Smith, William, 1728-1793
Manuscripts and Archives Division | MssCol 2796
4.18 linear feet (6 boxes, 10 volumes)
William Smith Jr. (1728-1793), an American Loyalist of New York and Quebec, was a prominent jurist, statesman, journalist and historian. The William Smith Jr. papers comprise the papers of William Smith Jr., 1683-1793; those of his son William...
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William Smith Jr. (1728-1793), an American Loyalist of New York and Quebec, was a prominent jurist, statesman, journalist and historian. The William Smith Jr. papers comprise the papers of William Smith Jr., 1683-1793; those of his son William Smith III (1769-1847), a Canadian government official, historian and militia officer, 1797-1848; and Smith family land and estate papers, 1665-1912. The bulk of the collection consists of William Smith Jr.'s papers pertaining to his activities as a lawyer, journalist and historian, and as a Councillor and Chief Justice in the British provinces of New York and Quebec (later Lower Canada). Papers include his correspondence and documents, writings for publication, and the diaries he kept from 1753 to 1783, known as his Historical Memoirs. Volumes documenting his law practice in New York are also present.
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Ten Eyck, Henry, 1744-1795
Manuscripts and Archives Division | MssCol 2963
.21 linear feet (1 volume)
Henry Ten Eyck (1744-1795) of Albany, New York was Sheriff of the City and County of Albany during the 1770s, and later served as an Alderman and Justice of the Peace. The Henry Ten Eyck docket of actions at law, dated 1786 October 16 to 1787...
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Henry Ten Eyck (1744-1795) of Albany, New York was Sheriff of the City and County of Albany during the 1770s, and later served as an Alderman and Justice of the Peace. The Henry Ten Eyck docket of actions at law, dated 1786 October 16 to 1787 April 27 (1 volume), and related documents, dated 1782-1787 and 1826, concern actions in court for the collection of debt and damages.
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New York (N.Y.). Common Council
Manuscripts and Archives Division | MssCol 23772
.21 linear feet (1 volume)
The New York City Court of Aldermen was comprised of aldermen who were allowed to sit as justices for certain types of cases. This manuscript documents the court's decisions between October 25, 1797 and March 23, 1798. It serves as a record of...
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The New York City Court of Aldermen was comprised of aldermen who were allowed to sit as justices for certain types of cases. This manuscript documents the court's decisions between October 25, 1797 and March 23, 1798. It serves as a record of federal period crimes in the City of New York such as theft, prostitution, indentured servitude, and assault and the sentences and fines that were issued in response. Aldermen who presided over the court included Theophilus Beekman, Anthony Post, Jotham Post, Jacob De La Montagnie, Richard Furman, Gabriel Furman, and John B. Coles. A partial index appears in the back of the manuscript.
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New York (Colony). Court of Vice Admiralty
Manuscripts and Archives Division | MssCol 2230
.1 linear feet (1 volume)
The colonial Courts of Vice Admiralty were branches of the High Court of Admiralty in London, upholding British maritime law by power of royal prerogative. Vice-Admiralty courts, acting without juries, dealt with such cases as claims for salvage...
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The colonial Courts of Vice Admiralty were branches of the High Court of Admiralty in London, upholding British maritime law by power of royal prerogative. Vice-Admiralty courts, acting without juries, dealt with such cases as claims for salvage and seamen’s wages, claims for prize vessels and cargoes taken in wartime, and violations of British trade and navigation statutes. The New York Court of Vice Admiralty had jurisdiction over New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. The New York Court of Vice Admiralty records, dating from 1753 to 1770, comprise one volume recording decisions chiefly on prize cases, with memoranda on commissions for privateers, at the Court of Vice Admiralty for the Province of New York. The bulk of the cases date from the Seven Years' War (1756-1763). Cases were heard before Judges Lewis Morris, Jr. (tenure 1738-1762) and Judge Richard Morris (tenure 1762-1775), in New York City or places convenient for Lewis Morris at the end of his life. Records for the years 1755, 1765-1766, and 1768-1769 are not present; those entered 1753-1754 concern a prize case from 1745.
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Manuscripts and Archives Division | MssCol 2156
7.82 linear feet (16 boxes, 7 oversize folders)
Collection consists of documents pertaining to many aspects of New York City's history, including letters, certificates, reports, court records, land documents, maps, estates, deeds, official government records, autographs, news clippings, and...
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Collection consists of documents pertaining to many aspects of New York City's history, including letters, certificates, reports, court records, land documents, maps, estates, deeds, official government records, autographs, news clippings, and other printed matter. Although most of the materials are in their original format, some of the collection consists of facsimiles and photostats.
