1From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [November 1798] (Hamilton Papers)
I am vexed My Dear Betsey that the blunder of a servant prevented the inclosed from going by the Post of yesterday. I am well aware how much in my absence your affectionate and anxious heart needs the consolation of frequently hearing from me; and there is no consolation which I am not very much disposed to administer to it. It deserves every thing from me. I am much more in debt to you than I...
2From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, 14 October 1803 (Hamilton Papers)
I arrived here this day, in about as good health as I left home though somewhat fatigued. There are some things necessary to be done which I omitted mentioning to you. I wish the Carpenters to make and insert two Chimnies for ventilating the Ice-House, each about two feet Square & four feet long half above and half below the ground—to have a cap on the top sloping downwards so that the rain...
3From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [28–31 July 1784] (Hamilton Papers)
I arrived here My beloved Betsey the fifth day after we set out, the three first days with every favourable circumstance but the two last through very bad weather. I am however as well as I can be absent from you and my darling boy —nor was I ever more impatient to be at home. I can have little pleasure elsewhere. I hope and persuade myself My Betsey is not less desirous for my return....
4From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [21 June 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
I thank you My beloved for your letter by the Post. I have time only to tell you that I am well and to request to be remembered to your sister & to Mrs. Mitchell Adieu My beloved. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Letter not found. Ann Venton Mitchell, H’s cousin, had been known to him during his boyhood on St. Croix in the West Indies.
5From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, 22 August 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
In my last letter My Dearest Angel I informed you that there was a greater prospect of activity now than there had been heretofore. I did this to prepare your mind for an event which I am sure will give you pain. I begged your father at the same time to intimate to you by degrees the probability of its taking place. I used this method to prevent a surprise which might be too severe to you. A...
6From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, 5 September 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Head of Elk, Maryland, September 5, 1781. On September 6, 1781, Hamilton wrote to Elizabeth Hamilton : “Yesterday … I wrote to you … to the care of Mr. Morris.” Letter not found. ]
7From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, 20 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I yesterday informed my beloved of my arrival here. A very good night’s rest has put me in as pleasant a state as I can be when absent from my dear and excellent Eliza. But the pressure of my engagements obliges me to confine myself to the information that I am in good health; which I am glad to know is of more importance than any thing else I could say. Kiss all my Children for me. Adieu My...
8From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [9 March 1801] (Hamilton Papers)
Yesterday, My beloved Eliza, I wrote you by water to the care of a Capt Boyed. I in that letter informed you of my painful detention here by the slow progress of the Court and of my extreme anxiety to be with you. Your Sister Peggy had a better night last night than for three weeks past and is much easier this morning. Yet her situation is such as only to authorise a glimmering of hope. Adieu...
9From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [12 August 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
You cannot imagine My beloved Betsey how much I am afflicted at learning by your letter of the 6th instant, that you had not received one from me. It is wholly inconceivable. I wrote you from New York before my departure from that place which was the Sunday after you left it, and sent the letter to the Post Office by Charles. I write by this opportunity to him to Endeavour to trace it. On my...
10From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [2–3 December 1798] (Hamilton Papers)
I had hoped my very Dear Betsey that I should have had no occasion to write you again from this place—but our business unavoidably spins out the time beyond our calculation. It however now certainly draws to a close, and it is hardly possible that I should not be able to leave Philadelphia on Thursday. I ardently and anxiously wish to do it. Be assured of this, and exert your patience. Take...
11From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [27 October 1803] (Hamilton Papers)
It is with great pleasure, I am able to inform my beloved Eliza that I continue to progress in convalescence; so that I propose to go to day from your Uncles where I have been to claverack where the Arbitrators are. But I do not mean to take any other part than that of Chamber Counsel in the business, till I am quite strong, for it will be my careful endeavour not to hazard another relapse. I...
12From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [17 August 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
I wrote you two or three times last week. But since my last I have received another letter from you which does not remove my anxiety. The state of our dear sick angel continues too precarious. My heart trembles whenever I open a letter from you—The experiment of the Pink root alarms me but I continue to place my hope in Heaven. You press to return to me. I will not continue to dissuade you. Do...
13From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, 6 September 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
Yesterday, my lovely wife, I wrote to you, inclosing you a letter in one to your father, to the care of Mr. Morris. To-morrow the post sets out, and to-morrow we embark for Yorktown. I cannot refuse myself the pleasure of writing you a few lines. Constantly uppermost in my thoughts and affections, I am happy only when my moments are devoted to some office that respects you. I would give the...
