Albany, July 13, 1782.
Sir:
I have this moment received your letter of the second inst., and as the
post will set out on its return in half an hour, I have little more
than time to acknowledge the receipt of it.
I shall, to-morrow morning, commence a journey to Poughkeepsie, where
the Legislature are assembled; and I will endeavor, by every step in
my power, to second your views; though, I am sorry to add, without
very sanguine expectations. I think it probable the Legislature will
do something: but whatever momentary effort they may make, till the
entire change of their present system, very little will be done. To
effect this, mountains of prejudice and particular interest are to be
levelled. For my own part, considering the late serious misfortune
of our ally, the spirit of reformation, of wisdom, and of unanimity,
which seems to have succeeded to that of blunder, perverseness, and
dissension in the British Government, and the universal reluctance of
these States to do what is right, I cannot help viewing our situation
as critical: and I feel it the duty of every citizen to exert his
faculties to the utmost to support the measures, especially those solid
arrangements of finance on which our safety depends.
I will, by next post, forward you the Bond executed with proper
sureties.
It is not in the spirit of compliment, but of sincerity, I assure you,
that the opinion I entertain of him who presides in the department,
was not one of the smallest motives to my acceptance of the office;
nor will that esteem and confidence which make me now sensibly feel
the obliging expressions of your letter, fail to have a great share in
influencing my future exertions.
I have the honor to be,
With perfect esteem and respect,
Your obedient servant,
A. Hamilton.
To Robert Morris, Esq.