November 18, 1788.
Dear Sir:
Your last two letters have duly come to hand, and the Count de Moustier
has delivered me the watch you committed to his charge. Your obliging
attention to this matter claims my particular acknowledgments. I will
make no apology for asking you to take the additional trouble of
forwarding the inclosed to the General. I take the liberty of passing
it through you, that you may, by perusing the contents, know the
situation of the business.
The demand of fifty guineas is to me quite unexpected. I am sorry to
add, that there is too good evidence that it cost a mere trifle to the
General. This, however, I mention in confidence. Nor shall I give you
any further trouble on the subject. Whatever may be proper will be done.
Mrs. Hamilton requests her affectionate remembrances to Mrs.
Washington, and joins me in the best wishes for you both.
I remain, dear Sir,
Your affectionate humble serv’t,
A. Hamilton.
P. S. Your last letter, on a certain subject, I have received. I
feel a conviction that you will finally see your acceptance to be
indispensable. It is no compliment to say, that no other man can
sufficiently unite the public opinion, or can give the requisite
weight to the office, in the commencement of the Government. These
considerations appear to me of themselves decisive. I am not sure that
your refusal would not throw every thing into confusion. I am sure that
it would have the worst effect imaginable. Indeed, as I hinted in a
former letter, I think circumstances leave no option.