Influential American statesman and politician (circa 1755–1804) who coauthored the Federalist Papers and served as the first Secretary of the Treasury. In July 1804, sitting Vice President Aaron Burr, stung by a published criticism authored by Hamilton, challenged the esteemed statesman to a duel and fatally wounded him. Excellent LS signed “A. Hamilton,” one page both sides, 7.5 x 12.75, May 3, 1804. Hamilton responds to issues raised in two letters sent to him on April 19 (signed by Richard Varick and Anthony Day) and April 20 (signed by Jacob Radcliff), both of which are included, involving the disposition of a jointly owned piece of property called Powles-Hook, a peninsula off Jersey City, New Jersey. Hamilton writes, in part: “Having attentively considered the subject of your letter ... we shall now communicate the result of our reflections on the several questions in the order they are stated. 1) Have the Corporation of New York any title to the land under the water of Hudson’s River opposite to, and adjoining Powles-Hook? Answer: Comparing the provisions in different parts of the Charter of New York, with each other, we are of opinion that the Corporation of this City, have no right of soil in, or title to the land, under the water opposite to and adjoining Powles-Hook. 2) Are not the covenants contained in the draft submitted and marked No. 1 proper on the part of the proprietors and valid in law? 3) Will not deeds according to the draft No. 2 be also proper and Valid? Answer: We judge it proper to answer these questions together, as the proposed draft of a deed No. 2 refers to the agreement No. 1 and considering them in connection it is our opinion, they are proper and valid in law. 4) Will not the execution of the plan, proposed by the agreement and deed above mentioned, afford an adequate security to purchasers? Answer: Confiding in the faithful execution of the plan proposed by proprietors, we think there will result an adequate security to purchasers....” Captured by the British in 1776, Powles (now “Paulus”) Hook was the site of an eponymous battle in 1779 but remained under British control until 1783. Though the area was desolate and sparsely populated following the war, Hamilton and the men named above sensed development potential, and in 1804 organized the Associates of New Jersey Company to lease and sell plots of land. Though the venture proved unsuccessful—the result of competition from New York, mismanagement, and Hamilton’s untimely death in the famous 1804 duel with Aaron Burr—steamboat pioneer Robert Fulton established a ferry route between Powles Hook and New York in 1812. It later became the site of a robust manufacturing industry (including such prominent companies as Lorillard and Colgate) and today is home to an historic residential district. Intersecting folds (one vertical fold each to first and last names), subtle soiling and wrinkling, and faint show-through of text, otherwise fine, bright condition. A remarkable slice of early New Jersey history! Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
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