irty pages of close writing,
he lays down every law, extensive and minute, for the building of a
National Bank, and not the most remarkable thing about this letter is
the psychological knowledge it betrays of the American people. Having
despatched it, he wrote again to Washington, demonstrating that his case
was dissimilar from those the Chief had quoted. He disposed of each case
in turn, and his presentation of his own claims was equally
unanswerable. Washington, who was too wise to enter into a controversy
with Hamilton's pen, did not reply to the letter, but made up his mind
to do what he could for him, although still determined there should be
no disaffection in the army of his making.

Meanwhile Hamilton received letters from Lafayette, begging him to
hasten South and share his exile; from Washington, asking advice; and
from members of the family, reminding him of their affection and regret.
Tilghman's is characteristic:--

Headquarters, 27th April.

MY DEAR HAMILTON: Between me and thee there is a gulf, or I should
not have been thus long without seeing you. My faith is strong, but
not strong enough to attempt walking on the waters. You must not
suppose from my dealing so much in Scripture phrase that I am
either drunk with religion or with wine, though had I been inclined
to the latter I might have found a jolly companion in my lord, who
came here yesterday. We have not a word of news.... I must go over
and see you soon, for I am not yet weaned from you, nor do I desire
to be. I will not present so cold words as compliments to Mrs.
Hamilton. She has an equal share of the best wishes of

Your most affectionate

TILGHMAN.

The following was from Laurens:--

I am indebted to you, my dear Hamilton, for two letters: the first
from Albany, as masterly a piece of cynicism as ever was penned;
the other from Philadelphia, dated the second March; in both you
mention a design of retiring, which makes me extremely unhappy. I
would not wish to have you for a moment withdraw from the public
service; at the same time my friendship for you, and knowledge of
your value to the United States, makes me most ardently desire that
you should fill only the first offices of the Republic. I was
flattered with an account of your being elected a delegate from New
York, and am much mortified not to hear it confirmed by yourse