14From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, 17 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I am thus far, My Dear Eliza, on my way to New York. But I am under a necessity of viewing the ground for Winter Quarters to day—which will prevent my being with you before tomorrow. Then please God I shall certainly embrace you & my Dear John. A thousand blessings upon you Yrs. Ever ALS , the Reverend Alexander van Cortlandt Hamilton, Norwalk, Connecticut. H was returning to New York after...
15From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, 10 November 179[8] (Hamilton Papers)
I wrote to you, My Eliza, from Trenton. Yesterday afternoon I arrived at this place. I have yielded to the pressing solicitations of Mr. Wolcott to take up my abode at his house, which you know is at the corner of Spruce and Fourth Streets. Mrs Wolcott is in better health than she was but is still very thin and feeble. Without much more care than the thing is worth, her stay in this...
16From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [10 December 1798] (Hamilton Papers)
I expected with certainty my beloved Betsey to have left this place to day. Our business has consumed more time than was necessary. But that is not my fault. I cannot make every body else as rapid as myself. This you know by experience. Tis a consolation however that we cannot be detained much longer. It is difficult for Sloth itself to spin it out beyond this day & I shall fly to you the...
17From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, 8 August 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
I just take up my pen My Dear Eliza to assure you of all our health & of our continual & fervent prayers for you & those with you. Your last letter and one from Doctor Stringer have been received. The latter gave me hopes; though I shall tremble as often as I open a letter from Albany till My Darling boys situation has become more decided. God of his infinite mercy grant that he may be...
18From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [8 September 1786] (Hamilton Papers)
I wrote to you My beloved Betsey at Philadelphia; but through mistake brought off the letter with me; which I did not discover till my arrival here. I was not very well on the first part of the journey; but my health has been improved by travelling and is now as good as I could wish. Happy, however I cannot be, absent from you and my darling little ones. I feel that nothing can ever compensate...
19From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, October [1803] (Hamilton Papers)
This morning my b⟨e⟩loved Eliza I leave Albany for C⟨lav⟩erack, my health greatly mended ⟨a⟩nd I hope to make but a short stay there. My plan is to go to Poughkepsie and there embark. I shall be glad to find that my dear little Philip is weaned, if circumstances have rendered it prudent. It is of importance to me to rest quietly in your bosom. Adieu my beloved. Kiss all the Children for me....
20From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, 22 July 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
I wrote you my beloved Betsey by the last post, which I hope will not meet with the fate that many others of my letters must have met with. I count upon setting out to see you in four days; but I have been so frequently disappointed by unforeseen events, that I shall not be without apprehensions of being detained, ’till I have begun my journey. The members of Congress are very pressing with me...
21From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, 9 August 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Poughkeepsie, New York, August 9, 1798. On August 9, 1798, Hamilton wrote to his wife : “I have just written you by the Post.” Letter not found. ]
22From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [5 June 1798] (Hamilton Papers)
I wrote to you, My beloved Eliza, by the Monday’s Post. You will be glad to hear that your dear boys & myself continue in good health & that they thus far behave well. I hope they will continue to do so—for in our mutual love & in them consist all our happiness. I trust you are by this time arrived & shall impatiently look out for a letter from you. Our public affairs continue to march in a...
23From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [12 October 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
I wrote you two days since My Dear Betsey, but as I am informed by one of the Gentlemen at Head Quarters that there is an opportunity for Philadelphia, I embrace it with that pleasure which I always feel in communicating with you. You complain of me my love, for not writing to you more frequently, but have I not greater reason to complain of you? Since I left Kings ferry, I have received three...
24From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [11 November 1798] (Hamilton Papers)
I have not yet received a line from you since my departure. It is a consolation which my heart needs & which I hope not to be long without. As yet it is uncertain when I shall be able to return though I dare not now hope that it will be less than a fortnight from this time. The delay will be to me irksome. I discover more and more that I am spoiled for a military man. My health and comfort...
25From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [18 October 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the 3d. of September my angel never reached me till to day. My uneasiness at not hearing from you is abated by the sweet prospect of soon taking you in my arms. Your father will tell you the news. Tomorrow Cornwallis and his army are ours. In two days after I shall in all probability set out for Albany, and I hope to embrace you in three weeks from this time. Conceive my love by...
