Alexander Hamilton Papers
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To Alexander Hamilton from Morgan Lewis, 24 June 1789

From Morgan Lewis1

Rhinebeck [New York] 24th. June 89

Dear sir.

I am informed the Inhabitants of New York have it in Contemplation to make Mr King one of our Senators.2 Under this Persuasion I have thrown it out in Conversation to several of the Country Members & have found it very generally disapproved of, so much so, that I am satisfied it cannot at present be accomplished. I am afraid, too, it would interfere with the Appointment of Genl. Schuyler,3 in this Way. Many Persons think we are bound to support Judge Yates, in Order to convince the public, that our only Object in pushing him for the Government, was not merely the removal of Mr. Clinton.4 This may operate with many as a Reason for supporting the Judge against the General. How will it answer to try the old Chief for the Southern District.5 This I imagine will give pretty general Satisfaction. The old Gentleman will be provided for, and Judge Yates satisfied with stepping into the Chief Justice’s Chair. Give me your Sentiments upon this subject, and also upon the Mode most proper to be adopted in the Appointment of Senators.

Mrs. L Joins in comps. to Mrs. H. with   Dr sir   Your Friend & hume Servt

Morn. Lewis

ALS, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.

1Lewis was a candidate for the New York Assembly in the election of 1789.

2Since the thirteenth session of the New York legislature had failed to agree on the method of electing United States Senators, New York was at this time unrepresented in the Senate.

Rufus King had recently moved from Massachusetts to New York.

3Philip Schuyler.

4Governor George Clinton had defeated Robert Yates by 429 votes in the recent New York gubernatorial election.

5Presumably Richard Morris, chief justice of the New York Supreme Court.

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