Albany, May 18, 1782.
Sir:
I had this day the honor of receiving your letter of the second
instant, and am much obliged by the mark of your confidence which it
contains; and to Colonel Stewart for his friendly intentions upon the
occasion.
My military situation has indeed become so negative that I have no
motive to continue in it; and if my services could be of importance
to the public in a civil line, I should cheerfully obey its command.
But the plan which I have marked out to myself is the profession
of the law; and I am now engaged in a course of studies for that
purpose. Time is so precious to me, that I could not put myself in
the way of any interruptions, unless for an object of consequence to
the public or to myself. The present is not of this nature. Such are
the circumstances of this State, the benefit arising from the office
you propose would not, during the war, exceed yearly one hundred
pounds; for, unfortunately, I am persuaded it will not pay annually
into the Continental treasury above forty thousand pounds; and on a
peace establishment this will not be for some time to come much more
than doubled. You will perceive, sir, that an engagement of this kind
does not correspond with my views, and does not afford sufficient
inducement to relinquish them. I am not the less sensible of the
obliging motives which dictated the offer; and it will be an additional
one to that respect and esteem with which I have the honor to be, very
truly sir,
Your most obedient, humble servant,
A. Hamilton.
To the Hon. Robert Morris, Esq.