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Manuscripts and Archives Division | MssCol 18708
.1 linear feet (1 folder)
Will of Philip Minthorne, 1756 (typed transcript), and papers, 1778-1896, relating to the estates of Stephen Richards, Thomas Randall, Robert R. Randall, and others, as well as other documents relating to the background and proceedings of the case...
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Will of Philip Minthorne, 1756 (typed transcript), and papers, 1778-1896, relating to the estates of Stephen Richards, Thomas Randall, Robert R. Randall, and others, as well as other documents relating to the background and proceedings of the case of Stephen R. Brown vs. William Ricketts and George R. A. Ricketts involving New York City lands, including lands used to create and support Sailors' Snug Harbor
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Maria Theresa, 1717-1780 -- Empress of Austria
Manuscripts and Archives Division | MssCol 17882
.1 linear feet (1 folder)
Two documents signed and sealed by Maria Theresa, Empress of Austria: an order directing that all Jews be excluded from all military fortifications in Hungry and Bohemia dated 1753, and a legal document relating to the delivery of mail dated 1772.
Rivington, James, 1724-1802
Manuscripts and Archives Division | MssCol 4600
.1 linear feet (1 folder)
Correspondence, bills, receipts, and legal papers of New York City bookseller and publisher James Rivington pertaining to his bookselling business. A rew items represent his work on the New-York Gazetteer.
Greenleaf, James, 1765-1843
Manuscripts and Archives Division | MssCol 4425
.2 linear feet (2 folders)
Correspondence and land papers of American land speculator James Greenleaf. Correspondence dates from 1788 to 1834, with no letters present for the period of 1800 to 1804. Letters are incoming, and almost exclusively concern Greenleaf's real...
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Correspondence and land papers of American land speculator James Greenleaf. Correspondence dates from 1788 to 1834, with no letters present for the period of 1800 to 1804. Letters are incoming, and almost exclusively concern Greenleaf's real property ventures, including his investments in Washington, D. C., with partners Robert Morris and John Nicholson, and his subsequent financial troubles. Predominant correspondents are Daniel Carroll of Duddington; Thomas Law; William Cranch; and Thomas Munroe. Land papers include legal material relating to District of Columbia lands (1794-1841), deeds to Robert Morris (1796-1797), and assignments to William Cranch (1797 and 1803)
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Grimké, John Fauchereaud, 1752-1819
Manuscripts and Archives Division | MssCol 4427
.1 linear feet (1 folder)
The miscellany consists of incoming letters to South Carolina jurist John Faucheraud Grimké discussing both legal and social matters; a 1789 subpoena signed by Grimké in his capacity as Justice of South Carolina's Court of Common Pleas and General...
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The miscellany consists of incoming letters to South Carolina jurist John Faucheraud Grimké discussing both legal and social matters; a 1789 subpoena signed by Grimké in his capacity as Justice of South Carolina's Court of Common Pleas and General Sessions; an account relating to the compensation of officers in the Continental Army; a receipt for a land survey; and a resolution from the South Carolina House of Representatives pertaining to a payment to Simeon Theus for "Militia Services against the common Enemy-- against Indians, Insurgents, and the Inhabitants of East Florida."
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Harison, Richard, 1747-1829
Manuscripts and Archives Division | MssCol 4437
.1 linear feet (1 folder)
Correspondence and documents pertaining to the law practice of New York lawyer and politician Richard Harison (1747-1829). Material includes outgoing letters to fellow attorneys; notes on cases; opinions; and case abstracts. Also present are...
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Correspondence and documents pertaining to the law practice of New York lawyer and politician Richard Harison (1747-1829). Material includes outgoing letters to fellow attorneys; notes on cases; opinions; and case abstracts. Also present are several and leases and indentures relating to properties belonging to Trinity Church witnessed by Harison in his capacity as the church's first comptroller
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Henry, Patrick, 1736-1799
Manuscripts and Archives Division | MssCol 4445
.1 linear feet (1 folder)
A small quantity of letters and papers of American attorney, planter and politician Patrick Henry, including deeds and a law license signed by Henry as Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, a 1786 letter to Thomas Madison, and several receipts
Lane, Jared
Manuscripts and Archives Division | MssCol 3783
.1 linear feet (1 folder)
Miscellaneous papers of Jared Lane of Rhinebeck, New York, and Sharon, Connecticut, including a 1776 bond of Ebeneezer Trumble to Lane; specifications for a house to be built for Lane in Sharon in 1790 and a contract with the builder, John Couch;...
