HAMILTON, Alexander. Printed circular letter signed ("A. Hamilton"), as Treasury Secretary, Philadelphia, 13 March 1793. 1 page, 4to, matted and framed. THEFT OF SHIP IDENTITY. A Circular Letter issued to prevent the use of stolen registry certificateds which could be fradulently used to slash the customs duties payable on imports: "Proof has been filed in the office of the Collector of Newbury Port...of the loss of two Certificates of registry," one granted to Benjamin Joy, captain of the Eliza," the other to John Pettingal and Leonard Smith, owners of the schooner Hope. "This information is therefore given," the letter continues, "with a view to put the Officers of the Customs upon their guard, in order to prevent any fraudulent disposal of the said Certificates, in case they should be found again."