Title: To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 15 May 1796
From: Washington, George
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Philadelphia 15th May 1796
My dear Sir,
On this day week, I wrote you a letter on the subject of the information received from G—— M——, and put it with some other Papers respecting the case of Mr. De la Fayette, under cover to Mr Jay: to whom also I had occasion to write. But in my hurry (making up the dispatches for the Post Office next morning) I forgot to give it a Superscription; of course it had to return from N: York for one, & to encounter all the delay occasioned thereby, before it could reach your hands.
Since then, I have been favored with your letter of the 10th. instt.; & enclose (in its rough State) the paper mentioned therein, with some alteration in the first page (since you saw it) relative to the reference at foot. Having no copy by me (except of the quoted part)—nor the notes from wch it was drawn, I beg leave to recommend the draught now sent, to your particular attention.
Even if you should think it best to throw the whole into a different form, let me request, notwithstanding, that my draught may be returned to me (along with yours) with such amendments & corrections, as to render it as perfect as the formation is susceptible of; curtailed, if too verbose; and relieved of all tautology, not necessary to enforce the ideas in the original or quoted part. My wish is, that the whole may appear in a plain stile; and be handed to the public in an honest; unaffected; simple garb.
It will be perceived from hence, that I am attached to the quotation. My reasons for it are, that as it is not only a fact that such an Address was written, and on the point of being published, but known also to one or two of those characters who are now stronger, & foremost in the opposition to the Government; and consequently to the person Administering of it contrary to their views; the promulgation thereof, as an evidence that it was much against my inclination that I continued in Office, will cause it more readily to be believed, that I could have no view in extending the Powers of the Executive beyond the limits prescribed by the Constitution; and will serve to lessen, in the public estimation the pretensions of that Party to the patriotic zeal & watchfulness, on which they endeavor to build their own consequence at the expence of others, who have differed from them in sentiment. And besides, it may contribute to blunt, if it does not turn aside, some of the shafts which it may be presumed will be aimed at my annunciation of this event; among which—conviction of fallen popularity, and despair of being reelected, will be levelled at me with dexterity & keeness.
Having struck out the reference to a particular character in the first page of the Address, I have less (if any) objection to expunging those words which are contained within parenthesis’s in pages 5, 7 & 8 in the quoted part, and those in the 18th page of what follows. Nor to the discarding the egotism (however just they may be) if you think them liable to fair criticism, and that they had better be omitted; notwithstanding some of them relate facts which are but little known to the Community.
My object has been, and must continue to be, to avoid personalities; allusions to particular measures, which may appear pointed; and to expressions which could not fail to draw upon me attacks which I should wish to avoid, and might not find agreeable to repel.
As there will be another Session of Congress before the Political existence of the present House of Representatives, or my own, will constitutionally expire, it was not my design to say a word to the Legislature on this subject; but to withhold the promulgation of my intention until the period, when it shall become indispensably necessary for the information of the Electors, previous to the Election (which, this year, will be delayed until the 7th. of December). This makes it a little difficult, and uncertain what to say, so long beforehand, on the part marked with a pencil in the last paragraph of the 2d page.

All these ideas, and observations are confined, as you will readily perceive, to my draft of the validictory Address. If you form one anew, it will, of course, assume such a shape as you may be disposed to give it, predicated upon the Sentiments contained in the enclosed Paper.
With respect to the Gentleman you have mentioned as Successor to Mr. P—— there can be no doubt of his abilities, nor in my mind is there any of his fitness. But you know as well as I, what has been said of his political sentiments, with respect to another form of Government; and from thence, can be at no loss to guess at the Interpretation which would be given to the nomination of him. However, the subject shall have due consideration; but a previous resignation would, in my opinion, carry with it too much the appearance of Concert; and would have a bad, rather than a good effect.
Always, & sincerely   I am Yours
Go: Washington
Colo. A. Hamilton


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John Browne Cutting, 16 May 1796
From: Cutting, John Browne
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Philadelphia, May 16, 1796. “You were good enough to offer me last Decr. what I little thought I should have occasion to accept in May—letters to any of your friends in Congress. Business of greater moment than my claim has incessantly occupied the Secretary of State ever since the documents that support it have been in his possession.… I therefore presume to request of you a single line to Mr. King or any other Gentleman in Senate simply stating that you did thus examine my papers; and that you do think I zealously expended my own money in a public service and that this money at least should be repaid upon the proofs I have thus toild to accumulate.…”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Richard Harison, 17 May [1796]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Harison, Richard

[New York] May 17 [1796]. “I have seen Mr. Blanchard. He will do what we talked of, except as to the loan of the further sum, which he intirely declines. I will thank you to send for Bouvier and ascertain his final determination; in order that it may be known whether hostilities must ensue or not.…”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Robert Morris, 17 May 1796
From: Morris, Robert
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Alex Hamilton Esqre. N York
Phila May 17. 1796
Dear sir
When you received the Bond & Mortgage Deed transmitted herewith which are dated the 16 Instant you will perceive that there has been all the sincerity in my Professions which you could expect. I have from you experienced that degree of Confidence which consisted with my Character and I have been gratified thereby but the extreme solicitude that has lately appeared on your part leads me to suppose that Mr Churchs letters or the Common Reports have impaired that Confidence. You probably dread the Effects of the Judgements you have heard of but you need not, I have provided for them and so I shall continue to do whenever it becomes indispensible. I would never Suffer a Judgement to come against me, if I was alone in the business, but as I am now situated I cannot prevent it untill such time as solid relief shall arise from the abundant Property which I possess. I will seek the means of clearing away the Mortgage to Colo Smith and I am sure the Principals in that Business would never have treated me as the Attorneys have done. Were I to act agreeably to my feelings a very different letter would be written by me to Mr Church than that which you will find inclosed herein & that such a letter is not written you may truly ascribe to yourself because I respect and esteem you. Be so kind to transmit with this letter your Advice of our new Arrangement & desire him to transfer the North American Land Company Shares agreeably to my request. You did not leave with me the Deed of Conveyance of the 20290 Acres of Land but I still have the Patents & will either send them to you or deliver them to any Person you please. I am Sincerely
Yrs
RM


Title: Enclosure: Robert Morris to John B. Church, 17 May 1796
From: Morris, Robert
To: Church, John B.

   via New York Copy ⅌ Wm Penn

John B. Church Esqre (London)
Phila May 17. 1796
Sir
Colo Hamilton transmitted to me your letter of the 20 Febry last, wherein you complain that I had done wrong & treated you unfriendly “in having prevailed upon him to cancel the Mortgage I had given him on an Estate in Philadelphia, when the Agreemt was expressly made with my Son that the Mortgage should remain as Security to you untill the deferred stock was delivered in discharge of the Contract made with him.” Be pleased to attend to the following state of Facts and your astonishment will probably cease & your Opinion become more favorable. The Origin of my Debt to you was a purchase of 100 Shares of Bank stock at £100 Stg ⅌ Share which gave you a profit of £16.13.4 Currency upon each Share. I then sold to Colo Hamilton 20290 Acres of Land at 7/6 Curry ⅌ acre which at the Par of Exchange amounted to £4565..5.. Stg and was to go according to his Agreement with me in part payment of the said Bank stock & for the Balance I gave a Bill on my Son in your favor being for £5434..15 Stg. The 20290 Acres of Land sold to Colo Hamilton for your Account will now sell for thrice what I got for it and before he or I knew of the Agreement which took place between you and my Son, the Mortgage on the Philadelphia Estate was cancelled. I proposed & urged this being done because the sale of Lands paid nearly half the Debt due to you & because I had then good reason to expect that my Son to pay the Bill drawn upon him; & Colo Hamilton having the same Idea, was disposed to accomodate me, especially as I promised him to give a new Security for the Amot of the bill in case my Son could not pay it or if from any cause whatever the said Bill should not be paid. My Son finding after the failure of J. Warder & Co it would be inconvenient for him to pay that Bill and that the receipt of money from you for the Cost of the 20290 Acres of Land which I had sold to Colo Hamilton for you would be convenient to my Affairs in his hands, agreed with you to receive the Money for that Purchase & to commute the Original Debt contracted for 100 shares of Bank stock of the value of $40,000 Mexican to $100,000 of Deferred debt payable in February 1795 for which you demand $75000 Mexican with Interest of Six ⅌ Cent ⅌ Annum. Now sir, you will be good enough to attend to the Circumstance that the Mortgage was cancelled before Colo Hamilton or myself knew of the Agreement made by my Son Robert with you, consequently there was no violation of Faith or Friendship on my part nor any Neglect of Duty on the part of Colo Hamilton, who had obtained for you a real property of more Value than your stock, and my bill for £5434..15 Stg for which I was liable and had promised him a new security if necessary. My Promises I hold Sacred and I am always willing to fulfill them. I have therefore given to Colo Hamilton my Bond for $81679. 44/100 payable in five Years from the 1st January last with six p Cent interest annually and an ample Security by Mortgage of Lands for the Payment of this Debt. I hope therefor that you will find cause to be Satisfied both with Colo Hamilton and myself, and in order to shew that your Money has not been unproductive I beg leave to submit to your Consideration the enclosed statemt, which I think ought to Satisfy any reasonable person.
You have threatened me with a Public sale of my North American Land Company Shares, which were entrusted to you by me in the expectation that they would on the terms of that Trust, have produced the discharge of my Debt, and it seems to me that the Act of transferring these Shares to your name ought to have convinced you that I never wished or designed you to be insecure. I disclaim any fears or Apprehensions from threats, and I will not use any, but as Colo Hamilton will advise you of our new arrangement and of the Security I have given, I must again request that you will transfer the 750 Shares in the North American Land Company to James Marshall Esqre or execute a power for him to transfer the same, being the shares which I had transferred to your name. Should Mrs. Church still remain in England, I pray you to present Mrs. Morris’s and my thanks for her kind Attention to our Daughter and that you will also accept the Same yourself. Should she be on her Passage to this Country as it is said she is, we will thank her in person, and a grateful Remembrance of her and your kindness will ever be retained in our minds.
My feelings it is true have been wounded at some part of your letter which I conceive to be unnecessarily harsh, but Still I am desirous as you say to wind up this business amicably, and I hope it will be so terminated as that we shall remain good Friends.
I am Sir   Yours &c.
RM