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Miscellaneous papers of Jared Lane of Rhinebeck, New York, and Sharon, Connecticut, including a 1776 bond of Ebeneezer Trumble to Lane; specifications for a house to be built for Lane in Sharon in 1790 and a contract with the builder, John Couch; and an undated catalogue of books belonging to the estate of A[rchibald] Laidlie
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Johnson, William, 1715-1774
Manuscripts and Archives Division | MssCol 4469
.1 linear feet (1 folder)
The collection consists of correspondence and other material by or relating to Sir William Johnson, who served as British Superintendent of Indian Affairs for the northern colonies. Correspondence includes a 1766 letter from General Eyre Massey, a...
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The collection consists of correspondence and other material by or relating to Sir William Johnson, who served as British Superintendent of Indian Affairs for the northern colonies. Correspondence includes a 1766 letter from General Eyre Massey, a 1756 letter to General William Shirley, and an extract of a 1756 letter to Peter Wraxall, all relating to Indian affairs; a document concerning the estate of William (or Witham) Marsh; and a wax seal
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Reed, Joseph, 1741-1785
Manuscripts and Archives Division | MssCol 4594
.1 linear feet (1 folder)
Papers, including correspondence, council resolutions, autographs, and a deposition taken by Joseph Reed (1741-1785), American jurist and president of Pennsylvania. Papers relate to legal cases and to his official business with the Continental...
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Papers, including correspondence, council resolutions, autographs, and a deposition taken by Joseph Reed (1741-1785), American jurist and president of Pennsylvania. Papers relate to legal cases and to his official business with the Continental Congress and Pennsylvania's Supreme Executive Council. Some letters are 19th century transcripts.
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Lincoln, Benjamin, 1733-1810
Manuscripts and Archives Division | MssCol 4524
.1 linear feet (1 folder)
Benjamin Lincoln (1733-1810) served as a major general in the Continental Army, as Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts, and was appointed customs collector for the Port of Boston in 1789. The papers consist predominantly of letters sent by...
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Benjamin Lincoln (1733-1810) served as a major general in the Continental Army, as Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts, and was appointed customs collector for the Port of Boston in 1789. The papers consist predominantly of letters sent by Lincoln pertaining to military matters, including a letter dated September 4, 1779, to General Lachlan McIntosh announcing the landing of Comte d'Estaing with twenty-five ships of the line and describing preparations for what would become the Siege of Savannah. Also present are legal documents, including powers of attorney and loan certificates; a bill of sale for the sloop "Polly," and customs documents generated by Lincoln during his term as Collector of the Port of Boston.
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Bradstreet, Martha, 1780-
Manuscripts and Archives Division | MssCol 18774
.21 linear feet (1 box)
This collection documents Martha Bradstreet's legal claims to lands in Upstate New York that were once part of the estate of General John Bradstreet. The papers contain letters and documents related to Bradstreet's legal activities in the first...
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This collection documents Martha Bradstreet's legal claims to lands in Upstate New York that were once part of the estate of General John Bradstreet. The papers contain letters and documents related to Bradstreet's legal activities in the first decades of the 19th century, and include the historical estate records that she used to argue for her rights on the land.
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Varick, Richard, 1753-1831
Manuscripts and Archives Division | MssCol 4664
.2 linear feet (2 folders)
Collection consists of signed documents and miscellaneous correspondence, 1770-1831, of Richard Varick (1753-1831), an American attorney, Revolutionary War soldier, politician, and Mayor of the City of New York from 1789-1801. Most items are...
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Collection consists of signed documents and miscellaneous correspondence, 1770-1831, of Richard Varick (1753-1831), an American attorney, Revolutionary War soldier, politician, and Mayor of the City of New York from 1789-1801. Most items are documents signed by Varick as Recorder of the Mayor’s Court and later as New York City mayor, including land and debtor transactions, orders, and civil appointments. Miscellaneous letters to and from Varick are of a personal, military, legal, or official nature. Revolutionary War documents include letters and vouchers regarding commissary and pay accounts, some handled in his capacity as secretary for General Philip Schuyler and later for General George Washington. Letters to Varick as an attorney at Poughkeepsie, New York in 1783 concern legal matters. Other items pertain to a personal loan to Philip Van Rensselaer, and to land transactions in New Jersey and New York City, signed by Varick or relating to the Varick family. Notable documents include a letter from kinsman A.F. (Alexander Forrester) Cochrane at New York, captain of the British ship Thetis, assuring Varick that there are no impressed American seamen on board, and a letter from E. Bertrand, commander of the French ship Sémillante, seeking the release of a crew member jailed in New York, both dated 1795. An 1830 letter to Philip Hone signed by Varick regrets that he and his aged companions in the Society of the Cincinnati are unable to march in a parade. The collection also includes clipped signatures, an engraved portrait of Varick, a facsimile of a 1797 document, and typed transcriptions of some items. Material is in chronological order.
