Description:

Alexander Hamilton
Treasury Department, December 18, 1790
A. Hamilton "provision for the payment of the debts of the United States," & Testing Proof of Alcohol, Fantastic Signature!
Signed Broadside

Alexander Hamilton (1757-1804). Printed Broadside Signed, "Alexander Hamilton," as Secretary of the Treasury, 1p, 8" x 9.5", Treasury Department, December 18, 1790. Mounted on a darker sheet for reinforcement. Flattened folds with separation and paper loss. Soiling, foxing, and staining throughout, heaviest at left side. Several large gouges affecting approximately twenty words of text. The exact broadside (of which we know of only two to exist outside of institutions) was sold at Christie's in 2005 for $6,000, and it, too, had condition issues. Our present example was sold by Charles Hamilton in 1970.

In part: "You will have perceived by the Act of the last session, entitled, 'An Act making further provision for the payment of the debts of the United States,' that after the end of the present month the duties on distilled spirits are regulated according to certain classes of proof, to be determined by Dycas's Hydrometer. Doubting whether it might be convenient to the several officers of the Customs to procure for themselves this instrument, I have taken measures for the purpose. I now send one accordingly. Fahrenheit's Thermometer, which is a necessary part of the apparatus, is, however, still wanting; but I presume it will not be difficult for each Officer to procure one at the place of his residence...You will also receive herewith a tin Cylinder, which you will find useful for containing the liquor to be proved. It may serve to aid the officers to be informed, that the first of the classes of the proof mentioned in the law, corresponds with Gin, the second with St. Croix rum, the third with Antigua rum, the fourth with Jamaica spirits, the fifth with the usual strength of high Wines, and the sixth or last with what is called Alcohol."

An interesting circular letter about procedures for testing the proof of alcohol and spirits for taxation by use of Dycas's Hydrometer and Fahrenheit's Thermometer. Ultimately, the Dycas system proved too inaccurate for its intended use.

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.

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  • Dimensions: 8" x 9.5"
  • Medium: Signed Broadside

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