The first secretary of the treasury, helped to stabilize our nation’s finances, became a bitter enemy of Aaron Burr and was killed by him in a duel in 1804. Circular LS, one page, 7 x 9.5, Treasury Department letterhead, December 18, 1790. Letter reads, in part, “You will have perceived by the Act of the last session, entitled ‘An Act making further provision for the payment of Debts to the United States,’ that, after the end of the present month, the duties on distilled spirits are regulated according to certain classes of proof to be determined by Dyca’s Hydrometer, Doubting whether it might be convenient to the several officers of the Customs to procure for themselves this instrument, I have taken measures for this purpose. I now send one accordingly…It may serve to aid the officers to be informed, that the first of the classes of the proof mentioned in the law, corresponds with Gin, the second with St, Croix rum, the third with Antigua [r]um, the fourth with Jamaica spirits, the fifth with the usual strength of high Wines, and the [six]th or last is what is called Alcohol.” Triple suede matted with a portrait of Hamilton, to an overall size of 24.5 x 19. Two areas of paper loss to left edge, affecting a few words of text, otherwise fine condition. LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA. Oversized.