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Cranch, William, 1769-1855
Manuscripts and Archives Division | MssCol 4262
.1 linear feet (1 folder)
The papers consist of correspondence and legal papers belonging to American lawyer and jurist William Cranch. Correspondence dates from 1794 to 1831, with much of it relating to his real estate and land speculation activities and resultant...
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The papers consist of correspondence and legal papers belonging to American lawyer and jurist William Cranch. Correspondence dates from 1794 to 1831, with much of it relating to his real estate and land speculation activities and resultant financial troubles. Correspondents include Tench Ringgold, James Greenleaf, and Daniel Carroll of Duddington. Legal papers mainly document Cranch's work on behalf of Robert Morris (1796-1797) and James Greenleaf (1796-1842), also relating to issues of real property
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Franklin, William, 1731-1813
Manuscripts and Archives Division | MssCol 4388
.1 linear feet (1 folder)
Various documents created or endorsed by William Franklin, son of Benjamin Franklin, in his capacity as Royal Governor of New Jersey, including a warrant for a provincial treasurer's salary; a marriage license, a law license, a request to pardon...
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Various documents created or endorsed by William Franklin, son of Benjamin Franklin, in his capacity as Royal Governor of New Jersey, including a warrant for a provincial treasurer's salary; a marriage license, a law license, a request to pardon one Mary Van Buskirk, and a fair copy of an extensive letter from Franklin to the Earl of Dartmouth, dated Perth Amboy, 1776, relating to the state of politics and government in the Province of New Jersey, and noting that the majority of people in the provinces of New Jersey and Pennsylvania "are greatly averse to an independency."
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Manuscripts and Archives Division | MssCol 2212
7.64 linear feet (14 boxes, 25 oversize folders, 1 folder)
Collection consists of documents pertaining to many aspects of New York State history, including military and court documents, land indentures and deeds, maps, family papers, letters, certificates, seals, official government resolutions,...
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Collection consists of documents pertaining to many aspects of New York State history, including military and court documents, land indentures and deeds, maps, family papers, letters, certificates, seals, official government resolutions, petitions, and other records.
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New York (N.Y.). Mayor's Court
Manuscripts and Archives Division | MssCol 2154
.21 linear feet (1 volume)
This collection contains miscellaneous legal documents relating to the New York City Mayor's Court. These include court decisions and various outcomes of legal disputes
Walton, George, 1749 or 1750-1804
Manuscripts and Archives Division | MssCol 4669
.1 linear feet (1 folder)
George Walton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, was an American soldier, lawyer, and judge. He served briefly as a U. S. senator for Georgia in Congress, was Chief Justice of Georgia and also a justice of the Superior Court, and was...
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George Walton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, was an American soldier, lawyer, and judge. He served briefly as a U. S. senator for Georgia in Congress, was Chief Justice of Georgia and also a justice of the Superior Court, and was twice governor of the state. A letter written to Augusta lawyer Seaborn Jones (1759-1815) while a senator at Philadelphia, 16-17 February 1796, discusses matters pending in Congress, including proposed legislation, relations with Native Americans, and foreign treaties. Also present are several legal documents, 1783-1791, signed by Walton as Chief Justice or Superior Court justice, and two clipped signatures.
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Smith, William, 1728-1793
Manuscripts and Archives Division | MssCol 15660
.1 linear feet (1 folder)
William Smith Jr. (1728-1793), an American Loyalist of New York and Quebec, was a prominent jurist, statesman, journalist and historian. The collection comprises Smith's autograph letter signed to Sir William Johnson concerning land holdings of...
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William Smith Jr. (1728-1793), an American Loyalist of New York and Quebec, was a prominent jurist, statesman, journalist and historian. The collection comprises Smith's autograph letter signed to Sir William Johnson concerning land holdings of the late Sir Henry Moore, 1772 May 22; his autograph letter signed to Mr. [Oliver] Templeton discussing the case of the schooner Isabella, 1775 February 17; a signed legal opinion on the will of Andries Stockholm, 1773 September 5; and an autograph draft dissent on a bill before the Provincial Council concerning non-resident electors, signed and undated. Letters dated 1772 and 1775 transferred from George Peabody Wetmore papers relating to William Smith, Jr.
