Lot 250

A. Hamilton ALS Tied to "Federalist Papers", Sinking Fund and in Preparation for His "Defence of the Funding System". Highly important!

Previous image preload Next image preload

A. Hamilton ALS Tied to "Federalist Papers", Sinking Fund and in Preparation for His "Defence of the Funding System". Highly important!

Estimate: $7,000 - $10,000

Current Bid: $3,500

(5 Bids)

June 17, 2026 10:00 AM EDT
Live Auction
Wilton, CT, US

Description:

Alexander Hamilton
Albany, NY, April 27,1795
A. Hamilton ALS Tied to "Federalist Papers", Sinking Fund and in Preparation for His "Defence of the Funding System". Highly important!
ALS

Alexander Hamilton autograph letter signed. 1p with integral address sheet, 7.375" x 8.5"; Albany; April 27,1795. A letter to Jeremiah Wadsworth asking him to provide a statement of Connecticut's debt paid off "from the termination of the war to the end of the year 1789." Hamilton had recently resigned as Secretary of the Treasury and was in the midst of preparing his defense of the federal funding system. Signed, "Alex. Hamilton." Wadsworth's letter in response is listed in Founder's Online as being endorsed by Hamilton, "State Debt Connecticut." The listing further states that Hamilton "wished this material for his ‘Defence of the Funding System,' July, 1795." Letter has been imperceptibly silked, with paper added at lower right corner of first sheet not affecting any text. Staining and offsetting at all edges from previous mounting. Dampstaining affects a few words, just touching Hamilton's signature, which remains highly visible. Perfectly readable and displayable.

Hamilton writes:

"I have received your answer to my late inquiry – I wish you would take occasion to examine yourself (which I Shall do very particularly when I get back to New York) – as I well remember upon my former examination I rather inclined to the opinion of there having been two payments of the like sum—

You will oblige me much if you can procure for me an authentic statement shewing how much of her State-debt Connecticut sunk or redeemed from the termination of the war to the end of the year 1789 – I want it for a useful purpose."

Hamilton had resigned as Secretary of the Treasury just three months earlier in January 1795, and was now working as a private citizen to vindicate his financial policies against mounting political criticism. This letter is evidence of how Hamilton methodically gathered documentation to support his case.

His "Defence of the Funding System" was first published as newspaper articles but was later expanded into a comprehensive treatise. Hamilton's request for precise financial data from Wadsworth, a former Continental Congress member and Connecticut businessman who understood the state's fiscal situation, demonstrates his meticulous approach. The "useful purpose" Hamilton mentions is a direct reference to his determination to counter critics in his treatise. This was also a defense of the Federalist Papers 12,30,34 and 35 and the Constitution itself!

Wadsworth's letter to Hamilton dated May 31, 1795, reads: "Your favor of the 27 April came duly to hand but I could not procure the enclosed paper untill Yesterday. The amount is in pounds Lawfull Money Dollars at Six Shillings or three & one third to ye Pound. Your favor of the 26th instant I have but the paper refered to [has] not yet reached me. If it ever should it shall be disposed of as you wish." Per the website, Hamilton's original letter dated April 27 (offered here) is not found.

An exceptional opportunity to obtain a document evidencing Hamilton's broader effort to secure his legacy in American political and financial history.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!

  • Dimensions: 8.5" x 7.375"
  • Medium: ALS

Accepted Forms of Payment:

ACH, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Unless otherwise indicated, we do our own in-house world-wide shipping!

Applicable shipping and handling charges will be added to the invoice. We offer several shipping options, and remain one of the few auction houses that proudly provides professional in-house shipping as an option to our clients. All items will ship with a signature required option, and full insurance. Most items are sent via Federal Express, with P. O. Box addresses being sent through USPS. We insure through Berkley Asset Protection with rates of $.70 per $100 of value, among the lowest insurance rates in the industry. Our shipping department cameras document every package, both outgoing and incoming, for maximum security. In addition, we compare our shipping and handling rates against those of other auction houses, to ensure that our charges are among the lowest in the trade.

Upon winning your item(s), you will receive an invoice with our in-house shipping and handling fees included. ***We will ship to the address as it appears on your invoice. If any changes to the shipping address need to be made, you must inform us immediately.***

International shipments: In order to comply with our insurance provider, all international shipments will be sent via Fed Ex and customs paperwork will show a value of $1.00. International buyers should contact our office directly with any questions regarding this policy.

Third-Party Shipping Option: If a third-party shipper is preferred, the buyer is responsible for contacting them directly to make shipping arrangements. For your convenience, we have provided some recommended shippers. For your protection, we will require a signed release from you, confirming your authorization for us to release your lots to your specified third-party. At that point, our responsibility and insurance coverage for your item(s) ceases. Items picked up by third-party shippers are required to pay Connecticut sales tax. Items requiring third-party shipping due to being oversized, fragile or bulky will be denoted in the item description.

Please see our full terms and conditions for names of suggested third-party shippers.

After payment has been made in full, University Archives will ship your purchase within 10 business days following receipt of full payment for item.

Please remember that the buyer is responsible for all shipping costs from University Archives' offices in Wilton, CT to the buyer's door. Please see full Terms and Conditions of Sale.

University Archives

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000