No More Learning

The life of Alexander Hamilton.
Hamilton, John C. (John Church), 1792-1882. New York, D. Appleton, 1840
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? University of Virginia Library
E;302 6;. H2;H26;1840 V. 2
ALD The life of Alexander Hamilton
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? LIBRARY OF THE
UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA
PRESENTED BY
W. W. Corcoran
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? J
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? THE
LLFE
OF
ALEXANDER HAMILTON.
BY HIS SON
JOHN C. HAMILTON,"
genus unde Latinum
Albanique patres, atque altse moenia Ronise.
SECOND EDITION.
VOL. II.
NEW-YORK:
D. APPLETON & CO. , 200 BROADWAY.
1841.
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? 30? .
. ?
v-a
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1840, by John C. Hamilton,
in the Office of the Clerk of the Southern District of New-York.
UniTenity tnm.
JOHN r. TROW, PRINTER,
114 Nmmu-iuml
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? CONTENTS
OF THE
SECOND VOLUME.
CHAPTER XVI.
Laurena to Hamilton--Letters to De Noailles, La Fayette, and Greene--
Inactivity of preceding Congress--Public Lands--Protest of Virginia--Public
Distresses--Congress of 1783-3--Its Leading Members--Hamilton oonfers
with Legislature of Pennsylvania--Discontents of the Army--Letter to
Rhode Island--Report by Hamilton urging a National Revenue--Sinking
Fund--Continental Money--Proceedings thereon--Army Memorial--Hani.
ilton's Report thereon--His Resolution for a Revenue to be collected by Con-
gress--Pledges to provide Revenues to Fund the Debt--Valuation of Lands
--Advises Washington as to Army--Letter to Clinton--Hamilton urges that
doors of Congress be opened--Washington to Hamilton--Armstrong's Ad.
dress--Letter from Washington--Hamilton's Reply--Meeting of Officers--
Washington's Address--Letter from Gates--Commendation of Washington
--Hamilton suggests a Solid Union--Washington's Reply--Vote of Half.
Pay p. 1
CHAPTER XVII.
Intelligence of Peace--Early Negotiations with France--Treaty of Alii,
ance--Instructions to Adams and Franklin--Ultimata as to Great Britain--
Memorials of Gerard--Terms as to Spain--Adams desires to treat with
England--Repressed by Vergennes--Jay's Despatches--Instructions to in.
sist on Navigation of Mississippi--Madison enters Congress--French Influ-
ence--Invasion of Virginia--Flight of Jefferson--Capture of Richmond--
Second Flight of Jefferson--Resolutions as to Mississippi--Memorial of La
Luzerne to Congress--Pretensions of Spain--Madison's Instructions to
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? iv C O N T E N T ^.
Jay--Spain refuses Aids--Conference of La Luzerne with Congress--
Subsidy of France--Instructions to accept the Mediation of Russia--
Instructions submitting Terms of Treaty with England to control of
France--Madison proposes Grant of Power to exert Force against De-
linquent States--Hamilton's Objections--Madison's Instructions to Adams
--His Commission revoked--Adams's Mission to Holland--Writes to Rus-
sia--Denmark and Sweden--Vergennes suggests another Minister--Adams
proceeds to Paris--Returns to Amsterdam--His Memorial and Letter to
Congress--Dana's Mission to Russia--Hamilton advises temporary Treaty
with Russia--Recommends a Neutral Policy--Terms of Treaty with Eng-
land--Letter of Marbois--Overtures of England--Missions of Hartley, Os-
wald, Grcnville--Jay disapproves Instructions--Repairs to Paris--Confer-
ences--Concludes a Provisional Treaty--Conferences with D'Aranda--Re-
port of R. R. Livingston on the Negotiation--Censure Proposed--Supported
by Madison--Resisted--Hamilton's Encomium on Negotiation--Deprecates
Foreign Influence P- 80
CHAPTER XVIII.
