Autograph Draft Letter

An Excessive Sum for the Jersey Militia

Hamilton warns that the current estimate of the sum required for the Jersey Militia exceeds what he believes is appropriate for that purpose. This creates two dangers: (1) that more money will be issued by the Treasury than is needed, resulting in a dilatory reckoning; and (2) persons not entitled to pay may receive it.

1795

01

19

Timothy Pickering

Alexander Hamilton

New Jersey militia

Treasury

Secretary of Treasury

Colonel Hamilton

treasurer Secretary of War

New Jersey

estimate

advances

1795011940001

1

2

Secretary at War
Recorded
19 T.D. Jany. 19th 1795
Sir
I have recd your letter of this day. The estimate of the sum requisite for the Jersey Militia greatly exceeds what I had supposed to be necessary. There are two dangers attending so considerable advances on account without adequate data to guide - One that a good deal more money may be paid from the Treasury than is necessary with the inconvenience of a difficult & perhaps dilatory after reckoning - the other that persons not intitled may be paid, or that those intitled to something may be paid more than they ought to receive.
Now the Men are disbanded it seems to me right that future advances should be made on grounds, which are as certain as the nature of the case admits.
This is my idea, however, I will, if you require it, put in to the hands of the Treasurer, the sum asked for subject to your Warrant, if you inform me, that it is your wish.
With great respect I am
Sir
Yr. Ob. Servant
A Hamilton
The Secretary at War