From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [28–31 July 1784]
To Elizabeth Hamilton
[Albany, July 28–31, 1784]1
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 boy2—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. Saturday is the day appointed for commencing our journey back.
Your papa3 has not enjoyed good health of late but is better & all the family well. He will not leave this for the city in less than Eight days.
Johnny’s4 affair will shortly terminate without any other inconvenience than a few days confinement Adieu My Angel love me as I do you Yrs. for ever
⟨Peggy⟩5 gives her love to you
ALS, Mr. George T. Bowdoin, New York City.
1. This letter is undated. H speaks of only one child. As Philip was born in 1782 and Angelica was not born until September, 1784, the letter was probably written during the interval between those two years. He writes, furthermore, from Albany to Elizabeth in New York City. From 1782 to 1784, there is evidence of only one short period when H was in Albany and Elizabeth in New York City. On July 23, 1784, H wrote to Richard Varick that he was going out of town. Since he wrote to Elizabeth that the trip took five days, this letter has been dated July 28–31, 1784.
2. Philip Hamilton.
3. Philip Schuyler.
4. Presumably either John B. Schuyler, Philip Schuyler’s son, or John C. Schuyler, Philip Schuyler’s nephew, who was studying law with H.
5. Margarita (or Margaret) Schuyler Van Rensselaer, Elizabeth’s sister.