From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [16–17] March 1803
To Elizabeth Hamilton1
[New York] March [16–17]2 1803
I thank you My Betsy for your letter from Fish Kill.3 I hope the subsequent part of your journey has proved less fatiguing than the two first days.
I have anticipated with dread your interview with your father. I hope your prudence and fortitude have been a match for your sensibility. Remember that the main object of visit is to console him; that his own burthen is sufficient, and that it would be too much to have it increased by the sorrows of his Children.
Arm yourself with resignation. We live in a world full of evil. In the later period of life misfortunes seem to thicken round us; and our duty and our peace both require that we should accustom ourselves to meet disasters with christian fortitude.
Kiss Kitty4 for me & give my love to Angelica,5 & all the friends & connections round you.
Adieu My excellent wife.
A H
Your Children are all well. I write your father by this oppy.6
ALS, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
1. For background to this letter, see H to Elizabeth Hamilton, March 13, 1803.
2. H mistakenly dated this letter March 18. The letter is postmarked March 17.
3. Letter not found.
4. Catherine Van Rensselaer Schuyler.
5. Angelica Schuyler Church.
6. Letter not found.