LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2007 October Rare Books & Manuscripts #675  / 

30052

Alexander Hamilton LS 1790 Smuggling Revenue Law

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:2,600.00 USD Estimated At:3,000.00 - 4,000.00 USD
Alexander Hamilton LS 1790 Smuggling Revenue Law
<B>Alexander Hamilton Manuscript Letter Signed</B></I> "<I>A Hamilton,</B></I>" one page, 7.25" x 9". Treasury Department, May 17, 1790. A "<I>circular</B></I>" letter sent by Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton most probably to collectors, relative to violation of the Revenue Laws. In full, "<I>It appears probable that the public interests would be promoted by my receiving the earliest information, when breaches of the Revenue Laws take place. I therefore request that whenever a seizure shall be made within the sphere of your duty, you will transmit me by the first opportunity an account of the transaction containing such particulars as will enable me fully to understand the case.</B></I>" Smuggling was rampant and Hamilton urged Congress to pass legislation relating to enforcing revenue laws. On August 9, 1790, less than three months later, Congress approved "An Act to provide more effectually for the collection of the duties imposed by law on goods, wares and merchandise imported into the United States, and on the tonnage of ships or vessels." Alexander Hamilton, New York's only signer of the Constitution and secretary and <I>aide-de-camp</B></I> to General Washington in the American Revolution, served as his first secretary of the treasury from 1789-1795. Hamilton was mortally wounded in a duel with Vice President Aaron Burr in 1804. A, 1.5" x 5" rectangular card mounted on verso shows through on front. Tape repairs on verso strengthen the two horizontal folds. There is chipping at the blank left edge. Overall, the letter is in fine condition.<BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Flat Material, Small (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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