James Alexander Hamilton | The Papers of Martin Van Buren

James Alexander Hamilton (1788-1878) was a Democratic lawyer from New York who was the son of Alexander Hamilton. He met MVB in 1810 when he established a law practice in Hudson, NY, and the two became friends for most of their adult lives. When MVB left New York, Hamilton became amongst MVB's most trusted confidants for information regardng New York politics.

Documents

As Sender

James Alexander Hamilton to MVB, 15 June 1815

I have made arrangements for the payment of to <Mr> King the amount of his a/c you will therefore give yourself no further trouble on that Subject. I find there is no such thing as getting you to attend to Small matters now, and must therefore proceed to revive the Judgt against John [. . .] and Issue Execution for the [. . .] as taxed in doing which I do not [. . .] you will accuse me of... Continue Reading

Sender: James Alexander Hamilton

Recipient: MVB

James Alexander Hamilton to MVB, 18 January 1820

Your letter of the 13th Inst recd is extremely gratifying to me as the renewed evidence of your regard for me and because it affords me an other opportunity to communicate with you in that candid honorable and friendly manner which has distinguished our intercourse almost from our earliest knowledge of each other The explanation of your views and motives as to the Candidate (although I do not... Continue Reading

Sender: James Alexander Hamilton

Recipient: MVB

James Alexander Hamilton to MVB, 23 October 1820

The above are copies of the Statements I prepared and presented to the Counsel associated with yo in the Cause referred to in them for their Signatures. Mr Jones objected to signing the first because it brought him into conflict with the letter of Mr Varick as to whom he was delicately situated then having been a long and intimate friendship between his father and Mr. V. The second he was willing... Continue Reading

Sender: James Alexander Hamilton

Recipient: MVB

James Alexander Hamilton statement, 19 October 1820

First Statement The charges made against Martin Van Buren Esqr on the management of the Cause of the People against John W. Thorn, Valentine N. Livingston & Henry D. Tracy, in an article signed one of the People & published in the Statesman of the 13th instant are unfounded. We as Counsel associated with Mr. Van Buren (then Atty Genl) concurred with him in the propriety of abanding the... Continue Reading

Sender: James Alexander Hamilton

James Alexander Hamilton to MVB, 31 December 1820

Yours of the 20th inst was received in due course of mail. I entirely concur in the propriety of your course as to the publication of Varicks letter. it The venom is of that Calumny was destroyed by the light, and I congratulate you upon the probable result of the ballot for Senator. There have been indications of a determination the part of two or three of the members from this City not to... Continue Reading

Sender: James Alexander Hamilton

Recipient: MVB

James Alexander Hamilton to MVB, 21 February 1825

Make use of the information of contained in this letter if useful (to yourself it will be a guide) but do not mention names. Varplanck yesterday in presence of my wife said Well Adams is a Clintonian I have received a letter from Washington informing me that Adams was in favor of Spencer. That In this state the Contest was between Mr Clinton & Mr Van Buren & his friends from the latter he... Continue Reading

Sender: James Alexander Hamilton

Recipient: MVB

James Alexander Hamilton to MVB, 27 December 1826

Your letter of the 20th was received to day with a package of documents for which I thank If you have a Copy of those which accompanied the message from the State Department, I pray you to send them to me. John informed me of a letter he has recently received from you which I have not seen. It reminded me however that in reading over Washingtons Letters to my father there was one in which... Continue Reading

Sender: James Alexander Hamilton

Recipient: MVB

James Alexander Hamilton to MVB, 20 December 1828

I received your letter and disposed of the one enclosed as you directed. Your offer to appoint me one of your aids, I consider a very flattering mark of your attention, and as such, I thank you for it with all my heart; but I cannot allow you, my dear friend, from your disposition to gratify me, so to use this honor which may and ought to be disposed of with much advantage to yourself. You must... Continue Reading

Sender: James Alexander Hamilton

Recipient: MVB

James Alexander Hamilton to MVB, 1 January 1829

I would have enclosed Lewis' letter to you in my last but as I intended to have sent it by a private conveyance on Board the Steam Boat to Hudson I feared it might be lost I now send it to you. Be so good as to return it to me when you have done with it and instruct me as to what I am to write to Lewis. I consider the application to you highly undesirous and I am <free> to th say that altho... Continue Reading

Sender: James Alexander Hamilton

Recipient: MVB

James Alexander Hamilton to MVB, 8 January 1829

I have read again & again your message with unreserved pleasure and pride You have really done yourself much honor and I am grateful to be enabled to say that all whom I have heard speak of it unite in this opinion last night at astors it was the exclusive subject of conversation & the praise of great frankness manliness talent & <propriety> were accorded to it on all hands C... Continue Reading

