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Front Page arrow Titles (by Subject) arrow hamilton to jay - The Works of Alexander Hamilton, (Federal Edition), vol. 6

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Subject Area: Political Theory
Subject Area: War and Peace
Topic: The American Revolution and Constitution

hamilton to jay - Alexander Hamilton, The Works of Alexander Hamilton, (Federal Edition), vol. 6 [1795]

Edition used:

The Works of Alexander Hamilton, ed. Henry Cabot Lodge (Federal Edition) (New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1904). In 12 vols. Vol. 6.

Part of: The Works of Alexander Hamilton, (Federal Edition), 12 vols.

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hamilton to jay

  • Philadelphia,

Sir:—Your letter of the 5th of November has recently reached me at this place, and found me amongst avocations that scarcely leave me a moment to spare.

You will probably have learned 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.

end of vol. vi.