51From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [19 July 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
The affair, My Dearest Eliza, upon which I came here has come to a close. But unavoidable delays in bringing it to this point & the necessity of communicating the result must very much against my will keep me here till the departure of the mail stage tomorrow, which will restore me to my Betsey on the day following. I need not tell her how very happy I shall be to return to her embrace and to...
52From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [21 July 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
My avocation here my darling Eliza must detain me beyond the departure of the Mail stage but I expect certainly to leave town in the stage of tomorrow morning and still expect to reach New York tomorrow. Love to Angelica & Church. I shall return full freighted with it for My dear Brunettes Adieu ALS , Columbia University Libraries. See H to Elizabeth Hamilton, July 19, 1797 .
53From 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...
54From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [18–19 September 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
I have received only one letter from my beloved Eliza since I left the city. I am very anxious to hear further and especially to know that my beloved Philip is recovered. My health continues pretty good—but I am excessively engaged with our cause. I impatiently wish it at an end that I may return to the fond bosom of my Eliza. If our Dear Angelica is returned remember me affectionately to her....
55From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [1798] (Hamilton Papers)
[ 1798 ]. “I am almost ready to abandon every thing & fly to you—But I am so entangled with war & law that it is impossible.” Copy, Columbia University Libraries.
56From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [14 January 1798] (Hamilton Papers)
This moment my Dear Eliza, we descended from the carriage—after a journey, so far, much more comfortable than we could possibly have anticipated. It makes me repent that we had not pursued our original plan. But we must console ourselves with the hope of a speedy reunion which you may be assured I do every thing in my power to accelerate—For I give up too much of my happiness by my absence not...
57From 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...
58From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, 3 June 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
I have been extremely uneasy, My beloved Eliza, at the state of health and state of mind in which you left me. I earnestly hope that there has been a change of both for the better. Let me entreat you as you value my happiness to tranquillize yourself and to take care of yourself. You are infinitely dear to me. You are of the utmost consequence to our precious Children. You have every motive to...
59From 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...
60From 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...
61From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, 22 June 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
I believe my beloved that I omitted to write by the last Post thinking it would not find you at Albany; but as it seems possible from what Mr. Schuyler tells me that your stay may be prolonged I write this to say to my darling that I begin to [be] very anxious for her return & hope it will be accelerated. I was very glad to receive a favourable account of her health & spirits. AL [S], Hamilton...
62From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, 9 July 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
I arrived here, My Dear Betsey, on Saturday in good health & not much fatigued. But I was immediately surrounded by a number of persons who engaged me till the hour of the Post had past by; so that I did not write as I intended. I cannot lose the opportunity of today; though I intend certainly to leave this place tomorrow in the Mail stage which arrives on Wednesday Morning. Mean time I...
63From 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. ]
64From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, 9 August 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
I have just written you by the Post. This will be brought by Robert, who from the heat of the sun has become sick & is to be left here to return by the first Vessel. Fearing the same effect upon me (for the heat is excessive) I have resolved to moderate my movements, which will unavoidably occasion delay. But my Betsey will prefer my staying somewhat longer to my seriously risking my health....
65From 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...
66From 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...
67From 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...
68From 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...
69From 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...
70From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [6 December 1798] (Hamilton Papers)
I had strongly hoped My very Dear Betsey that our business would have ended this day & that tomorrow I should have begun my journey for New York but to my infinite chagrin I am obliged to submit to a further delay. It does not appear that we can now count upon leaving this place before Monday Morning. Then we rely that there will be no remaining obstacle & I shall fly to your bosom. Forgive...
71From 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...
72From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, 19 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, April 19, 1799. On April 20, 1799, Hamilton wrote to Elizabeth Hamilton : “I yesterday informed my beloved of my arrival here.” Letter not found. ]
73From 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...
74From 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...
75From 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....
76From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, 30 January [1800] (Hamilton Papers)
You will easily imagine, My Dear Eliza, how much I have been relieved by the Post of today. My darling infant is then recovered. Happy news and very contrary to my apprehensions! Let us unite in thanks to that kind being who has thus far protected our little family and ourselves and let us endeavour as far as in us lies to merit a continuance of his favour. You do not mention the receipt of...
77From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, 5 February 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Tomorrow, My Dear Eliza, your Fathers slay leaves this place for New York. I drop you a line to tell you that I am well and that today the hear⟨ing⟩ of LeGuen’s cause began. I fear prepossessions are strongly against ⟨us⟩. But we must try to overco⟨me⟩ them. At any rate we shall soon get to the end of our journey; and if I should lose my cause I must console myself with finding my friends....
78From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [10 February 1800] (Hamilton Papers)
The lapse of two days more, my beloved Eliza, has happily diminished the term of my absence from you. It is the most pleasing reflection I can now make. My heart looks forward with delicious anticipation to the period of our reunion. Capt. Church arrived last night. This gives great pleasure to the ladies who wanted a beau . They persist in saying that they will leave this place with me on...
79From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, 22 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Plainfield, New Jersey, May 22, 1800. On May 24, 1800, Hamilton wrote to Elizabeth Hamilton: “I wrote to you the day before yesterday.” Letter not found. ]
80From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, 24 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I wrote to you the day before yesterday, my dear Eliza, by Lieutenant Smith. Capt Church 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...
81From 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...
