George Washington Papers
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https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/05-14-02-0007

From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 2 September 1793

To Alexander Hamilton

Monday Morning 2d Sepr [1793]

Dear Sir,

Interwoven in the enclosed Address, are Sentiments as difficult to answer, as it would seem odd to pass by unnoticed—believing, as I do, that they are the sentiments of a large part of the people of this Country.1

I would thank you for making such alterations in the expression of the draft of an answer (enclosed) as in your judgment will make it palatable on all sides, or unexceptionable. The bearer will wait, as I wish to return the answer by the Mail of to day.2 Yours always

Go: Washington

No matter how rough the answer comes to me, so it can be read.

ALS, DLC: Hamilton Papers.

1GW is referring to the address in support of his Neutrality Proclamation from the citizens of New London, Conn., 22 Aug. 1793. The “difficult to answer” sentiments in that address were probably those related to the citizens’ statement of “partiality for the French.”

2GW sent his reply to the citizens of New London, Conn., on this date. Neither the draft of that response nor any reply by Hamilton to this letter has been found.

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