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Charles Williamson, [17–30 May 1796]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Williamson, Charles

[New York, May 17–30, 1796]
Dr. Sir
Some arrangements which I have lately made with Robert Morris Esquire for the benefit of my Brother in Law Mr. Church render it interest⟨ing⟩ to me to know from you the precise extent of the Western line of the tract of land you purchased of that Gentleman—I mean a line which was run from the Pensylvania line to Lake Ontario—by whom it was run, how far the accuracy of it may be depended upon—and likewise what is the course of Lake Ontario Westward of that line? Is it ascertained whether it trends to the North or not and in what degree?
Have you ever had occasion to get explored a tract of land formerly mortgaged by Mr. Morris to Col. Smith for security of money due to Smith as Agent for Messrs. Pultney & Hornby— extending with a breadth of six miles from Ontario to the Pensylvania line? If so what is the Nature of the land included in that tract North of the Pensylvania line to the distance of about 25 Miles?

I will ask for the favor of you to keep the Inquiry to yourself. The more particularly you answer it, to the extent of your information, the more you will oblige me.
With great esteem & regard   I am sir   Your Obed ser
Williamson Esq


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Robert Morris, 18 May 1796
From: Morris, Robert
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Alex Hamilton Esqre. New York
Philada May 18, 1796
Dear Sir
I wrote a letter last night to you & one to Mr Church, but as these must go by some private hand who will carry Safe my Bond & Mortgage I send this by Post to let you know that those papers are duly executed & the Mortgage acknowledged by Mrs Morris & myself before Judge Wilson. They shall be sent by the first safe Conveyance I can meet with by
Dr Sir   Yrs
RM


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 20 May 1796
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

New York May 20. 1796
Sir
A belief that the occasion to which they may be applicable is not likely to occur, whatever may have been once intended, or pretended in terrorem, has delayed the following observations in compliance with your desire—and which are now the result of conferences with the Gentleman you named.
The precise form of any proposition or demand which may be made to or of this Government must so materially influence the course proper to be pursued with regard to such proposition or demand, that it is very difficult by anticipation to judge what would be fit and right. The suggestions which can be submitted must therefore be very general and liable to much modification according to circumstances.
I   It would seem in almost any case adviseable to put forward a calm exhibition of the views by which our Government have been influenced in relation to the present War of Europe—making prominent the great interest we have in peace in our present infant state—the limitedness of our capacity for external effort—the much greater injury we should have suffered than good we could have done to France by taking an active part with her—the probability that she would derive more advantage from our neutrality than from our direct aid—the promptitude with which, while all the world was combined against her, we recognised the new order of things and the continuance of our Treaties & before any other power had done so—the danger to which we exposed ourselves in so doing—the fidelity with which we have adhered to our Treaties notwithstanding formal violations of certain parts of them on the other side—our readiness to the utmost extent of our faculties to discharge our debt, without hesitation in the earliest period of the revolution, and latterly having facilitated an anticipated enjoyment of the ballance—the zeal and confidence of our Merchants by which they are now creditors for very large sums to France—the patience with which we have seen infractions of our rights—the peculiar nature of the War as it regarded the origin of our relations to France (Quaere?)—the declaration of the War by France against the martitime powers—her incapacity for maritime effort and to supply our deficiency in that particular so as to render a war not absolutely ruinous to us—the early expectations given to us by her Agents that we were not expected to become parties—the exposed state of our commerce at this time with an immense property of our merchants afloat relying on the neutral plan which they have understood our Government to be pursuing even with the concurrence of France at least without its opposition—the extreme mischiefs to us of a sudden departure from this plan & the little advantage to France from our aid—the merely peace views which influenced our Treaty with Great Britain—the nature of that treaty involving no ingredient of political connection reserving the obligation of our prior Treaties the commercial articles terminating in two years after the present war; nothing in it to change the nature of our relations to France. All this will of course require great caution & delicacy so as not to compromise the dignity of this Country or give umbrage elsewhere—and I think observations ought to hold out the idea that under all the circumstances of the case the Government of this Country thought itself a full liberty consistently with its Treaties with France to pursue a neutral plan and they ought to hold up strongly our desire to maintain friendship with France, our regret that any circumstances of dissatisfaction should occur—our hope that justice & reason will prevail & preserve the good understanding &c. The conclusion of this preliminary exposition will be according to the nature of the proposi[ti]on.
If it should claim a renunciation of the British Treaty—The answer will naturally be that this sacrifice of the positive & recent engagements of the country is pregnant with consequences too humiliating and injurious to us to allow us to believe that the expectation can be persisted in by France since it is to require a thing impossible & to establish as the price of the continuance of Friendship with us the sacrifice of our honor by an act of perfidy which would destroy the value of our friendship to any Nation. That, besides, the Executive, if it were capable of complying with a demand so fatal to us, is not competent to it—it being of the province of Congress by a declaration of War or otherwise in the proper cases to annul the operation of Treaties.
If it should claim the abandonment of the articles of the present Treaty respecting free ships free goods &c the answer may be
That our Treaties with France are an intire work parts of a whole—that nevertheless the Executive is disposed to enter into a new negotiation by a new Treaty to modify them so as may consist with a due regard to mutual interest and the circumstances of parties and may even tend to strengthen the relations of friendship & good understanding between the Two Countries.
If the Guarantee of the West Indies should be claimed—The answer may be—
“That the decision of this question belongs to Congress who if it be desired will be convened to deliberate upon it.” I presume & hope they will have adjourned. For to ⟨gain⟩ time is every thing.
The foregoing marks the general course of our reflections. They are sketched hastily because they can be only general ideas and much will depend on numerous circumstances.
I observe what you say on the subject of a certain diplomatic mission. Permit me to offer with frankness the reflections which have struck my mind.
The importance to our security and commerce of good understanding with G Britain renders it very important that a man able and not disagreeable to that Government should be there. The Gentleman in question equally with any who could go & better than any willing to go answers this description. The idea hinted in your letter will apply to every man fit for the mission by his conspicousness talents and dispositions. ’Tis the stalking horse of a certain party & is made use of against every man who is not in their views & of sufficient consequence to attract their obloquy. If listened to, it will deprive the Government of the services of the most able and faithful agents. Is this expedient? What will be gained by it? Is it not evident that this party will pursue its hostility at all events as far as public opinion will permit? Does policy require any thing more than that they shall have no real cause to complain? Will it do, in deference to their calumniating insinuations to forbear employing the most competent men or to entrust the great business of the Country to unskilful unfaithful or doubtful hands? I really feel a conviction that it will be very dangerous to let party insinuations of this kind prove a serious obstacle to the employment of the best qualified characters. Mr. King is a remarkably well informed man—a very judicious one—a man of address—a man of fortune and œconomy whose situation affords just ground of confidence—a man of unimpeached probity where he is best known—a firm friend to the Government—a supporter of the measures of the President—a man who cannot but feel that he has strong pretensions to confidence and trust.
I might enlarge on these topics but I have not leisure neither can it be necessary. I have thrown out so much in the fulness of my heart & too much in a hurry to fashion either the idea or the expression as it ought to be. The President however will I doubt not receive what I have said as it is meant—as dictated by equal regard to the public interest & to the honorable course of his administration.
I have the honor to be Very respectfully & affecty   Dr sir   Yr Obed ser
A Hamilton
The President


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Elisha Boudinot, 23 May 1796
From: Boudinot, Elisha
To: Hamilton, Alexander