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Smith, William, 1697-1769
Manuscripts and Archives Division | MssCol 15658
.1 linear feet (1 folder)
William Smith (1697-1769) was a New York City lawyer and a Justice of the New York Supreme Court of Judicature. He was the father of American Loyalist William Smith Jr. (1728-1793). The collection consists of three documents signed by William...
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William Smith (1697-1769) was a New York City lawyer and a Justice of the New York Supreme Court of Judicature. He was the father of American Loyalist William Smith Jr. (1728-1793). The collection consists of three documents signed by William Smith (1697-1769), 1734-1766, and a rough draft of a letter addressed to Smith by the Province's Attorney General, John Tabor Kempe, 1766 April 18. Documents comprise a receipt for a loaned legal document, 1734 March 25; John W. De Peyster's declaration, signed by De Peyster, Smith and others, that he was acting in trust for Smith in signing a land grant petition, 1754 September 30; and Smith's attestation for a land deed, 1766 July 30. Kempe's letter expresses displeasure over Smith's recent remarks to him concerning a case under Smith's adjudication. Declaration of trust, 1754 was transferred from the George Peabody Wetmore papers relating to William Smith Jr.; Smith attestation, 1766, was transferred from William Smith Jr. letters and documents.
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Yates, Abraham, 1724-1796
Manuscripts and Archives Division | MssCol 3405
2.68 linear feet (7 boxes, 1 oversize folder, 1 volume)
Abraham Yates Jr. (1724-1796) of Albany, New York, was an American lawyer, politician, and political essayist of the Founding Era. He was an Anti-Federalist during the Confederation and Constitutional periods, known for his writings as "Rough...
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Abraham Yates Jr. (1724-1796) of Albany, New York, was an American lawyer, politician, and political essayist of the Founding Era. He was an Anti-Federalist during the Confederation and Constitutional periods, known for his writings as "Rough Hewer" and "Sidney" in the New York press. Yates held many elected and appointed offices, notably Albany alderman (1753-1773), high sheriff of the city and county of Albany (1754-1759), chairman of the Albany Committee of Correspondence (1775-1776), and member of the four New York Provincial Congresses and the State's first legislative convention (1775-1777), chairing the committee to write the State's constitution. He then served as New York State senator (1777-1790), Continental Loan Officer for New York (1779-1786), delegate to the Confederation Congress (1787-1788), and mayor of Albany (1790-1796). The Abraham Yates Jr. papers, 1688-1920s (bulk 1754-1795), chiefly span his professional and political activities in New York from 1754 until his death in 1796, reflecting his work as sheriff, lawyer, Revolutionary War patriot, public official, political essayist, and avocational historian. The papers comprise correspondence, documents, and printed matter, 1688-1825; a letter book kept while Continental Loan Officer, 1779-1782; journals, including a record of his time as sheriff during the French and Indian War, 1750s-1790s; drafts of his political and historical writings for publication, 1783-1796?; research materials serving his legal, political and historical endeavors, 1750s-1790s; and papers concerning the Manor of Rensselaerswyck, 1761-1700s. Also present are early 20th-century typescript copies of materials in the collection.
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Hamilton, Alexander, 1757-1804
Manuscripts and Archives Division | MssCol 1297
.25 linear feet (1 box)
Alexander Hamilton (1754-1804) was a Founding Father, soldier, lawyer and statesman. He served as the first United States Secretary of the Treasury from 1789 to 1795. The Alexander Hamilton papers, dated 1775-1804, primarily consist of letters and...
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Alexander Hamilton (1754-1804) was a Founding Father, soldier, lawyer and statesman. He served as the first United States Secretary of the Treasury from 1789 to 1795. The Alexander Hamilton papers, dated 1775-1804, primarily consist of letters and documents either written or signed by Alexander Hamilton, and pertain to his career as a soldier, lawyer, statesman and United States Secretary of the Treasury. Autograph letters, drafts and copies of letters sent by Hamilton concern his Revolutionary War service, chiefly as an aide-de-camp to General George Washington; his legal practice in New York; and financial and political matters. Notable items include Hamilton’s letters to President Washington, dated 1796, concerning the writing of Washington’s Farewell Address to the nation, with a draft of the Address written by Hamilton for Washington’s consideration. Documents include his 1782 appointment as Receiver of Continental Taxes in New York, legal documents relating to his law practice and personal estate, and legal notes and other items in his hand. Treasury Department letters are chiefly manuscript or printed circular letters which are not in Hamilton’s handwriting but bear his autograph signature.
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