8 pages (10 x 7 7/8 in. 255 x 200) on 2 bifolia, Washington, 14 July 1801, address direction at foot of last page (“genal Alexander Hamilton”), pages numbered [1]–2–7[8], with integral blank from now-lost address leaf bearing endorsements by Hamilton including "Compensation to Supervisors Bank of New York"; some very light browning.

The Papers of Alexander Hamilton, ed. Syrett, 25:401 (“Letter not found”)

8 pages (10 x 7 7/8 in. 255 x 200) on 2 bifolia, Washington, 14 July 1801, address direction at foot of last page ("genal Alexander Hamilton"), pages numbered [1]–2–7[8], with integral blank from now-lost address leaf bearing endorsements by Hamilton including "Compensation to Supervisors Bank of New York"; some very light browning.
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In 1789, L’Enfant, who had served during the American Revolution as a French volunteer in the Corps of Engineers, redesigned the old Jacobean City Hall on Wall Street into Federal Hall, the first capitol of the United States government under the Constitution. The Common Council of the City of New York proposed giving L’Enfant ten acres of land in the city as payment; he refused the tract as inadequate. In 1801, he again sought payment and the Council proposed a stipend of $750 for his services. L’Enfant, on the other hand, sought a fee of $6,000, which he reckoned was the value of the tract of land that he had originally been offered. In this lengthy letter—known to the editor of the Hamilton Papers only through a reference to it in Hamilton’s response—L’Enfant wheedles and coaxes Hamilton to mediate a resolution.

“Though repugnant to trouble you at🐼 present when every sides gratitude for services, nay, the recollection has vanished as policy or Interests changed … I will yet hope that, what the politic with Government may have prevented, shall not be found so likewise obtrusive to your obtaining now from the Corporation of the City of New York a more consistent settlement of a debt as I am reduced a new to press from them. … Reminding you Sir, it is for a service ably performed at your own particular Invitation, the civility and the generosity of my exertions having secured a great object, at the time, with you and been likewise eminently Instrumental to the enrichment of the City of New York. … I will here beg you will do me the kindness to use your Influence and with open disclosure of my Intention, request that you will take yourself on my account any such steps as shall to you appear the best capable of terminating the point to my satisfaction. … the propriety of your advising them on the occasion every body will allow who knew you were the great motor of the Enterprise the unconditional of my engagement in which was at your own Invitation.”

In his conclusion, L’Enfant brings up his service during the Revolution to bolster his claim: “My very existence is now precarious which absolutely is only supported by hope, which I still endeavor to maintain in the Equity of Government and in the Honor of🍸 such Communities as I have in Both capacity of military and civil-office—loyallဣy and generously served.”