An Illustrative Extension of Friendship

In 1797, the breaking of the Reynold’s Scandal exemplified just how deep the connection between Hamilton and Washington ran. It also provides informative context to their post-Washington Administration connection. When Hamilton admitted to private extortion and an extramarital affair, George Washington extended a reminder of his persisting friendship. He sent Alexander and his wife Elizabeth a silver-plated wine cooler.1 In the attached letter, Washington referred to the gift “as a token of my sincere regard and friendship for you” hoping that Hamilton “would be persuaded that with every sentiment of the highest regard, I remain your sincere friend, and affectionate [humble] servant.” 2 In response, Hamilton thanked Washington saying, “the token of your regard, which it announces, is very precious to me.”3 In this interaction we see a genuine, mutual friendship between the men which had been developing since the battlefields of the Revolution. This scandal was an embarrassing moment for Hamilton, but by extending kindness Washington supported him and exemplified, in this honor-driven society, that he still deeply trusted and admired him. Hamilton, for his part, seems to recognize and appreciate this. 

Neither man was perfect, and their relationship was not without tensions, head-butting, and shortcomings. But, I would argue that the Reynold’s Scandal example shows that their true connection ran deeper than just their considerable professional lives. They were tied together by their shared love of country and a belief in the potential of the great American experiment.  When they clashed, it was because both of them felt that the other was someone they could press and debate while still retaining their deeply impactful friendship. Overarchingly, they had at long last become friends first. 

  1. Henriques, Peter R. “The Great Collaboration: The Increasingly Close Relationship Between George Washington and Alexander Hamilton.” In Sons of the Father: George Washington and His Proteges, edited by Robert M. McDonald. University of Virginia Press, 2013. https://catalog.lib.msu.edu/Record/hlm.ebs1992972e. (pg. 204)
  2. Washington, George. Letter to Alexander Hamilton: 21 August 1797. Founders Online. National Archives. https://founders.archives.gov/?q=%20Author%3A%22Washington%2C%20George%22%20Recipient%3A%22Hamilton%2C%20Alexander%22%20Period%3A%22Adams%20Presidency%22&s=1111311111&r=1
  3. Hamilton, Alexander. Letter to George Washington: 28 August 1797. Founders Online. National Archives. https://founders.archives.gov/?q=%20Author%3A%22Hamilton%2C%20Alexander%22%20Recipient%3A%22Washington%2C%20George%22%20Period%3A%22Adams%20Presidency%22&s=1111311111&r=1. 
An Illustrative Extension of Friendship