Miscellaneous letter archives

side blog for writing transcriptions of 18th-19th century letters

[dearestcorrespondence]

This is a side blog where I'll be posting my written transcriptions of letters. Letters mainly focusing on Alexander Hamilton, or his associates and family, but some will vary between other figures like John Laurens.

Don't repost my transcripts, and remember to credit me if you are going to use my transcripts as a reference. Also I do not take requests.

My main blog is here.

[dearestcorrespondence]

James Alexander Hamilton to Walter Hamilton, New York, [April 14th 1828]

New York April 14th 1828

Dear Sir,

It affords me much pleasure to recall to your recollection the memory of my late father Alexander Hamilton, by sending to you an original letter written to him by General George Washington. ___ The close connection between these illustrious men, and of both with the events which led to the emergence of our present government, will be developed by a history of the life of the former now in progress, from which his family on your side of the water, will be gratified to learn that he was the first man in this, and not surpassed by any other of his day, in any country. By a correspondence between your parent ___ and mine, shortly after the era of the revolution, the family of Scotland were informed of some of the events of my father's life. His sudden and premature death, however deprived his children of a support, but I am happy to say that nearly all of them, by their personal exertions have acquired a competence, and some of them what are considered ample fortunes in this country. Although they have not in any degree approached to the distinguished situation of their father, all his sons are of respectable standing. My widowed mother, now near 70 years of age, enjoys good health and the respect of her numerous friends. I have the honor to be with very great respect your friend and servant, James A. Hamilton

Walter Hamilton Esq.

Grange

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Mary Pinckney to Elizabeth Hamilton, Newark, New Jersey, [November 5, undated year]

Newark 5 Nov(er) Dear Madam, Had I never before regretted that I was a coward I should certainly do it now as this weakness has prevented me the pleasure of paying you my personal respects in New York, & thanking you for the favor of your visit to me at newark. It is the fate of wanderers who are so happy as to make agreeable acquaintances to know the misery of being separated from them, I shall long regret being so near you without being able to see you more frequently. I hope the illness in your family has entirely subsided, & that you have nothing to fear for your sons. I learnt with pleasure from Mrs. Breckets (?) that Philip Hamilton is entirely recovered. Gen. Pinckney desires to present his best respects to you, & he unites with me in offering them to the General. I remain, Dear Madam Your most Obedt. Servant Mary Pinckney

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James Alexander Hamilton to Catharine Cochran, Washington, [November 9, 1854]

Washington

Nov. 9 1854

My dear aunt,

My dear mother pushed her course here. The morning at about 4 o'clock She was conscious to the Last and although had better cause was inarticulate She said very kind things_ She passed without a struggle, altho, for a few months had she had suffered most.

I remain dear aunt your apathy (?) and affectionate nephew

James. A. Hamilton

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Elizabeth Hamilton to Catharine Cochran, The Grange, Harlem Heights, [October 25, 1819]

The Grange, Harlem Heights, Oct. 25th, 1819.

My Dear Sister I am happy to be able to inform you in confidence, that I shall have a prospect soon of seeing my dear husband's life in the press. The writter is very anxious to have domestic anecdotes; indeed anything illustrative of his character. I know the pleasure that you will take in grating my request, and beg you will on receiving this, make a memorandum of all your recollections of him_

The writer wishes to know, his appearance when first known_ his manner_ habits and peculiarities_ instances of his benevolence_ any facts connected with his first appearance at the Bar_ & most particularly, anecdotes even of the most trifling description_ circumstances when he left the army_ also when in the Legislatures (?) in ‘86 at Albany. Also incidents in 1782 while studving law at Albany_ style of conversation_ and indeed everything which will illustrate the elasticity of his mind, variety of his knowledge, playfulness of his wit, excellence of his heart, firmness, forbearance, virtues, &c. As the work is very nearly completed, it is very much my wish to receive from you an answer to these inquiries as soon as you can prepare it; and I must beg you will sit down day after day for a short time and endeavor to tax your memory. He has heard that your observation is very acute, and your recollections when exerted on a subject of this interest, very accurate and full_

