Your Open Letter to our Collector was delivered to him directly and he has in consequence thereof, and in Conformity of the third Article in our Agreement passed his check to us yesterday for 13,000 drs which Sum is now to the Credit of the United States, and Mr Delany has our Cashier Receipt for the Same. You Observe you were preparing Directions to the Collectors to the Southward to receive our Notes payable on demand or at a period not longer than thirty days from the date all which we Approve of, and in Order to guard the Collectors as far as it is in our power, against imposition, we have now Inclosed agreeable to your request Eighty Proforma Signatures of our president and Cashier. The Collectors should moreover be enjoined by you not to receive any post Note without its being endorsed by the payee, and if he is a Stranger to them or his Signature not well known it should be endorsed by the person making or Offering the payment. Under all these Circumstances, if common Attention is paid, we see no risque of imposition on the Officers of the Impost.
We have varied our paper five Times since our establishment, it has all been made at one Mill, in our own private Frames or Moulds, and under the Eye of a Confidential person sent with the Moulds, and who has always returned them, and every Sheet of the paper good and bad into our Hands. The different parcels we have used, have been varied in Coulour and texture by the Materials used and by the different water Lines or Letters in the Body of each Note. The paper inclosed. A Contains a description of the Whole paper we have hitherto used Some of all which is still in Circulation. When we find Occasion to vary again from the paper now in Use for the Notes on demand which is of the dark colourd Sort, we shall take Care to Advise you of it.
The Mode you propose of dividing the Notes in the middle from top to Bottom, will be a very proper precaution against any miscarriage, when they are sent to the Treasury by the Collectors, who may also fill up an endorsement on each Note to the Treasurer. It was the practice formerly when our Notes were returned by the Public Officers to Mr. Morris as Financier, who cut them all; and to send each half by different posts. It has been often practiced by Individuals since without the least Inconvenience to them or to us, except in the instances of Bank Notes to Bearer, which when so cut, cannot again be issued in payment, but this loss we are content to put up with.
As to the private Marks in our Notes, we can’t think it Adviseable to communicate them, if the knowledge of them is necessary to one it is equally so to all and every Officer who is to receive the Notes and therefore the Secret would not long be kept. These private marks are known only to three persons amongst ourselves, and we conceve ought not to go further unless necessary to convict a Culprit on Trial. Your Officers will be better prepared and guarded against any deception or Fraud having our Signatures at their Offices, than any other Individual will be, but as we take every precaution in our power to prevent Counterfeits, and have never yet met with one, we flatter ourselves there is no reason for Apprehension on this Score. There was indeed a Single Attempt in Boston to alter a fifteen dollar Note to a fifty—But it was too obvious to pass, and the Villain was instantly detected. We find and daily experience convinces us, that there is much less risque of Imposition by the Counterfeit of our paper, than of the Gold and Silver now Current in America, of which there is so many base pieces well made and Current, that it’s hardly possible for a person to receive it without loss, tho’ ever so well informed and in the daily receipt of large Sums. It is a truth that we have destroyed in the last three years to the full amount of 20,000 dollars offered to us in payment as Gold and Silver. As to what you say respecting the Limitation of your Orders for the Receipt of our Notes, we need not now reply, this point was Satisfactorily explained. You say you ought from time to time to ascertain the Situation of the Bank, and the Safety of your operations with it. To this we can only say, that our Capital at this Time is exactly 728.400 dollars. That our paper in Circulation has never been much above half this Sum. That we are a Bank of discount only, that we are restricted by Law from any Trade or the purchase of lands, and that altho we have a right to purchase public Funds, or Bullion, yet we have never expended a dollar in these or any kind of Speculation whatsoever. We are all of us Stockholders and have a character to Support and Shall never pass our paper into Circulation without having what we deem good Security for it.
The Treasury we presume can never run any risque with us, for it will not probably ever have in its possession at any one time a Sum in paper equal to our Capital. Nor can we from any experience we have had, conceive that the Circulation will for many Years Absorb a Sum in paper beyond what Such a Capital will entitle the Bank to Issue.
You have mentioned in the Close of your Letter the principles which ought to govern in the Adjustment of Losses that may be Sustained by Counterfeits. We have gone so fully into the means & precautions designed to prevent them, and by Attending to which we think there can be little or no risque, and the Subject is of so interesting a Nature to us, from the Opening it would give to injurious practices on the Bank, that we can only tell you that no distinction as to compensation for Losses can be made with Safety and propriety by the Bank between the public or Individuals. In all Such Instances wherein the Bank can legally be calld upon by an Individual, it will be Accountable to the Public, further it ought not to be.
The Subject of our present Communication is of a delicate Nature and not very proper to be committed to Writing. In the present Case it is however rendered necessary. And as we know we have to do with a Man of Honor who will on our request, consider all we have said as Confidential, we have explained ourselves without reserve and Mentioned some particulars which ought to be confined to Yourself alone.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Joseph Clay, 2 October 1789
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Clay, Joseph

[New York, October 2, 1789. On December 30, 1789, Clay wrote to Hamilton: “I received your very obliging favour of the 2d Octr.” Letter not found.]


Title: Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 2 October 1789
From: Treasury Department,Hamilton, Alexander
To:

Treasury DepartmentNew York October 2d. 1789.
Sir
As in the first establishiment of Revenue systems, imperfections and inconveniencies will naturally present themselves in practice, which could not have been foreseen in their formation; it is of the greatest moment, that the best information should be collected for the use of the Government as to the operation of those, which may have been adopted.
To the obtaining this information, as it respects the plan for the imposition and collection of the duties, the situation of the collectors and naval Officers of the several Ports is in a peculiar manner favourable, and no arguments need be used to shew that it is equally their duty and their interest to make the best use of their opportunities for that purpose.
Not doubting that their inclination will coincide with both; I am to request that they will carefully note and from time to time communicate to me whatever may serve to discover the merits or defects of that plan, and to point out the means of improving it.
Though the complaints of the Merchants will not always be infallible indications of defects, yet they will always merit attention, and when they occur, I shall be glad to be particularly informed of them.
You will doubtless have observed, that it was in the contemplation of Congress to employ Boats for the security of the Revenue against contraband. I shall be glad to have your Ideas, as to the expediency of employing them in your quarter, and (if any appear to you necessary) of the number and kind you deem requisite; their equipments, and the probable expence. Should any have been in use under the State regulations, I desire they may be continued, and that I may be advised with accuracy of the nature of their establishment.
It has been very much apprehended that the number of Ports in several of the States would conduce to great evasions of the duties. It is my wish to be informed how far experience has justified this apprehension, and what can be done to correct the Mischeifs, which may have ensued, avoiding as much as possible the inconveniencies which the multiplication of Ports was designed to obviate.
In hinting these particulars it is not my aim to confine your attention to them only; It will give me pleasure to find that your observation has been as diffusive as the object is extensive.
The whole of the Form for keeping and rendering your accounts not being yet completed, it is not in my power to furnish you with them at present; I however transmit you the most material form which is a quarterly Abstract of duties arising on Merchandize imported. The same form with an alteration as to time will answer for a return of duties arising monthly, and which you will forward to this Office at the end of every Month.
In mine of the 22d. of September, I directed you to render me a Weekly Account of your receipts and payments. I now enclose you a form for rendering this account, which I trust will be punctually complied with.
I am   sir   Your Obedt. Servant
A HamiltonSecy of the Treasuy
P. S.   In addition to the papers mentioned in this letter you will find enclosed the form of a Quarterly Abstract of duties arising on the Tonnage of Vessels. A similar return you will be pleased to transmit monthly.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Nicholas Cruger, 3 October 1789
From: Cruger, Nicholas
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[New York] October 3, 1789. “Most sincerely do I Congratulate you on your Late appointment. I had Promis’d Mr. Harrison my Law business when ever you Declin’d it. I must therefore begg you will send me … [various] Papers [in your possession] which I mean to Put into his hands.…”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John Davidson, 3 October 1789
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Davidson, John