Half-Pay--Hamilton's Correspondence with Washington--Army Claims
Parties in Congress--Substantial Funds--Hamilton to Washington as to
Execution of Treaty--Reply--Army Claims--Hamilton advises a National
Marine and National Coinage--Proceedings as to Revenue--Proposed Taxes
--Hamilton condemns Arbitrary Assessments--Report as to Revenue--Ham-
ilton's Substitute--Ratio of Contribution--Hamilton to Clinton--Morris re-
solves to resign--Consents to continue in Office--Hamilton's Report as to
Invalid Corps--His Resolutions as to Army--Remonstrance to British Gov-
ernment--Removal of Obstructions to the Treaty--Hamilton to Clinton--
Controversy with Vermont--Hamilton to Clinton--Reports Plan Quarter-
master-General's Department--Plan regulating Intercourse with Indians--
Plan of State Department and Plan of Peace Establishment--Militia System
--Garrisoning Frontier Posts--Letter to Clinton--Urges Humanity to In-
dians--Mutiny at Philadelphia--His Views of it--Congress adjourn to
Princeton--Hamilton's Policy and Opinions--His Resolutions recommend.
ing a New Constitution and a General Convention p. 154
CHAPTER XIX.
Journey to Albany--Return to New-York--Letters of McHenry and Jay
--Commences the Profession of the Law--Important Argument--Proceed.
ingsof New-York Legislature--Persecution of British Adherents--Election in
New. York--Burr and Clinton--Hamilton resists a violent Policy, and sus-
tains the Treaty--Publishes Essays of I'hocion--Lenient Counsels prevail--
Forms Plan of a Bank--Manumission of Slaves P- 239
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? CONTENTS.
V
CHAPTER XX.
Foreign Policy of United States--Hamilton's Views--Terms of Inter-
course with English Dominions--Her policy--Congress of 1783, 1784--Jef-
ferson's Report on Revenue? Government of Western Territory--Jefferson
contemplates a Mission to Europe--Frames a Report on a System of Trea-
ties--Jefferson appointed Commissioner--Resolution of Massachusetts--Jay
elected Secretary of Foreign Affairs--Military Force reduced--Committee
of States--Congress of 1781-5--Territorial Disputes--Proceedings of Com-
missioners at Paris--Jefferson's Negotiations with France--Advice as to
French Debt--Consular Convention--Mission of Gardoqui--Negotiations
with Spain--The Mississippi--British Policy--Embassy of Adams to Lon-
don--His Opinions--Dissatisfaction and Return--Jefferson's Opinions--
Hamilton's Views of American Policy p. 282
CHAPTER XXI.
Domestic Condition of United States--Cincinnati--Hamilton Recommends
Abolition of its Hereditary Principle--Proclamations of England--Retalia-
tory Policy of States--Hancock--Bowdoin recommends a General Conven-
tion--Objections of Massachusetts Delegates--Commercial Policy of New-
York--Hamilton urges Enlargement of Powers of Congress to regulate
Trade? Distresses of New-England--Insurrections of Massachusetts and
New-Hampshire--Virginia proposes a Commercial Convention--Meeting at
Annapolis--Address by Hamilton p. 339
CHAPTER XXII.
Congress of 1785-6--Appeal to New-York--Conduct of Clinton--Hamil-
ton in New-York Legislature--Prepares Address--Speech on it--Speech on
Act repealing Laws inconsistent with the Treaty--National and State Par-
ties--His Remarks on the Election Law--Test Oaths--Legislative Restric-
tions--Frames a System of State Taxation--Policy as to Poorer Classes--
Law for Collection of Small Debts--Bankrupt Act--Criminal Jurisprudence
--System of Public Instruction--Speech on the Impost--Speech on Inde-
pendence of Vermont p. 381
CHAPTER XXIII.
Congress of 1786-7--Objections to proposed Convention--Hamilton
urges Congress to recommend it--His Resolution to appoint Delegates
to the Federal Convention--Appointed one of them--Declines a Re-elec-
tion to tile Legislature--Appointments by the States to the Convention--
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? VI CONTENTS.
Sketch of American Confederacies--State Constitutions--Opinions of Jay,
Madison, Hamilton, and Washington, on New Organization of Government
--General Convention meets--Their Roles--Resolutions of Randolph and
Pinckney--Debates on them--Constitution of the Legislative Department--
Madison and Randolph in favour of a Plural Executive--Hamilton's Views
--Council of Revision--Jersey Plan--Comparative Views of Hamilton and
Madison--Lansing's and Patterson's Remarks--Brief of Hamilton's Speech
--His Plan of Government p. 448
CHAPTER XXIV.
