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ALEXANDER HAMILTON
(1755 - 1804) American politician who, with Madison and Jay, supported the Constitution through contributions to The Federalist, first Secretary of the Treasury who built the national fiscal system, mortally wounded in a duel with Aaron Burr. Rare war-date A.L.S. "Alx Hamilton" as aide-de-camp to George Washington, 1p. oblong 4to., [New Windsor], Feb. 16, 1781 attempting to secure a horse for his use. Hamilton writes, in full: "Dr Sir I received your Note last night. I am sorry you could not succeed in getting the horses -- I must go on horseback to Fish Kill and for this I am not provided - Mr. Colefax has a horse which I will endeavour to procure from him, but as I have no other source to get one for my Servant - I must entreat if you cannot do better, you will have one impressed to day. If I can get a supply at Fish Kill I will send him back, if not he must go on. The General [Washington] says he cannot dispense with my accompanying him. I am with great regards Yr. most Obed. Ser Alex Hamilton...". Below the date, he adds a short postscript: "Mr Colefax is willing to let your department have his horse appraised by any two gentleman and will take a certificate" Docketed on verso. This letter was accomplished on a fortuitous day for Hamilton. That same day, he and Washington exchanged heated words over Hamilton's two-minute absence from the general's presence. Hamilton related the story to his father-in-law Philip Schuyler, noting that Washington had demanded his presence immediately after meeting him on the stairs of his New Windsor Headquarters. On his way to Washington's office, he was detained by Layette on business for a minute and a half. As he climbed the stairs to attend to Washington, the general "accost[ed] me in a very angry tone...'Colonel Hamilton,' said he, 'you have kept me waiting at the head of the stairs these ten minutes. I must tell you, sir, you treat me with disrespect.'" At that moment, years of frustration over Washington not allowing him a field command welled up and he snapped:. "I replied without petulance but with decision, 'I am not conscious of it, sir, but since you have thought it necessary to tell me so, we must part.'" Washington was said to respond, "Very well, sir, if it be your choice" Washington attempted to reconcile, but his entreaties were met by Hamilton only agreeing to remain in service until a suitable replacement could be found. This did not occur for several months and Hamilton grew impatient, and turned in his commission. Washington convinced him to wait and rewarded his aide with a field commission in Moses Hazen's Regiment. In that capacity, Hamilton would lead the charge on Redoubts 9 and 10 at Yorktown later that year. (Boatner, Encyclopedia of the American Revolution, p. 478-479). Usual folds, light toning and a few minor marginal chips, else very good condition. Offered together with two A.Ls.S. of his son, JAMES A. HAMILTON (1788 - 1878). In one letter, bearing no date, Hamilton writes extensively on constitutional history. Both bear significant faults including fold splits and other minor losses. Together, three pieces.

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June 3, 2010 11:00 AM EDT
Stamford, CT, US

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