derations drawn from this source, the point
of light in which you stand at home and abroad will make an
infinite difference in the respectability with which the Government
will begin its operations, in the alternative of your being or not
being at the head of it. I forbear to urge considerations which
might have a more personal application. What I have said will
suffice for the inferences I mean to draw.

First. In a matter so essential to the well being of society, as
the prosperity of a newly instituted government, a citizen, of so
much consequence as yourself to its success, has no option but to
lend his services if called for. Permit me to say it would be
inglorious, in such a situation, not to hazard the glory, however
great, which he might have previously acquired.

Secondly. Your signature to the proposed system pledges your
judgement for its being such an one as, upon the whole, was worthy
of the public approbation. If it should miscarry (as men commonly
decide from success, or the want of it), the blame will, in all
probability, be laid on the system itself; and the framers of it
will have to encounter the disrepute of having brought about a
revolution in government, without substituting anything that was
worthy of the effort. They pulled down one Utopia, it will be said,
to build up another. This view of the subject, if I mistake not, my
dear sir, will suggest to your mind greater hazard to that fame,
which must be and ought to be dear to you, in refusing your future
aid to the system, than in affording it. I will only add, that in
my estimate of the matter, that aid is indispensable.

I have taken the liberty to express these sentiments, and to lay
before you my view of the subject. I doubt not the considerations
mentioned have fully occurred to you, and I trust they will finally
produce in your mind the same result which exists in mine. I
flatter myself the frankness with which I have delivered myself
will not be displeasing to you. It has been prompted by motives
which you could not disapprove. I remain, my dear sir,

With the sincerest respect and regard,

Your obedient and humble servant,

A. HAMILTON.

XII

Hamilton folded and sealed the letter, then determined to take it to the
post-office himself. The night was hot and