Debates on Randolph's Resolutions--Hamilton to Washington--His Re-
ply--Lansing and Yates leave the Convention--Policy of Clinton--Hamil-
ton's Appeal to the People--Discussion of proposed Compromise--Project
of Tories as to Bishop of Osnaburgh--Hamilton to King--Invites Lansing
and Yates to return to the Convention--Proceedings of it--Committee of
Revisal--Hamilton signs the Constitution--His Opinions of Government--
Proposes a President for Three Years in a Second Plan of a Constitution--
His Views of the British Government--Comments on the Constitution of the
United States--Future Prospects--Urges its Adoption as the best that could
be obtained p. 508
ET J. C. Journals of Congress.
S. J. Secret Journals.
D. C. Diplomatic Correspondence.
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-08-20 03:41 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/uva. x000275492 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? THE LIFE
OF
ALEXANDER HAMILTON.
CHAPTER XVI.
[1782. ]
The War of the Revolution, as a scene of military
movements, fades into insignificance before the conflicts
of the elder Nations of the earth. ?
It is as a war of Opinion--as the beginning of that
great experiment in modern times, whether men are capa-
ble of self-government--that it assumes its immeasurable
importance.
A new World is seen rising into view--a World of
Hope; and as the great lights that shone upon its morning
path of advancing glory appear, the grateful inquiry is --
Whose were those superior minds that, amid the dark-
ness of a chaotic confederacy, combined the elements
of Social order, and formed them into a vast majestic
Empire?
The Wealth of Nations is their illustrious few.
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-08-20 03:41 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/uva. x000275492 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? 2
THE LIFE OF
While Hamilton, at the head of his corps, was approach-
ing York Town, letters were addressed to him urging his
acceptance of a seat in congress. But it was possible
that his services in the field might yet be required, and he
was unwilling to retire from the army.
Foreign Policy of United States--Hamilton's Views--Terms of Inter-
course with English Dominions--Her policy--Congress of 1783, 1784--Jef-
ferson's Report on Revenue? Government of Western Territory--Jefferson
contemplates a Mission to Europe--Frames a Report on a System of Trea-
ties--Jefferson appointed Commissioner--Resolution of Massachusetts--Jay
elected Secretary of Foreign Affairs--Military Force reduced--Committee
of States--Congress of 1781-5--Territorial Disputes--Proceedings of Com-
missioners at Paris--Jefferson's Negotiations with France--Advice as to
French Debt--Consular Convention--Mission of Gardoqui--Negotiations
with Spain--The Mississippi--British Policy--Embassy of Adams to Lon-
don--His Opinions--Dissatisfaction and Return--Jefferson's Opinions--
Hamilton's Views of American Policy p. 282
CHAPTER XXI.
Domestic Condition of United States--Cincinnati--Hamilton Recommends
Abolition of its Hereditary Principle--Proclamations of England--Retalia-
tory Policy of States--Hancock--Bowdoin recommends a General Conven-
tion--Objections of Massachusetts Delegates--Commercial Policy of New-
York--Hamilton urges Enlargement of Powers of Congress to regulate
Trade? Distresses of New-England--Insurrections of Massachusetts and
New-Hampshire--Virginia proposes a Commercial Convention--Meeting at
Annapolis--Address by Hamilton p. 339
CHAPTER XXII.
Congress of 1785-6--Appeal to New-York--Conduct of Clinton--Hamil-
ton in New-York Legislature--Prepares Address--Speech on it--Speech on
Act repealing Laws inconsistent with the Treaty--National and State Par-
ties--His Remarks on the Election Law--Test Oaths--Legislative Restric-
tions--Frames a System of State Taxation--Policy as to Poorer Classes--
Law for Collection of Small Debts--Bankrupt Act--Criminal Jurisprudence
--System of Public Instruction--Speech on the Impost--Speech on Inde-
pendence of Vermont p. 381
CHAPTER XXIII.
Congress of 1786-7--Objections to proposed Convention--Hamilton
urges Congress to recommend it--His Resolution to appoint Delegates
to the Federal Convention--Appointed one of them--Declines a Re-elec-
tion to tile Legislature--Appointments by the States to the Convention--
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-08-20 03:41 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/uva. x000275492 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? VI CONTENTS.
