To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 2 February 1795
From George Washington
Philadelphia Feby. 2d. 1795
Dear Sir,
After so long an experience of your public services, I am naturally led, at this moment of your departure from office1—which it has always been my wish to prevent—to review them.
In every relation, which you have borne to me, I have found that my confidence in your talents, exertions and integrity, has been well placed. I the more freely render this testimony of my approbation, because I speak from opportunities of information wch cannot deceive me, and which furnish satisfactory proof of your title to public regard.
My most earnest wishes for your happiness will attend you in your retirement, and you may assure yourself of the sincere esteem, regard and friendship of
Dear Sir Your affectionate
Go: Washington
Alexr. Hamilton Esqr.
ALS, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
1. On December 1, 1794, H had written to Washington stating that he planned to resign as Secretary of the Treasury, and on January 31, 1795, he sent his formal letter of resignation to the President.
On February 2, 1795, Washington nominated Oliver Wolcott, Jr., to be Secretary of the Treasury; the Senate agreed to the appointment on the following day (
, 170–71). On February 4, 1795, Wolcott wrote to Washington accepting the appointment (LC, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress). Wolcott’s letter of February 4 is printed in , I, 179.