Treasury Department, October 3, 1789. Acknowledges receipt of Davidson’s “letter of the 24th of last month.” Sends directions for filing of surety bond. States that privileges to ships of the United States are to be extended to Rhode Island and North Carolina vessels until January 15, 1790.


Title: Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 3 October 1789
From: Treasury Department,Hamilton, Alexander
To: Collectors of the Customs

Treasury DepartmentOctober 3d. 1789
Sir
Inclosed is the copy of an Act for amending the “Act for registering and Clearing Vessels, regulating the Coasting Trade, and for other purposes,” which I transmit you for your Government.
I am   Sir   Your humble servt.
Alex HamiltonSecy of the Treasury


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Wadsworth, 3 October 1789
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Wadsworth, Jeremiah

N York Oct 3d. 1789
Private
My Dear Sir
From some returns which have already come to me I am led to fear that smuggling has already began in some parts of our eastern extremity. I have under consideration the business of establishing Guard boats, and will be much obliged to you for you[r] ideas on this subject—the usefulness of the thing, the kind of boats the plan upon which they ought to be established and the probable expence. Give me your thoughts too on whatever else may serve to Check the mischief.
I reman Affecty Yrs

A Hamilton
J Wadsworth Esqr


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Allibone, 5 October 1789
From: Allibone, William
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Philadelphia, October 5, 1789. On April 29, 1790, Allibone wrote to Hamilton: “I did make mention of it in a letter of mine dated October 5th last.” Letter not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John Rice, 5 October 1789
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Rice, John

Treasury DepartmentOctober 5th 1789.
Sir
Your letter of the 20th of September has duly come to hand.
In regard to the enquiry you make, I am of opinion that the Law does not intend to allow a Vessel to proceed from one District to another, without paying or securing the Duties in the first; except when originally bound to another, and obliged from necessity to put into the Port at which she arrives as provided for in the twelvth Section of the Collection Act.
John Rice EsqrDeputy Collector of the Customsfor Boston & Charlestown Massachusetts


Title: Treasury Department Circular to the Wardens of the Ports, 5 October 1789
From: Treasury Department,Hamilton, Alexander
To: Wardens of the Ports

Treasury DepartmentOctober 5th. 1789.
Sir
If any arrangement has been made at the Port where you reside for the support Maintenance and repairs of Light-houses, Beacons, Buoys &c. under your direction; you will be pleased to continue the charge and superintendence of the same in the usual manner, ’till you receive further Instructions from me on this subject, taking care that your expenditures for those objects be conducted with proper economy; and that every payment made on this account be supported by regular Vouchers and Receipts.
As all the expences of the Establishments since the 15th. of August last are to be defrayed out of the Treasury of the United States, you will be pleased to transmit to me as particular an Abstract as possible of what have hitherto accrued on this Account; and an Estimate of what further expence may be expected to the 7th. August next. I shall be glad to have at the same time as particular a detail as possible of the nature and extent of the above establishment.
I am, Sir   Your Obedt. servt.
Alex HamiltonSecy of the Treasury


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Marquis de Lafayette, 6 October 1789
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de

New York October 6th. 1789
My Dear Marquis
I have seen with a mixture of Pleasure and apprehension the Progress of the events which have lately taken Place in your Country. As a friend to mankind and to liberty I rejoice in the efforts which you are making to establish it while I fear much for the final success of the attempts, for the fate of those I esteem who are engaged in it, and for the danger in case of success of innovations greater than will consist with the real felicity of your Nation. If your affairs still go well, when this reaches you, you will ask why this foreboding of ill, when all the appearences have been so much in your favor. I will tell you; I dread disagreements among those who are now united (which will be likely to be improved by the adverse party) about the nature of your constitution; I dread the vehement character of your people, whom I fear you may find it more easy to bring on, than to keep within Proper bounds, after you have put them in motion; I dread the interested refractoriness of your nobles, who cannot all be gratified and who may be unwilling to submit to the requisite sacrifices. And I dread the reveries of your Philosophic politicians who appear in the moment to have great influence and who being mere speculatists may aim at more refinement than suits either with human nature or the composition of your Nation.
These my dear Marquis are my apprehensions. My wishes for your personal success and that of the cause of liberty are incessant. Be virtuous amidst the Seductions of ambition, and you can hardly in any event be unhappy. You are combined with a great and good man; you will anticipate the name of Neckar. I trust you and he will never cease to harmonize.
You will, I presume, have heard before this gets to hand, that I have been appointed to the head of the Finances of this Country: this event I am sure will give you Pleasure. In undertaking the task, I hazard much, but I thought it an occasion that called upon me to hazard. I have no doubt that the reasonable expectation of the public may be satisfied, if I am properly supported by the Legislature, and in this respect, I stand at present on the most encouraging footing.
The debt due to France will be among the first objects of my attention. Hitherto it has been from necessity neglected. The Session of Congress is now over. It has been exhausted in the organization of the Government, and in a few laws of immediate urgency respecting navigation and commercial Imposts. The subject of the debt foreign and domestic has been referred to the next session which will commence the first Monday in January with an instruction to me to prepare and report a Plan comprehending an adequate Provision for the support of the Public Credit. There were many good reasons for a temporary adjournment.
From this sketch you will perceive that I am not in a situation to address any thing officially to your administration; but I venture to say to you, as my friend, that if the installments of the Principal of the debt could be suspended for a few years, it would be a valuable accommodation to the United States. In this suggestion I contemplate a speedy payment of the arrears of interest now due, and effectual Provision for the punctual payment of future interest as it arises. Could an arrangement of this sor⟨t⟩ meet the approbation of your Government, it would be best on every account that the offer should come unsolicited as a fresh mark of good will.
I wrote you last by Mr. De Warville. I presume you received my letter. As it touched some delicate issues I should be glad to know its fate.
Your with unalterable   esteem and aff⟨ection⟩
Alexander Hamilton
P. S. The latest accounts from France have abated some of my apprehensions. The abdications of priviledges patronised by your Nobility in the States General are truly noble, and bespeak a Patriotic and magnanimous policy, which promises good both to them and their Country.