Sketch of American Confederacies--State Constitutions--Opinions of Jay,
Madison, Hamilton, and Washington, on New Organization of Government
--General Convention meets--Their Roles--Resolutions of Randolph and
Pinckney--Debates on them--Constitution of the Legislative Department--
Madison and Randolph in favour of a Plural Executive--Hamilton's Views
--Council of Revision--Jersey Plan--Comparative Views of Hamilton and
Madison--Lansing's and Patterson's Remarks--Brief of Hamilton's Speech
--His Plan of Government p. 448
CHAPTER XXIV.
Debates on Randolph's Resolutions--Hamilton to Washington--His Re-
ply--Lansing and Yates leave the Convention--Policy of Clinton--Hamil-
ton's Appeal to the People--Discussion of proposed Compromise--Project
of Tories as to Bishop of Osnaburgh--Hamilton to King--Invites Lansing
and Yates to return to the Convention--Proceedings of it--Committee of
Revisal--Hamilton signs the Constitution--His Opinions of Government--
Proposes a President for Three Years in a Second Plan of a Constitution--
His Views of the British Government--Comments on the Constitution of the
United States--Future Prospects--Urges its Adoption as the best that could
be obtained p. 508
ET J. C. Journals of Congress.
S. J. Secret Journals.
D. C. Diplomatic Correspondence.
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-08-20 03:41 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/uva. x000275492 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? THE LIFE
OF
ALEXANDER HAMILTON.
CHAPTER XVI.
[1782. ]
The War of the Revolution, as a scene of military
movements, fades into insignificance before the conflicts
of the elder Nations of the earth. ?
It is as a war of Opinion--as the beginning of that
great experiment in modern times, whether men are capa-
ble of self-government--that it assumes its immeasurable
importance.
A new World is seen rising into view--a World of
Hope; and as the great lights that shone upon its morning
path of advancing glory appear, the grateful inquiry is --
Whose were those superior minds that, amid the dark-
ness of a chaotic confederacy, combined the elements
of Social order, and formed them into a vast majestic
Empire?
The Wealth of Nations is their illustrious few.
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-08-20 03:41 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/uva. x000275492 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? 2
THE LIFE OF
While Hamilton, at the head of his corps, was approach-
ing York Town, letters were addressed to him urging his
acceptance of a seat in congress. But it was possible
that his services in the field might yet be required, and he
was unwilling to retire from the army.
"I would not wish," Laurens wrote, "to have you for
a moment withdrawn from the public service; at the same
time my friendship for you, and knowledge of your value to
the United States, make me most ardently desire that you
should fill only the first offices of the republic. I was flatter-
ed with an account of your being elected a delegate from
New-York, and am much mortified not to hear it confirmed
by y mrself. I must confess to you, that at the present stage
of the war I should prefer your going into congress, and
from thence becoming a minister plenipotentiary for peace,*'
to your remaining in the army, where the dull system of
seniority and the tableau would prevent you from having
the important command to which you are entitled. "
As the prospect of peace opened, Hamilton changed his
s views, and he took his seat in the great council of the
confederacy, over which he had hitherto exerted an unac-
knowledged influence with much gratification.
The partial success which had attended his efforts, as
continental receiver, to draw out the public resources,
taught him that little was to be expected from domestic
supplies. A loan which he had endeavoured to effect
during his residence at Albany had failed, and he now
looked to France as affording the only hope of relieving
the distresses of the treasury.
* La Fayette, when in Europe, urged the minister of France to use his
influence that Hamilton should be sent envoy to London. --" I advise you to
take a gentleman who has no connection with the great men in England.
Our friend Hamilton would be a very proper choice. You ought to bring it
about. There are few men so honest and sensible. I hope you may send
him. He knows better than all the British councils. "
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? HAMILTON.
That hope was faint. The capture of Cornwallis had
induced her ministry late in the preceding year to make
a new loan, with a view to the recovery of New York
and Charleston; but they at the same time announced in the
most peremptory manner their determination not to grant
larger aids. Yet there was no other resource; and under
this conviction he addressed the following letters to De
Noailles and La Fayette.
