Lot 1031
  • 1031

Alexander Hamilton

Estimate
8,000 - 12,000 USD
Log in to view results
bidding is closed

Description

  • Autograph letter signed (“AH”)  to Elizabeth Hamilton (“My Dear Betsey”)
  • Paper, ink
One page (10 x 8 in.; 255 x 204 mm), [New York], “Thursday” [November, 1789], large portion of autograph address leaf preserved (“Mrs. Elizabeth Hamilton | Albany”); early repair to fold separation, tiny holes at intersecting folds, a few light stains, silked. Tipped to a larger sheet.

Literature

The Papers of Alexander Hamilton, ed. Syrett, 5:579

Condition

One page (10 x 8 in.; 255 x 204 mm), [New York] "Thursday" [November, 1789], large portion of autograph address leaf preserved ("Mrs. Elizabeth Hamilton | Albany"); early repair to fold separation, tiny holes at intersecting folds, a few light stains, silked. Tipped to a larger sheet.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Catalogue Note

A brief note to home, written early in Hamilton's tenure as Secretary of the Treasury. “I just [a word or two deleted by Hamilton] hear of an opportunity for Albany & sit down to tell you I am well. Mr. Eveleigh is arrived but so indisposed as to be of no assistance to me which I fear will prevent my journey to Albany; but of this I shall write with more certainty on Sunday.” Nicholas Eveleigh, a South Carolina planter and delegate to the Continental Congress, served as the first Comptroller of the United States under Secretary Hamilton in Washington’s first administration. Eveleigh died in office, April 1791, and more than once Hamilton mentioned his ill health as a reason why he could not leave the seat of government to visit his family.

Hamilton continues, “I trust the next post will bring me a line from my love informing me of her & my Children’s safe arrival & health. I am a solitary lost being without you all, and shall with increasing anxiety look forward to our reunion.

“God bless My beloved & restore her health is the constant prayer of her Affectionate AH”