Albany, June 22, 1782.
Sir:
Mr. Morris having lately offered me the appointment of Receiver of
Continental taxes for this State, I wish to collect as much and
as accurate information as possible of the situation of its money
concerns. It will be, among other things, of great importance that I
should form an idea of the money brought into the State and carried
out of it; and, with a view to this, I take the liberty to request you
will furnish me with an estimate of what you have reason to think you
will lay out in this State in the course of a year, in the transactions
of your contract business. Mr. Duer has been so obliging as to promise
me a sketch of his disbursements in this quarter, and has informed me
that you are principally charged with what relates to the supplies of
the main army as well as West Point; and will therefore be best able
to enlighten me on that head. The calculation may not admit of absolute
precision; but if it comes near the truth it will answer. It would be
useful that you could distinguish, as nearly as possible, what part
will be in specie, what in bank and in other notes. As this is a matter
that can be attended with no inconvenience to any person, and will be
conducive to the public utility, I flatter myself you will favor me
with a speedy communication.
I am, with esteem, Sir,
Your most obedient servant,
A. Hamilton.
To Comfort Sands, Esq.