"Esteem for your talents and acquirements, is a senti-
ment which from my earliest acquaintance with you, my
dear viscount, I have shared in common with all those
who have the happiness of knowing you; but a better
knowledge of your character has given it in my eyes a
more intrinsic merit, and has attached me to you by a
friendship founded upon qualities as rare as they are esti-
mable. Averse as I am to professions, I cannot forbear
indulging this declaration, to express to you the pleasure
I feel at receiving, after an inexplicable delay, the letter
you were so obliging as to write me before your depart-
ure from Boston. It was of that kind which is always
produced by those attentions of friends we value, which,
not being invited by circumstances nor necessitated by
the forms of society, bespeak the warmth of the heart; at
least, my partiality for you makes me fond of viewing it
in this light, and I cherish the opinion.
"I was chagrined to find that you left us with an intention
not to return. Though I should be happy if, by a removal
of the war, this country should cease to be a proper thea-
tre for your exertions, yet if it continues to be so, I hope
you will find sufficient motives to change your resolution.
Wherever you are, you will be useful and distinguished;
but the ardent desire I have of meeting you again, makes
me wish America may be your destination. I would will-
ingly do it in France, as you invite me to do; but the
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? 4
THE LIFE OF
prospect of this is remote. I must make a more solid
establishment here before I can conveniently go abroad.
There is no country I have a greater curiosity to see, or
which I am persuaded would be so interesting to mc, as
yours. I should be happy to renew and improve the valu-
able acquaintances from thence which this war has given
me an opportunity of making; and though I would not
flatter myself with deriving any advantage from it, I am
persuaded it is there I should meet with the greatest num-
ber of those you describe, who, &c. : but considerations
of primary importance will oblige me to submit to the
mortification of deferring my visit.
"In the mean time, I should be too much the gainer by
a communication with you, not gladly to embrace the offer
you so politely make for writing to each other.
"The period since you left us has been too barren of
events to enable me to impart any thing worth attention.
The enemy continues in possession of Charleston and
Savannah, and leaves us master of the rest of the country.
It is said the assemblies of the two invaded states are
about meeting to restore the administration of govern-
ment. This will be a step to strengthening the hands of
General Greene and counteracting the future intrigues of
the enemy. Many are sanguine in believing that all the
southern posts will be evacuated, and that a fleet of trans-
ports is actually gone to bring the garrisons away; for
my part, I have doubts upon the subject. My politics are,
that while the present ministry can maintain their seats
and procure supplies, they will prosecute the war on the
mere chance of events; and that while this is the plan, they
will not evacuate posts so essential as points of departure,
from whence, on any favourable turn of affairs, to renew
their attack on our most vulnerable side; nor would they
relinquish objects that would be so useful to them, should
the worst happen in a final negotiation. Clinton, it is
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-08-20 03:41 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/uva. x000275492 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? HAMILTON.
5
said, is cutting a canal across New-York island, through
the low ground about a mile and a half from the city.
This will be an additional obstacle; but if we have other-
wise the necessary means to operate, it will not be an in-
surmountable one. I do not hear that he is constructing
any other new works of consequence. To you who are so
thoroughly acquainted with the military posture of things
in this country, I need not say that the activity of the next
campaign must absolutely depend on effectual succours
from France. I am convinced we shall have a powerful
advocate in you. La Fayette, we know, will bring the
whole house with him if he can.
"There has been no material change in our internal situa-
tion since you left us. The capital successes we have had,
have served rather to increase the hopes than the exertions
of the particular states. But in one respect we are in a
mending way. Our financier has hitherto conducted him-
self with great ability, has acquired an entire personal
confidence, revived in some measure the public credit, and
is conciliating fast the support of the moneyed men.
"His operations have hitherto hinged chiefly on the sea-
sonable aids from your country; but he is urging the es-
tablishment of permanent funds among ourselves; and
though, from the nature and temper of our governments,
his applications will meet with a dilatory compliance, it is
to be hoped they will by degrees succeed. The institution
of a bank has been very serviceable to him. The com-
mercial interest, finding great advantages in it, and antici-
pating much greater, is disposed to promote the plan; and
nothing but moderate funds, permanently pledged for the
security of lenders, is wanting to make it an engine of the
most extensive and solid utility.
"By the last advices, there is reason to believe the delin-
quent states will shortly comply with the requisition of
congress for a duty on our imports. This will be a great
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-08-20 03:41 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/uva. x000275492 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? ti
THE LIFE OF
resource to Mr. Morris, but it will not alone be suffi-
cient.