New Ark [New Jersey] 23 May. 1796
My dear sir
I am very happy that your endeavors to extricate Mr. Duer will occasion your so far investigating his affairs, as to enable you to do justice to a very injured character. When the misfortunes of life, or the frowns of fortune have thrown a man in the shade the generality of the world have too little feeling to investigate before they Judge, and too great a propensity to censure unheard, he is therefore at once condemned and kept in oblivion as long as malice & envy can have their effects. I know your conduct is swayed by entirely different motives; and that if convinced of the rectitude of a mans conduct, misfortunes will not prevent, but, urge, your helping hand to restore him to life again. It is this belief of your character that induces me to trouble you with what I know of my friend’s conduct in his connection with Mr. Duer. I know his virtue, his integrity, his purity of intention, and therefore if the whole world should forsake him, I would support him to the utmost of my ability, trusting for his and my vindication, to that awfull day when the secrets of all hearts will be revealed.
When Mr. Pintard first engaged in the line of a Broker, he was young, sanguine and full of spirits, his abilities soon introduced him to very handsome business. It was then Mr. Duer made a proposition to him, to go to Europe for him, offering him certain conditions. He consulted his Uncle, who was cautious, and had not the best opinion of Mr. D.—he advised him against it—he sent for me. I told him, to make out an account of the profits of his business for two Months then past, to go to Mr. D. shew it to him, and inform him, “that he had a young growing family, was inexperienced, and threw himself entirely on his generosity—if he knew the business he wanted to send him upon, would be more advantageous to him than that in which he was in, he would go” and I was confident Mr. D. as a man of science, character and liberality would never deceive him. He did so, and Mr. D—— said at once, that his business was so good, he would not advise him to leave it and accept of his offers—but that he would advise him to continue in the line he was in, and he would increase his business by giving him his own—complaining that he had employed several agents who had made their own fortunes, and then turned their backs on him, and treated him with ingratitude. This frankness entirely won the heart of Mr. P—— and he soon after engaged in his business; but as I understood the matter, not to become bound for him in any instance. The saturday after our return from organizing the manufacturing Society at Trenton, I received an express from Mr. P. that he wanted to see me; I went in, and found his Uncle with him in great distress—saying that during the weeks absence of Mr. D. he had been called upon unexpectedly, to pay off several of his notes due at the bank, which Mr. D. had not given him any notice were due and that he might not be charged with ingratitude, in the absence of Mr. D—— he had been induced to indorse notes, to redeem those at the bank—and they wanted me to go to Mr. D. and endeavor to find out how his circumstances were &c. My answer was that from the little acquaintance I had with Mr D—— I believed him to be a man of honor, delicacy and pride—that he would feel himself hurt, at the Idea of Johnny’s doubting his ability and his pride would be wounded at his communicating it to me—that I would therefore advise him to go with the same openness and candour as at first and know from himself his true situation, and whether he was safe in what he had done for him. This advise he said he would follow—and it being saturday afternoon, I left town. The result will appear in the extract of a few lines from two or three letters I received from him at that time which I kept, and which he does not know are in existence—and which will be more forcible than pages of comments from me—first giving an extract from a letter brought me by Mr. D. on his way to Trenton—as an inlet to what followed.
26 Novr. 1791. “You will find from Duer who is my friend & who has my best services; that his prospects are unbounded—and were I to work night & day he alone wd. furnish me ample employment & that profitable. I have unbounded confidence in him, which I believe is reciprocal and I am determined to conduct myself in such a way by strict attention to my accounts that I will be a Cæsars wife to him. I flatter myself he never was better served, I am sure never more honestly. I fear nothing whilst he has life, for as to resource he is a most wonderfull man, he is really an Atlas”!

4 Decr. 1791 (the day after I left him to follow the advice I mentioned before)
“I have spent the whole of this afternoon with Col. Duer, who dined with me. You will be kind eno. not to drop a lisp of my communications to you to any one else in the world. With respect to contingencies, I must risk the event, but he assures me that he is solid & immensely rich. My greatest risk is his not investigating his accounts with me and leaving every thing to my discretion. However I shall walk strait and trust to an upright conduct of his affairs for his approbation.”
6 Decr. 1791. “Col. Duer spent yesterday evening with me, when we had a long conversation and full investigation of his business committed to me. From every circumstance, his assurance, and more his honor, I feel perfectly secure in committing myself to any extent on his account. I consider him next to yourself my best friend, and where I fix my confidence is unbounded. I find a reciprocal sentiment on his part, indeed what proof so clear, as laying himself entirely at my mercy; I trust the issue will prove his opinion of my Zeal & friendship not misplaced. I shall from this moment go forward into every engagement on his account with as much alacrity as ever I undertook anything in my life.”
I will not trouble you farther with extracts; these are sufficient to convince a candid mind; that he engaged in the business with a warm, inexperienced tho’ sincere mind, and not that of a swindler or sharper. The consequence of this Zeal & confidence is too wellknown—the sufferings, the torture of mind, as well as distress of body he has undergone for these four years past—if known, would be sufficient to soften the hearts of his most obdurate creditors even those of a LeRoy & Bayard, altho’ they ma⟨y⟩ suppose their hearts & feelings so incruscated with Gold, as to be impervious to the darts of distress & misfortune.
I have informed Mr. P. of your wish to have a short journal of his endeavors to satisfy Mr. D. and his creditors which he will make out and forward you immediately. He has constantly offered to surrender every farthing he has in the world to his creditors that his worst enemies might be the assignees—and that if ever it should appear a farthing was kept back, that the whole should be void. I am confident that if they had given him a letter of licence for ten years, from his exertions, he would have been enabled to have paid them all off—but nothing short of his death appears will be satisfactory to them and they would have been gratified in that long ago, if his lott had been cast anywhere, but where it is.
I should not have troubled you on any other subject with so long a letter but where humanity is engaged, I know, you will not only read it, but interest yourself in its behalf. If your endeavors fail—I give up all hopes of any thing being done, until a general bankrupt law takes place—and when that will be Heaven only knows. I do not choose to trust my Clerks to copy this and am too much hurried to do it myself—you will therefore excuse the manner in which it comes.
I am dear sir   with esteem   Your most Obt. Servt
Elisha Boudinot
P. S. I set off tomorrow morning and shall be gone the remainder of the week, as soon as I return, will send ⟨– – –⟩ letter, if it is not forwarded before he will set about it, immediately.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Robert Morris, 26 May 1796
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Morris, Robert

[New York, May 26, 1796. On May 31, 1796, Morris wrote to Hamilton and referred to “your letter of the 26 Inst.” Letter not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 27 May 1796
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.

New York May 27. 1796
Dr. Sir
The Patterson manufactory being defunct, the persons heretofore employed are thrown out of business and among them Mr. Marshall who erected & directed the Cotton Mill. As this man has proved that he understands himself & is a discreet well-moralled man I am loth that he should be under the necessity of leaving the Country. He is a man of some education. Besides a considerable knowlege of mechanics & some of surveying he writes a good hand and good English. I have thought that perhaps temporarily some employment as a copying Clerk in some one of the Offices might be found for him. Can this be? Let me hear from you in answer as soon as may be. He is a decent man in his demeanour.
Yrs. truly
A Hamilton
May 27. 1796
Oliver Wolcott Jur. Esq

Mr. Dickson, an American Citizen, by birth, who has been concerned in establishing & means to conduct in person the Cotton Manufactory at New Haven is desirous of contracting to supply the army with Cotton shirts of his own fabric. As I cannot help still hoping this manufacture may succeed in a scene so favourable to it as New Haven—as it will have a fair chance under Mr. Dickson who is attentive industrious & has now had a good deal of experience, I think there would be a public policy in facilitating to him the supply he desires for a good proportion of the shirts which the army will require at a price which will allow a reasonable profit. This business may be detached from the general contract & be the subject of a particular agreement. Mr. Dickson assures greater strength & duration than India Cotton or than linnen. This idea may assist an experiment. General Knox made one of Cotton shirts & I understood him thought well of it.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Marquis de Fleury, 28 May 1796
From: Fleury, Marquis de
To: Hamilton, Alexander

à paris le 28. May 1796.
Dear hamilton,
I hope you have not quitte forgotten an old friend of yours; almost escaped to the misfortunes of our bloody revolution. I have preserved till now my head, but lost the greatest part of my fortune, and my most assured and important propriety is now, what is due to me by the united states.

