From Alexander Hamilton to Rufus King, [4 May 1796]
To Rufus King
[New York, May 4, 1796]
My Dear Sir
Since my last1 I have received two or three letters from you.2 The late turn of the Treaty3 question makes us all very happy. I hope no future embarrassment will arise.
I am intirely of opinion that P.H declining Mr. P—— ought to be our man. It is even an idea of which I am fond in various lights. Indeed on latter reflection, I rather wish to be rid of P.H, that we may be at full liberty to take up Pinckney.4
In the event of Pinck[n]ey’s return to this Country, I am of opinion all circumstances considered, it is expedient you should replace him. I hope no great question will in a short period agitate our Councils & I am sure you will do much good on the scene in question. I have called on Jay, but happened not to find him disengaged. I shall quickly see him & shall with great pleasure do every thing requisite on my part.
We believe confidently our election in this City has succeeded; the other party however also claims success. Our Senator Ticket seems admitted on both sides to have prevailed & all accounts assure us of great success throughout the state. The vile affair of whipping Burke & McCredy made our election in the view of the common people a question between the Rich & the Poor.5 You will easily conceive how much this must have embarrassed & jeoparded.
Yrs. Affectionately
A Hamilton
Rufus King Esq
ALS, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
3. This refers to the vote in the House of Representatives to approve legislation implementing the Jay Treaty. See the introductory note to H to George Washington, March 7, 1796; King to H, May 1, 1796.
4. The references in this letter are to Patrick Henry and Thomas Pinckney. Some leading Federalists were considering both men as possible candidates for the Presidency in 1796.
5. For information on Thomas Burk and Timothy Crady, see “Certificate on Robert Lenox,” January 11, 1796, note 1.