Title: Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 6 October 1789
From: Treasury Department,Hamilton, Alexander
To: Collectors of the Customs

Treasury DepartmentOctober 6th. 1789.
Sir
I have reason to know, that some of the Collectors have conceived themselves authorised to make ye discount allowed by Law for prompt payment, after Bonds were given for securing the Duties. This is not in my opinion, the true construction of the Act. You will therefore under such circumstances avoid making the above discount.
I am Sir   Your Obedient Servant
A HamiltonSecy of the Treasury


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Willing, 6 October 1789
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Willing, Thomas

[New York, October 6, 1789. On October 13, 1789, Willing wrote to Hamilton: “We received your favor of the 6th inst.” Letter not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Comte de Moustier, 7–8 October 1789
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Moustier, Comte de

[New York, October 7–8, 1789 In a letter to the Comte de Montmorin on October 30, 1789, Louis G. Otto wrote: “Mr hamilton, secretaire du Tresor, avoit remis confidentiellement à M. le Cte. de Moustier une notte pour l’informer que l’objet principal de la prochaine session du Congrès seroit l’arrangement des finances et pour le sonder si sa Majesté etoit disposée à donner aux Americains une nouvelle preuve de sa bienveillance en renonçant pendant 5. ou 6. ans aux remboursemens partiels stipulés par les deux contrats et à se contenter en attendant du payement regulier des interets echus et à echeoir.” Letter not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Short, 7 October 1789
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Short, William

New York October 7th, 1789
Sir:
I think it probable you will have learnt, through other channels, before this reaches you, my appointment as Secretary of the Treasury of the United States. In this capacity the debt due from us to France will of course constitute one of the objects of my attention.
Except with regard to a few laws of immediate urgency, respecting commercial imposts, and navigation, the late session of Congress was wholly occupied in organizing the government. A resolution, however, passed the House of Representatives declarative of their opinion that an adequate provision for the support of the public credit was a matter of high importance to the honor and prosperity of the United States; and instructing me to prepare and report a plan for that purpose at their next session.
In this state of things, you will readily perceive that I can say nothing very precise with regard to the provision to be made for discharging the arrearages due to France. I am, however, desirous that it should be understood that proper attention will be paid to the subject on my part; and I take it for granted that the national legislature will not fail to sanction the measures which the faith and credit of the United States require in reference to it. In addition to this I shall only remark that it would be a valuable accomodation to the government of this country, if the Court of France should think fit to suspend the payment of the instalments of the principal due, and to become due, for five or six years from this period on the condition of effectual arrangements for the punctual discharge of the interest which has accrued, and shall accrue. But in giving this intimation it is not my intention that any request should be made to that effect. I should be glad that the thing might come about in the form of a voluntary and unsolicited offer; and that some indirect method may be taken to communicate the idea where it would be of use it should prevail. It may not be amiss that you should know that I have hinted the matter in the inclosed private letter to the Marquis De la Fayette, in forwarding which I request your particular care.
I have the honor to be, Sir,   Your obdt. & humble servant

Alexander HamiltonSecretary of the Treasury
William Shortchargé d’affairesParis

P.S. Since writing the above I have, in a private and unofficial manner, broken the matter to the Count De Moustier; and I have reason to conclude he will promote what is desired.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Nathaniel Appleton, 8 October 1789
From: Appleton, Nathaniel
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Boston, October 8, 1789. “I perceive that His Excellency the President of the United States has been pleased to appoint you Secretary of the Treasury I therefore presume that it is my duty to transmitt Quarterly returns to you, of the Official proceedings in the Loan-Office, of which I have the honor to be a Commissioner, in the same manner as I have hitherto done to the late Commissioners of the Board of Treasury, untill I shall be honored with your Instructions on the Subject. I now accordingly enclose you a Quarterly return of business transacted in this Office from 1t July to 30th. Septembr last … besides the papers enclosed in the package I have for convenience to the Mail, formed two other packages Vizt No. I and No. II directed to the Secretary of the Treasury. Package No I contains all the Accts. presented to the Office by the Holders of Loan Office Certificates, & Certificates of Liquidated Debt, for Interest and also the Accounts of Depreciated Loans lodged in the Office. Package No II contains the Depreciated Loan Office Certificates which are cancelled & defaced with Vouchers for the delivery of New Loan Office Certift. in lieu thereof, also all the Vouchers for Interest paid.…”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 8 October 1789
From: Williams, Otho H.
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Baltimore 8th October 1789
Sir
I have received your Letter (Circular) of the 22d. ulto., and am to inform you that, from Cape Henry to the extreme branches of the Susquehanna, all inclusive, there is not, that I ever heard of, a single Light House, Buoy, Beacon or other artificial object for navigators to be governed by. Consequently there is no superintendant; no Expence.
The pilots of the Chesapeak for this State are regulated, and Licenced, by certain Port Wardens who are Commissioned by an Act of the Legislature of Maryland, and reside in Baltimore.
By Laws, called the compact laws, passed mutually by Virginia and Maryland, considerable sums have been levied, by a tax upon Tonnage of Vessels for the purpose of building Light Houses &c—and I expect the subject will be taken into serious consideration at the ensuing sessions.
I am, Sir,   Your Obedt. Humble Servant

O. H. Williams
Alexander Hamilton Esqr.Secretary of the Treasy.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Stephen Higginson, 9 October 1789
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Higginson, Stephen

[New York, October 9, 1789. On October 27, 1789, Higginson wrote to Hamilton: “Your Letter of the 9th instant I rec’d.” Letter not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John Rice, 9 October 1789
From: Rice, John
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Boston, October 9, 1789. On October 16, 1789, Hamilton wrote to Rice: “I am favored with yours of the 9th instant.” Letter not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Bingham, 10 October 1789
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Bingham, William