Till the year 1789 I have touched at paris, by the hands of their banker grand the interests of what was due to me by the united states.
In the year 1793 governor morris minister of the united states informed the french officers, that those who would not be paid in france, should declare it in writing to the banker grand. I made that declaration, and mr. grand transmitted it to mr. morris, & wrott at the extract signed j. nourse which is in my hands, that I should be paid in america.
Since that time I have run so many dangers of all kinds, that I have not dared take any informations: and I depend now on your friendship, to learn, what I want very much to know about that affair: I hope you will not refuse your usefull services to your distressed friend.
1st. I persist to desire that was is due to me by the united states remain in america, and be placed with safety, either in the bank, the Loan office, or otherwise.
2e. I beg you would inquire, if what is due to me, is at the united states threasury, or in the bank, or in the Loan office, and if it is safe, and will be safe for the future.
3e. If since 1789 that I have received none, it produces interets, and what interets?
4e. If it would be possible to apoint either you or some of your honest friends to receive for me those interets in america in hard money: and transmit them to me in france by bills of exchange in hard money. I mean only the interets, for as to the Capital, I will Let it in america: as I may be obliged some day or other to return there, & should be happy to find something there, to buy a Corner of Land, and Cultivate it to Live quiet if not happy.
as soon as I shall have received those kindly informations of you I shall sent to you, or to the person which you will propose my power, to receive the interets, place the total summ in the bank or Loan office, & send me annualy the interets in france, in hard money.
I shall expect your answer with eagerness, as this affair is very important for me. You will be sensible of it.
I have a great deal forgotten my american (I will not tell english) but I hope yet to be understood.
My adress is as follows, being only accidentaly at paris. “au Citoyen fleury marèchal de Camp retirè par la fertè sur marne à jouar, dèpartement de seine et marne.”
Adieu, be happy as much as I desire and you deserve it.
fleury


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Tench Coxe, 31 May 1796
From: Coxe, Tench
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Philad. May 31. 1796
Sir
Mr. Whelen & I do not understand that he had made a proposition to you to let Mr. Church take back what remains in their Hands of Mr. Church’s original interest in the lands sold him & Company. You will find on a revision of my Letter of the 17th. inst. that it does not convey that Idea and you will perceive on reflection that it could not. The matter stood thus. When you were here at the supreme Court Mr. Whelen informed you I had made a proposition to take to a certain amount, being an undivided sixth or a sixth by lot of the whole lands, as well of those they bought of Patterson, as of those bought of me & Mr. Church & he offered that if I would take a third (instead of a sixth) they would agree to it & ⟨tend⟩ the matter. Mr. Church would then have to receive his balance on the Accot. I told you that I feared that it might not suit me to buy so largely as my Engagements stood, but I would think of it. On reflexion I called upon Mr. Whelen & told him I would buy of them that undivided third part, which was of their whole 88 tracts as above. I could not expect Mr. Church to be concerned in this purchase, without he should give his assent because, besides the lands he & I owned together, and five lots more of the same parcel, which I owned long before Wheelen & Miller’s application, there would be many others, which had never belonged to him or me, but were all those sold by Mr. Patterson. I hear Nothing from them in reply to my offer, but I mean to call as soon as Congress rises, and if I can, will finish the Business. No endeavour of mine has ever been wanting. I then offered you the whole balance that would be due if Wheelen & Co had paid, to be taken out of another parcel of lands Mr Church & I had taken up together in 1793 at 2¼ acres for one. Calling Whelen & Co’s as cash ¹¹⁄₁₀—the lands I would give would be about ⁵⁄₃, tho the two parcels cost ⅌ acre just the same.
I am, sir, yr   obedient Servant
T.C.
Alexander Hamilton Esqr.Atty of J. B. Church Esq


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Robert Morris, 31 May 1796
From: Morris, Robert
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Alexander Hamilton EsqreNew York
Philada May 31. 1796
Dear Sir
I am sorry that the Omission & inaccuracy of description in the Mortgage Deed as expressed in your letter of the 26 Inst. should have occasioned you any farther Trouble in Mr Churchs Business. The Omission of the name was owing to that Tract not having been conveyed to the parties for whom it was intended by Colo Ogden, who made an Agreement short of my terms the Object being to discharge thereby Colo Smiths Mortgage but as Colo Walker will not discharge the Mortgage I will not agree to the Bargain of Mr. Ogden as it was not consanant to my Orders either as to price or terms of Payment. I have therefore conveyed the Tract to Mr Garrett Cottringer whose name is now inserted in the new Mortgage executed by me, and as I want no other depositary than yourself I will send both Mortgages by the Young Gentn. you have sent hither. It may be well however to have a line from you declaratory that the two are for the same purpose & that the Payment of the Bond will discharge both. Accept my thanks for the friendly terms of your last letter and be assured of my constant regard.
Yrs.
RM
P.S. Suppose you were to make up a Company to purchase the 50,000 acres conveyed to Mr Cottringer, give me two Dollars ⅌ acre, discharge Colo Smith’s mortgage which is for 50,000 Dolls Six ⅌ Cent stock and pay me the bal.? You will get four Dolls an acre in about 12 Mos. and Colo Walker will give longer credit than that I suppose, or I will sell at 2 Dolls ⅌ acre as much as will discharge that Mortgage altho my Son Tom writes that Lands are risen so much that he advises me not to sell.


Title: Design for a Seal for the United States, [May 1796]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To:

[May, 1796]
A Globe with Europe and part of Africa on one side—America on the other—the Atlantic Ocean between. The portion occupied by America to be larger than that occupied by Europe. A Colossus to be placed on this Globe, with one foot on Europe, the other extending partly over the Atlantic towards America, having on his head a quintuple crown in his right hand an Iron-Sceptre projected but broken in the middle—in his left hand a Pileus* reversed, the staff intwined by a snake with its head downward having the staff in its mouth and folding in its tail (as if in the act of strangling) a label with these words “Rights of Man.”
Upon a base, supported by fifteen columns, erected on the Continent of America, to be placed the Genius of America, represented by Pallas—a female figure with a firm composed countenance, in an attitude of defiance, cloathed in armour with a golden breast plate, a spear in her right hand and an Ægis or shield in her left, decorated with the scales of Justice instead of the Medusa’s head—her helmet incircled with wreaths of Olive—her spear striking upon the Sceptre of the Colussus and breaking it obliquely over her head a radiated Crown or Glory.
Explanation
The Globe is an antient symbol of universal Dominion. This, with the Colossus alluding to the Directory, will denote the project of acquiring it—the position of one leg of the colussus will signify the attempt to extend it to America. The Columns will represent the American States. Pallas, as the Genius of America will denote, that though loving Peace (of which the Olive wreath is the emblem) yet guided by Wisdom, or an enlightened sense of her own rights and interests, she is determined to exert and does successfully exert her valour, in breaking the sceptre of the Tyrant. The Glory is the usual type of Providential interposition.
It would improve it if it did not render it too complicated to represent the Ocean in Tempest & Neptune striking with his Trident the projected leg of the Colussus.
But perhaps instead of all this it may suffice to have the figure of Pallas on horse back the harp placed on the Columns these on a small mount—her spear breaking a Sceptre projected by a Herculean Arm.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to James Watson, [May 1796]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Watson, James

[New York, May, 1796]
Dr Sir
The handsome general retainer you have offered me & the handsome manner in which the Offer is made claim my acknowlegement. But it will not consist with any rule of Action to avail myself of it. I have in other instances engaged for Individuals on these terms, to take as a retainer 100£ and afterwards to charge services performed at the established rates. Though it was my intention to avoid this in future, yet if you desire it, I will add you to the list. But it must except the priorities already incurred which are of William Constable Alexander Macombe LeRoy Bayard & McEvers Williamson of Genesee.
Yrs with esteem & regard
A Hamilton
P.S To prove to you however that I am not unmindful of my own interest I send you the following account

To opinion concerning arbitration Bond
Ds  5

To services in negotiating & settling your  business with William Constable
100

Cr
105

March 3  By Cash
 50

Ballance due AH
 55
The first 50 dollars I consider as a Retainer & for my opinion given at the time.

James Watson Esqr.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, [May–August 1796]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.

