Alexander Hamilton Treasury Department Circular Signed.

HAMILTON, Alexander.

$16,000.00

Item Number: 135218

Partially printed United States Treasury Department circular signed by Alexander Hamilton as the first secretary of the treasury. Folio, partially printed, the document is dated March 30th 1793 addressed to Henry Marchant, Judge of the Rhode Island District Court. The document reads in full: Sir, I take the liberty to inform you, that the President, Directors and Company of the Bank of the United States have consented to accept Powers of Attorney from such persons as may have demands upon the Treasury, and to hold the monies which they may be authorised to receive, subject to drafts to be made upon their Cashier. I have therefore prepared a Power of Attorney for that purpose; and in case the proposal meets with your approbation, you are requested to execute and acknowledge the same before some proper Magistrate, or Notary, and transmit it to this Office. … To avoid risque from forgeries, you are desired to transmit your signature on several pieces of paper, and to make your drafts payable to order, according to the form herewith transmitted. As some time will be necessary after your compensation falls due before the accounts can be settled at the Treasury and the money placed to your credit in the Bank, it is desired, that your drafts may be so regulated, that they will not be presented until ten days after the end of the quarter for which they may be drawn. In case you consent to this arrangement, your salary will be regularly placed to your credit in the Bank, without the formality of an account thereof being transmitted to the Treasury for settlement. … As the President and Directors of the Bank will make no charge against you for their agency, it is expected by them, that the postage on such letters as you may have occasion to address to their Cashier will be paid at the offices in which they may be lodged. This arrangement has been concerted essentially for the accommodation of the public officers, to facilitate to them the receiving of their dues with expedition and without expence. I am, very respectfully, Sir, Your obedient Servant, “A. Hamilton.” In very good condition. Housed in a custom half morocco clamshell box made by the Harcourt Bindery. The document measures 9.5 inches by 8.75 inches.

As the first secretary of the treasury, Alexander Hamilton was the main author of the economic policies of the administration of President George Washington. He took the lead in the federal government's funding of the states' American Revolutionary War debts, as well as establishing the nation's first two de facto central banks (i.e. the Bank of North America and the First Bank of the United States), a system of tariffs, and the resumption of friendly trade relations with Britain. His vision included a strong central government led by a vigorous executive branch, a strong commercial economy, support for manufacturing, and a strong national defense.