⟨Private⟩
New York October 10⟨th, 1789⟩
Dear Sir
There is a species of information highly requisite to the Government in adjusting the policy of its Treaties and Laws respecting Navigation for obtaining which with proper accuracy and detail no regular plan has ever yet been persued in this Country. It relates to the comparative advantages with which the Navigation of the United States and that of other Nations with whom they trade is or can be carried on. The utility of the Knowledge of the facts on which this comparison will depend need not I am sure be explained to you.
Knowing as I do your Zeal for whatever concerns the public good and relying upon your care and intelligence I take the Liberty to request your aid in making the enquiries requisite to the attainment of the Knowledge I have mentioned; for which purpose I have enclosed a number of Queries, to which I shall be obliged by as full particular and accurate answers as possible. As far as respects American Vessels you may confine your attention to those of your own State.
May I also take the Liberty ⟨to request of⟩ you that you will from time to time favor me with ⟨co⟩mmunications with regard to the operation of the Revenue and Navigation Laws which have been adopted the defects and inconveniences which have been experienced and the proper remedies. And with any thoughts that may occur to you concerning the Finances and Debts of the United States. It is my earnest wish to obtain all the lights I can on these Subjects in order that I may be the better able to discharge the trust reposed in me.
I remain with real esteem   Dear Sir   Your obedient & humble Servant
Alexander Hamilton
William Bingham EsquirePhiladelphia


Title: Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 10 October 1789
From: Treasury Department,Hamilton, Alexander
To: Collectors of the Customs

Treasury DepartmentOctober 10th. 1789
Sir
I observe that by the 24th. Section of the Act for Registering and Clearing vessels &c. it is provided, that Vessels bound to foreign parts should deliver manifests of their Cargoes to the Collectors of the Ports from which they are to sail.
The object of this provision doubtless was to obtain a knowledge of the exports of the Country: to carry which into effect I am to desire that a regular account may be kept of the articles exported; and that quarter yearly returns be made to this office.
To render those returns uniform I shall shortly transmit a model. The first I shall expect to receive will be made up to the last of Decemr which I shall be glad to have as speedily as possible after that time, to be ready for the inspection of Congress when they meet.
Enclosed you will receive an Act for the suspending part of the Act for regulating the Collection of the Duties on Tonnage &c.
I am   Sir   Your Obedt. servant
A HamiltonSect of the Treasury


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Elie Williams, 10 October 1789
From: Williams, Elie
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Baltimore 10th. October 1789
Sir.
Inclosed herewith you will receive the Contract executed by Mr. Elliot, whom I fortunately met here: and We request that you will be pleased to forward, to us, the duplicate which was executed in New York.
You will also receive, duly executed by us and our securities, the bond for our performance of the contract; As we receive no equivalent to this obligation we must rely, Sir, upon your justice for a punctual compliance on the part of the public.
Calculating upon a continusance of advances to enable us to compleat the old contract, we, with the greater confidence extended the term of Credit to be given in the new one—and we have now no apprehension of any difficulty, in the execution, but what may result from a disappointment of our expectations in that particular.
It is of the greatest consequence that our credit should find the support which we endeavour to merit by our exertions, and without which the issue of our enterprize will be precarious. To that end we have applied the Notes received from the Treasury; and have ventured to draw bills, on the Secretary, in favor of Samuel and John Smith, for the sum of Two thousand dollars on account of issues for the Month of October, Two thousand Dollars for issues for the Month of November, and Two thousand Dollars for the Month of December, Payable at Twenty, Fifty and Eighty days from this date which is also the date of the Bills.
These draughts we are confident are considerably below the amount of the supplies necessary for the three Months, in the Commissary’s and Quarter Master’s departments. The estimates which I had the honor to lay before you make it evident; But we consider the difficulty of anticipating your resources, and believe these Sums will be sufficient to support our credit, if the bills are duly respected; If they are not, we are without redress. Our situation will be truly distressing, and the result of our best endeavours, we fear will be deficient. Having this view of our circumstances, which we expose to You with candour, We rely confidently on you for that support which is consistent with public justice, and which your own disposition will be inclined to afford.
I observe, Sir, that the article of Salt is omitted in the enumeration of the component parts of the Ration, in the Contract: and, presuming that it happened by mistake I submit to you the propriety of having it inserted, by the same hand, in both papers while they are in your Office?
I am Sir   Your Most Obedient   Humble Servant

E Williamsfor Elliot & Williams
Alexander Hamilton Esqr.Secretary of the Treasury


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Charles Lee, 11 October 1789
From: Lee, Charles
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Alexandria, Virginia, October 11, 1789. On November 3, 1789, Hamilton wrote to Lee: “I observe by your Letter of the 11th. of October.” Letter not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Joseph Whipple, 11 October 1789
From: Whipple, Joseph
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Portsmouth, New Hampshire, October 11, 1789. Encloses an account “of Rects & payts to the 3rd October instant & also for the week ending the 10th Inst.”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Allibone, 12 October 1789
From: Allibone, William
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Philadelphia, October 12, 1789. Discusses methods of maintaining “the Several Establishments” for aiding navigation “in the Bay and River Deleware.” Asks to be appointed superintendent of that district.


Title: Treasury Department Circular to the Continental Loan Officers, 12 October 1789
From: Treasury Department,Hamilton, Alexander
To: Continental Loan Officers

New York October 12th. 1789
Sir
As I am not certain in what light the Commissioners of the Loan Office in the several states may consider themselves with regard to their continuance in Office, under the old establishment, I think it necessary to apprise them, that the provision which has been made for their compensation does not extend beyond the 30th. June last; being the period to which warrants were issued by the late Board of Treasury. Whether any claim of compensation beyond this time will be admitted must be referred to Legislative regulation. I feel myself bound in candour to say that I do not consider those Offices as still in existence. Nevertheless as far as justice may require an allowance for services actually performed, I shall always esteem it my duty to promote it. The only thing which under the existing regulations can now occupy the Loan Officers is the payment of Indents for Interest. I incline for the sake of conformity and to accommodate those public Creditors, who may have made an arrangment on the supposition that they could recieve their Interest in that shape, that the business of paying Indents up to the end of 1787 should go on as heretofore practiced to the close of the present year; provided it be understood that an allowance proportioned to the nature and extent of the particular service is alone to be expected, and that this too will depend on the discretion of the legislature; for I should not think myself justifiable in giving sanction for any act of mine to the claim of the full salaries heretofore annex’d to the Offices when I had only this special service in view. In the prosecution of the idea of paying Indents it will be expedient that some notification should be given to the holders of Securities that the arrangment for paying them by the Loan Officers will cease at the end of the year.
I am   Sir   Your most obedt. Servt.
A HamiltonSecy of the Treasury


