Hi there! I wanted to ask you, based on the amount of knowledge of Hamilton that you have, do you have some sort of idea of how Philip 1 was, in terms of personality? according to wikipedia, Robert Troup describe (in private letters ) Phil as "alas Philip is a sad rake and I have serious doubts whether he would ever be an honour to his family or his country."
Philip was only nineteen when he died, so I think he was still the in the grips of teenage rebellion when he ended up in the duel with George Eacker. Hamilton was an incredibly doting and affectionate father, but he was also strict with Philip and held very high expectations for his success. The only existing letter from Philip to Hamilton, dated 21 April 1797, shows how active Hamilton was in Philip’s studies:
I delivered my speech to Dr. Johnson4 to examine. He has no objection to my speaking; but he has blotted out that sentence which appears to be the best and most animated in it; which is, you may recollect it “Americans, you have fought the battles of mankind; you have enkindled that sacred fire of freedom which is now.”
As Philip grew up, Hamilton appears to have kept closer and closer tabs on him. When Philip finished at Columbia, Hamilton drafted rules that regulated pretty much every moment of Philip’s day throughout the year:
Rules for Mr Philip Hamilton from the first of April to the first of October he is to rise not later than Six Oclock—The rest of the year not later than Seven. If Earlier he will deserve commendation. Ten will be his hour of going to bed throughout the year. From the time he is dressed in the morning till nine o clock (the time for breakfast Excepted) he is to read Law. At nine he goes to the office & continues there till dinner time—he will be occupied partly in the writing and partly in reading law. After Dinner he reads law at home till five O clock. From this hour till Seven he disposes of his time as he pleases. From Seven to ten he reads and Studies what ever he pleases. From twelve on Saturday he is at Liberty to amuse himself. On Sunday he will attend the morning Church. The rest of the day may be applied to innocent recreations. He must not Depart from any of these rules without my permission.
Even when Philip traveled on his own, Hamilton attempted to exert control. When Philip was traveling through Providence, Rhode Island, Hamilton wrote him a letter of introduction to Jeremiah Olney, but he made it clear that Philip wasn’t to linger in the city:
As my eldest son Philip, who lately graduated,2 will pass through Providence on his way to Boston, I give him this line barely to introduce him to you; since the time I have prescribed for his return will not permit the stay of more than a day at Providence.
Benjamin Rush described Philip’s visit on his own to Philadelphia in glowing terms, though he did write about the trip after Philip’s death, which likely effected the tone. Even so, Rush tended to fall more on the Jeffersonian side of politics, so I tend to find his kind words to Hamilton significant. Rush wrote to Hamilton on 26 November 1801:
[Y]our Son had made himself very dear to my family during his late visit to Philadelphia, by the most engaging deportment. His visits to us were daily, and after each of them he left us with fresh impressions of the correctness of his understanding and manners, and of the goodness of his disposition. To One of my Children he has endeared himself by an Act of friendship & benevolence that did great honor to his heart, and will be rememb[e]red with gratitude by Mrs. Rush, and myself as long as we live. My Son has preserved a record of it in an elegant and friendly letter which he received from him After his return to New York.
Yet, Philip also showed some irresponsiblity on that same trip to Philadelphia. In January 1802 (two months after Philip’s death), Hamilton received a letter from Charles W. Hare stating: “I have paid 20 Dlls 67 to the keeper of the city tavern on account of your son’s bill and have taken a receipt in full. I enquired for other bills, but could not find any, and I believe he owed nothing more.” Philip had therefore left the city with an unpaid tavern bill that Hamilton had to settle after his death.
Hamilton was very proud and doting on Philip, as was the rest of the family. Philip Schuyler expressed his pride and hopes for his grandson after his graduation: “I rejoice My Dear Son that My Philip8 has Acquited himself so well, and hope that his future progress may correspond with Your & My wishes.” Even when Philip was being willful, Hamilton expressed more fond exasperation than real frustration. On 25 October 1801, a month before the duel with Eacker, Hamilton wrote to Eliza that he hadn’t heard from Philip in a while, though his tone is distinctly teasing: “I am anxious to hear from Philip.3 Naughty young man.”
Philip was young, handsome, and smart, but also rebellious and willful. Eventually, I think he would have grown up to be brilliant and responsible had he had the chance. Unfortunately, the culture of honor combined with Philip’s rebellious teenage years proved fatal. Thomas Fleming described the duel with Eacker in his book “Duel: Alexander Hamilton, Aaron Burr, and the Future of America,”:
Philip and his friend Richard Price had invaded Eacker’s box at the Park Theater and taunted him about a speech he had made on July 4, 1801. Eacker had hailed President Thomas Jefferson as the rescuer of the Constitution and implied that General Hamilton was not averse to seizing power with a coup d’etat. Philip’s hooliganish conduct suggest he and friend Price were drunk. Realistic Robert Troup, belying his fond parents’ view of Philip’s talents and promise, described him as a ‘sad rake.’ (p.7)
Robert Troup may have been more realistic about Philip, but even he granted that Philip had promise. In a letter to Rufus King dated 5 December 1801, Troup wrote: “Young Hamilton was very promising in genius and acquirements, and Hamilton formed high expectations of his future greatness!“ Though Philip was going through a rough patch of teenage rebellion, finding his way with high expectations and strict parenting, he was also beloved by family, friends, and acquaintances and showed great promise for the future.
