Alexander Hamilton the Revolutionary

Alexander Hamilton was born on January 11, 1755 (or 1757 by some accounts) in Charleston on the West Indies island of Nevis. He was born out of wedlock to Rachel Faucitt Lavien and James Hamilton, who abandoned the family in 1765. A local clergyman raised funds to send Alexander away to school in 1773. He entered Kings College (now known as Columbia University) in 1774.

In the Revolutionary War he distinguished himself in the eyes of General Washington who made him one of his six aides-de-camp (secretaries) in 1777, and rode beside him in the battles at Brandywine, Germantown, and Monmouth. Hamilton married Elizabeth Schuyler in 1780, with whom he had eight children.

Although this incredible man has been studied and written about as much as any American statesman, historians often pass over any mention of Hamilton's expression of intense love for his male comrades.

Alexander Hamilton and George Washington

Alexander Hamilton's election to the first Continental Congress led him to a number of prominent assignments in building the new nation. He was a driving force in the ratification of the U. S. Constitution, and was the only New York delegate to sign the document. On June 18, 1787, he gave an address in which he outlined a comprehensive plan for the national government. He co-authored the Federalists papers with John Jay and James Madison under the pseudonym Publius.

Hamilton's close friendship with George Washington made him one of the most important influences during the president's tenure. Following through on his wartime duties, Hamilton wrote many of the President's papers. He became the first Secretary of the Treasury on September 11, 1789. In 1796 he successfully defended a tax on carriages in the Supreme Court's first ruling on the Constitutionality of a law.

Alexander Hamilton vs. Thomas Jefferson

Hamilton was the leader of the Federalist Party, and a long time political enemy of Thomas Jefferson. While Secretary of State, Jefferson endorsed the accusation that Hamilton had improperly used treasury funds - a charge from which he was cleared.

However, Jefferson owes his election to the presidency to Hamilton, who favored him over Aaron Burr, another long time political foe, when the Federalist-dominated House of Representatives was forced to decide the election of 1800.

Alexander Hamilton and John Laurens

John Laurens was a state legislator from South Carolina who, like Hamilton, was an aide-de-camp to General Washington in the war. His father, Henry Laurens, was the President of the Continental Congress. Hamilton wrote a series of what are sometimes referred to as "love letters" to Laurens. Whether their relationship was ever sexual is not known, but history books often ignore this portion of the statesman's written legacy.

John Laurens was killed in battle late in the war. Hamilton and Laurens are depicted together on the "Surrender of Cornwallis" commemorative U.S. postage stamp released in October of 1981.

Alexander Hamilton vs. Aaron Burr

Aaron Burr's failed presidential bid was followed by a campaign to become governor of New York. When Burr requested the endorsement of the Federalists, Hamilton replied that he thought Burr to be "a man of irregular and insatiable ambition...who ought not be trusted with the reins of government."

Burr's loss in the governor's race led him to challenge Hamilton to a duel. On July 11, 1804 in Weehawken, New Jersey, Burr exacted his revenge on his nemesis with a single shot. Alexander Hamilton died from the wound on July 12, 1804 in New York City.

Learn More About Alexander Hamilton

• Visit The Rise and Fall of Alexander Hamilton web site.
• Read the book "The Writings and Correspondence of Alexander Hamilton," Columbia University Press, 1973 - 1986.
• See a portrait of Alexander Hamilton . . . he is on the ten dollar bill.