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jacob Wray, 12 October 1789
From: Wray, Jacob
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Hampton, Virginia, October 12, 1789. “Your letter of the first Instant came to hand yesterday we have no Lighthouse Beacon or Buoys in this District but if a Lighthouse was fixed on Cape Henry & also Smaller Lights on old point Comfort & New point Comfort it would inlighten the great Chesapeek Bay as the most wild & dangerous part of the Bay it would gain the Blessing of Thousands.…”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Allibone, 13 October 1789
From: Allibone, William
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Philadelphia, October 13, 1789. Asks Hamilton’s approval for payment of a pilot’s claim as reward for salvaging a floating beacon.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jonathan Fitch, 13 October 1789
From: Fitch, Jonathan
To: Hamilton, Alexander

New Haven [Connecticut] October 13, 1789. Encloses a letter describing the navigational aids in the port of New Haven.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Tobias Lear, 13 October 1789
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Hamilton, Alexander

United States October 13th. 1789
Sir
The sum of two thousand five Dollars is necessary to be advanced to take up Notes which were given for money advanced for the household of the President of the United States previous to the organization of the Treasury Department.
This sum added to two thousand Dollars which you have already advanced for the purpose of taking up Notes, will compleat the payment of all Monies advanced for the use of the President of the United States previous to your coming into Office. One thousand Dollars will likewise be wanting for the President and a Dft. on Boston for five hundred. In my absence Mr. Robt. Lewis will draw from you such money as may be wanting for the use of the Household during the journey of the President.
I have the honor to be with perfect respect   Sir Yr. most Obt. Servant

Tobias LearS.P.U. States.
The HonbleThe Scretary of the Treasury.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Willing, [13 October 1789]
From: Willing, Thomas
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Philadelphia, October 13, 1789]
Sir
We received your favor of the 6th. inst. and agreeable to your request we resolved to furnish the Treasury with the 20 000 dollars on Loan. This sum has since been paid to the Treasurer and his receipt taken for the amount the payment has been made 5000 dollars in our Banks notes and the residue in post notes at 30 days from the instant we dont find it prudent at present to Issue the Postnotes at Longer time as it has a tendency to discredit our paper and as to the other part of the payment it has been made in the way all our discounts have ever been the only obvious and natural mode of getting the Bank notes into circulation The indisposition of our President for some days has been the reason we have not sooner wrote you, and we were the less anxious to do it because Mr Meredith was on the spot and promised to inform you of the Business being compleated to his satisfaction we shall no doubt soon receive from you the officinal papers necessary respecting this second Loan and are Sir
your most obedt hble servt for the President Directors & Company of the Bank of N. America

TW
Bank of N America October 13th. 1789


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Lindsay, 14 October 1789
From: Lindsay, William
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Norfolk [Virginia] October 14, 1789. “In reply to your circular Letter of the 1st Inst respecting Light Houses &c I have to inform you that there is no establishment of the Kind in this District. Inclosed is an Estimate of a Light House intended to be built on Cape Henry prior to the late War.… I observe by the Collection Law, that the Collector is to provide (with the approbation of the principal officer of the Treasury) Boats, Store Houses, Weights scales Measures, &c, as these are all wanting in this District, I wish for your sanction to have them provided.…”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Stephen Hussey, 15 October 1789
From: Hussey, Stephen
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Sherbourne [Massachusetts] October 15, 1789. Describes aids to navigation in the waters surrounding Nantucket Island.


Title: Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 15 October 1789
From: Hamilton, Alexander,Treasury Department
To: Harris, Richard,Lamb, John,Lee, Charles,Lincoln, Benjamin,Williams, Otho H.

Treasury DepartmentOctober 15th. 1789.
Sir
There is a species of information, which it will be convenient to you to obtain and which will be of important use to the Government: it respects the mode of Navigating of the several States; and of Foreign Nations. With a view to which I have framed a number of Queeries, to which as speedily as the requisite enquiries can be made, I request answers.
Thought I do not consider it as a part of your Official duty to make those enquiries, yet I do not scruple to recommend them to your careful attention, persuaded that you will always take pleasure in availing yourself of your opportunities to do whatever will conduce to the Public benefit.
As far as relates to american Vessels you will please to confine yourself to those of your own State as this letter will be addressed to a Collector of a principal Port in each State.
I am   Sir   Your most Obt. Hble. Servt.
A HamiltonSecy of the Treasy


Title: Enclosure: [Questions Concerning the Navigation of the Several States], [15 October 1789]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To:

Questions concerning the navigation of the several States, and Foreign Nations to which answers are requested.

What is the usual construction of the Vessels built in your State, and in those Foreign Countries, that trade with you (particularly France Great Britain the United Netherlands, Russia Denmark, and Sweden) as it respects their capacity for carrying an[d] sailing?
What is the original cost, where they are built, including Hull, Rigging, and Apparel?
What is the quality of the materials of which they are made; and their usual duration?
What number of Voyages do they commonly perform in a year, to and from your State, either directly, or circuitously; and what is the nature of those Voyages?
By what number of Seamen, in proportion to their burthen are they commonly navigated?
VI What is the customary Pay and subsistance of the Masters and Mariners employed in them?
VII What priviledges, or emoluments do those Masters and mariners enjoy besides their pay and subsistance.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Sharp Delany, [16–31 October 1789]
From: Delany, Sharp
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Philadelphia, October 16–31, 1789]
Sir
My indisposition has prevented me from forwarding such remarks as I thought would have been of some use to you in directing the Revenue System but I hope soon to be able to lay them before you. Your letter of the 2nd Inclosing forms of keeping Accts I recd as also that of the 17th respecting the Bank and one covering a Letter to the Wardens. In respect to the Mode transmitted respecting weekly receipts & payments I would beg leave to mention that there seems to be some mistake made by the Clerk in Copying as the Mode for accounting for the ballance in hand mentions outstanding Bonds which can be no part of a Cash Acct. You also mention that in yours of Sept 22nd you directed weekly returns of Receipts & Payments. That Letter Sir I never received or I should punctually have complied with your directions. I now enclose you a Copy of my Cash Acct. and shall in future weekly forward the state thereof. The only letter I had the honor of receiving respecting returns was of the 14th sept. and agreeably thereto I supplyd Colo Duer with two Copies and in my answer requested your farther directions if they were not sufficient.
I have the Honour to be Sir   with great respect   Your most humble Servt

Sharp Delany
Oct


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Elie Williams, 17 October 1789
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Williams, Elie

