Alexander Hamilton Papers
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From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Wadsworth, [6 November 1796]

To Jeremiah Wadsworth1

[New York, November 6, 1796]

Dr. Wadsworth.

I perceive you are an elector. In this state we support unanimously John Adams and Thomas Pinckney; on the principle of taking a double chance against Jefferson, deeming it far more important that be shall not be the President than who of the two men, Adams and Pinckney, shall be the President. The Government and the national interests will be perfectly safe in the hands of either of these characters. In those of Jefferson there is every thing to fear. Surely then our policy is the true one. ‘Tis not a man but a cause we are to support.

Pensylvania in all appearances will go intirely wrong. The issue is consequently very precarious and every chance ought to be taken.

Yrs. Affecty

A Hamilton

November 6. 1796

Jeremiah Wadsworth Esq

ALS, The Dietrich Brothers Americana Collection, Philadelphia.

1. Wadsworth, a friend of H for many years, was a Federalist member of the House of Representatives from Connecticut from 1789 to 1795 and a member of the Connecticut Executive Council from 1795 to 1801.

For background to this letter, see Oliver Wolcott, Jr., to H, November 6, 1796 (PAH description begins Harold C. Syrett, ed., The Papers of Alexander Hamilton (New York and London, 1961–1987). description ends , XX, 375–76); H to ———, November 8, 1796 (PAH description begins Harold C. Syrett, ed., The Papers of Alexander Hamilton (New York and London, 1961–1987). description ends , XX, 376–77): H to Wadsworth, November 8, 1796 (PAH description begins Harold C. Syrett, ed., The Papers of Alexander Hamilton (New York and London, 1961–1987). description ends , XX, 377–78).

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    Source Project
    Hamilton Papers
    Title
    From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Wadsworth, [6 November 1796]
    Author
    Hamilton, Alexander
    Recipient
    Wadsworth, Jeremiah
    Date
    6 November 1796

    Reference

    Cite as
    “From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Wadsworth, [6 November 1796],” Founders Online, National Archives, https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Hamilton/01-27-02-0001-0009. [Original source: The Papers of Alexander Hamilton, vol. 27, Additional Letters 1777–1802, Addenda and Errata, Cumulative Index Vols. I–XXVII, ed. Harold C. Syrett. New York: Columbia University Press, 1987, p. 13.]

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