Auction Name: 2026 February 26 Historical Manuscripts & Texana Signature® Auction

Lot Number: 47078

Shortcut to Lot: HA.com/6328*47078

Alexander Hamilton Letter Signed. Two pages, 7 3/4 x 9 1/4 inches, "Treasury Department," [Philadelphia]; April 5, 1791. Hamilton writes to Sharp Delaney regarding the interpretation of federal customs regulations governing allowable tare (the deduction for packaging weight) on imported goods. Laminated with a heat setting acetate at an earlier time (circa 1930s) to an overall size of 8 1/4 x 12 3/4 inches. The letter reads, in full:

"The section of the collection law relative to the tares to be allowed at the Custom house upon the several species of goods therein mentioned appears to require that the allowance Centum upon Coffee in bags / do. in bales / do. in casks / pepper in bales / do. in casks be computed upon the hundred pounds, and that the allowance centum upon sugars (other than loaf) in hogsheads & boxes be computed on the 112 pounds.

You will perceive that the above arrangement applies to articles, sold universally by the pound, the tare 100 lbs, and that it applies to articles sold the hundred weight, the tare 112 lbs. As I find the customs in trade in various parts of the United States differ considerably, I think it necessary to inform you that the above is only my present idea. I shall take measures to obtain that accurate Statement of facts which will be necessary to a confirmed & settled construction of the act." Signed, "Alex Hamilton."

Condition: Laminated with a heat setting acetate. Lightly toned, with a few very light stains.

Include Thumbnail(s)