[New York, May–August, 1796.] “I have been applied to for an opinion concerning the Georgia Claim.… I will thank you for the Report of the Attorney General on that subject, to Congress.…”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 1 June 1796
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

New York June 1. 1796
Sir
Your letter of the 29th was delivered me by Mr. King yesterday afternoon. I thought I had acknowleged the Receipt of the paper inquired for in a letter written speedily after it—or in one which transmitted you a draft of a certain letter by Mr. Jay. I hope this came to hand.
I am almost afraid to appear officious in what I am going to say; but the matter presses so deeply on my mind that fearing you may not recollect the situation of the thing and that it may happen not to be brought fully under your eye, I cannot refrain from making the suggestion to you. It regards a Bill which I am told has lately passed the two houses of Congress authorising a sale of Bank Stock for paying off a sum due to the Bank. You will perceive by the 8th. and 9th Sections of the Act intitled “An Act making further provision for the support of public Credit and for the Redemption of the public Debt” passed the 3d. of March 1795 that the dividends of the Bank Stock are appropriated to the Sinking Fund with all the force and solemnity of which language is capable and that to divert them in the manner proposed (and this too without any substitute in the act which so diverts) will be a formal express and unequivocal violation of the public faith—will subvert the system of the Sinking Fund and with it all the security which is meant to be given to the people for the Redemption of the Public Debt, and, violating the sanctity of an appropriation for the public Debt, will overturn at once the foundation of Public Credit. These are obvious and undeniable consequences, and though I am aware that great embarrassments may ensue to the Treasury, if the Bill by the objection of The President is lost and no substitute for it takes place towards the reimbursement of the Bank—Yet I am sure no consequences can ensue of equal moment from the rejection as from the principle of the Bill going into execution. All the Presidents administration has effected for establishing the Credit of the Country will be prostrate at a single blow. He will readily make all the necessary comments upon this position. It grieves my heart to see so much shocking levity in our Representative Body.
Most respectfully & Affecty I remain   Sir Yr very   obed Ser
A Hamilton
The President of the U States


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Lawrence Kercado, 6 June 1796
From: Kercado, Lawrence
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Philadelphia, June 6, 1796. States that he is the Vicomte de Kercado, a cadet member of the princely family of Rohon in Brittany, that he had lived in Santo Domingo, that he had come to Charleston, South Carolina, in 1791, and that he and his family are now living at Elizabeth, New Jersey. States that he has given orders for his property in Santo Domingo to be sold and that he wishes to go there to settle his affairs. Asks Hamilton to urge President Washington to grant him a Government commission which would assure him a safe passage to and from Santo Domingo and suggests that he be named agent for obtaining the release of American sailors imprisoned by the British.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jonathan Williams, 8 June 1796
From: Williams, Jonathan
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Philadelphia, June 8, 1796. “I thank you for your friendly offer and, in conformity, request you to let me know what proposals Mr Macomb is willing to make. My Demand is $17530 Dollars, being the difference arising on the unperformed Contract made with me by Mr. Duer on the Companys acct. agreeably to the terms of the partnership. I bought the $50000 six ⅌ Cents and paid for them in specie $63250. Dollars. The stock was tendered and the tender duely acknowledged on the Day the Contract became due. At that time the stock would not sell for its nominal amount, so that I am a real sufferer in the sum of $13250.…”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Robert Morris, 9 June 1796
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Morris, Robert

[New York, June 9, 1796. On the June 17, 1796, Morris wrote to Hamilton and referred to “your favor of the 9th.” Letter not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 9 June 1796
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.

New York June 9. 1796
Dr. Sir
I called at your house the morning of my departure but you was not then up. While I was in the City we had a little conversation concerning an affair of an arrangement with Swan for effecting a remittance to Holland. I intended to have resumed it for two reasons, one because it has been represented to the disadvantage of the Conduct of the Treasury, another because Swan who lodged at the same house with me begged me to converse with you on the subject and give my opinion both to you & him of what I thought of the matter. The latter I should of course have managed with due regard to all prudential considerations.
But I wished chiefly to apprise you that it is industriously circulated that Monroe & Skipwith, as Agents for the Treasury received Swan’s money at Paris to remit to Holland, that they mismanaged the fund, produced besides delay, loss—and that the Treasury now endeavours to turn the loss on Swan. If you have not been apprized of this it is requisite you should be.
Yrs. truly
A Hamilton


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 14 June 1796
From: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Phila. June 14th. 1796
Dear Sir
I am oblidged to you for the intimation in your Letter of the 9th. instant. I have known for some time that Mr. Swan has misrepresented my conduct—he knows that I have more than fullfilled my Contract, that it was an express agreement, that the risque & expence of transmitting the money from Paris to Amsterdam should be borne by him—that Mr. Monroe was a mutual Agent, not the Agent of the Treasury—that we neither of us intended that Mr. Skipwith should meddle with the business—& that the opinion of the Attorney General is against throwing the loss upon the United States.
It is true that there has been great mismanagement & delay & some loss, but it is not my fault, nor am I responsible for it. I am now paying as fast as the Treasury will admit, though nothing can yet be demanded according to Contract.
The plan of the French & our Patriots begins to develope, the history of the Captives of the Mount Vernon, & the apology or rather hypothesis offered in Mr Baches paper of this morning are important facts when taken in connection with what we before knew. If more seizures shall be made, or if Mr. Adet shall not give a satisfactory explanation, I do not see but that Mr. M must be recalled & a special confidential Minister sent. A short time will enable us to judge. I shall be glad to know your opinion of what is to be done—if a Minister is sent, who should it be?
Mr. Dawson a confidential Clerk will be in New York a few days hence, to endeavour to ascertain whether or not Mr. Duer retains certain papers respecting the seven ranges of townships. I will thank you to give him such advice as may be proper.
I am ever yrs
Oliver Wolcott
A. Hamilton Esq


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John Lowell, Junior, 15 June 1796
From: Lowell, John, Jr.
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Boston, June 15, 1796. An entry in H’s Law Register, 1795–1804, under the date of June 20, 1796, reads: “See Letter Lowel June 15.” Letter not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [16 June 1796]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

[New York, June 16, 1796]
Sir
I have received information this morning of a nature which I think you ought to receive without delay. A Mr. Le Guen, a Frenchman, a client of mine and in whom I have inspired confidence, and who is apparently a discreet and decent man, called on me this morning to consult me on the expediency of his becoming naturalized, in order that certain events between France and the U States might not prejudice him in a suit which I am directed to bring for him for a value of 160,000 Dollars. I asked him what the events to which he alluded were. He made me the following reply under the strictest injunctions of confidence. “I have seen a letter from St Thonax to Mr. Labagarde of this City informing him that a plan was adopted to seize all American vessels carrying to any English Port provisions of any kind to conduct them into some French Port, if found to be British property to condemn them, if American, to take them on the accountability of the Government—adding that he must not thence infer that it was the intention to make war upon the U States—but it was with a view to retaliate the conduct of Great Britain, to keep supplies from her, and to obtain them for themselves, and was also bottomed on some political motives not necessary to be explained. That it was also in contemplation when Admiral Richery arrived, if the Ships could be spared to send five sail of the line to this Country.” Fearing he said that this might produce a rupture between the two Countries he had called to consult me on the subject &c.
I asked his permission to make the communication to you. He gave me leave to do it, but with the absolute condition that the knowlege of names was on no account to go beyond you and myself. I must therefore request Sir that this condition be exactly observed. He has promised me further information.
I believe the information, as well because the source of it under all the circumstances engages my confidence, as because the thing appears in itself probable. France wants supplies and she has not the means of paying & our Merchants have done creditting.
It becomes very material that the real situation should as soon as possible be ascertained & that the Merchants should know on what they have to depend. They expect that the Government will ask an explanation of Mr Adet & that in some proper way the result will be made known.
It seems to become more and more urgent that the U States should have some faithful organ near the French Government to explain their real views and ascertain those of the French. It is all important that the people should be satisfied that the Government has made every exertion to avert Rupture as early as possible.
Most respectfully & Affect   I have the honor to be   Sir   Yr. Obed serv
A Hamilton
The President of the U States


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 16 June 1796
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.

[New York] June 16. 1796
Dr. Sir
It appears to me material under our present prospects to complete the three frigates without delay. They may be useful with reference to the Algerines—they may be useful to convoy our vessels out of the reach of pickeroon privateers hovering on our Coast. I know you want money but could not the Merchants by secret movements be put in motion to make you a loan. I think something of this kind may be done here & I should presume at Philadelphia &c. The sole ostensible object may be the Algerines but the second object may circulate in whispers. If you conclude on any thing I will second you.
Perhaps no bad form of the thing may be to place in the hands of your Agents for building Treasury Bills from 100 to 1000 Dollars payable in a year with interest & to let it be known among the Merchants that they are lodged exclusively to facilitate the equipment of the Ships. But a more direct operation may be attempted & I should hope with success for the sum you may want for the frigates.
Yrs
A Hamilton


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Walter Livingston, 17 June 1796
From: Livingston, Walter
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Livingston Manor, New York] June 17, 1796. “In examining my fathers papers yesterday I found a receipt of yours in the following words Viz. Received New York June 8. 1786 of Robert C. Livingston Esquire Twenty five Dollars as a retainer for the Manor of Livingston. Alex Hamilton. I have taken the liberty to mention this because my brother, Henry who is gone down with an intention to endeavour to procure your assistance in some of his ejectment Causes against his & Johns Tenants in the Manor which will be tried in July term at Albany—applied to me for information respecting the retainer.…”


Title: Receipt to Pierre Van Cortlandt, Junior, [17 June 1796]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Van Cortlandt, Pierre, Jr.

