Albany, September 30, 1783.
Dear Sir:
As I flatter myself I may indulge a consciousness that my services have
been of some value to the public, at least enough to merit the small
compensation I wish, I will make no apology to your Excellency, for
conveying, through you, that wish to Congress. You are able to inform
them, if they wish information, in what degree I may have been useful:
and I have entire confidence that you will do me justice.
In a letter which I wrote to you several months ago, I intimated
that it might be in your power to contribute to the establishment
of our Federal Union upon a more solid basis. I have never since
explained myself. At the time, I was in hopes Congress might have
been induced to take a decisive ground; to inform their constituents
of the imperfections of the present system, and of the impossibility
of conducting the public affairs, with honor to themselves and
advantage to the community, with powers so disproportioned to their
responsibility; and, having done this, in a full and forcible manner,
to adjourn the moment the definitive treaty was ratified. In retiring
at the same juncture, I wished you, in a solemn manner, to declare to
the people, your intended retreat from public concerns; your opinion of
the present government, and of the absolute necessity of a change.
Before I left Congress I despaired of the first; and your circular
letter to the States had anticipated the last. I trust it will not be
without effect; though I am persuaded it would have had more, combined
with what I have mentioned. At all events, without compliment, sir, it
will do you honor with the sensible and well meaning; and, ultimately,
it is to be hoped, with the people at large, when the present epidemic
frenzy has subsided.
I am, dear Sir,
With sincere esteem,
Your obedient servant,
A. Hamilton.
To His Excellency General Washington.