From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, 24 May 1800
To Elizabeth Hamilton
[Scotch Plains, New Jersey]
Camp 24th May 1800
I wrote to you the day before yesterday,1 my dear Eliza, by Lieutenant Smith.2 Capt Church3 informs me he is going to send his servant. I embrace the opportunity of repeating my request for a pair of white Casimer breeches—if not already forwarded by Lt Smith.
My health continues good and I am under a necessity of playing the game of good spirits—but separated from those I love, it is a most artificial game—and at the bottom of my soul there is a more than usual gloom.
I shall, please God, certainly return at the time prefixed!
God bless you & my beloved Children. Yrs. ever
AH
Send me another half pound of Tea.
Mrs. Hamilton
ALS, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
1. Letter not found.
2. There were three “Lieutenant Smiths” in the Union Brigade stationed at Scotch Plains, New Jersey: James Smith, Jr., and Nathaniel Smith, both of the Twelfth Regiment of Infantry, and Walter Smith of the Thirteenth Regiment of Infantry.
3. Philip Church.