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Subject Area: Economics
Subject Area: Political Theory
Topic: The American Revolution and Constitution

to rufus king - Alexander Hamilton, The Works of Alexander Hamilton, (Federal Edition), vol. 9 [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. 9.

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

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to rufus sing

  • Philadblphia,

My Dear King:

I have not, as you well may imagine, been inattentive to your political squabble. I believe you are right (though I have not accurately examined), but I am not without apprehension that a ferment may be raised which may not be allayed when you wish it. ’t is not to be forgotten that the opposers of Clinton are the real friends to order and good government, and that it will ill become them to give an example to the contrary.

Some folks are talking of conventions and the bayonet. But the case will justify neither a resort to such principles nor to violence. Some amendments of your election laws, and possibly the impeachment of some of the canvassers who have given proofs of premeditated partiality, will be very well, and it will answer good purposes to keep alive, within proper bounds, the public indignation. But beware of extremes!

There appears to be no definite declared objects of the movements on foot, which render them more ticklish. What can you do? What do you expect to effect?1

[1]Now first printed from the King papers in the possession of Dr Charles King. In R. King’s handwriting on the opposite page is the following: “I have had no agency inm promoting the measures adopted respecting the decision of the canvassers. I have however, felt the utmost indignation.”