From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [28 May 1789]
To Elizabeth Hamilton
[May 28, 1789]
I am miserable My beloved angel that I cannot yet come to you; but this abominable business still detains us & will do it for some days.1 I would willingly endure the fatigue of a journey to visit you, if it were but for a minute; but such is my situation and the expectation of those for whom I act, that I cannot get away for an hour. It cannot however much longer keep me from my beloved; and the moment I can I will fly to your bosom.
Engage the house on the conditions you mention.2 When I come to town I will examine the title and advance the money, if I find no legal incumbrance & impediment. Tell Mr. Barkeley this.3 Blessing without number upon you and my little ones.
Adieu
AL[S], Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
1. The “abominable business” which had detained H must have occurred outside of New York City. It probably was a case at some county court, for the Supreme Court met only in January, April, July, and October.
2. H is referring to the house at 58 Wall Street which he had rented for at least a year. See H to Elizabeth Hamilton, March 17, 1788 (PAH, III, 599); “Conveyance from James Barclay and Others,” September 17, 1785 (printed in PAH, XXVI).
3. Probably James Barclay, an auctioneer whose business was conducted at 14 Hanover Square.