Eliz(th) Hamilton

May every blessing be yours is the prayer of your Affectionate sister

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Thomas McKean to John Laurens, Philadelphia, [September 6, 1781]

Sir,

It affords me a singular pleasure to send you the Act of Congress of the 5th, instant inclosed herewith. It expresses the approbation of your conduct as special minister at the Court of Versailles in the fullest manner, and passed with an unanimous Vote. This is the greatest reward which they can bestow, or the most virtuous Citizen receive, for the most faithful and important services.

You have the leave of Congress to return to the Army again agreeable to your request, where I sincerely wish, and doubt not, you will acquire additional laurels.

May you long continue to mail and receive the esteem & thanks of your Country.

Country. You, Sir, at least exhibit one, proof to the world, that in the United States the road to honor is thro' the temple of virtue._

I am, Sir, with sentiments of the greatest personal respect and attachment

Your most obedt. noble servant

Thomas McKean

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John Church Hamilton to unknown, New York, [January 12, 1824]

Dear Sir: In the proceedings of the Senate, I yesterday ob served the Report of the Committee of Foreign Relations on the Petition of Francis Henderson Jr. In the course of my inquiries I have had an opportunity of forming an opinion of the services of Lieut. Col. Laurens and of the estimation in which he was held by the family of the Commander in chief, which entitles him, beyond all question to the first rank among the young men of the revolution. During his immediate attendance at headquarters he was, with Col. Hamilton always selected to perform the most delicate offices of his station, and was entrusted with Gen. Washington's most secret confidences, and, from the period of the arrival of C D'Estaing, until the close of the campaign of 1781, in the communications with the officers of our ally, the aids derived from him were invaluable. His military career has left behind him an uninterrupted blaze of glory. Sent forward to R Island, by Gen W. to superintend the conduct of affairs in that quarter until Gen. Greene took the command; to Col. Laurens is principally attributed the reconciliation of D'Estaing, who had been offended by Gen. Sullivan's indiscretion, which excited the most serious apprehensions as to its effect on our ally. His gallantry on this occasion was so conspicuous that he received from Congress a vote of thanks and a tender of a commission of Colonel, which he declined from delicacy to his brother aids. At Monmouth where every member of Gen. W's family seemed to contend, not only for their country but for their personal reputation, as connected with their chief, he participated in all the exposure of the day and, in the controversy between W. & Lee which agitated the camp and Congress, such was his devotion to the former that, late in the year, he invited Gen. Lee to a rencontre, who, after receiving a slight wound, made an explanation equally honorable to himself and satisfactory to his antagonist.

On the invasion of Georgia in '79, Co' L. hastened to Carolina. Here he was conspicuous in preparing for the expected invasion. In order to aid the councils of the State, he was elected a member of their Legisla ture where he used every arg to call out the militia and forward the black levies which he had begun to recruit. On the arrival of Gen. Lincoln, he immedi ately joined him; was present in the storm of Savannah, and such was his chivalry, that, after the retreat was sounded, and the troops had fallen back, he continued on, in the direction of the enemy's fire until C D'Es taing, who was himself wounded, pointed him out to Lincoln, who ordered him to draw off a detachment in order to remove him from the field.