"Upon the whole, however, if the war continues another
year, it will be necessary that congress should again recur
to the generosity of France for pecuniary assistance. The
plans of the financier cannot be so matured as to enable
us by any possibility to dispense with this ; and if he should
fail for want of support, we must replunge into that con-
fusion and distress which had like to have proved fatal to
us, and out of which we are slowly emerging. The cure
in a relapse would be infinitely more difficult than ever.
"I have given you an uninteresting but a faithful sketch
of our situation. You may expect from time to time to
receive from me the progress of our affairs, and I know
you will overpay me. "
La Fayette, who married a sister of De Noailles, had
recently returned to France. Hamilton wrote his friend:--
"I have been employed for the last ten months in rocking
the cradle and studying the art of fleecing my neighbours.
I am now a grave counsellor at law, and shall soon be
a grave member of congress. I am going to throw
away a few months more in public life, and then I re-
tire a simple citizen and good pater familias. You see
the disposition I am in. You are condemned to run the
race of ambition all your life; I am already tired of the
career, and dare to leave it. You tell me they are employ-
ed in building a peace, and other accounts say it is nearly
finished. It is necessary for America, especially if your
army is taken from us. That was an essential point d'ap-
pui. The money was the primuin mobile of our finances,
which must now lose the little activity lately given them.
Our trade is prodigiously cramped. These states are in
no humour for continuing exertions. If the war lasts, it
must be carried on by external succours. I make no
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-08-20 03:41 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/uva. x000275492 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? HAMILTON. 7
apology for the inertness of the country. I detest it; but
since it exists, I am sorry to see other resources diminish.
Is there any thing you wish on this side the water?
You know the warmth and sincerity of my attachment.
Command me. Is the worthy Gouvion well? How is it
with our friend Gimat? How is it with Du Portail? All
these are men of merit, and interest my best wishes. "
He also addressed a letter to General Greene:--" It is
an age since I have either written to you or received a
line from you, yet I persuade myself you have not been
the less convinced of my affectionate attachment and warm
participation in all those events which have given you that
place in your country's esteem and approbation, which I
have known you to deserve while your enemies and rivals
were most active in sullying your reputation. "--" I feel,"
he added, "the deepest affliction at the news we have just
received of the loss of our dear and estimable friend Lau-
rens. His career of virtue is at an end. How strangely
are human affairs conducted, that so many excellent quali-
ties could not ensure a more happy fate! The world will
feel the loss of a man who has left few like him behind;
and America, of a citizen whose heart realized that patri-
otism of which others only talk. I shall feel the loss of a
friend I truly and most tenderly loved, and one of a very
small number. I take the liberty to enclose a letter to Mr
Kane, executor to the estate of Mr. Lavine, a half-brother
of mine, who died some time since in South Carolina. "
A few days after the date of this letter, congress rose. *
Though among its members there were men of high
personal character and of eminent patriotism, such as Duane
and Hanson, Izard and Middleton, with the exception of
Boudinot, Madison, and Edmund Randolph, there were no
names conspicuous in the after history of their country.
* November 4, 1782.
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-08-20 03:41 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/uva. x000275492 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? 8 THE LIFE OF
The executive departments, as Hamilton anticipated when
he suggested them, were introducing system and economy
into the administration; and thus the annual expenditure,
which had risen to twenty, was reduced to eight millions.
But there was not in the national legislature a single in-
dividual who combined the qualities necessary to give to
the public councils the impulse, the direction, and the vigour
which the condition of the country so much demanded.
With repeated and impressive earnestness the superin-
tendent of finance is seen exhorting the adoption of meas-
ures suited to the exigencies of the period, but no answer-
ing voice is heard from congress.
The creation of a currency--the importance of funding
the debt--the utility of loans--the necessity of revenue
supplemental to that to be derived from the impost--of a
land tax, a poll tax, an excise--were all urged by him, but
urged in vain.
The early enthusiasm of the nation had passed away.
The authority of government had not followed: all was
apathy and irresolution, or temporary expedient.
Funds could not indeed be obtained without the sanc-
tion of the states; but the great principles of public faith
might have been enforced.