Alexander Hamilton to Gouverneur Morris, May 12, 1777
Head Quarters Morris Town [New Jersey] May 12th 1777 Dear Sir, I have received the pleasure of your favour of yesterday’s date. 2 The reasons you assign for the interval…
Gouverneur Morris was an American statesman, a Founding Father of the United States, and a signatory to the Articles of Confederation and the United States Constitution. He wrote the Preamble to the United States Constitution and has been called the "Penman of the Constitution". While most Americans still thought of themselves as citizens of their respective states, Morris advanced the idea of being a citizen of a single union of states. He was also one of the most outspoken opponents of slavery among those who were present at the Constitutional Congress. He represented New York in the United States Senate from 1800 to 1803.
Head Quarters Morris Town [New Jersey] May 12th 1777 Dear Sir, I have received the pleasure of your favour of yesterday’s date. 2 The reasons you assign for the interval…
Head Quarters Morris Town [New Jersey] May 19th. 1777 Dear Sir, I this moment received the favour of your letter of the 16th instant. I partly agree and partly disagree…
Head Quarters Morris Town [New Jersey] July 6th. 1777 Dear Sir, I received your favour of the 4th, by express. If I recollect how far my last went, it did…
⟨Smiths Clove, New York, July 22, 1777⟩ 2 Dear Sir, Your favour of the 18th 3 ⟨from Saratoga reached me⟩ yesterday. Your pronouncing Fort Edward 4 among the other forts…
Head Quarters Wilmington [Delaware] September 1st 1777 Dear Sir, Agreeable to the intention of the Council 2 I have delivered their inclosed letter 3 to His Excellency who after perusing…
Alexander Hamilton responds to Gouverneur Morris with amusement and reflection on political alliances, predicting future unlikely coalitions in New York. He considers the establishment of a new bank in Philadelphia not harmful, believing competition will reduce but not eliminate the profits of the existing bank. Hamilton balances political commentary with personal regard, using the letter to maintain their friendship amid his busy legal work.
Alexander Hamilton introduces Seaton, cashier of the Bank of New York, to Gouverneur Morris, seeking his assistance in Philadelphia for business matters. Hamilton mentions ongoing financial difficulties and hopes the proposed merger of two banks resolves conflicts there. He also warns of opposition to a land bank scheme despite strong mercantile resistance.