Hamilton, Alexander

Estimate

7,500 - 8,500 USD

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Description

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 John Furman, 1800
paper, ink, leather

8vo. BINDING: Modern cloth-backed boards, paper label.

Contemporary ownership inscription on title-page, ink spot to title and A2, dampstaining to lower margin, some spotting and toning throughout.

Literature

Evans 37568; Ford 71; Howes H116; Reese, Federal Hundred 81; Sabin 29959

Catalogue Note

THE BETRAYAL Third 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." "This and Adams' reply are probably the plainest talk ever indulged in, in print, between two great statesmen. It received many answers, from both Republicans and Federalists" (Ford). Very popular in its time, the work was reprinted four times during the 1800 election.