Alexander Hamilton Papers
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To Alexander Hamilton from James Duane, 5 May 1782

From James Duane

Man. Liv.1 [New York] 5 May 1782

Dear Sir

I am much pleased to find that you have set yourself Seriously to the Study of the Law. You are welcome to the use of any of my books of which you will inform Mr Lansing. I know that I can depend upon your care of them.2

Whether I shall see Albany, or Philadelphia first remains undecided tho’ I feel myself oblig’d by your friendly wishes to see me.3 A seperation from my Family is extremely irksome. If I submit to it for the next Six months it will be with much more Reluctance than I shoud find in returning to private Life & the ⟨Intrigues⟩ of my profession.

Present my respectful Compliments to the General & every branch of the Family, and believe that I am with great Regard    Dr Sir Your affec & Obed Serv

Jas Duane

Colonel Hamilton

ALS, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.

1Manor Livingston. In 1759, Duane married Mary Livingston, daughter of Robert Livingston, “third lord” of Livingston Manor. Duane was staying at his father-in-law’s home at this time.

2After his return to Albany in the fall of 1781, H began his studies in preparation for the bar. John Lansing, Jr., later mayor of Albany and chancellor of the state, was practicing law in Albany at this time.

3Duane, a delegate from New York to the Continental Congress, had left Philadelphia in October, 1781. He returned in June, 1782.

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