From Alexander Hamilton to Henry Lee, [1 December 1789]
To Henry Lee
[New York, December 1, 1789]
My Dear Friend
I have just received your letter of the 16th instant.1
I am sure you are sincere when you say, you would not subject me to an impropriety. Nor do I know that there would be any in my answering your queries. But you remember the saying with regard to Caesar’s Wife. I think the spirit of it applicable to every man concerned in the administration of the finances of a Country. With respect to the Conduct of such men—Suspicion is ever eagle eyed, And the most innocent things are apt to be misinterpreted.
Be assured of the affection & friendship of Yr.
A Hamilton
H Lee Esqr
ALS, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress; copy, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
1. H inadvertently wrote “instant” rather than “ultimo.” See Lee to H, November 16, 1789.