New-York, August 18, 1788.
Sir:
Captain Cochran of the British navy has requested my aid in recovering
a family watch in the possession of ----. In compliance with his
request, I have written the letter herewith (to ---- ----), which
I take the liberty to convey through you, in hope that if you see
no impropriety in it, you would add your influence to the endeavor
to gratify Captain Cochran. It is one of those things in which the
affections are apt to be interested beyond the value of the object, and
in which one naturally feels an inclination to oblige.
I have delivered to Mr. Madison, to be forwarded to you, a set of
the papers under the signature of Publius, neatly enough bound to be
honored with a place in your library. I presume you have understood
that the writers of these papers are chiefly Mr. Madison and myself,
with some aid from Mr. Jay.
I take it for granted, sir, you have concluded to comply with what will
no doubt be the general call of your country in relation to the new
Government. You will permit me to say that it is indispensable you
should lend yourself to its first operations. It is of little purpose
to have _introduced_ a system, if the weightiest influence is not given
to its firm _establishment_ in the outset.
I remain with the greatest esteem,
Your obedient and humble servant,
A. Hamilton.
General Washington.