April 24, 1786.
Sir:
Your letter of the twenty-first was only delivered me this morning. The
good opinion of liberal men I hold in too high estimation not to be
flattered by that part of your letter which relates to me personally.
The other part I have communicated to General Schuyler, and he assures
me he will see all his friends this afternoon upon the subject; so that
I have no doubt, as far as his influence extends, it will be employed
in favor of the success of the bill in the Assembly, as it has already
been in the Senate.
In taking this step, however, I would not be understood to declare
any opinion concerning the principles of the bill, with which I am
not sufficiently acquainted to form a decided opinion. I have merely
made your letter the occasion of introducing the subject to General
Schuyler, whose sentiments are as favorable to your wishes as you could
desire.
I make this observation from that spirit of candor which I hope will
always direct my conduct. I am aware that I have been represented as
an enemy to the wishes of what you call your corps. If by this has
been meant that I do not feel as much as any man, not immediately
interested, for the distresses of those merchants who have been in
a great measure the victims of the Revolution, the supposition does
not do justice either to my head or my heart. But if it means that I
have always viewed the mode of relieving them as a matter of peculiar
delicacy and difficulty, it is well founded.
I should have thought it unnecessary to enter into this explanation,
were it not that I am held up as a candidate at the ensuing election;
and I would not wish that the step I have taken, in respect to your
letter, should be considered as implying more than it does; for I would
never wish to conciliate at the expense of candor. On the other hand,
I confide in your liberality not to infer more than I intend from the
explanation I have given; and hope you will believe me to be, with
great cordiality and esteem,
Dear Sir,
Your obedient servant,
A. Hamilton.
To Mr. Hazard.