George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, August 28, 1788

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The Writings of George Washington from the Original Manuscript Sources, 1745-1799. John C. Fitzpatrick, Editor.

Mount Vernon, August 28, 1788.

Dear Sir: I have had the pleasure to receive your letter dated the 13th.⁷⁶ accompanied by one addressed to Genl. Morgan. I will forward the letter to General Morgan by the first conveyance, and add my particular wishes, that he would comply with the request contained in it. Although I can scarcely imagine how the watch of a British officer, killed within their lines, should have fallen into his hands who was many miles

[Note 76: Not now found in the Washington Papers, but is in the Hamilton Papers in the Library of Congress, having been transferred to that collection by John C. Hamilton.] distant from the scene of action, yet, if it so happened, I flatter myself there will be no reluctance or delay in restoring it to the family.⁷⁷

[Note 77: Hamilton's letter states that Captain Cochran, of the British Navy (Hamilton later calls him Major Cochran), requested the return of his brother's watch. His brother was killed at Yorktown and General Morgan is stated to have purchased the watch, for a trifle, from a British soldier.]

As the perusal of the political papers under the signature of Publius has afforded me great satisfaction, I shall certainly consider them as claiming a most distinguished place in my Library. I have read every performance which has been printed on one side and the other of the great question lately agitated (so far as I have been able to obtain them) and, without an unmeaning compliment, I will say, that I have seen no other so well calculated (in my judgment) to produce conviction on an unbiased Mind, as the Production of your triumvirate.⁷⁸ When the transient circumstances and fugitive performances which attended this Crisis shall have disappeared, That Work⁷⁹ will merit the Notice of Posterity; because in it are candidly and ably discussed the principles of freedom and the topics of government, which will be always interesting to mankind so long as they shall be connected in Civil Society.

[Note 78: Madison, Hamilton, and Jay.]

[Note 79: Now known as The Federalist.]

The circular letter from your Convention, I presume, was the equivalent by which you obtained an acquiescence in the proposed Constitution. Notwithstanding I am not very well satisfied with the tendency of it, yet the foederal affairs had proceeded, with few exceptions, in so good a train, that I hope the political Machine may be put in motion, without much effort or hazard of miscarrying.

On the delicate subject with which you conclude your letter, I can say nothing;⁸⁰ because the event alluded to may never

[Note 80: Hamilton had written (August 13); "I take it for granted, Sir, you have concluded to comply with what will no doubt be the general call of your country in relation to the new government. You will permit me to say that it is indispensable you should lend yourself to its first operations. It is to little purpose to have introduced a system, if the weightiest influence is not given to its firm establishment, in the outset." This letter is in the Hamilton Papers in the Library of Congress.] happen; and because, in case it should occur, it would be a point of prudence to defer forming one's ultimate and irrevocable decision, so long as new data might be afforded for one to act with the greater wisdom and propriety. I would not wish to conceal my prevailing sentiment from you. For you know me well enough, my good Sir, to be persuaded, that I am not guilty of affectation, when I tell you, that it is my great and sole desire to live and die, in peace and retirement on my own farm. Were it even indispensable a different line of conduct should be adopted; while you and some others who are acquainted with my heart would acquit, the world and Posterity might probably accuse me [of] inconsistency and ambition. Still I hope I shall always possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain (what I consider the most enviable of all titles) the character of an honest man, as well as prove (what I desire to be considered in reality) that I am, with great sincerity and esteem, etc.⁸¹

[Note 81: From the "Letter Book" copy in the Washington Papers.
In answer to this letter from Washington, Hamilton wrote (September --): "I should be deeply pained my Dear Sir if your scruples in regard to a certain station should be matured into a resolution to decline It; though I am neither surprised at their existence nor can I but agree in opinion that the caution you observe in deferring an ultimate determination is prudent. I have however reflected maturely on the subject and have come to a conclusion, (in which I feel no hesitation) that every public and personal consideration will demand from you an acquescence in what will certainly be the unanimous wish of your country." Hamilton's letter is in the Hamilton Papers in the Library of Congress.]