Sender: James Alexander Hamilton

Recipient: MVB

James Alexander Hamilton to MVB, 12 February 1829

The enclosed letter <illegible> followed me & I received it at Philia The Major is right & wrong, and always right in <illegible> a part of his letter made my heart leap within me. Kane of the Senate says Tazewell will not take a Dept. but wishes it to be offered. K is right on all parts. White received me in the most affectionate manner and said your answer was just what it... Continue Reading

Sender: James Alexander Hamilton

Recipient: MVB

James Alexander Hamilton to MVB, 13 February 1829

After I had written to you yesterday I received a message from Lewis requesting to see me I went over & he in one of the Genls rooms talked much at large with me on the subject of the Cabinet He asked my opinion as to different individuals <illegible> which was as I well know he believed asking your opinion in effect altho not refer in form. I answered his inquires without reserve but... Continue Reading

Sender: James Alexander Hamilton

Recipient: MVB

James Alexander Hamilton to MVB, 16 February 1829

The Genl’s letter to you has fulfilled all my anticipation. If In case he should ask your advice and state to you as he has to others that Tazewell stands in his way you may sir ^your course^ may be considered Less difficult by being assured of as I now assure you that he will decline a dept Should it be offered I am not permitted to state <now> to you the grounds I have for giving this... Continue Reading

Sender: James Alexander Hamilton

Recipient: MVB

James Alexander Hamilton to MVB, 18 February 1829

Yesterday I dined with the Genl. in company with Calhoun Baldwin Stevenson The Tennessee Delegation & Cambreleng. The General after computing with me the time within which he could receive your answer to his letter <illegible> inquired whether it was not possible for you to be here for two days before the 4th. I said it was not & that you could not probably be here before the 10 or... Continue Reading

Sender: James Alexander Hamilton

Recipient: MVB

James Alexander Hamilton to MVB, 19 February 1829

Your letter of the 15th Inst is ^was^ recd today. I have not and will not deliver <illegible> the one enclosed to Eaton because your opinion in regard to McLane can produce no beneficial effect in regard to him & will not be of service to you had it been received yesterday I should not have hesitated. From The Genl or Lewis I have heard nothing fr yesterday or today. But I intimated to... Continue Reading

Sender: James Alexander Hamilton

Recipient: MVB

James Alexander Hamilton to MVB, 21 February 1829

I have just left the General The Cabinet will I have no doubt be VB, Ing. Branch, Eaton, & Berrien. Our friend McLane will be taken care of hereafter. Many of your friends here Hayne McL. &c &c %c are of opinion that you ought to refuse & they will write to you to that effect Their opinions have got to the Genl He asked me if I had heard from you I told him your letter was dated... Continue Reading

Sender: James Alexander Hamilton

Recipient: MVB

James Alexander Hamilton to MVB, 23 February 1829

We look day after day with the utmost anxiety for a letter from you announcing your acceptance of the Generals offer. I do not ask you not to delay it because I believe it is now on its way. The General has made up his mind to make no change in his Cabinet but has consented that if Eaton & The P M G choose to change places he will not object. I have been engaged to day in preventing Eaton... Continue Reading

Sender: James Alexander Hamilton

Recipient: MVB

James Alexander Hamilton to MVB, 25 February 1829

Your letter to General Jackson was received by him today; after I had read it He desired me in answer to say that altho he regretted your absence for so long a time as you would be detained, he acquiesced in it as necessary He added that as you had referred him to me the duties of your place would devolve upon me and hoped I would remain here to perform m them until you arrived which I... Continue Reading

Sender: James Alexander Hamilton

Recipient: MVB

James Alexander Hamilton to MVB, 27 February 1829

The Genl. is disposed to carry into effect the will of the People manifested in his power as it respects office holders generally. The Dis. atty of the eastern District of Penn is to be removed & the Candidates whose names are disclosed to me are Col Duane or his son, Wurts & Dallas. The last belongs to the Family & therefore is not much considered The two others do not W. has made... Continue Reading

Sender: James Alexander Hamilton

Recipient: MVB

James Alexander Hamilton to MVB, 29 October 1833

I avail myself of my first convallesence to inform you that I am recovering and to complete my care that I intend to make a short excursion. I have been most seriously sick The <disease> I am told was spasmadic that is to say I had spasms in the region of the heart which <draws> the blood to my head <illegible> attended with continued delirium for four days & nights &... Continue Reading

