Alexander Hamilton

One page (10 1/2 x 7 1/8 in.; 267 x 182 mm), [Albany, July 28–31, 1784]; Hamilton’s signature and lower margin of second leaf cut away costing bits of several letters of postscript, separations with tiny losses at intersecting folds, browned, rebacked. Tipped to a larger sheet.

The Papers of Alexander Hamilton, ed. Syrett, 3:572–573

One page (10 1/2 x 7 1/8 in.; 267 x 182 mm), [Albany, July 28–31, 1784]; Hamilton's signature and lower margin of second leaf cut away costing bits of several letters of postscript, separations with tiny losses at intersecting folds, browned, rebacked. 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.

"I am however as well as I can be absent from you and my darling boy." During a visit to the Schuylers in Albany, Hamilton sends his love to Eliza, as well as reports on her father and other relatives. “I arrived here My beloved Betsey the fifth day after we set out, the three first days with every favourable circumstance but the two last through very bad weather. I am however as well as I can be absent from you and my darling boy—nor was I ever more impatient to be at home. I can have little pleasure elsewhere. I hope and persuade myself My Betsey is not less desirous for my return. Saturday is the day appointed for commencing our journey back.

“Your papa has not enjoyed good health of late but is better & all the family well. He will not leave this for the city in less than Eight days.

“Johnny’s affair will shortly terminate without any other inconvenience than a few days confinement.” The Johnny in question could be either Philip Schuyler’s son, John B. Schuyler, or his nephew, John C. Schuyler, who was studying law with Hamilton. In a postscript, Hamilton sends Elizabeth the love of her sister Peggy.

While this letter has no internal dateline, we have followed the date and place suggested by Harold C. Syrett in his edition of The Papers: Hamilton "speaks of only one child. As Philip was born in 1782 and Angelica was not born until September, 1784, the letter was probably written during the interval between those two years. He writes, furthermore, from Albany to Elizabeth in New York City. From 1782 to 1784, there is evidence of only one short period when Hamilton was in Albany and Elizabeth in New York City. On July 23, 1784, H[amilton] wrote to Richard Varick that he was going out of town. Since he wrote to Elizabeth that the trip took five days, this letter has been dated July 28–31, 1784.”