Lot #105

Alexander Hamilton

Description

Treasury Secretary Hamilton's circular letter to customs collectors: “The proceeds of forfeited vessels and goods, and the sums recovered, as for pecuniary fines and penalties, will naturally come, in the first instance, into the hands of the Marshals”

Printed circular LS signed "A. Hamilton," one page, 6.5 x 8.75, June 8, 1792. Official Treasury Department circular letter addressed "to the Collectors." In part: "The 66, 67 and 68 sections of the Collection Law, make provision respecting the prosecution, receipt, appropriation and distribution of and for fines, penalties and forfeitures, under that act. The provision is less precise and clear than could be wished, and may require legislative revision. In the mean time it is indispensable that some arrangement should be made and observed; consulting such indications as are to be found in the law, and pursuing the most convenient and orderly course…The proceeds of forfeited vessels and goods, and the sums recovered, as for pecuniary fines and penalties, will naturally come, in the first instance, into the hands of the Marshals. These, they will pay over to the respective Collectors, who will pay the charges and distribute the net remainder." Handsomely corner-mounted, matted, and framed under UV-protective museum glass to an overall size of 19 x 22. In very good to fine condition, with scattered light foxing, and paper loss to the bottom edge and lower left corner. Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from PSA/DNA.

As the nation's first Treasury Secretary, Hamilton enacted economic reforms aimed at promoting American industry. A key plank of his platform was an elaborate system of duties, tariffs, and excise taxes on goods from abroad, designed to make imports more expensive than domestic products. A supremely desirable Treasury Department circular signed by the innovative founder of America's financial system.

Auction Info

• Auction Title: Fine Autograph and Artifacts, Ft. Hollywood
• Dates: #606 - Ended April 14, 2021

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