Autograph Draft Letter Signed

Legitimacy of Hamilton's Birth

Letter from the former Secretary at War to Alexander Hamilton; informs him that he sincerely believes that not a single one of Hamilton's friends pay the least bit of attention to his enemies who question the "legitimacy of your birth." Hamilton was born out of wedlock in the British West Indies.

1800

09

04

Baltimore

Alexander Hamilton

James McHenry

Major Jackson

Baltimore

Birth

1800090400301

1

4 Sept 1800
To Gen Hamilton
Baltimore 4 Sept 2 [undecipherable]

My dear Hamilton
Recd. this morning your letter dated the 27 ulti. with the one we first intended for Major Jackson.
I sincerely believe that there is not one of your friends who have paid the least attention to the insinuations attempted to be cast on the legitimacy of your birth, or who would [Editors Note: [undecipherable] a large ink blotch, which takes up several words and lines] respect you less were all that your enemies say or [undecipherable]. I think it will be most prudent and magnanimous to heave any explanation, on the subject to your [undecipherable, crossed out word] biographer, and to the discretion of these friends to whom you have communicated the facts.
Another subject. will not a publication calculated to give a proper help to the public sentiment come too late, except perhaps in particular States where a [undecipherable, crossed out word] foundation may have already been laid?
You will see by the inclosed how we stand here. [undecipherable, several crossed out words]


Yours truly & Affly

McH

Alexr Hamilton Sr
[editor's note: following text is written along the left margin]
extracts sent to Gen A from my letters to [undecipherable] 22 July & 3 Sept to Gen Dickinson