Beschreibung:

HAMILTON, Elizabeth Schuyler (1757-1854). Autograph letter signed ("Eliz. th Hamilton"), Grange, 10 April 1830. 1 page, 4to, ruled paper, matted and framed . INTRODUCING "A PARTICULAR FRIEND OF MY HAMILTON" TO LAFAYETTE. Elizabeth Hamilton's continued devotion to her husband, a quarter century after his death, shines through in the phrasing of this letter of introduction to another Revolutionary War hero, the Marquis de Lafayette: "I introduce to your kindness and civilities the sons in law of your respected Friend General Clarkson [a] particular friend of my Hamilton. The Rev. Mr. Richmond is the pastor of myself and family. Mr. Goodhue my particular friend. Your attention to those Gentlemen will give me great pleasure. I hope your family are all well. Remember me to your son Washington." Although she was the daughter of one of New York's leading aristocrats, Mrs. Hamilton's life was laced with hardships. Her eldest son was killed in a duel before her husband met the same fate (and her father died the same year as her spouse). Another of her eight children went insane. And there was the immense humiliation of the Reynolds affair revelations in 1795. After Alexander's death, she used her inheritance to buy back The Grange, which had been sold at auction, and petitioned the Congress for Hamilton's Revolutionary War pension which he had waived. She was finally paid $30,000 in 1837. Though living on exceedingly modest resources, Hamilton's widow was active in the New York Orphan Asylum Society and founded several orphanages in New York City and Washington. ELIZABETH HAMILTON'S LETTERS ARE VERY RARE.