Wife (1757-1854) of founding father Alexander Hamilton, who became co-founder and deputy director of the first private orphanage in New York City. She did much to shape her husband's legacy after his death in a duel with Aaron Burr, and she has recently gained renewed recognition due to her portrayal in the popular musical Hamilton. ALS signed “Eliz'th Hamilton,” one page, 7.75 x 9.75, August 24, 1841. Letter of recommendation to Secretary of the Navy George Edmund Badger, in full: "I take the liberty to address you in the hope of furthering the wishes of a friend in whose judgment I have perfect confidence. It is the desire of Mr. Cliburn that Mr. Guest, a young gentleman in whom he is deeply interested, should receive the situation of Purser. From his representation with regard to his integrity and competency, I beg to say that should it be in your power to gratify Mr. Cliburn you would confer a favour on me." Affixed by the left edge to a larger sheet and in fine condition. This is just the second signed letter from Eliza Hamilton we have offered.
Accompanied by two interesting letters to Mrs. Hamilton:
A four-page letter by Maunsell Van Rensselaer, November 8, 1845, containing accounts of her father General Philip Schuyler after Ticonderoga and his involvement in Burgoyne's capture, in part: "The notices of the Schuylers, of which you were pleased to make mention, were mere pieces of family gossip, relating chiefly to my own relations, & would be of very little use in the important work of compiling the life of Gen. Schuyler. But there is one circumstance, about which we conversed, that I do not deem so unimportant in that end, as it goes to establish his reputation of a skillful & able general, & the real conqueror of Gen. Burgoyne. That fact is, the action at Battle Hill, after the retreat from Ticonderoga, between the American troops under my grand uncle, Henry Van Rensselaer, & the 9th King's Regiment under Col. Hill…This action, so far from being a mere skirmish, was a part of the able plan by which Gen. Schuyler drew off the American army, & concentrated them at Waterford & Bemis's Heights, thus inducing Burgoyne to advance, & rendering his capture certain." The letter goes on to discuss details of the engagement and the veracity of his source of this knowledge.
A four-page letter by her childhood friend Anne Grant, November 18, 1834, reminiscing about growing up in Albany, in part: "I remember as it were yesterday the awe and admiration with which I looked to your sister Angelica's early air of elegance & dignity, when she first return'd from New York. We return'd to Europe in the sixty eight just when the clouds that presaged the Revolution which prov'd in the end so happy for both countries were gathering thick. I went out from Aunt Schuyler to take a final leave of you all…the little brother you had then I hope still survives. I heard with much interest of your marriage with that highly distinguish'd individual who I find has left with your Son…It gives me great pleasure to hear that you draw consolation from still higher sources." She continues to discuss her family's history.
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