The misfortune of that day menacing the most alarming consequences, Laurens rode express to Philadelphia, in order to urge succours to the Southern Army. Here he received a new mark of confidence; being elected by Congress Secretary to the Minister at Versailles- a situation which he peremptorily declined (though sought for by the most conspicuous names in the country)_ in order to rejoin the army, and was at last induced to accept, on an intimation “that there was no other individual on whom the two parties in congress could unite.” Circumstances having occurred to render his departure on this service unnecessary, he hastened from Philadelphia and arrived in sufficient season to take part in the defence of Charleston, where I presume, he was taken prisoner_ (this fact I have to learn). The most important incident, however, of his life and that having the most immediate relation to the claim before you, is his mission as Envoy to France in Feby. 1781. The magnitude of his services on this occasion are matters of history, but among many inte resting incidents connected with this event there is one which may not be before the public. Vergennes was opposed to any open interference on our behalf at the outset of the quarrel, and always continued adverse to our independence. In this spirit he presented every obstacle in the way of Col. Laurens negotiation,_ Wearied by these delays L. obtained an interview with him, and after a warm expostulation, characteristic of his noble spirit, he broke from him_ prepared a memorial to the king, and, waiting upon him in the succeeding levée, regardless of the etiquette of the court, handed it to Louis in person. This decisive bearing although it excited great astonishment, was followed by the happiest effects. On the succeeding day the ministers contended with each other in their zeal to promote his views, and he returned here in sufficient season to aid us in a most critical posture of our affairs. (The money obtained by Laurens was deposited in the Bank of N. A. and sustained the financial operations of Mr. Morris until the signature of the provisional treaty). Laurens arrived in Boston, in Sept. 1781, and he immediately joined the army and in the storm of the Redout on the night of the 14th Oct, which was the closing scene of my father's service, L. who, with a body of picked men, was detached by him to take the enemy in reverse and intercept their retreat, entered the works among the foremost and made prisoner the commanding officer. As a compliment to his gallantry and in reference to the capture of Charleston, he with the Viscount De Noailles, was appointed a commissioner to settle the terms of the capitulation. (Signed) John C. Hamilton.

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Nicholas Fish to Elizabeth Hamilton, [March 22, 1822]

22 March, 1822 Dear Madam, The circumstances which I had the honor of communicating to you some time since in conversation, relative to the introduction of French troops into this country during our revolutionary war, I fully intended long since to have stated to you in writing, but the disordered and painful state of one of my eyes, which for several months, occasioned by confinement to a dark room, has till now prevent me from doing. You will perceive Madam in the statement which I now have the honor to transmit on that Subject, that I have introduced some particulars, which though not immediately connected with the principal fact, will tend to show the existence of a long established friendship and intimacy between General Hamilton and myself and the relative situation in which we were placed, and thereby be explanation of confidential communications made to me by him. In the campaign of 1781 Genl. Hamilton, after he had retired from the family of Genl. Washington, was appointed by him to the command of a select corps of Infantry, of which had the honor of being next in command, this Corps was composed of the light companies of the New-York line, and two light companies of the Connecticut line, and thus organized marched with the main army from the banks of the Hudson River to Virginia, where the Marquis La Fayette was then in command, with a body of light troops, previously detached from the army—On General Washington's arrival in Virginia with the combined army, (American & French) La Fayette, with his troops joined the army, & Hamilton's Corps was annexed to the Marquis' command—the French fleet under the command of Count de Grasse having arrived in the Chesapeak to co-operate with the combined army, the siege of York-town commenced; during which, and throughout the whole of that Campaign, I had the happiness and good fortune of being the mess mate of Genl. Hamilton, and of occupying with him the same tent—this added to our previous intimacy and uninterrupted friendship from the year 1775, when he was a student of King's College, and where with a few others we had formed a weekly club, for improving ourselves in debating & public speaking, naturally led occasionally to confidential and unreserved conversations; in one of these, the General speaking of the Marquis La Fayette, said, The United States are under infinite obligations to him beyond what is known, not only for his valor & good conduct as Major Genl. In our army, but for his good offices & influences in our behalf with the court of France—the French army now here, co-operating with us, would not have been in this Country, but through his means, he then said, that for some considerable time previous to the arrival of the French army under Count Rochambeau; he Genl. Hamilton had conceived the idea, and had weighed in his own mind the propriety of such a measure, and having satisfied himself on that subject, he had suggested the idea to the Marquis La Fayette, expressing to him at the same time, not only the powerful effect that would be produced in our army, and the Country generally, by the introduction of a small military force from France, to cooperate with us, but the increased effect that would result, should the Marquis himself be appointed to the chief command—This project met a welcome reception, and after some remarks, as to the details of the plan, the Marquis with all the zeal and promptitude which characterized him, addressed the French Government, and their Ambassador here, on the subject, urging the advantages which would result to both nations, from having a French military force in this Country; this proposition was immediately patronized and inforced by the family & connections of the Marquis, who were then in power and great influence in France, and accordingly adopted by that Government.