[New York, June 17, 1796]
Received of Pierre Van Cortlandt Jun Esqr Two hundred Dollars on account of his fathers bond.
June 17. 1796A Hamilton


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 17 June 1796
From: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Philadelphia June 17th. 1796
My Dear Sir,
I have your Letters of the 15th. & 16th. instant—that for the President will go on by the next mail.
The affair of the Capture assumes a more equivocal character as respects the French Government than at first. In a confidential way from some of our Merchants I have reason to believe, that proposals were made to Mr. Murgatroy who built the Ship, by a Mr. Dunkinson an English Gentleman not yet naturalised, to become the purchaser, that Dunkinson on finding that he could not obtain a Register in his own name, made a conditional purchase of the Vessell deliverable in England; after which the Vessell was registered in Murgatroyds name. That the Loading though in the names of Willings & Francis is in fact British property & that these circumstances, were known or strongly suspected by the owner of the French Privateer. If these things are true, & the sole motives of the Capture, the thing though perhaps wrong, is not alarming. I do not find that any other capture has been made.
Mr. Adet I understand has written to Colo. Pickering that the Privateer was Commissioned by the French Government of Sn. Domingo, but that he is ignorant what the orders of the Privateer are, or what orders the French directory in the West Indies are authorised to give in respect to Neutral Vessells. This answer is neither satisfactory nor the contrary—it is nothing—except that it leaves ground to suspect that the West India Directory possess some discretionary authority, which may be used to distress us, if circumstances should render it expedient. What now gives me more concern than the capture, is the compliance of Baches paper, which is I think calculated to prepare the public mind, to expect a new course of conduct by the French, contrary to our Treaty, & distressing to our Commerce.
I have for some time been inclined to think that Mr. Munroe ought to be recalled, but as others have doubted, & as the thing was not demonstrable I have not urged it, every event shews however new reasons for believing, that we must stop the channells by which foreign poison is introduced into our Country or suffer the government to be overturned—at all hazards the attempt must be made.
I have the power of the President to borrow, & have been making attempts in the manner you have intimated but without prospect of success. Bills can only be used in a case of the utmost emergency, as the discount would be ruinous. I will however carry on the public business this summer some way or other—though I know that we shall ultimately fail, unless some miraculous change in public measures, shall speedily take place.
I will write you if any thing occurs.
yrs. truly
Oliv. Wolcott Jr
Alexander Hamilton Esq


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Angelica Church, [19–20 June 1796]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Church, Angelica

[New York, June 19–20, 1796]
Dear Angelica
If you knew the power you have to make happy You would lose no opportunity of writing to Betsey & me; for we literally feast on your letters.
But our impatience increases as the prospect becomes more promising; and you must permit us ever to chide Mr. Church for his tardiness. Expectations must be converted into realities. Life is too short to warrant procrasti[nati]on of the most favourite and precious objects.
Tis not easy that you and I should differ in any thing. On a certain subject we agree. And though I am in a minority here—It is gaining strength. Your Countrymen are zealous but they are not mad. All will go well here. Our own Jacobins have made a violent effort against me, but a complete victory has been gained to their utter confusion.
Yrs. as much as you desire
AH


Title: [Opinion of William Rawle], [21 June 1796]
From: Rawle, William
To:

[Philadelphia, June 21, 1796]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James Ricketts, 24 June 1796
From: Ricketts, James
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Elizabethtown [New Jersey] June 24, 1796. “Enclosed are the extracts of Mr. Jackson’s letters, which you desired me to send you.”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Angelica Church, [25 June 1796]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Church, Angelica

[New York, June 25, 1796]
I cannot omit the opportunity My Dear Angelica of dropping you a line by your old acquaintance Colonel Noble to inform you that we are all well, strongly agitated between Fear and Hope, but anxiously wishing for your Return. If you are not persuaded that this is one of the dearest objects to Eliza & myself you do us much injustice. The only rivalship we have is in our attachment to you and we each contend for preeminence in this particular. To whom will you give the apple?
I wrote you last by Mr. King who sailed a few days since for London as our Minister Plenipotentiary. You must not think the less well of him for not being a Jacobin—for he is a very clever fellow and will do credit to your Country. He will not give me the trouble of defending any Treaty of his making—for to be sure of everybody’s approbation he is instructed to do nothing but after a previous consultation with you. What do you say to this Madam? Will it have no charm for your ——? But I had forgotten. You have none.
His better self accompanies him. She has not the proverb in her favour “The nearer the bone &c.” But I dare say she is sweet enough.
How do you manage to charm all that see you? While naughty tales are told to you of us, we hear nothing but of your kindness, amiableness, agreeableness &c. Why will you be so lavish of these qualities upon those who forget them in six weeks & withold them from us who retain all the impressions you make, indelibly? But so the world goes. And we must submit to Destiny.
When we last heared from Albany all your family were well. Your father was gone to Fort Schuyler.
We have sent you by different opportunities sketches of your house & lot. I repeat them under cover to Mr. Church.
Adieu   Yr. ever Affect friend
A Hamilton
Eliza will write by this opportunity or at least I trust add a postscript. Yet She continues lazy at the pen.

June 25th.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Peter Goelet, 25 June 1796
From: Goelet, Peter
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Alex Hambleton
N York June 25 1796
Sir
I have found Your Deeds for the Lands You Mentioned but no Receipt or other Papers with it.
Inclosed have a Copy of that part of the Conditions of the Sales You Request.
I am with Respt S Y Vy
P Goelet


Title: Enclosure: [Conditions of the Sales of the Lands], [25 June 1796]
From: American Iron Company
To:

The Conditions of the Sales of the Lands belonging to the Am Iron Compy on the 10. 11 & 18 Decemr. 1795 was Vizt

¼
To be paid to Peter Goelet on or before 11 OClock to Morrow Morning

¼
On the first tuesday in April next with Lawfull Intrest.

¼
On the first tuesday in October next with Lawfull Intrest.
And the Residue on or before the first tuesday in April 1797 with Lawfull Intrest.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, [26 June 1796]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.

[New York, June 26, 1796]
Dr. Sir
I learn from a Gentleman of character that a prize brought into Boston by a French Privateer is about to be sold. This being in direct breach of our Treaty with G Britain how does it happen? Though no particular law passed, the Treaty being the law of the land, Our custom houses can & ought to prevent the entry & sale of prizes, upon Executive instruction. If any thing is wanting to this end for god sake, My Dr. Sir, let it be done & let us not be disgraced.
Yrs.
A HamiltonJune 26, 1796


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Peter Goelet, 27 June 1796
From: Goelet, Peter
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Mr. Alexr Hambleton
New York June 27 1796
Sir
According to Your Request I have examind the Accounts and find that You paid the first Instalment on the 17 of December 1795

£ 605.13.4
is
1514.18

The Second payment on the 6 April 1796

£605.13.4 Int £14.2.4 is
619.15.9

1549.47

£ 1225.9.2
Ds
3063.65
With Sentiments of Respect I am
Sir Your Most Humble Servant
Peter Goelet


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Robert Morris, 27[–30] June 1796
From: Morris, Robert
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Alexander Hamilton Esqre
Phila. June 27 [–30] 1796
dear Sir
Your favor of the 20th I have received & will most chearfully comply with your requisition by remitting $1500 which if I can shall go in this letter and if in the Course of my negotiations I can meet with notes or drafts upon New York suitable for the remaining Payment they shall be sent you, but if I do not obtain Such you may rely that I will fulfill my Promise in regard to that Payment or it shall be as you propose half in six & half in 12 mos.
Yrs.
RM

June 30   I could not bear to send this without the $1500. You will find herein a draft of Joseph Higbee upon  at 30 days for that sum you can get it discounted & charge me with the Cost letting me know the amount. You will see by this that I did not neglect you altho’ you did not receive it immediately.