26From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, 17 March 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Chester, New York, March 17, 1785. Hamilton wrote to Elizabeth Hamilton : “I have just written to you My beloved by the person who will probably be the bearer of this.” Letter not found. ]
27From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, 9 August 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I came to this place my beloved Betsy a day or two since to meet some Gentlemen from New York on business. Since you left me I have received but one letter from you, which informed me of the indisposition of My Dear James and left me in no small anxiety on his account. I hope on my return to Philadelphia I shall find a letter from you & Heaven Grant that it may assure me of your being all...
28From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [18 December 1782] (Hamilton Papers)
I thank you my beloved for your precious letter by the post. It is full of that tender love which I hope will characterise us both to our latest hour. For my own part I may say, there never was a husband who could vie with yours in fidelity and affection. I begin to be insupportably anxious to see you again. I hope this pleasure may not be long delayed. I wish you to take advantage of the...
29From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [23 September 1801] (Hamilton Papers)
I am vexed and chagrined, My beloved Eliza, that I cannot come out to day as I intended. I had requested a Meeting of the Manumission Society for this forenoon; but for some reason unknown to me, it is called for this Evening seven oClock. I cannot of course help attending and I have little hope that it will break up in time to make the journey this Evening. To indemnify myself, in some sort,...
30From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [4 September 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
I hoped with the strongest assurance to have met you at Eliz Town; but this change of weather has brought upon me an attack of the complaint in my kindneys, to which you know I have been sometimes subject in the fall. So that I could not with safety commit myself to so rude a vehicle as the stage for so long a journey. I have therefo⟨re⟩ prevailed upon Mr. Meyer to go to Elizabet⟨h⟩ Town to...
31From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [8 June 1798] (Hamilton Papers)
This is the third time I have written to my love since her departure. I continue to enjoy good health and my spirits are as good as they can be in her absence. But I find as I grow older her presence becomes more necessary to me. In proportion as I discover the worthlessness of other pursuits, the value of my Eliza and of domestic happiness rises in my estimation. Angelica & her family are all...
32From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, 12 August 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
I wrote to you my beloved Eliza by the post of to day. My heart cannot cease to ach till I hear some more favourable account from you. I sit down to write such further thoughts as have occurred. If my darling child is better when this reaches you persevere in the plan which has made him so. If he is worse—abandon the laudanum & try the cold bath—that is abandon the laudanum by degrees giving...
33From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [19] November 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
I am always very happy My Dear Eliza when I can steal a few moments to sit down and write to you. You are my good genius; of that kind which the ancient Philosophers called a familiar; and you know very well that I am glad to be in every way as familiar as possible with you. I have formed a sweet project, of which I will make you my confident when I come to New York, and in which I rely that...
34From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [10 August 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
This day, my beloved, on my return from Brunswick I received your precious letters of the 31 of July & 3d. of August. I was surprised to find you had received none from me; as without recollecting dates, I think one, which I wrote you, before my departure from New York, ought to have got to hand previous to your last. You will easily imagine how much pleasure it gives me to learn that my Dear...
35From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [28 May 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
I am miserable My beloved angel that I cannot yet come to you; but this abominable business still detains us & will do it for some days. I would willingly endure the fatigue of a journey to visit you, if it were but for a minute; but such is my situation and the expectation of those for whom I act, that I cannot get away for an hour. It cannot however much longer keep me from my beloved; and...
36From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [23 April 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
Lest my Dear Eliza any circumstance should have prevented your departure before this reaches you, I conclude to drop you a line to tell you your Father is considerably better at the same time considering the delicate state of his health generally I am very desirous you should come up as he is. Yrs. Most Affec ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. For background to this letter, see H to...
37From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [2 October 1801] (Hamilton Papers)
I was extremely disappointed, My Dear Eliza, that the Mondays post did not bring me a letter from you. You used to keep your promises better. And you know that I should be anxious to hear of your health. If the succeeding post does not rectify the omission of the former I shall be dissatisfied and pained. I am chagrined at the prospect of being detained considerably longer than I expected. Our...
38From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, 31 July 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
I arrived here, My beloved Eliza, yesterday, too late to write by the Post—but am happy to be able to inform you that the precious little ones we left behind are well. As there is a vacation at this time, I propose sending the two youngest to Mrs. Morris’s who has requested it, or to Mrs. Bradford’s —I have not intirely determined which. I shall expect with infinite anxiety a letter from you &...