An army under County Rochambeau was sent to this Country: a fleet under County de Grasse, was also sent, and the capture of Lord Cornwallis' army which terminated the war, and sealed our Independence, was the consequence—As the idea of introducing into this country, a small auxiliary army from France, first presented itself to the mind of Genl. Hamilton, as avowed by him to me, and possibly not communicated by him to any other friend, I deem it a duty incumbent on me, and a tribute due to his memory, that the knowledge of that fact should not be lost, but be preserved and recorded as an additional evidence of his brilliancy of imagination and preeminent services to his Country. When the siege of York town had commenced, our first parallel line was thrown up, it became evident, that the two Redoubts which Lord Cornwallis had constructed in front of the town, would prolong the siege, until they could be allowed by our cannon, or taken by storm; the former of these methods would probably have been preferred and preserved in with confidence of ultimate success, had not the French Admiral announced his wish to return with his fleet to the West Indies, intimating that circumstances would compel him to depart in a few days—thus circumstanced Genl. Washington and induced to change his plan of regular approaches, for the more expeditious one of storming those works-to this end an arrangement was made that one Redoubt should be attacked by a column of American light Infantry, and the other by a column of French Grenadiers. The command of the American Infantry consisting of two Battalions one commanded by Col. Gemat, the other by myself—was given to Genl. Hamilton, and a signal from our grand battery answered by a correspondent signal from the French battery, put the two columns of attack immediately in motion. The American Infantry animated by the address and example of their leader, marched to the attack, with Muskets unloaded and Bayonets fixed relying on their Bayonets alone for success; they soon arrived at the counterscarp, under a heavy and constant fire from the redoubt, which they bravely sustained, and surmounting all difficulties and impediments of abattis, ditch and palisade mounted the parapet and took possession of the work together with those who had defended it, and Major Campbell the commanding Officer; all this was effected agreeably to previous arrangement made by Genl. Hamilton; and his troops regularly formed within the Redoubt and order completely restored, while the other column, whose mode of attack was different, were yet engaged in the conflict.

I have the honor to be With great respect Dear Madam Your friend & humble servant

Nichs. Fish

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Philip Schuyler to Elizabeth Hamilton, Albany, [February 7, 1785]

Albany February 7, 1785

We have been favored my dear amiable child with your affectionate letter by Mr. ___ I ought not to complain of the pains which I experience from bodily disorder since so much satisfaction afforded me in appreciating your happiness and that of my other child who are already married.

Your Brother who is with you, with the best grandchildren ___ possible, is unhappily too inattentive that it will ___ unless frequently administered your goodness and your attention and your affection. ___ afford him the best advise and I ___

I have urged him to copy your Amiable Husband as where he will see sense, virtue and good manners combined, which will endear him to all.

___ & which I received Angelica's letter was from Dover on her way to France from whince the hoped to return to England in January, and in April to commence her voyage for her native Country. She and hers were all well and Send in love which they return.

Your Mama's love and best rememberances as to you, Mr. Hamilton, my dear little ones. Embrace them for me.

Yours Ever & affectionately

Ph: Schuyler

Mrs. Hamilton

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Bushrod Washington to Elizabeth Hamilton, Mt. Vernon, [December 14, 1819]

Mt. Vernon, Dec. 14, 1819.

My Dear Madam:

Your favor of the 5th. of Nov. was received by Mr. Herbert, whilst I was in Philadelphia and was not placed in the bundle of letters which he delivered me upon my return. He had accidentally put it by itself, and found it a day or two ago, when he delivered it to me. This must be my apology for the delay of this answer.