RM


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 5 July 1796
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

New York July 5. 1796
Sir
I was in due time favoured with your letter of the 26 June & consulted the Gentleman you name on the subjects of it.
We are both of opinion there is no power in the President to appoint an Envoy Extraordinary, without the concurrence of the senate, & that the information in question is not a sufficient ground for extraordinarily convening the senate. If however the President from his information collectively be convinced that a dangerous state of things exists between us & France and that an envoy extraordinary to avert the danger is a necessary measure, I believe this would in the sense of the constitution warrant the calling of the Senate for the purpose. But this measure may be questionable in point of expediency, as giving a stronger appearance of danger than facts warrant. If further depredations on our commerce take place, if new avowals of the principle of the last capture should appear, it may alter the case. But without something more the measure would scarcely seem adviseable.
Mr. Jay & Myself though somewhat out of your question talked of the expediency of removing Monroe, and though we perceive there are weighty reasons against it, we think those for it preponderate—if a proper man can be found. But here we feel both immense embarrassment, for he ought to be at the same time a friend to the Government & understood to be not unfriendly to the French Revolution. General Pinckney is the only man we can think of who fully satisfies the idea, & unfortunately every past experiment forbids the hope that he would accept—though but for a short time. But if a character of tolerable fitness can be thought of, it would seem expedient to send him. At any rate it is to be feared, if under the symptoms of discontent which have appeared on the part of the French Government, no actual & full explanation takes place, it will bring serious censure upon the Executive. It will be said that it did not display as much zeal to avoid misunderstanding with France as with G Britain—that discontents were left to rankle—that if the Agent of the Government in France was negligent or unfaithful some other mode ought to have been found &c.
As to your resignation, Sir, it is not to be regretted that the declaration of your intention should be suspended as long as possible & suffer me to add that you should really hold the thing undecided to the last moment. I do not think it is in the power of party to throw any slur upon the lateness of your declar[a]tion. And you have an obvious justification in the state of things. If a storm gathers, how can you retreat? This is a most serious question.
The proper period now for your declaration seems to be Two months before the time for the Meeting of the Electors. This will be sufficient. The parties will in the mean time electioneer conditionally, that is to say, if you decline—for a serious opposition to you will I think hardly be risked.
I have completed the first draft of a certain paper & shall shortly transcribe correct & forward it. I will then also prepare & send forward without delay the original paper corrected upon the general plan of it so that you may have both before you for a choice in full time & for alteration if necessary.
With true respect & Affect Attachment I have the hon to remain Sir   Yr very Obed ser
A Hamilton
The Presi of the U States


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Elias Boudinot, 7 July 1796
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Boudinot, Elias

[New York] July 7. 1796
My dear Sir
You will oblige me by letting me have an Extract from that part of your Mortgage law in New Jersey which regulates the mode of cancelling Mortgages—also an extract from the Registering Book of the usual manner in which entries for cancelling were made about the years 1771, 1772 and 1773—and by informing me whether these Entries have been adjudged conclusive—though the order or certificate of the Mortgage is not to be found, the Mortgage money not paid, and the fact should appear that the Entry was a fraudulent act of the Registering Officer?
Excuse the trouble I give you and use me freely in a like case.
How are your Election prospects? Do not let the discontent with Dayton hazard the main point. ’Tis better by a coalition with him to secure that, though you make some sacrifice of opinion, than to produce a dangerous schism.
Our affairs are critical, and we must be dispassionate and wise.
Yours truly
A. Hamilton


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from David Hunter, 7 July 1796
From: Hunter, David
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Martinburgh, Virginia, July 7, 1796. “A cause is now depending before the Supreme Court of the United States on an appeal from the Circuit Court of the United States for the district of Virginia, wherein I am Appellant & Denny Fairfax Appellee.… I am informed that you practise in the supreme Court. I shoud therefore thank you to inform me whether you will undertake the Cause for me for a fee of Four Hundred dollars certain & made up to a Thousand if you succeed, or, if you think you can establish my right to the Land, I will give it to you as a Fee. It is worth about Two Thousand dollars. Mr. Marshall of this State & the Attorney General of the United States Mr. Lee will argue the cause on behalf of Fairfax.…”


Title: Conveyance from Isaac and Hannah Riley, 7 July 1796
From: Riley, Isaac,Riley, Hannah
To: Hamilton, Alexander

New York, July 7, 1796. “Isaac Riley and Hannah his wife for … the Sum of Two thousand Dollars … have granted … unto the Said Alexander Hamilton … eight certain Lots of Land … in the Seventh Ward.…”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, [7 July 1796]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.

[New York, July 7, 1796]
Dr Sir
I have had some conversation with some influential Members of the Bank of New York who are disposed to do all that shall be found possible. But I wish to know without exaggeration the least sum that will be a material relief to you & when & how the payments will be desired.
Yrs.
A HamiltonJuly 7. 1796
Oliver Wolcott Esq


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, [8 July 1796]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.

[New York, July 8, 1796]
Dr. Sir
I have just received your letter of the 6th. The idea of selling Bank Stock is the worst of all & can only be urged on a plan of private speculation. Acquiescence may tempt the Bank to oppress hereafter for speculation purposes. I have talked to some Directors of the Bank of New York conformably to your first suggestion, respecting the deposit of Stock & it will not be expedient to change ground. The term of Credit I mentioned too was six months. You may safely deposit with the Bank of New York the directors of which would not sell at a sacrifice to the public without necessity. But confidence in the Government is impaired, and in addition, the Directors are apprehensive of falling too much under the power of the Bank of the U States. They will therefore want the deposit to give certainty to the operation.
I wait to have from you some idea of what sum will be a relief & when & how it will be wanted. As far as you can pospone transferrs from the B of NY to the B of the U States it will be comfortable to them. I have said nothing as yet of interest.
Yrs
A HamiltonJuly 8th
O Wolcott Jnr Esq


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Gerard Bancker, 12 July 1796
From: Bancker, Gerard
To: Hamilton, Alexander

New York, July 12, 1796. “I am content to dispense with Mrs. Rickets giving the Security you mention in your Note. As Executors, Mr Livingston & Myself have paid her Considerable Sums without thinking that kind of Security Necessary.”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Philip Schuyler, 14 July 1796
From: Schuyler, Philip
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Albany, July 14, 1796. “The messenger with whom I sent Mr Morris’s Mortgage returned whilst I was at Fort Schuyler with a letter from the Clerk advising me that so many mortgages had been presented that he could not register the one in question so as to return It by the Messenger, but that as soon as he had done it, he would send It by a safe hand.…”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, [15 July 1796]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: McHenry, James

[New York, July 15, 1796]
My Dear Sir
I have considered the articles of War & rather think the case is not provided for by them. I incline to the opinion that The President ex officio as Commander in Chief has power to order a General Court Martial. But the exercise of this power would be liable to too much question & Criticism to be expedient.
What then is to be done? The President has a right to dis⟨miss⟩ Military Officers as holding their Comm⟨issions⟩ during pleasure—but the delicacy of the military character requires that ⟨– –⟩ should be exercised with Great Cauti⟨on⟩ & not till after very full investigation.
What then? When the Charges come forward let them be communicated to the Commanding General & he called upon to reply particularly to them. If there are facts to be proved & by persons with the army let three or five judicious Officers with the aid of the Judge Advocate & a Magistrate if to be had to administer oaths, be charged to collect testimony for the information of the Department of War to be laid before the President. Let the accuser & the accused be notified to attend the examination of the Witnesses to cross examine &c & let their testimony reduced to Writing by the Referrees or Commissioners with the Judge Advocate & certified by them with the observations of the Accuser & accused be transmitted to the War office & laid before the President who can afterwards act according to circumstances.
This is the best I can think of.
But you must by all means avoid the imputation of evading the inquiry & protecting a favourite.
Adieu   Yrs tr
A HamiltonJuly 15 1796
Have you devised any mean of ensuring an ex[p]lanation to the French Government? If it be not done & any thing amiss happens, I dont know what will befall you all.

Js Mc.Henry Esq


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, [15 July 1796]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.

[New York, July 15, 1796]
Dr. Sir
The application for a loan from the Bank of New York though powerfully supported by some of the leading directors labours; owing to the jealousy & narrowness of certain ones who see in it a plan to increase the active capital of the Branch Bank & put them in its power. Unluckily the President suddenly went off to R Island with his wife & some sick Children. I pursue the affair & I hope still to accomplish it.
There will be no difficulty in obtaining a postponement of the existing loan. But this I tell them will not be sufficient.
Yrs.
AHJuly 15
Oliver Wolcott Jun. Esq