Treasury Department Octobr 17th 1789
Sir
I have received your Letter of the 10th Instant, in which you inform me, that you have drawn Bills on me on account of Issues under your first Contract, Supposed to be due in the Months of October, November & December, to the amount of Six Thousand Dollars, payable at Twenty, Fifty, and Eighty days.
Although I have every disposition to facilitate the execution of your Contract (So far as I can do it consistently with my other public engagements) Yet I can by no means think of Subjecting myself to acceptances, as a public officer, on any account whatsoever; was I even Satisfied from any Documents in this office, that the accounts of your first Contract would exceed the Advances already made under it. There are various Reasons which induce me to this determination; amongst which one, of not the least weight, is, that were I, without my previous consent, to Suffer myself to be drawn on, and not to think it proper to honor Such acceptances I might expose myself to implications, of an unfavorable nature, which it would be out of my power to remove. To give you, however, a fresh proof of my wish to aid you in the proper execution of your Contract, I will agree to make an advance of Six Thousand Dollars, on account of your late contract, at the different Installments mentioned in your Letter; reserving to myself, however, the right, either of applying this Sum in extinguishing any Balance, which may be found due on your first contract, or of claiming a Credit on Subsequent payments in the latter one, proportionall to this advance, should the state of the Treasury render it, in my opinion adviseable to exercise it.
With respect to the Issues under the first contract; as your Estimate on this Subject exceeds that of the late Board of Treasury, it will be certainly adviseable to loose no time in ascertaining by an official adjustment of those accounts, the Balance really due on it; ’till this is done, I shall not think myself at Liberty to make any further advances on this account.

With Respect to the article of Salt, which has by mistake been omitted in the late Contract, I agree to its being considered as a component part, in the usual proportion; This mode of rectifying the omission will be better than inserting it in the Contract as you Suggest.
Inclosed you have the counterpart of the contract executed by me.
I am sir   Your most Obt hble servt

Alexr HamiltonSecy of the Treasury
To Mr Eli Williamsone of the Contracters for the western Posts


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Goodhue, 18 October 1789
From: Goodhue, Benjamin
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Salem, Massachusetts, October 18, 1789. On October 29, 1789, Hamilton wrote to Goodhue: “I am duly favoured with your letter of the Eighteenth instant.” Letter not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Philemon Gatewood, 19 October 1789
From: Gatewood, Philemon
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Norfolk, Virginia, October 19, 1789. On November 7, 1789, Hamilton wrote to Gatewood: “I have duly received your letter of the 19th. of October.” Letter not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Nathaniel Appleton, 20 October 1789
From: Appleton, Nathaniel
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Boston, October 20, 1789. “… if any change in this present mode of discharging the Interest on the Domestic Debt should be thought necessary, still I presume some office similar to the present, or somehow aiding the public creditors in obtaining their Interest in an expeditious & cheap manner will be established in the Several States or Districts, in which case I shall hope to be continued in the public service. I have been Commissr. of the Loan Office from its first establishment in the Year 1776 and have had no reason to suppose but that my conduct has met with the approbation of those under whom I immediately acted.…”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Constable, 20 October 1789
From: Constable, William
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[New York] Tuesday 20th Octr 1789
My Dear Friend
I shall answer your letter with strict accuracy as soon as I am able, which will be next Week at furthest; but I have been confined to my room for a Week past almost, so that I have all that leeway to bring up. If You are in immediate want of the required information the following may be taken as data.

Wines
Cost & Chgs delivered at N. yk exclusive of Impost

Madiera ⅌ G’n
of London
particular
quality new
abt
9/6

Do
New york
Do

do
7/4.

Tenerieffe
Do
Do

do
3/9.

Xeres or sherry

Do

do
6/ .to 7/.

Lisbon

Do

do
5/6.

When I affix prices I mean the Goods to be actually paid for at the time of purchase, and add freight Insce & Comn.

The price of Brandies fluctuates exceedingly according to the Vintages & demand.
The Brandy of Cette & Barcelo. can be imported upon an Average at 3/— Cury. ⅌Gn. free of Duty.
The Brandies of France at nearly 4/. at present they can not be brought in under 4/8.
Melasses from the French Islands with the Duty paid in the French Colonies, leakage Com’n Fre[igh]t & Insurance free of our Impost stands the Importer 1/9. Cury ⅌ Gn.
Raw Sugars are of such Various qualities that they Cost from 48/—to 64/ this Year but you observe the Crops in the Neutral Islands have totally failed.

Teas

Bohea in China Costs
14 d

freight at 30 £ Cury ⅌ Ton equal
 7 d
this means a Ton Measuremnt.

Insurance & Comn 10 ⅌ ct.
 1 ½.

Interest 7
 1

23 ½ d ⅌ lb.

Every pound of Bohea Tea Costs the Owner and Importer from China at least 2/—Cury. It may be purchased of the Dutch & Danish Cos. at about this price or rather under.
Souchong according to quality Costs from 3/ . to 5/ . to which add the Charges and it stands from 5/ . to 7/—.
Hyson Tea costs from 4/8 to 5/6. & with Chgs 6/ . to 8/—.

Coffee
with the Expences imported from
the Cape costs
1/4 d.

Cocoa
 do
do
8 d.

Manufactured Tobacco I know nothing about.
Yrs. Wm. Constable
Under the Head Distilled Spirits I should have taken notice of Rum.

from
Jamaica with Casks Com’n &ca. average ⅌ Gn.
3/8.

Windward Islands
3/—

I mean in the Course of a few Days to send you a pro forma Invoice of each Article delivered at New york and am at all times happy to have any opportunity of obliging You.
Wm. Constable


Title: Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 20 October 1789
From: Treasury Department,Hamilton, Alexander
To: Collectors of the Customs

Treasury Department.October 20th. 1789.
Sir
On Reflection, I have concluded to substitute the Form herewith transmitted for the Monthly returns required in mine of the 2d. Oct. instant, as less troublesome than the one there proposed; but I still mean that the Quarterly Returns should be conformable to the Model already furnished. I shall expect as soon as may be a Return of all the past according to that Model up to the last of September inclusively; and thenceforth in every subsequent Month, for the preceding Month, that is to say in November for October &ca.
As some difficulty may be experienced in furnishing the Weekly Returns, as far as respects the Bonded Duties with precision, I think it necessary to say by way of explanation; that I only expect accuracy in what relates to Cash, and that in regard to the bonded Duties, I shall be content with estimated Sums, merely to convey a general Idea of the Product of the Duties: You must however understand that it is my intention, even in cases where no Cash has been received or Bonds taken, a Weekly return should be transmitted, specifying the above circumstances.

It is probable from accounts I have lately received that some of the Seals of the Registers transmitted to you may have been so defaced as to render it improper to issue them: In such case you will please to transmit them under cover to me, in order that they may be replaced with an equal number in better order.
There are three other points before I conclude to which I must turn your attention: The first respects the forms of Manifests: from some which have been lately produced at this Office, I observe that for want of attention in filling them up it would be no difficult matter for the Master of a Vessel to insert Articles not known to the Collector of the port where she cleared after the Manifest was sworn to before him. In order to guard against such attempts, you will be pleased to attend to the following points in filling up these Manifests.

