To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 23 September 1792
From Alexander Hamilton
Philadelphia Sepr 23d: 1792
Sir
I have the pleasure of your private letter of the 17 instant.
I continue in opinion, that it will be adviseable to address a letter with the proclamation to each of the Executives of the States mentioned, and shall prepare a draft of one to be forwarded with the requisite number of copies.1
A letter from Mr King also of the 17 instant surprised me with the intelligence contained in the following extracts—“Burr is industrious in his canvass—Mr Edwards is to make interest for him in Connecticut—and Mr Dallas who is here, and quite in the circle of the Governor and the party, informs us, that Mr Burr will be supported as Vice President—in Pennsylvania. Nothing which has hitherto happened so decisively proves the inveteracy of the opposition. Should they succeed much would be to be apprehended.”
Mr Burr was here about ten days since and every body wondered what was meant by it. It seems to be explained—Yet I am not certain that this is any thing more than a diversion in favour of Mr Clinton.2
I forbear any further comment on the event—But I thought it of importance enough to apprise you early of it. With the most respectful and affectionate attachment I have the honor to be Sir Your most obedient & humble servant
Alexander Hamilton
ALS, PHi: Gratz Collection; ALS (photocopy), DLC:GW. Both Hamilton’s notation on the cover and GW’s docket label this letter “Private.”
1. GW’s circular letter to the governors of Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and South Carolina of 29 Sept. enclosed a copy of the proclamation that GW issued on 15 Sept. 1792 in response to opposition to the federal excise tax on whiskey (see GW to Hamilton, 17 Sept. 1792 [second letter], and note 4).
2. New York senator Rufus King’s letter to Hamilton of 17 Sept. is in 12:387. GW, King, and Hamilton were concerned about an effort by the nascent Republican party to replace John Adams as vice-president in the upcoming presidential election. Although Aaron Burr had support from men such as his uncle Pierpont Edwards (1750–1826), who was a prominent Connecticut lawyer and politician, and Alexander Dallas, who was the secretary of Pennsylvania, most Republicans preferred New York governor George Clinton.