Sender: James Alexander Hamilton

Recipient: MVB

James Alexander Hamilton to MVB, 22 November 1833

My coachman desires me to say respectfully to you that his wife will not permit him to go with you to Washington and also that he has seen a pair of Horses 16 hands high, bob tails, Handsome, sound, & represented to be 4 & 5 years old the price 600 Dollars & that they will be brought to the City to be shown to you when you are here So much for the Horse <concern> and you and... Continue Reading

Sender: James Alexander Hamilton

Recipient: MVB

James Alexander Hamilton to MVB, 30 December 1833

I thank you for the documents you were so good as to send to me I have had the pleasure to receive a most flattering and affectionate letter from the President. Nothing can exceed his goodness but his devotion to his friends which seems never to hesitate or Slumber The many dealers and merchants in this city are really in very great distress nay even to the verge of General Bankruptcy A... Continue Reading

Sender: James Alexander Hamilton

Recipient: MVB

James Alexander Hamilton to MVB, 18 January 1834

I have hesitated about writing this letter for a day or two because I feared to be considered as a <illegible> or a <illegible> [. . .], but it is ^our^ duty to assume responsibility in order to serve our friends & perhaps provide higher Talents. You and our friends at Washington have a right to be correctly informed of the state of things here in relation to the all absorbing... Continue Reading

Sender: James Alexander Hamilton

Recipient: MVB

James Alexander Hamilton to MVB, 28 March 1834

As the business of the next term of the Civil Court which commences in a monday week I do not wish to take the trouble to prepare myself if Price is to do so also. Therefore I should like to be informed whether it is probable his nomination will be disposed of or not before that term. We will gain the Election in this city Do you wish to <illegible> <illegible> <or> four... Continue Reading

Sender: James Alexander Hamilton

Recipient: MVB

James Alexander Hamilton to MVB, 5 May 1834

An arrival from France brings the <fact> that the Law to carry into effect an treaty has been rejected (The minister of Treasur & an other <resigned>) This <Event> in which our rights and <honor> are <implicated> ought to be taken advantage of to cure the disordered <illegible> of the Public mind <illegible> a <defeat> or any other <... Continue Reading

Sender: James Alexander Hamilton

Recipient: MVB

James Alexander Hamilton to MVB, 15 May 1834

As one of a Commee appointed to collect information necessary to guide our political friends in making up their minds whether they will establish a new paper or contribute to support "The Times” I write this letter to ask you to inform me of a proper person to be the Editor of the Party in this city If in the extensive range of your knowledge of persons such a man should be in your <Eye>... Continue Reading

Sender: James Alexander Hamilton

Recipient: MVB

Pages

As Recipient

MVB to James Alexander Hamilton, 2 November 1820

I feel gratefull for your attention to my concerns in regard t[o t]he base attack made on me in the Statesman. The last No. in that paper is so contemptible that my friends think it would unworthy of further notice, but as I cannot know when or in what shape the malice of my enemies may induce them for the want of better materials to revive the ridicul subject I wish you would copy off your... Continue Reading

Sender: MVB

Recipient: James Alexander Hamilton

MVB to James Alexander Hamilton, 26 January 1825

I wrote you a long letter the other day but burnt it in consequence of its having been delayed but one day and that short period having worked an almost entire revolution in the State of things here. At present our affairs are situated thus. Clay & his friends have settled down for Adams. This makes for Adams certain the following States,- five in New England Illinois, Ohio & Kentucky.... Continue Reading

Sender: MVB

Recipient: James Alexander Hamilton

MVB to James Alexander Hamilton, 20 December 1826

I return you B.’ letter. His feelings are evidently agt us & nothing but the fear of being regarded as a deserter will keep him on the right side. The only way of effecting that in my judgment is, to speak of his going over as a probable event, attributable to the insincerity of his conversion. Unless restricted by you I will in a few days hold that sort of talk to VerPlanck to whom by wright... Continue Reading

Sender: MVB

Recipient: James Alexander Hamilton

MVB to James Alexander Hamilton, 28 January 1827

Indisposition & <severe> occupation in the Senate on the Bankrupt Bill has put me behind <illegible> with my correspondent. To prevent the possibility of subjecting you to the imputation of Mr you apprehended I shall not use Mr Jeffersons letter until some other time. Williamson is the place for you. But I have a proposal to make. If I am re elected (of which I cannot doubt) I... Continue Reading

Sender: MVB

Recipient: James Alexander Hamilton

MVB to James Alexander Hamilton, 15 February 1827

The required information respecting the proposed law shall be furnished in season. You will do yourself great injustice & grievously disappoint me if you do not go with me. No one else goes with me. To enable us to reach Charleston S. Carolina before the races are over, we go on immediately to that place & I propose to <illegible> visit the intermediate places on my return to... Continue Reading

