Alexander Hamilton Docketed Legal Document

DOCKETED IN THE HAND OF ALEXANDER HAMILTON.

Memorandum for Col. Hamilton respect. a suit commenced by John Rosevelt for back rents against Robert Dunbar autograph document. New York, 8 May 1784. 1 page, 4to. Docketed to verso in the hand of Alexander Hamilton "Case / Robert Dunbar / Adp / John Rosevelt". Additional docketing in a separate hand reads: "A.H. Lawpapers +c. not known to be of use".

A manuscript legal memorandum supporting the position of the defendant, Robert Dunbar, represented by Alexander Hamilton. The dispute was ostensibly over owed rent on property, and the document here brings forward information regarding the defendant's position, specifically in regard to property repairs made during the Revolutionary War. Another document from this (or closely related) case is held by the American Philosophical Society (The Sol Feinstone Collection of the American Revolution, no. 456 Alexander Hamilton, on behalf of Robert Dunbar).

Notably, the docketing hand on the verso “"Case / Robert Dunbar / Adp / John Rosevelt,” is certainly that of Alexander Hamilton, featuring his distinctive script.

Written during an interlude of civilian life for Hamilton, after the Revolution, and before his return to government as the first United States Secretary of the Treasury (1789-1795).

The “John Roosevelt” mentioned is very likely a member of the Roosevelt political family, perhaps a direct/collateral ancestor of President Franklin D. Roosevelt or President Theodore Roosevelt.

[Founding Fathers, Legal Documents, Revolutionary War, Colonial America, Manuscripts, Documents, Aaron Burr, Thomas Jefferson, George Washington]