It affords me great pleasure to know Mr. Hopkinson has undertaken to write the life of Genl. Hamilton, not only because his fine talents will enable him to do justice to the work, but because he admired, in common with every American patriot, the virtues, and the distinguished talents of that Great man.

The Contract which I made with Mr. Wayne, the publisher of the life of Gen'l Washington was, to assign the copyrights of the work to him, and to receive from him one dollar per volume, for every volume subscribed for, or sold during the period of the copyright. This dollar per volume was equally divided between C. Justice Marshall, the author, & myself. There were 7000 copies subscribed for, and Mr. Marshall and myself received from Mr. Wayne the amount calculating it at a dollar each volume. I think that, as to all sales that were made over that number, we made a compromise with Mr. Wayne & received from him $4000. I should expect that a contract of this nature would be as favorable to you as you could expect to make.

I do not know whether I have ever yet acknowledged my obligation to you for the seeds you were so good as to send me; if I have not, permit me now to do it, and to assure you that my silence did not proceed from unthankfulness for the favor. The corn met my approbation so fully that I shall plant the whole of my crop, at one farm, next year, of that kind_ It comes very early, & the ear is of good size.

Present my best regards & wishes to my favourite Eliza and believe me, good friend, that nothing could afford me a higher gratification than to pass a day or two with you and her at the Grange_ l have not heard of or from William since he went into the wilderness.

The family of my niece and Mr. Woodlawn are all well,_ Frances not yet married, but all in good time. She is a charming girl, as is her sister Agnes, now nearly grown up. Mrs.(?) Washington's health is much the same as when you were here; she yet continues to retire from company at home and abroad.

I am with sentiments of esteem, respect, and regard,

My dear Madam,

Yr. friend and faithful humb. serv.

Bushrod Washington.

[dearestcorrespondence]

James Alexander Hamilton to Philip Hamilton II, [November, 1859]

Sunday Evening

My dear Philip

I cannot say how deeply I deplore Johns course it must put upon him a lasting disgrace_ I did hope and believe that this miserably small property would have been settled without contraversy What a trifling sum is he to get rid off_ The articles he has purchased would in any commercial establishment or Public Auction sell at the least for 2 or $300 and he is to pay $400 the difference is $100 or $200 and he deems to impute to you unfairness for the paltry sum of $50 or $100_ This is the most unworthy business have met with pray you to bear with meakness & patience all that he may say or do Forbearance is your duty to yourself & to him. In your letter of last Evg to Alexander you refer to my going down on Monday My rides say Tuesday as the time Table is changed will be at Chambers st until 1/4 past 10 o'clock A M._ I hope you will be there at that time as I have an engagement shortly after that in the upper part of the City....

From

JAH

Philip Hamilton Esq

James A. Hamilton Nov 1859

Johns conduct about furniture

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Philip Schuyler to Elizabeth Hamilton, [July 22, 1804]

Sunday July 22, 1804

My Amiable and dearly beloved Child

Yesterday morning I received letters from your sisters & their husbands and one from my beloved Grandson James. I immediately determined to go to you and made the requisite arrangements when Mr. Stringer came to drain my wounds. I commented to him my ambition to embark without delay, and requested that he should state my case to Dr. Charlton or Dr. Post and recommended the proper dressing and medicines. He replied that my wounds although now in a fair prospect of being healed and the pain diminished required the most unremitted attention. He apprehended that I could not be removed from his care without and danger and that the result of any accident might probably terminate in an additional calamity to you and my family and therefore insisted me to remain until could go with safety. Reflecting on the high and tender duties devolved on me as Your parent and the parent of my dear Grandchildren, and that I might not to risk to hazard a life now so deeply devoted to your consolation and comfort and that of your dear children.

I acquired to Mr. Stringer's entreaties, but do not my beloved conclude from this statement that I am not in comfortable health. Indeed my Love my wounds are so favorable an affect and the gout diminished that I hope soon to be able to see you.