Sender: MVB

Recipient: James Alexander Hamilton

MVB to James Alexander Hamilton, 25 February 1827

I enclose you Col. Johnsons letter. The amount wanted for Kendall & Moore will be $3000. In addition to the certificates proposed the lender should require that he be permitted to designate an attorney of Respectability in Kentucky to be paid for this trouble by the <bondman> whose duty it shall be to examine into the sufficiency of the securities and certify them upon his professional... Continue Reading

Sender: MVB

Recipient: James Alexander Hamilton

MVB to James Alexander Hamilton, 25 February 1828

However ungallant the speech may be I will never theless say I greatly rejoice in the event you announce. It would be difficult if not impracticable to find the materials for a better match & in this instance the old Lady (Dame Fortune I mean) has certainly not been either blind or in a hurry. Make my best respects to the parties & say how truly I have their happiness at heart. But it... Continue Reading

Sender: MVB

Recipient: James Alexander Hamilton

MVB to James Alexander Hamilton, 7 April 1828

I yesterday requested you to get Mr Coleman to shew you a note I sent him with my observations. Since that I have seen a letter from him to Mr Cambreling from which it appears that he has very mistaken views upon the subject of the choice of electors. I have drafted a letter for Mr. Cambreling to write to him upon that subject. See both & at the same time suggest to him the propriety of not... Continue Reading

Sender: MVB

Recipient: James Alexander Hamilton

MVB to James Alexander Hamilton, 21 May 1828

I will satisfy you when I see you that I have not said or done or contemplate any thing upon the subject of the nomination for Gov. that you will not approve. I have given <illegible> to Col Bentons friend Mr. <Magines> from St. Louis a letter to you. He is I believe a warmhearted <Irish> lawyer. I wish you would <make> him at his <cane>. The belief here is that we... Continue Reading

Sender: MVB

Recipient: James Alexander Hamilton

MVB to James Alexander Hamilton, 21 February 1829

I have written a long letter to Eaton which I have authorized him to show to Gen Jackson Judge White & yourself. Let Mc Lane know its contents. I have also refered to you in my letter to the Genl. I am very desirous to have you with me in the capacity of which we have spoken. There is nothing in the past to prevent it & the future is full of hope. The only question is as to the best mode... Continue Reading

Sender: MVB

Recipient: James Alexander Hamilton

MVB to James Alexander Hamilton, 25 August 1828

I returned on Thursday from my Western excursion. It has been very pleasant & I hope politically speaking has been equally profitable. We shall beat them greatly. The anti-Masonic affair is the only thing that requires looking to. Beg Noah & Coleman to treat the matter cautiously. I have written to the former upon the point. The excitement has been vastly greater than I supposed but has... Continue Reading

Sender: MVB

Recipient: James Alexander Hamilton

MVB to James Alexander Hamilton, 6 September 1828

I hope sincerely that this will find you quite recovered. Upon the subject to which you refer I have only this to say—for reasons which will be satisfactory to you when I have an opportunity to give them, it would not be safe for me to have any such dealings for with you now & as there may be loss & certainly trouble I cannot advise you to embark in it. I think I will be able to satisfy... Continue Reading

Sender: MVB

Recipient: James Alexander Hamilton

MVB to James Alexander Hamilton, 16 September 1828

The letter is excellent without the last sentence, but that, as my name is mentioned in it, may give occasion for ill-natured criticism. Send it to me again as soon as you can, as I want to transmit it without delay. I think it would be better to leave out my name altogether, and say, "Your letter, seeking information as to the character of General Jackson, has been transmitted to me by your... Continue Reading

Sender: MVB

Recipient: James Alexander Hamilton

MVB to James Alexander Hamilton, 17 December 1828

I have red. your letter & have done as you advisied in regard to my unknown correspondent. Make my best respects to Mrs. H. & say to her how much it grieves me that the message & nothing but the message deprives me of the pleasure of waiting upon her. It never occurred to me until yesterday whilst riding out on horseback (for we have delightful weather here) that it might be agreeable... Continue Reading

Sender: MVB

Recipient: James Alexander Hamilton

MVB to James Alexander Hamilton, 28 December 1828

I have been so deeply employed in my message &c. that I have not had time to thank you for the feelings manifested in your last. There is a good deal in your suggestion as to the persons who would be gratified by the appointment of Mr Livingston. But I know those folks well. They are a sort of friends which you may have any quantity when you dont want them but apt to be very scarce under... Continue Reading

