From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 29 October 1795
To Alexander Hamilton
Philadelphia 29th Oct. 1795.
My dear Sir,
Two or three days ago I wrote you a few lines in haste, and promised one more lengthy when I was more at leisure.1 for this purpose I am now seated.
The letters from young Fayette and Mr Frestal; my letter to Mr Cabot; and his answer (all of which are herewith enclosed for your perusal—mine in the rough state it was first drawn—and to be returned when read) will give you a full view of what I have already done in this affair, up to the present moment.2 I have, unavailingly, owing to accidents, been endeavouring through indirect means, to learn Mr Adets sentiments relative to the coming over of this young gentleman—But if you, after the information now given; and the reiterated assurance of what I have expressed in my letter to Mr Cabot,3 and which I authorise you to repeat to him again, in the very strongest terms you can conceive, should be of opinion that I ought to go further at this time, I will do so at all events: for to be in the place of a father and friend to him I am resolved, under any circumstances. If therefore, as I have just said, you should think that good would come from it, or even consolation flow therefrom to young Fayette and his Tutor; I pray you to send them hither incog., without delay, that some plan may be fixed upon: in settling of which, I pray you to give me your ideas of that which shall appear most eligable either by them, or previous to their arrival here.
Other matters which I have to communicate, shall become the subject of another letter. I am ever—and affectionately Yours
Go: Washington
ALS, DLC: Alexander Hamilton Papers.
1. GW’s earlier letter has not been found.
2. See George Washington Motier Lafayette to GW, 31 Aug.; Felix Frestel to GW, 31 Aug.; GW to George Cabot, 7 Sept.; and Cabot to GW, 16 September.
3. GW wrote in his letter to Cabot that “To express all the sensibility wch has been excited in my breast by the receipt of young Fayettes letter—from the recollection of his fathers merits, services and sufferings—from my friendship for him—and from my wishes to become a friend & father to his Son; are unnecessary. Let me in a few words, declare that I will be his friend; but the manner of becomg so considering the obnoxious light in which his father is viewed by the French government, and my own situation, as the Executive of the U. States, requires more time to consider in all its relations.”