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

Lot Number: 47080

Shortcut to Lot: HA.com/6328*47080

Alexander Hamilton Letter Signed. One page, 8 x 10 inches, "Treasury Department," [Philadelphia]; October 10, 1792. Hamilton writes to Sharp Delaney regarding the proper customs procedures for accepting foreign-bound ships forced by inclement weather to enter American ports. 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:

"If a vessel bound to a foreign port, is by distress of weather, compelled to put into any port of the United States, where upon due examination such vessel is found to be unfit to proceed on her voyage, so as to render the transferring of her cargo to another vessel necessary, I am of opinion, that the Tonnage duty is not to be demanded. But an entry must be made of the cargo and the duties paid or secured, And the proceedings for drawing back the duties must be as in other cases of re exportation." Signed, "Alexander Hamilton."

Condition: Laminated with a heat setting acetate. Lightly toned, with a few small chips at the edges, one just touching the edge of Hamilton's signature.

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