Alexander Hamilton

2 1/2 pages on 3 leaves joined together (13 x 8 in.; 330 x 203 mm), signed twice ("Hamilton Proctor for Libellants") at the conclusion of the pleading and on the docket, [New York], ca. 1783, being a lawsuit addressed to Lewis Graham, Judge in the Court of Admiralty, made on behalf of James Dall and John Heathcote against Thomas Coates, Master of the ship "Betsey," for non-payment of a loan of one thousand pounds; toning on crease folds (previously folded into fours), docketed portion browned.

3 leaves joined together (13 x 8 in.; 330 x 203 mm), signed twice ("Hamilton Proctor for Libellants") at the conclusion of the pleading and on the docket, [New York], ca. 1783, being a lawsuit addressed to Lewis Graham, Judge in the Court of Admiralty, made on behalf of James Dall and John Heathcote against Thomas Coates, Master of the ship "Betsey," for non-payment of a loan of one thousand pounds; toning on crease folds (previous folded into fours), docketed portion browned.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

While sailing for London from New York harbor, the "Betsey" had run aground "by accident or by other means unknown to your libellants ... and was disabled from pursuing her said voyage and hath ever since that time remained and still remains in the said harbour of New York not in a condition to put to sea and to perform her said voyage whereby the same hath been totally defeated."

Hamilton concludes the complaint: "Wherefore your Lybellants pray due process of law and the decree and sentence of this Honorable Court against the said ship or vessel; and that the said Ship or vessel with her tackle and apparel may be sold and out of the monies arising from the said sale much as may be necessary to satisfy the amount of the said three sets of bills and exchange together with the interest and damages in like cases allowed may be ordered to be paid to your said Lybellants and the overplus, if there be after all reasonable costs and charges deducted disposed of in such manner as to this Honorable Court shall seem honorable lawful just and right."