39From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, 8 June 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I am just arrived my Dear Eliza at this place in good health and after breakfasting shall proceed on my journey. If I could be assured that your spirits were better and the health of yourself and Children good, I should enjoy much satisfaction from the agreeableness of the ride. The Country is truly charming. I remark as I go along every thing that can be adopted for the embellishment of our...
40From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, 2 August 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
I have had the happiness to receive one letter from my beloved Eliza and I need not tell her how much consolation was given to me by whatever was flattering in the situation of my darling Johnny nor how much alarm I felt at the unfavourable change which happened on the day she wrote. Alas my Charmer great are my fears—poignant my distress. I feel every day more & more how dear this Child is to...
41From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [13 July 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
I have received my angel two letters from you since my arrival in Camp with a packet of papers, and I have written to you twice since I saw you. I acquainted you with the assurances that had been given me with respect to command, and bad you dismiss all apprehensions for my safety on account of the little prospect of activity. With no object of sufficient importance to occupy my attention here...
42From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [11 September 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
The Albany post is arrived and not a line from my dear Betsey; though I have reason to believe she must have arrived before the departure of the Post. This is a disappointment to me, as I was anxious to learn how she & my Children got up & how they were. I wrote you a day or two since by a Vessel & shall write you again by the Wednesday’s post when I will tell you decidedly whether I can come...
43From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [1803] (Hamilton Papers)
I arrived here, my beloved, about five this afternoon. According to my first day’s journey, I ought now to be much further advanced. But some how Riddle sprained the ancle of one of his hind legs, which very much retarded my progress to day. By care and indulgence, he is much better this Evening; so that I count upon being able to reach Albany with him early on Wednesday morning. I have...
44From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, 15 September 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
You do not hope in vain My very Dear love that I am tired of living alone. I was so the very hour after you left me. But I am not sure for all this that it will be possible for me to come to you. Though Mr. Eveleigh is here his health is such as to confine him wholly to his room and disqualify him intirely for business. Besides this, I am the only one of the Administration now here, and, for...
45From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [1 March 1798] (Hamilton Papers)
This, My beloved Eliza, is the third letter I have written to you since I left—but I am still without a line from you. I hope the Post of today will bring me one, or I shall be uneasy. We are getting on in our cause so that I expect to leave this place on Sunday or Monday. Your father is better again. All the rest of your family are well. They speak of you with tenderness and this you know...
46From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [10 July 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
The day before yesterday, my angel, I arrived here, but for the want of an opportunity could not write you sooner. Indeed, I know of none now, but shall send this to the Quarter Master General to be forwarded by the first conveyance to the care of Col. Hughes. Finding when I came here that nothing was said on the subject of a command, I wrote the General a letter and enclosed him my...
47From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [25 October 1801] (Hamilton Papers)
I was much relieved, My Dear Eliza by the receipt yesterday morning of your letter of Monday last. How it came to be so long delayed, I am unable to conjecture. But the delay gave much uneasiness in consequence of the imperfect state of health in which I had left you. Thank God you were better—for indeed my Eliza you are very essential to me. Your virtues more and more endear you to me and...
48From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, 26 January [1800] (Hamilton Papers)
I was quite disappointed and pained, My Dear Eliza, when I found, that the Post of Saturday had brought me no letter from you; especially as I was very anxious to hear of the health of my little Betsey. But I was consoled in the Evening by your affectionate letter of which Mr. Leguen was the bearer. It is absolutely necessary to me when absent to hear frequently of you and my dear Children....
49From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, 18 November 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
I am just arrived My Love at this place and shall cross Kings ferry tomorrow. I am much pleased with the horses; they are both free and gentle; and I think you will learn to have confidence in them. I am perfectly well, and as happy as I can be when absent from you. Remember your promise; don’t fail to write me by every post. I shall be miserable if I do not hear once a week from you and my...
50From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [12 September 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
I am arrived here My Dear Eliza in good health but very anxious about my Dear Philip. I pray heaven to restore him and in every event to support you. If his fever should appear likely to prove obstinate, urge the Physician to consider well the propriety of trying the cold bath—I expect it will, if it continues assume a nervous type and in this case I believe the cold bath will be the most...