Lot 449
Hamilton, Alexander (1755-1804) Aide-de-camp to Washington; member of Continental Congress; contributed to the Federalist; 1st Secretary of the Treasury; leader of Federalists; appointed inspector general of the army with the rank of major general. killed in a duel with Aaron Burr, whose presidential and gouvernatorial aspirations Hamilton had been instrumental in thwarting.
Document Signed "A Hamilton" as Secretary of the Treasury, 1 p, 9¾x8¼", Treasury Department, 10 Feb. 1794. Very good; backed with japan paper. A circular letter beginning "Sir," giving instructions regarding British ships captured by French privateers. In part: "A Provisory arrangement has been agreed upon with the Ambassador of Great Britain contained in a letter from the Secretary of State…to ascertain the losses by detention, waste, or spoliation, sustained by such vessels the property of subjects of Great Britain, as have been or shall be captured by French Privateers armed and equipped in the Ports of the United States, and brought within any Port of the United States….I have to request that you will whenever applied to by any of the Consuls of Great Britain, in concert with the Consul, appoint persons to establish the value of such vessels and cargoes, at the times of their Capture…transmitting to me the documents of the proceedings in each case."
One of the provisions of the Jay Treaty of 1794, which was designed primarily by Hamilton, was that the United States would comply with British anti-French maritime policies. The treaty would be signed on November 19, 1794. Great Britain and France were at war and Hamilton and George Washington favored the British, whereas Jefferson and Madison favored the French, thus setting up foreign policy as an area of dispute between the Federalists and Republicans.
Estimated Value $2,500 - 3,000.
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| Realized $2,990 |
