Poughkeepsie, August 18, 1782.
Sir:
I have received your letter of the third instant. I am not authorized
to direct the printer to deliver any of the laws, except a certain
number of sets which are by law directed for particular purposes. I
have, however, mentioned your desire to the gentlemen of the committee
appointed to superintend the printing and distribution of them, and
requested them to furnish you with a set, which I doubt not will be
complied with.
Some short time before the appointment of a Superintendent of Finance,
I transmitted to Congress the most perfect information I was able to
collect, of many of the matters mentioned in your letter; and it was my
intention, from time to time, to have continued these communications
to Mr. Morris; but our laws remaining so long unprinted, the dispersed
situation of the different public officers, and the difficulty,
from this circumstance, as well as the want of authority, in some
instances, to command the necessary returns, rendered it a business,
if not impracticable, requiring more time and attention than the
indispensable duties of my office afforded leisure to bestow. I shall,
however, be happy to give you every aid in my power to facilitate it.
The laws, with the returns which have lately been made by the different
public officers, and may be found on the files of the Legislature, and
in the treasurer’s office, will answer most of the questions stated.
The answers to the others, appear to me to depend, in some measure,
on matter of opinion; and, as the operation of our laws is often
obstructed, and the intended consequences defeated, by unforeseen
events arising from our embarrassed situation, they cannot be given
with any great degree of precision.
You will readily perceive, sir, that the treasurer, from the nature of
his office, is not, except in cases provided for by law, subject to my
control. I am persuaded, however, that he, as well as the clerks of the
Legislature, will readily give you every information and assistance
consistent with the duties of their respective offices.
I am, with great respect and esteem,
Sir, your most obedient servant,
Geo. Clinton.
To Col. Alexander Hamilton.