I have not my dearly beloved child on which condition you and my dear grand children are left as to pecuniary resources but I know that I have the power and thanks be to god the attention and determination to render you and your dear Children perfectly comfortable as long as it shall please my beneficent Maker to keep me in life, and that by my conduct and testament I have bequeathing you considerably more than a mere competency for you and them when I shall be no more. Oh: If the blessed spirits of no one in the full protection of bless with their God and their redeemer had consoled of what happens in the minds of those who have survived them. The spirit of my dearly beloved Hamilton now comfortable with my affectionate and tender feelings for you and his children. My fixed determination to pass the residue of the days which my Creator has allotted me in unremitting attention to promote your happiness and that of my dear grand children. That in the discharge of this sacred and tender duty. I shall be upheld and officially seconded by your brothers, by your Sisters and by their husbands. Oh how much have they already alleviated my heart rendering grief by assurances and tenderness, which clearly indicates these affections for you, your children and farme, and their anxiety to promote you their and my happiness. Gracious God be pleased to accept my most humble and dearest thanks for having given me Children whose hearts are so deeply entrenched with love to you and me and who so pleasingly anticipate my wishes and wants in respect to you and my dear Grand Children.

Exert all your fortitude my amiable and beloved child to comfort your mind, you and have great sense and immaculate duties to comfort to each other and to your dear children. Notwithstanding my last grief for the loss we have sustained, I already feel great consolation in anticipating how pleasantly I shall be employed in discharging the duties of a parent to a volume and Amiable Child and her tender offspring, and that I shall be so affectionately supported in the tender task by all my Children.

I give thanks to my beloved Grandson James for his letter to [soon] embrace him. His Sisters & brothers most affectionately forms.

My Catharine and her husband are both unremitted in the most affectionate attention they have both given me the most unequivocal proof of their the most unequivocal proof of their tenderness to your children. They both unite with me in love and wish & pray for your happiness.

Adieu my beloved and dear child. I hope (riped) soon to you to that (riped) you are so (riped) deeply and health.

I am your affectionate father

Ph: Schuyler

My beloved Eliza

[dearestcorrespondence]

Eliza Hamilton Holly to Catharine Cochran, [Undated]

Sunday afternoon

My dear Aunt

It is almost an age since you have had a letter from the De menen casite, Therefore I flatter myself This will however dull be most exceptable_ particularly as it comes a mis sèle of tone and truth with a good portion of repore in your forgiving disposition. It is very ___ I have been very silent of my love and interest for and in you and its equally time that my time to ever occupied, and my memory too, in recalling my past pleasures and peopling my rooms with those who have loved to occupy them with me. Now what have you to say ___ to acknowledge that it is better to have your spirit than your body which I know has been voluntarily and involuntarily with no. Mama has just entered and inquiring my occupation to and note at this moment is mingling in memory. her spirit with you, with both feet placed on the hearth, looking just as the day when you left her_

My labours are accomplished, and the work ready, for publication_ John is well and has precisely the same_ I have the money somewhat the worse for the labours of the summer.

As to myself if the a subject of interest to you_ I have withdrawn entirely from the world_ not even intimacy visits and early receiving them. It is quite possible we shall visit New York in the spring to be present at Schuyler's wedding. My friend Cousin is still the same faithful friend looking forward to serve me so long as my presence reminds him his little friend is still in existence. As I do not toil the senate I rarely see him. A gentleman called ms me that mount to accompany me to church_ a primal of William's who has heard of him since the family_ he says he has entirely recovered his health and want an office_ Which I have procured for him a rather It has been promised to me Surveyor General of California. Our winter has been mild we have a Hall stove and lite in the back parlour on the old carpet. A horse keeper and manservant being the only change since you left to_ How are the balies and their mothers you send not me word of them in your last letter, be not so naughty in your next_ and let me know, as I have done, have Matters thrive with you_