1st.
The quantities of the Articles included in the manifest must be expressed in letters, not in figures.

2d.
Each Article composing the same must be classed and numbered distinctly, that is to say, supposing the Articles were, Ten Hogsheads of Tobacco, Twenty Barrels of Flour, and Six Tierces of Rice; they must be so expressed.

No. 1.
Ten Hogsheads of Tobacco

No. 2.
Twenty Barrels of Flour.

No. 3.
Six Tierces of Rice.

And for greater Security, you must in the Certificate annexed to the Manifest specify in Letters the number of Articles contained therein, which in the instance above stated would be Three Articles.
The second relates to the duty on Tonnage; a doubt has been expressed by some of the Collectors, whether Vessels are liable to pay Tonnage at each entry.
On this point the opinion of Council has been taken in conformity to which it is my duty to inform you, that the Tonnage duty must be paid in all cases where it is necessary for a Vessel to make an entry, unless such cases are otherwise specially provided for by Law.
The third is, whether duties on Articles of the Manufacture of America, exported to Foreign Ports for the purpose of Sale, and again imported for want of Market, or any other cause, are liable to the same duties as Foreign Goods of the same kind: Nothwithstanding this Case has probably not been in the contemplation of  Congress, and may bear hard in some instances on Individuals, the Act does not admit of an exemption of the duties, and of course ’till Legislative relief can be obtained the Officers of the Customs must govern themselves accordingly.
I am Sir   Your Obedt. servt.
A HamiltonSecy of the Treasury


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [20 October 1789]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

[New York, October 20, 1789]
Sir
Agreeably to your desire, I sit down to commit a few lines to the Post.
Nothing worth particular mention has occured since your Departure; except a report brought by Mr. Keane from So. Carolina, that Mc. Gilivray the Indian Chief had, after a short conference, left our Commissioners, declaring that what they had suggested was only a repetion of the old Storey and inadmissible, or something to this effect. It is added that the lower Creeks appear’d notwithstanding, willing to go into a Treaty, but the upper ones declin’d it. Genl. Knox who has particularly conversed with Mr. Keane, will doubtless give you a more accurate statement of what he brings. It seems however that he has his intelligence at second or third hand:

With the utmost respect   I have the honor to be   Sir Your Obt. and hble Servant
A. Hamilton.
P.S. I have just seen a letter from a private gentleman of considerable intelligence now in N: Carolina, who gives an ill picture of the prospect there, respecting the adoption of the Constitution.

New York October 20th. 1789.
The President of the United States.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John Witherspoon, 20 October 1789
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Witherspoon, John

[New York, October 20, 1789. On October 26, 1789, Witherspoon wrote to Hamilton: “On Saturday I had the Pleasure of receiving Yours of the 20th.” Letter not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Allibone, 21 October 1789
From: Allibone, William
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Philadelphia] October 21, 1789. “Your Circular letter of the fifth Instt. came only to my hands this day.… The principal matters requested thereby have been sent forward by me sometime ago particularly the description of the Nature & Extent of the Several Establishments for the safety of the Navigation.…”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John Barney, [21 October 1789]
From: Barney, John
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Baltimore, October 21, 1789.] On October 29, 1789, Hamilton wrote to Barney: “I have duly received your letter of the 21 instant.” Letter not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John Rice, 22 October 1789
From: Rice, John
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Boston, October 22, 1789. Discusses the acquisition of two small boats for the revenue service. Believes that reducing the number of entry ports would increase rather than prevent smuggling.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 23 October 1789
From: Williams, Otho H.
To: Hamilton, Alexander

⟨Ba⟩ltimore 23d. October 1789.
Sir
Your circular letter of the 2d. October Inst came to hand the 20th. and I will observe the contents as timely as possible. The difficulties that have occurred in the Execution of the laws respecting the Customs have been infinite, and present themselves daily. The System itself is the most complicated and embarrassing of anything that has employed my attention and the Want of Official forms has produced, every where, an infinite Variety. I have adopted such as I conceived most suitable for executing the cursory business. But have hitherto delayed to open Books for Stating the Acts. in hopes of receiving instructions in time to save double labor. I have now begun my Journals agreeably to the Sketch which I have the honor to inclose for your inspection. The proper entries will be made with all possible dispatch, and then it will be practicable for me to forward the returns you require; From the Day Book and files it is impossible to digest the particulars you demand; except for the Weekly return, which hereafter, will be rendered conformably to the copy you have furnished. For the Present I can only transmit a Simple Statement of the Amount of Monies Received and Secured by me to the 22d Instant deducting the Payments. In this Statement, which is enclosed, I have specified the Months when the bonds will become due, because a considerable part will be due in less than four, Six and twelve Months; and it will occur to you that in carrying forward the balances from time to time part of the Monies due on bonds will be on demand and at one two three days &c. Yet if it be necessary to your Method I can say four Six, and Twelve assorting the bonds within those several periods.
Since my last, ⟨in which⟩ I advised you of ⟨the⟩ Payment of your orders to Mr Danl Carroll Charles Carroll William Smith and Thomas Sumter to the Amount of three thousand one hundred and Eighty four Dollars—I have refunded Nine hundred and forty Dollars 68 ce. borrowed to compleat those paymnts. I have also paid the Treasurers further order in favor Mr. Contee for 400 Dollars. Mr. Danl. Carroll also presented to me some time since an order of the Treasurer for upwards of two hundred Dollars, which I could not then pay, therefore requested of Mr. Lingan Collr. at George Town to take it up for me since which I have not heard from Mr. Carroll.
I have this moment received your circular letter of the 14th Instant, respecting Bank Notes, enclosing descriptions signatures &c &c and will observe your instructions
I am Sir   Your Obedient   Hble Servant.

