Hamilton, Alexander (1755-1804) to John Jay
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC07155 Author/Creator: Hamilton, Alexander (1755-1804) Place Written: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 19 November 1798 Pagination: 1 p. : address ; 24 x 19.4 cm. Order a Copy
Inspector General Alexander Hamilton writes to Governor of New York John Jay about the importance of engineers in planning the defense of Philadelphia against possible attack duing the threat of war between the United States and France in 1798. Accompanied by the address leaf, which has been trimmed to a single panel.
Signer of the U.S. Constitution.
Philadelphia Nov 19 1798
Sir
Your letter of the 5th of November has recently reached me at this place and found me amidst avocations which scarcely leave me a moment to share. You will probably have learnt from General Clarkson that the Survey of the Port has been completed.
But I do not recollect that I have had any answer to a suggestion in one of my letters respecting the employment of engineers to assist in forming the desired plan. This appears to me an essential preliminary. It is very possible the contrary may have been said to you by persons of whose intelligence you may have a good opinion. Self-sufficiency and a contempt of the science and experience of others are too prevailing traits of character in this country. But as far as I am to be concerned auxiliary lights are a sine qua non. I do not feel myself adequate to the complicated task of an Engineer unaided by men of more technical knowledge than myself.
With the greatest respect and esteem
I have the honor to be
Your Obedient Servant
A. Hamilton
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