Hamilton, Alexander | The great betrayal

Hamilton, Alexander

Letter from Alexander Hamilton, Concerning the Public Conduct and Character of John Adams, Esq. President of the United States. New York: Printed for John Lang, by George F. Hopkins, 1800

8vo (208 x 121 mm). Woodcut tailpiece; scattered foxing, heaviest to preliminary leaves. Half calf and marbled paper covered boards, gilt-lettered red morocco label to spine. 

First edition. The great betrayal, which may have cost Adams the election of 1800. Hamilton originally issued this work with the hope of giving Pinckney a majority over Adams, but later gave the copyright to John Lang. Hamilton writes of Adams: "...He does not possess the talents adapted to the administration of this Government, and that there are great and intrinsic defects in his character which unfit him for the office of Chief Magistrate." Very popular in its time, the work was reprinted four times during the 1800 election.

REFERENCE

Celebration of My Country 144; W6406; ESTC W6406; Evans 37566; H116; Sabin 29959