Mama's love to all and mine with lest wishes for present and future happiness

E. Hamilton Holly

Mama has just gone to her room, her presence confused my pen and inquire still more bewildered the sense of my note_ We have had Angelica here. She looks remarkably well as do Mrs. Millen and her husband. The quality of Washington pleases her very much_ her wealth enables her to enter in it, and her husband ___ it, our Councils have been disputed and parties are very excited_ Clay's resolutions have amameliorating effect, people talk of a compromine, but say his solution with not ___. Aideu again it is night and my eyes are not as alarmed as when they commenced the paper_

E. H. H.

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Elizabeth Hamilton to Eliza Hamilton Holly, Philadelphia, [December 12, 1832]

My beloved Eliza

I regret your Absence and shall hasten to be with you but the mission for which I am here is one of the most interesting. I have my fears I shall not obtain my object. Most of the contemporaries of your father have also passed away. I have since you left this, seen Mr. S. Kane, he is doing all he can, as is Mr. Clymer. I have been politely attended to Invited out a very agreeable party last evening. Small, all chearfull, half a Dozen Gentleman and Ladys such a party as you would have liked and wished to have you Near. You do not know how important you are to me, you step in the steps of your Father's kindness and the more you are with me the more I see you are like him. At twelve I leave this for Burlington and shall take Princetown in any way home which will make my rout longer. Remember me with the greatest kindness to Mr. Holly. Tell Mr. Stane(?) our council just that obliged you all to leave me. Adieu my beloved Child

May Heaven bestow on you her Charitably blessings

Prays your Affectionate Mother

E. Hamilton

Philadelphia

December 12th 1832

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Elizabeth Hamilton to Catharine Cochran, Grange, [August 7, 1820]

My Dear Sister

In a letter from you to my James you mention your having been ill. Why did you not write to me that I might have gone and taken care of you. Let me intreat you to come and stay with me.  The change will be of service to you and bring your little boys with you. You know there will be know inconveience to me but a great pleasure. Therefore let me pray you to come to me and Immediately. I am ever affectionately yours. Eliza prays to be remembered to you.

Ever your Affectionate Sister

E. Hamilton

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Elizabeth Hamilton to Catharine Malcolm, [November 8, 1818]

My dear Sister

I wrote to you some time in June with the shoes you requested. It would give me pleasure to hear from you frequently. Has your place of residence succeeded and are you as agreeably situated as you expected?  I know you mind is made such to make the best of privation and as we are not to dwell on the past but to look for that which is to come, have you any neighbors near to you and who are they? I have been so disappointed by the promises of Mr. Mason in writing the Life of your brother, that I have requested his papers to be returned to me, and have been very much occupied in endeavoring to obtain all the Correspondence that I can. I have been to Mount Vernon to Bedford, and ___ and on the same subject, and I have fortunately selected a very biennale character who will direct himself to it, a Mr. Hopkinson now in Congress. In past resident of Philadelphia, now of New Jersey. Your Brother Philip has gone on with his Lady. She has grown very full, the both look very well and will pass a very agreeable Winter. Mr. Rensselear goes to South Carolina. In his health as also Mrs. How who I am told there is very little hope of her recovery. I wish you were to pass the Winter with me. You have not anything to do but to take care of your little ones and that you can do quite as well with me and be giving me a great pleasure

Tho living in the Country I can make it agreeable to you. We have an excellent clergyman near us. Let me intreat you to cume down. I send you a little box with a few articles. Adieu my dear Sister. Ever your affectionate E. Hamilton.

Mrs. Cathrine Malcolm

November 8th 1818

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Angelica Church to Philip Jeremiah Schuyler, at Mr. Bayards Grenwich, [July 11, 1804]

at Mr. Bayards Grenwich

Wednesday Morn

My dear Brother

I have the painful task to inform you that General Hamilton was this morning wouned by that wretch Burr but we have every reason to hope that he will recover. May I advice that you repair immediately to my father, as perhaps he may wish to come down — My dear Sister bears with saintlike fortitude this affliction; The Town is in consternation, and there exists only the expression of Grief & Indignation.

Adieu my dear Brother remember me to Sally, ever yours

A Church