hamilton to stoddert - Alexander Hamilton, The Works of Alexander Hamilton, (Federal Edition), vol. 7 [1774]
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. 7.
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hamilton to stoddert
July 29, 1799.
Dear Sir:
A press of various business has delayed a reply to your favor of the 19th instant.
The principle you suggest for my consideration, though, if it could be introduced, it would work well, cannot, in my opinion, be put into practice. It would contravene too much pretensions rooted as well in the human heart as in unconquerable prejudices of the military state; by which expressions I include the naval department. Carrying in the very fact an avowed preference, humiliating to the pride of the superior officer, and reversing the order of antecedent relations, a cheerful submission could never be obtained.
The alternative you mention is the proper expedient, and a very necessary one it is. It will be happy if Congress can be induced to adopt it.
With very great esteem, I have the honor, etc.
To Secretary of Navy.
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