American statesman and politician (circa 1755–1804) who coauthored the Federalist Papers and served as the first Secretary of the Treasury. In July 1804, sitting vice president Aaron Burr, stung by a published criticism authored by Hamilton, challenged the esteemed statesman to a duel and fatally wounded him. LS, one page, 7.5 x 9, December 6, 1785. Hamilton writes to Mrs. Helena Brasher. In full: “I am instructed by your brother Mr. Laurence Kortright to make the following proposal to you; to wit—that if you will pay him the amount of his account for money and other articles supplied you during your residence in the Jerseys in the course of the war, and will deliver him up his bond for £200 to be paid you at the death of his mother, he will then give you a release of all claims on account of his father’s personal estate; which will be a settlement of all matters depending between you. What are Mr. Kortright’s motives for making his proposal at the present juncture I am unapprised—I barely execute his instructions to me, as his attorney, the subject upon which I shall be happy to receive your answer as soon as may be convenient….” Kortright, a wealthy merchant and privateer, was part owner in ships authorized by the British crown to wage piracy against the French during the French and Indian Wars. His daughter, Elizabeth, became Mrs. James Monroe, against her father’s wishes, in the same year as the letter. The recipient of the letter, Kortright’s sister, attended Washington’s inaugural ball in New York City; her dress was featured in a 2005 exhibition titled “Glamour, New York Style.” Intersecting folds, scattered wrinkling and creasing, and the sheet partly affixed (with archival tissue) to mat board, otherwise fine, bright condition. Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