82From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, 21 June 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I am here, my beloved, & tomorrow shall leave it for Boston where I hope to arrive on Monday Evening. The next morning I intend to proceed for Providence & New Port where I shall take passage by water for New York. If I am fortunate in the passage I may hope to embrace you in Eight days from this time. Most tenderly yrs. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. For H’s itinerary on his trip...
83From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [1801] (Hamilton Papers)
I am just arrived here after a very comfortable journey. Our intention is to reach Albany on Wednesday morning, from which place I shall immediately write to you. I am less and less pleased with the prospect of so long a separation from my beloved family & you may depend shall shorten it as much as possible. Dumphey had planted the Tulip Trees in a row along the outer fence of the Garden in...
84From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [18 January 1801] (Hamilton Papers)
I intended to have reached Croton this Evening and would have done it without difficulty had not a very violent shower of Rain obliged me to stop at this place. If the storm subsides I hope to be at Albany on Wednesday. The roads are too bad for you to venture this part of the road in your carriage if you can possibly avoid it. The plan of going to Poughkepsie is best. Dont forget to visit the...
85From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, 20 February [1801] (Hamilton Papers)
We have reached this place for the night, after a very tolerable journey. I am in much better health than Spirits. The swiss-malady grows upon me very fast—in other words I am more and more homesick. This added to some other circumstances that do not give me pleasure at the present moment makes me rather heavy hearted. But we must make the best of those ills which cannot be avoided. The...
86From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, 21 February 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Albany, February 21, 1801. “I wrote to you my beloved from Poughkeepsie by post yesterday immediately on my arrival by Mr. Ephraim Hart of the tribe of Benjamin or Judah.… Mr. Burr, as a proof of his conversion to Federalism, has within a fortnight taken a very active and officious part against Renssalaer in favour of Clinton. Tell this to Mr. Church. And let me tell you what is of much more...
87From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, 25 February 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
Your Sister Peggy has gradually grown worse & is now in a situation that her dissolution in the opinion of the Doctor is not likely to be long delayed. The Lt Governor sends the bearer to bring home his Child. I have not time to add more. Adieu My Eliza ALS , Mr. Andrew Joyner, Greensboro, North Carolina. H was in Albany attending the New York Court of Errors. See H to Elizabeth Hamilton,...
88From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, 8 March 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Albany, March 8, 1801. On March 9, 1801 , Hamilton wrote to his wife: “Yesterday, My beloved Eliza, I wrote you.” Letter not found. ]
89From 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...
90From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, 10 March [1801] (Hamilton Papers)
The Senate has refused on account of the interference with other business to hear any more causes this session; so that were it not for the situation of your Sister Peggy, her request that I would stay a few days longer and the like request of your father and mother, I could now return to you. But how can I resist these motives for continuing a while longer? Things must change this week but at...
91From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [16 March 1801] (Hamilton Papers)
On Saturday, My Dear Eliza, your sister took leave of her sufferings and friends, I trust, to find repose and happiness in a better country. Viewing all that she had endured for so long a time, I could not but feel a relief in the termination of the scene. She was sensible to the last and resigned to the important change. Your father and mother are now calm. All is as well as it can be; except...
92From 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,...
93From 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...
94From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, 4 October 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
This morning, My beloved Eliza, I arrived here to pay a visit to your father, in the interval of the postponement of our causes, as I mentioned in a letter which I wrote you on Friday from Claverack. Your father’s wound is much better and your mother in good health. Your sisters are both on a visit to Rensselaer; but expected back to day or tomorrow. In the morning I return to Claverack. I am...
95From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [17–18 October 1801] (Hamilton Papers)
I have reached this place, my dear Eliza, after a very pensive ride, and not a little pain at the State in which I left you. I trust you will exert yourself to vanquish it & will only look forward to our reunion which I shall try to make as speedy as possible. While I [am] about I shall think certainly of you and my dear children and with the tenderest sentiments. Adieu best of women Yrs....
96From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, 21 October 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
I wrote to my beloved from Rhinebeck . Yesterday Evening I arrived here and found your family generally well. Your father’s leg is not quite cured but it continues in a good way & Stringer promises that it will soon be perfectly sound. I have not, myself, been in better health for a great while, and all I want to complete my happiness is that your health should be restored. Pray take care of...
97From 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...
98From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, 16 October [1802] (Hamilton Papers)
I have just arrived here and shall stay till tomorrow. It has always appeared to me that the ground on which our Orchard stands is much too moist. To cure this a ditch round it would be useful, perhaps with a sunken fence as a guard. But this last may be considered at a future time. If you can obtain one or two more labourers, it may be adviseable to cut a ditch round the Orchard—three feet...
99From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [18 October 1802] (Hamilton Papers)
I am thus far on my journey in good health. Tomorrow by eleven oClock I hope to reach Albany. This is the third letter I have written to you since we parted. I passed last night at Doctor Bards. The young couple seemed as usual in the like circumstances happy, and the rest of the company were in good spirits. Betsey Church talked of paying a visit to day to her uncle Philip. My former letters...
100From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [27 October 1802] (Hamilton Papers)
I was made happy My beloved Eliza by the receipt of two letters from you which gave me the delightful intelligence that you & my dear Children were well. I shall be glad to come and receive the assurance in person. This moment I came from Court & I fear I shall not be disengaged from it before Saturday. Judge of my impatience by your own. Adieu My darling Eliza I am quite well ALS , Hamilton...