From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [30 September 1783]
To George Washington1
[Albany, September 30, 1783]
Dr. Sir
As I flatter myself I may indulge a consciousness that my services have been of some value to the public, at least enough to merit the small compensation I wish, I will make no apology to your Excellency for conveying through you that wish to Congress. You are able to inform them if they wish information, in what degree I may have been useful, and I have intire confidence that you will do me justice.
In a letter which I wrote to you several months ago I intimated that it might be in your power to contribute to the establishment of our Fœderal union upon a more solid basis. I have never since explained myself.2 At the time I was in hopes Congress might have been induced to take a decisive ground—to inform their constituents of the imperfections of the present system and of the impossibility of conducting the public affairs with honor to themselves and advantage to the community with powers so disproportioned to their responsibility; and having done this in a full and forcible manner, to adjourn the moment the definitive treaty was ratified. In retiring at the same juncture I wished you in a solemn manner to declare to the people your intended retreat from public concerns, your opinion of the present government and of the absolute necessity of a change.
Before I left Congress I dispaired of the first and your circular letter to the states had anticipated the last.3 I trust it will not be without effect though I am persuaded it would have had more combined with what I have mentioned. At all events, without compliment Sir, It will do you honor with the sensible and well meaning; and ultimately it is to be hoped with the people at large—when the present epidemic phrenzy has subsided.
I am Dr. Sir with sincere esteem Your obedient serv
Alex Hamilton
Mrs. Hamilton presents her compliments to Mrs. Washington
Sepr. 30
I beg the favour of Your Excellency to forward the inclosed to General Greene4
General Washington
ALS, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress; copy, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
1. The preceding letter to Washington, also dated September 30, probably was enclosed in this letter. H presumably intended his first letter as a public communication, his second as a private communication. He apparently wished Washington to refer the public letter to Congress.
2. H is probably referring to his letter of March 24, 1783, in which he congratulated Washington on the conclusion of the war, expressed his conviction that “it now only remains to make solid establishments within to perpetuate our union,” and concluded that Washington’s help would be needed to preserve the union of the states.
3. Washington’s circular to the states, dated June 8, 1783, is in , XXVI, 483–96.