HAMILTON, Alexander (c.1757-1804). Autograph letter signed ("A.H.") to Abraham Van Vechten, [New York,] 26 May [1796].

One page, bifolium, 258 x 203mm. (Toned from matting round margin) with integral transmittal panel addressed in his hand (toned with loses from seal tear). Matted and framed with an engraving of Hamilton.

Hamilton the lawyer. Hamilton sends instructions to Van Vechten, an Albany attorney concerning "the case of Herman Le Roy & others against Peter Serise[?] and others, Mr. E[dward] Livingston has as will as yourself entered his appearance for all the Defendants – After due notice to him, an order has been obtained to examine witnesses de bene esse. Mr. Harrison who is of counsel on the same side was present and agreed that, if due notice was given, the order was regularly obtained. As far as you were concerned, this was not the case unless Mr. E. Livingston represented you. As it will occasion much trouble and delay in a mere matter of form to have to renew the application on a further notice and as I believe you will agree with me that Justice will be promoted by all reasonable facility n this point, we shall be obliged to you as far as you deem yourself at liberty to consent that the Order shall be as valued as if the previous notice had been given." A penciled note at top notes that the case was decided in the Court of Errors in 1801. Not published in the Papers of Alexander Hamilton. Provenance: William E. Simon – by descent to the consignor.