Alexander Hamilton Signed Communication Re: Counterfeit Bank Notes "Gold and Silver"

2pp, measuring 7.75" x 9.25", New York, dated September 22, 1789. Signed "Alexr Hamilton/Secy of the Treasury" and addressed to Stephen Smith Esq., Collector of the Customs for the Port of Machias. A copy of a letter marked "Circular" and written in another hand, in which Hamilton outlines new procedures for banknotes to protect against counterfeit currency. Reading in part:

"In consequence of arrangements lately taken with the Bank of North America, and the Bank of New York for the accommodation of the Government, I am to inform you that it is my desire, that the Notes of those Banks payable either on demand, or at no longer period than Thirty days after their respective dates should be received in payment of the duties, as equivalent to Gold and Silver, and that they will be received from you as such by the Treasurer of the Unites States…I shall cause you shortly to be furnished with such indications of the genuine Notes, as will serve to guard you against counterfeits, and shall direct the manner of remitting them. In the meantime, and until further orders, you will please to receive them; transmitting to me a weekly amount of your receipts and payments. The Treasurer of the United States will probably have occasion to draw upon you for part of the compensation of the Members of Congress from your State…" The document has flattened mail folds and creases. Some separations and a small amount of paper loss has occurred at the edge. Edge toning. Boldly signed.

Alexander Hamilton had been made the first U.S. Secretary of the Treasury just eleven days prior to sending this notice. Hamilton held the position until 1795, and during his tenure helped establish the U.S. Mint and the National Bank.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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