Alexander HAMILTON (1757-1804). Circular letter signed ("A Hamilton") as Secretary of the Treasury, [New York,] 20 August 1790.

One page, 255 x 200mm (mild dampstains along folds, mounting strip on verso of top margin).

A circular letter communicating an important detail of the recently instituted duties on maritime imports, which constituted the primary revenue-producing aspect of Hamilton's financial plan for the new nation: "The Act of July last imposing duties on the Tonnage of Vessels, provides for the restitution of the foreign duty which has been incurred by Ships or Vessels of the United States by reason of their not having a Certificate of Registry or Enrollment and a License, when trading Coastwise or engaged in the fisheries. This refund is to be made in each instance, at the custom house where the duty was paid and in such manner that the American Tonnage duty of Six Cents is to be retained for the United States and the extra sum of forty four cents, to which foreigners only are liable, is to be repaid." An excellent example of Hamilton's unflagging willingness to arrange and manage even the most minute administrative details of the new revenue system.