to samuel dexter 1 - Alexander Hamilton, The Works of Alexander Hamilton, (Federal Edition), vol. 10 [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. 10.
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to samuel dexter
July 9, 1800.
Dear Sir:
From a letter (not, however, couched in very explicit terms) which I have received from Mr. Bureaux de Pusy, I am induced to think that this gentleman would be willing to accept an appointment in the service of the United States.
He was, under the royal government, an engineer of distinction in the service of France. You are, I dare say, informed of his political history. He was a member and once president of the constituent assembly. Attached warmly to Lafayette and involved in his fortunes, he withdrew with him and was his fellow prisoner with the Russians and Austrians. Tired of the tempest of Europe himself, with his father-in-law DuPont de Nemours, and the whole connection have removed to this country and made a little establishment in Bergen County, New Jersey.
His professional pretensions admit of no dispute. His private character is amiable; his intelligence and information are highly respectable.
After mature reflection I am well satisfied that it is advisable for the United States to engage him if they can. He may be one of the two engineers whom the President is empowered to employ with the grade of colonel and such emoluments as he may think proper to agree for.
As the grade is rather below the pretensions of Mr. de Pusy, he may expect an increase of emoluments, which indeed is agreeable to the spirit of the provision made for this object.
There is a little probability of finding a person better qualified than in all probability is this gentleman.
The institution of a military academy being an object of primary importance, will, I doubt not, be zealously pursued. Whenever it shall take place, Mr. de Pusy will be a most desirable character to be at the head of it.
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