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 16 July 1796
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Philadelphia July 16. 1796.
Dear Sir,
Mr. Howell, the Commissioner for settling the St. Croix boundary, has been here this week, & started the following questions.
1. “How far will it be proper for Mr. Howell to use his discretion in refusing to draw lots for the third Commissioner, in case the British Commissioner shall persist in proposing a gentleman on his part who may be, in Mr. Howell’s opinion, not an indifferent person?”
2. “In case inhabitants of Massachusetts are thought objectionable on the part of the British, will not all inhabitants of New Brunswick & Nova Scotia be also, if not equally, objectionable?”
3. “Whether the authority of the commissioners can be legally executed, unless the three commissioners sign the declaration required of them by the treaty?” In other words, Whether if any two of the Commissioners agree, they can finally decide the question?
I had previously received from Mr. Sullivan (the agent for the U States) a letter stating the interview between Mr. Howell & Mr. Barclay at Boston; in which it appeared that Mr. Barclay considered the appointment of a Commissioner from Massachusetts would be improper, because there was not one from New Brunswick. Yet (Judge Sullivan remarks) Nova Scotia, where Mr. Barclay resides, may be considered as a party, seeing he said that he could not take any steps towards the appointment of a third commissioner, until he consulted Sir John Wentworth, the Governor of that province, on the subject, as well as the governor of New Brunswick. Judge Sullivan further remarks, “that the lands in New-Brunswick he considers as owned by proprietors in Nova Scotia, as those in Vermont are by proprietors in New-Hampshire; and that therefore Commissioners in New-Brunswick would be as eligible as in Nova-Scotia.”
But the most unpleasant part of Judge Sullivan’s information is, “That though the third commissioner is to be nominated and chosen or drawn by the two original commissioners, Mr. Barclay does not consider himself as acting judicially in the business, or as equally responsible to both nations on the point; but considers the appointment as a matter of negociation between the parties, and that any advantages which may be gained will be honourable.” Mr. Howell also informed me that Mr. Barclay did avow this extraordinary opinion: and if it were a just one, as founded on the treaty, it had been better to decide the question by the cast of a die: but ’tis so repugnant to the oath which each commissioner is to take, it is impossible that it should be the true construction of the article. I suppose it was chiefly the avowal of this principle, on the part of Mr. Barclay, that led Mr. Howell to propose his first quere: for while he should propose for the decision of the choice of the third commissioner by lot, a gentleman belonging to another state than Massachusetts, in order to obtain a disinterested judge, it would be with extreme repugnance that he would admit the name of an inhabitant of New Brunswick or Nova Scotia, on account of the direct interest of the former, & the probable interest of the latter, as above suggested by Judge Sullivan; especially as Nova Scotia already furnishes one of the Commissioners. If then it will consist with good faith to refuse to draw lots, on so partial a nomination by Mr. Barclay, it is desirable that it might be done. In a report made to Congress by Mr. Jay, in April 1785, on this subject, he proposed that his Britannic Majesty should name his half of the Commissioners, “being inhabitants of any of his dominions except those which are situated in & to the west and south of the gulph of St. Lawrence, and that the U. States should name the other half from any of their countries, except Massachusetts.” The whole number of Commissioners then contemplated by Mr. Jay was 6. 8. 10. or 12.
The 3d question asked by Mr. Howell is in itself, as well as for the reasons contained in the preceding observations, highly important. The words in the article are “The said commissioners shall by a declaration under their hands & seals decide what river is the river St. Croix intended by the treaty:” Not the said Commissioners or any two of them agreeing. What is the legal construction of this article on this point? No such question arises on the 6th and 7th articles, any three of the five commissioners being competent to a decision, the fifth commissioner being present. On one hand if unanimity be necessary, it will enable either party to counteract any flagrant partiality; on the other, it may defeat a great object of the article—putting a final end to a dispute that might have disagreeable consequences. Permit me to request your attention to this subject, and that you would converse with Mr. Jay upon it. In the course of two or three days I expect Mr. Howell will call on you both at New York.
I am very respectfully & affectionately yours
T. Pickering.
Alexander Hamilton Esqr.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Tilghman, 16 July 1796
From: Tilghman, William
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Philadelphia, July 16, 1796. On July 18, 1796, Hamilton wrote to Tilghman: “I am favoured with your letter of the 16 instant.” Letter not found.]


Title: Alexander Hamilton and Richard Harison to Richard Bayley, 19 July 1796
From: Hamilton, Alexander,Harison, Richard
To: Bayley, Richard

New York 19th. July 1796.
Sir
We have looked into the Act to prevent the bringing in & spreading of Infectious Diseases in this State. By one of its provisions every Vessel arriving from parts beyond Sea, having on Board forty passengers, is subject to Quarantine of Cause, & may be removed to the place assigned for the same. We think that where the numbers of passengers is so great, the Health Officer may take a reasonable Time to satisfy himself as to the Danger of Infection from such Vessel—And of Course any prudent arrangements may be made in the Interim by Consent of parties. The Captain or owners of the Vessel would be subject to the Charges of Quarantine—other Expences must be provided for in some other Manner.
We are respectfully, Sir,   Your Obedt Servts.
Alex HamiltonRich: Harison
Dr Richard BayleyHealth Officer &ca.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Timothy Pickering, [21 July 1796]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Pickering, Timothy

[New York, July 21, 1796]
Dear Sir
I communicated your letter to Mr. Jay & now give you our joint sense.
Considering the nature of the transaction and what must necessarily have been presumed to be the intent, & that the authority is on a public subject & between two nations, we think that a decision by two out of three commissioners must be sufficient.
We know nothing but an immediate personal interest in property which may be affected by the decision, that can be a conclusive objection to the person nominated—but this interest must be known not suspected. The rest must be matter of negotiation. In point of propriety neither Government ought to name a person, liable from local situation to the suspicion of particular interest or byass. But one cannot formally object to the nomination of the other on this general ground.
Declarations like those ascribed to Mr. Barkely, if well authenticated & unequivocal, importing clearly that he thought himself at liberty to gain advantages & not bound to act impartially would justify the Government in stopping & representing the matter to the British Government. But we ought to act with great caution not to give occasion to impute to us a spirit of procrastination or subterfuge. Tis so much more important that the dispute should be settled than how it is settled (at least according to my idea of the object) that we should by no means seek for difficulties but rather facilitate than impede.
Yrs. respectfully & truly
A HamiltonJuly 21. 1796
T Pickering Esq


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Tilghman, 23 July 1796
From: Tilghman, William
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Philadelphia, July 23, 1796. Tilghman endorsed a letter from Hamilton, dated July 18, 1796: “ansd. 23 July.” Letter not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 26 July 1796
From: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Philadelphia, July 26, 1796. On July 30, 1796, Hamilton wrote to Wolcott and acknowledged “the Receipt of your letter of the 26th.” Letter not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James Greenleaf, 27 July 1796
From: Greenleaf, James
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Alexander Hamilton Esqr.
New York July 27th. 1796
Dear Sir,
The indispensible necessity of an immediate tho’ short respite from business united with Motives of Interest and an unbounded Attachment to reputation induce me to make a proposition to you of a pretty extraordinary Nature but which after due Reflection I flatter myself will be deemed not unworthy your Attention. My engagements of every possible Nature do not exceed Twelve Hundred Thousand Dollars and my real and personal Estate may with ease be liquidated and made to produce Five Millions of Dollars—say rather a Million Dollars annually for Five consecutive Years—but in consequence of some important and unexpected delinquencies on the part of persons whose Engagements have become due to me and must be paid from Securities given, my own engagements become due more rapidly than my means (without having recourse to improper operations) can be made to answer. If you will now be induced to aid me with your name responsibility and talents in the liquidation of my Concerns and payment of my engagements, in such wise, that no undue sacrifice of property shall result and my name be borne thro’ with the Credit and propriety it deserves The one third part of the net residue of my whole Estate both real and personal, after payment of my Engagements, shall become yours; provided you will consent that the Mass shall remain undivided for Ten years & constitute the Capital of a Banking House to be established either in this City, or at Philadelphia in our joint Names and under your sole guidance and the profits divided between us in equal portions.
I have reason to believe that with the aid of your name and our joint responsibility accompanied with the names of three other persons as trustees for deposited property, it will, by a reputable Mode of financing, I shall communicate, be practicable for me to obtain the use of a Million of Dollars at Legal Interest for the average term of five years, and with this Sum I should calculate on being able to pay off all my engagements with due Credit and Advantage, as considerable Amounts are due at distant periods and may be purchased in at a considerable discount.
If these Outlines so far meet your approbation as to induce you to wish my entering into a particular detail, it shall be done at such time as will best suit your liesure and convenience.
I am with great Esteem, Dear Sir,   Your very Affectionate And Obedient Servant
James Greenleaf.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, [28 July 1796]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.

[New York, July 28, 1796]
Dr. Sir
I have not lost sight of the negotiation with the Bank though it labours & I have thought it best to let it lie bye till the President returns. Mc.Cormick is violent against it & plays on little jealousies, & what is still more efficacious private interests; representing the consequent inability of the Bank to accommodate the Merchants, many of whom from the unfortunate issue of some late speculations are likely to want much aid.
Yrs. truly
A HamiltonJuly 28. 1796
Ol Wolcott Esq


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James Greenleaf, 30 July 1796
From: Greenleaf, James
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Alexander Hamilton Esqr.
[New York] 30 July. 96
Dear Sir
I must leave the City for Philada on Monday, to return in about a week—if before my departure you can with convenience give an answer on the proposition made to you, it will oblige me. If the general principle marked by me should meet your approbation, I shall have no objection to making very important alterations to square with your wishes relative to the pursuit of other objects.
believe me with great Esteem   Dr Sir   Yr very obedt Servant
James Greenleaf.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to James Greenleaf, 30 July 1796
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Greenleaf, James

New York July 30 1796
Dr. Sir
I have carefully reflected upon the subject of your letter of the 27th. instant.
Though the data which it presents authorise an expectation of large pecuniary advantage and though I discover nothing in the affair which an Individual differently circumstanced might not with propriety enter into—yet in my peculiar situation, viewed in all its public as well as personal relations, I think myself bound to decline the overture.
With great regard I am Dr. Sir   Yr. Obed serv
A H
James Greenleaf Esqr