New-York, ----, 1787.
Dear Sir:
Agreeably to what passed between us, I have had an interview with Mr.
Auldjo, and I flatter myself if there is (as I doubt not there will
be) as much moderation on the part of Major Peirce as there appears
to be on that of Mr. Auldjo, that the affair between them may yet be
amicably terminated.
But Mr. Auldjo observes, I confess in my opinion with propriety, that
he ought to know with some precision the matters which have given
offence to Major Peirce, before he can enter into explanations; which
he declares himself to be very ready to do with coolness and candor,
the moment he shall be enabled to do it by a specification of the
subjects of complaint. If a personal interview is for any reason
disagreeable to Major Peirce, I entreat you, my dear sir, to obtain
from him, and to communicate to me by letter, the substance of what has
occasioned his dissatisfaction, with so much particularity only as will
put it in the power of Mr. Auldjo to give an explicit answer. Major
Peirce will, I hope, have no scruples about this, for as the door of
explanation has been opened by Mr. Auldjo, there is no punctilio which
stands in his way; and I trust he will feel the force of a sentiment
which prudence and humanity equally dictate, that extremities ought
then only to ensue when, after a fair experiment, accommodation has
been found impracticable. An attention to this principle interests the
characters of both the gentlemen concerned, and with them our own; and
from every other consideration, as well as that of personal friendship
to the parties, I sincerely wish to give it its full operation. I am
convinced you are not less anxious to effect this than myself; and I
trust our joint endeavors will not prove unsuccessful.
I remain with sincere regard,
Dear Sir, your obedient servant,
Alex. Hamilton.
I cannot, however, conclude without making one remark. Though Mr.
Auldjo has expressed and still entertains a desire of explanation,
it would ill become him to solicit it. Whatever, therefore, in my
expressions may seem to urge such an explanation with the earnestness
of entreaty, must be ascribed to my own feelings, and to that
inclination which every man of sensibility must feel, not to see
extremities take place if it be in his power to prevent them, or until
they become an absolutely necessary sacrifice to public opinion.
I remain with sincere regard,
Dear Sir, your obedient servant,
A. Hamilton.