OH Williams, Colr. Balte.
Alexr. Hamilton EsqrSecy of the Treasury


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John Rice, 24 October 1789
From: Rice, John
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Boston, October 24, 1789. On November 7, 1789, Hamilton wrote to Rice: “I am favored with your Letter of the 24th. Ultimo.” Letter not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Samuel Johnston, 25 October 1789
From: Johnston, Samuel
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Edenton [North Carolina] October 25, 1789. States that “The General Assembly of the State of North Carolina has directed” that $18,136 and 30/90 “be paid on Account of their proportion, of Interest, on the Foreign Debt due from the United States.…”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Tench Coxe, 26 October 1789
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Coxe, Tench

[New York, October 26, 1789. On November 30, 1789, Coxe wrote to Hamilton: “by way of answer to the queries I had the honour to receive from you, the 26th of last month.” Letter not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, 26 October 1789
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Seton, William

[New York, October 26, 1789]
Cashier of the Bank
Pay to Baron De Steuben or bearer Fifty Dollars.
New York October 26th. 1789.
A Hamilton


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 26 October 1789
From: Williams, Otho H.
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Baltimore 26th. October 1789.
Sir
In my letter of the 23d. Instant I took the Liberty to inclose a sketch of Journal entries as I now make them in my office for the purpose of keeping the public accounts. As that sketch was done in some haste, a further explanation may be necessary to its recommendation.
A thousand causes combine to render the adjustment of the duties on a Cargo of Merchandize imported, immediately after the arrival of a Vessel, impossible. The laws of Congress prohibit any permits being granted for landing of Goods until the duties are adjusted & secured, or paid—yet the same laws require that some articles be guaged, others Weighed, Measured, Valued; or, in certain cases, deposited to secure the duties, which cannot be done on Ship board. Even such as are not necessarily landed may remain on board fifteen days, after which the Collector may take them into his custody to be sold for payment of the duties, Such as may be deposited—Madeira Wine, for instance, cannot be sold, by the Officer, in less time than twelve months for payment of the duties. So that Wine, Rum, and a hundred other things may become component parts of the payments, and must be specified in the Weekly returns; or the Accounts of the Vessels must remain open. This is, I think, too great an indulgence to the Merchants; But in other instances which will be more particularly noticed hereafter a rigid execution of the law would be ruinous to individuals without the least public benefit. No body, it is true, has power to dispence with the Law but then it is sometimes impracticable, and adjustments cannot always be made as the law supposes. There will be a continued necessity for entering the same Vessel in several returns until a resonable time is allowed, after the expiration of the period to which they are to be made, for compleating them. Long experience, in the practice of a System which I could satisfy you was a much preferable to that adopted by Congress, induced the Legislature of Maryland to think that twenty one & afterwards Thirty days’s after the expiration of a Quarter were little enough for this purpose
The duty on Tonnage of Vessels is payable “within ten Days after entry made, and before the Vessel shall be permitted to clear out” the Register to be deposited as security. It some times happens that vessels come into port wrecked, and are condemned; and then, indeed, it would be a cruel tax upon a Worthless property; But, often Vessels, for other causes, lay months in harbour, and in such case the Owners pay with reluctance, some will not pay in ten Days; others not at all without compulsion; and the law provides none. The tonnage, however, being paid the Collector has no right to detain the Register and it depends upon the Interest, or Caprice of the Master whether he will comply with the law respecting the clearance of Vessels, or not; Foreigners, at least, will be sensible of no obligation thereto especially if they mean not to return to the same port.
These matters, being premised may reflect some intelligence on the explanation of my method of accounts which follows.
I make each Vessel Dr.
To Imports for duties on the Merchze Imptd. The general Manifest of Imports being filed, I, from time to time, inclose in it the Invoices, or abstracts of the Invces. of the Merchants, for which Bonds, or Cash, become Dr.
To the Vessel occasionally, When the general Manifest is compleatly corroborated I form a general Abstract comprehending all the particular abstracts and State the deductions, according to each particular entry. This paper, which I file with the originals, is like an account current, whereto the several abstracts are Vouchers all these concurring with the Original Manifest prove the several entries and the calculation of the duties to be final. Then the debit of the Vessel for Imports is filled up with the Gross Sum. Bonds, or Cash or Both will be Dr. to the Vessel for nett amount of Duties, and Deductions Dr for the balance. The general abstract will contain the names of the Owners, or Consignees, the duties payable by each, and when, and the deductions if any. And in making the Journal Entries. Considering the circumstances under which the duty on tonnage is to be collected I have thought it adviseable not to charge the Vessel thereto, but to consider the Register as a pledge for payment, and when made, to charge Cash in the first Instance, which will avoid a multiplicity of entries and errors which might result from delay of payts.
Having opened my books of Accts. upon this plan I take the liberty to suggest it. If you Sir, have adopted any other, or propose one more Minute I request that you will please to intimate it to me as soon as more important subjects will admit.
Yr. Most Humble Servt.
O. H. Williams

I take the present opportunity to inclose a Certificate of my qualification as a Collector; and am prepared to give bond & security according to Law whenever you will please to prescribe the form &c.

Yr. most humble Servant
Alexander Hamilton EsqrSecretary of Treasury


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John Witherspoon, 26 October 1789
From: Witherspoon, John
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Princeton [New Jersey] Octr 26. 1789
Dear Sir
On Saturday I had the Pleasure of receiving Yours of the 20th. It is very flattering to me that you suppose I can render any Assistance by Advice in the important Duties of your present station. It is true that from the very earliest part of Life It has been a favourite Object with me to attend to the State of Society & the Operation & Influence of political Causes & among the rest Money as a Medium of Commerce & things connected with it. It happened also that about 32 years ago we had several accurate Discussions in Scotland & England respectg the banking Companies on which subject I read much & wrote some but my Knowlege of these Matters is all general & theoretical. It is always my desire if possible to reach the first & radical principles of any thing & when those are well understood you may look through as it were the whole Effects with great Celerity as well as certainty. As to the official Detail of Business in the Management of Treasury Affairs I know as little about it as any Person whatever
However very willing to contribute all the Assistance in my Power to the public service I observe that as I have been unexpectedly chosen a Member of the Assembly of this State which my Friends have pressed me to comply with I shall be at Amboy for a Month or two from this Date & will probably make an Excursion to New York when I will do myself the pleasure of calling upon you & if any th[in]g worth communicating occurs to me shall impart it in Conversation which can be more full & satisfactory than it could be by writing.
In the mean Time as you mention a proper provision for the public Debt: The Evil that has pervaded our whole Affairs in America has been the want of a just sense of the sacredness of public Credit. We have still an Idea meeting us in Conversation & publication that a Discrimination must be made betw[ee]n original Creditors & speculators as they call them. I am free to speak upon this subject because I never was a speculator or Trafficker of any Kind & I never had such faith in the public since the year 1777 as to purchase a Certificate so that I am not possessed of one Security as my own but Discrimination is totally subversive of public Credit. I remember to have said this to some Persons. English pounds, are not depretiated like ours yet they are depretiated. Sailors tickets & Navy Debentures are sometimes as far as from 20 to 25 per Cent Discount. Now if any Minister in Parliament or any Person in the Pay Office should say to one bringing a Number of them Where did you get these. You are a Speculator. You never drew a rigging rope on a ship. You did not pay the full Value of Them & we will not pay you the full Value of them. Such a Thing reported & believed on the Exchange of London would bring the whole National Debt to the Ground in two Hours. Reserving any thing further till Meeting I remain
Dear Sir your most obedt   humble servant

Jno. Witherspoon
Honbe Alexr Hamilton Esqr