Sender: MVB

Recipient: James Alexander Hamilton

MVB to James Alexander Hamilton, 30 December 1826

I cannot advise as to the use of the letter until I see it. If you are not willing to send me a copy with directions to burn it after read the matter must rest until I can see you. You have certainly a right to use all lawful weapons to get at the means necessary to do justice to your fathers memory. I beg you to get & send me forthwith such extracts from the correspondence between Genl.... Continue Reading

Sender: MVB

Recipient: James Alexander Hamilton

MVB to James Alexander Hamilton, 5 April 1833

I beg you to excuse me for not sooner acknowledging your kind offer in regard to the <Trust> Stock. There is so much <connexion> between all these stock transactions & the operations of the <Governments>, here, & at Albany, that I must keep free from them. I hope you have so managed as to avoid much publicity in the course you have felt it of your duty to take agt. the... Continue Reading

Sender: MVB

Recipient: James Alexander Hamilton

MVB to James Alexander Hamilton, 8 December 1833

I wish you would <illegible> read the enclosed letter from me, & seal it, & then write our friend Van Scholten, & send the package to him through the firm of Rogers & Co. It did not enter into my imagination whilst considering your plan in regard to your future course, with the single view of ascertaining what would best promote your own happiness, & that of your family... Continue Reading

Sender: MVB

Recipient: James Alexander Hamilton

MVB to James Alexander Hamilton, 11 February 1834

The extreme pressure of my avocations has hitherto prevented me from saying what I ought long since to have done, that I appreciate aright your motives in the letters you have written me upon the subject of the profession & that although we may not agree upon all points I shall never think otherwise than well of your disposition & intentions. The President informed me some days since that... Continue Reading

Sender: MVB

Recipient: James Alexander Hamilton

MVB to James Alexander Hamilton, 21 May 1834

I would have answered your first letter immediately but for a dasire to consult Mr. Croswell, who was expected here & has since arrived. The result has satisfied me that neither of the persons spoken of would answer the purpose. You must have a NewYork man well acquainted with Nyork politics. It would perhaps be preferable that the person should be designated by others than myself. There is... Continue Reading

Sender: MVB

Recipient: James Alexander Hamilton

MVB to James Alexander Hamilton, 1 February 1829

When do you go to Washington. I have a letter from my friend Major Hamilton which I should like to send to you if there is time. Let me know by return of mail. Poor Butler lost his election through the abandonment of him by a large portion of your Delegation at the last moment. He expected to get them all but Mr <illegible> who openly & honestly went for Bronson from the beginning.

Sender: MVB

Recipient: James Alexander Hamilton

MVB to James Alexander Hamilton, 2 February 1829

I enclose you a letter to the General, which explains all that I would otherwise write. You will exercise your discretion as to delivering it open or sealed. If the arrangement I propose succeeds, or, whether it does or not, there cannot be a doubt of our ability to serve you in proportion to our desires. I have no time to add another word. I hope Eaton has shown you my letter to him. I had not... Continue Reading

Sender: MVB

Recipient: James Alexander Hamilton

MVB to James Alexander Hamilton, 15 February 1829

Enclosed you have a letter from Major Eaton to me & a copy of my reply. enclosed. You will judge by the condition of things when they arrive whether it will be best to deliver the letter or not. If the Cabinet arrangements are made when my letters is are received it will for many reasons be desirable that my inattention to the Majors letter should be attributed to the same cause with his... Continue Reading

Sender: MVB

Recipient: James Alexander Hamilton

MVB to James Alexander Hamilton, 15 February 1829

I wish you would hand the enclosed to Major Eaton. It is quite confidential & I wish you to say to him that contrary to my nature I have sent it in the hand writing of my son, from a consciousness of his ^(Mr Es)^ habitual carelessness about his letters; and an apprehension that it might (as heretofore in other cases) find its way into one of the Committee rooms folded up in a petition for in... Continue Reading

Sender: MVB

Recipient: James Alexander Hamilton

MVB to James Alexander Hamilton, February/March 1829

The several letters which I have written to the President through you explain most things of which I would other ^wise^ speak in this. Any mode in which you may think the business of the Department can be best attended to, whether that which is stated in your letter of the 25th, or the one suggested to by me will be alike agreeable. I have recevd a letter from Mr Verplanck to day in which he... Continue Reading

Sender: MVB

Recipient: James Alexander Hamilton

MVB to James Alexander Hamilton, 17 April 1820

The "unfavourable reports" which you say are pouring in upon you are devices of the enemy & nothing else. It was to prevent the desertions from their ranks which were apprehended that this expedient of lying without rhyme or reason was resorted to. That we may be beaten is certain & if such should be the case I can conscientiously say it is not my fault & will cheerfully submit to... Continue Reading

Sender: MVB

Recipient: James Alexander Hamilton

Pages

Print Document