Complete Works. Hamilton Alexander
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of The Federalist has presented the different tables of contents, using the data in Hamilton's own handwriting given to Egbert Benson, that given to Chancellor Kent by Hamilton, the entries in the copies of the book left by Madison, which is now in the Congressional Library, and strangely enough bears the autograph of Mrs. Hamilton as well as that of Madison, and a list by Rush. He also had access to Kent's manuscript notes and Mr. Jay's "Recollections." There seems to be no dispute about the authorship of the first sixteen articles, but as to the others, there is some difference of opinion. As to these, the eighteenth, nineteenth, and twentieth are claimed by Madison to be entirely his own, while joint authorship was asserted on all occasions by Hamilton, and this claim was held by Ames, who knew much about the preparation of the book. All agree that the articles from twenty to thirty-seven, and from fifty-four to eighty-five inclusive, were from Hamilton's pen. Much unnecessary speculation has been indulged in as to what part Hamilton took in the preparation of Washington's Farewell Address, and as to the qualifications of the two men. Some of the many who have discussed the matter have declared that it was wholly Hamilton's work, while others, among them John Jay, who were equally positive, have insisted that no other hand than that of the first President could have composed it. Jay, in writing to Judge Richard Peters early in 1811, takes this position. Richard Peters wrote to Jay in February, 1811, stating that a copy of the Farewell Address in Hamilton's handwriting had been found among the latter's papers, and that another copy had been found in the possession of "a certain gentleman" in the same handwriting. To this Jay replied, that "this intelligence is unpleasant and unexpected," and went on to say that it may be presumed from these facts that General Hamilton was the real and the President only the reputed author. This he doubts, for the reason that Washington was "a character not blown up into transient splendour by his great and memorable deeds, but stands, and will forever stand, a glorious monument of human excellence." He then proceeds to argue further that "it was impossible for the President, because of his very greatness and the excellence of all his virtues and his familiarity with all the public affairs, to be anything else than the author of the document. But his ability to write well need not be proved by the application of maxims (which he quotes); it is established by facts. We are told to judge a tree by its fruit; let us, in like manner, judge of his pen by its performance." After this he proceeds to give the history as it was known to him, to wit: Some time before the address appeared Colonel Hamilton told Jay he had received a letter from Washington, with a draft of a farewell address which the latter had prepared, and on which was required an opinion. An appointment was made and kept, and Hamilton told Jay that he had read the address, and the "easiest and best" way was to leave the draft untouched and in its fair state, and to write the whole over with such amendments, alterations, and corrections as he thought were advisable, and that he had done so. It was read over and agreed to by both and met with " mutual approbation." There was one provision that did not meet with Jay's approval, and he hints at it in a letter to the President. Binney has reviewed the whole matter of the authorship, and Ford has published nearly all the correspondence. James A. Hamilton has produced copies of letters from Washington to Hamilton, and vice versa, which certainly prove that the major part of the final adopted address was the work of Hamilton. Oliver who, it must be admitted, is a capable, historical scholar, goes so far as to say, "In September, 1796, Washington issued his Farewell Address, one of the most famous documents in American history, and this also was from Hamilton's pen." Binney says Washington was undoubtedly the original designer of the Farewell Address. The fundamental thought and principles were his, but he was not the composer or writer of the paper.
It will be seen that many of these conclusions were not based upon facts but impressions, and the actual conversation between Hamilton and Washington certainly favors the assumption that Hamilton's part was the chief one, even if documentary evidence of another kind is lacking. After his father's death, James A. Hamilton diligently sought confirmation from those who had known him, and were conversant with the circumstances.
George Cabot, of Boston, wrote to the latter: "When that address was published, it was understood among your father's friends that it was written by him. It was, however, considered important that it should have the influence of Washington's name and character, and I must advise that until it has ceased to do Its work, the question of the authorship should not be discussed."
William Coleman, the editor of the New York Evening Post, in a letter to the same person written October 21, 1824, says:
"Colonel Troup told me that on entering your father's office one morning he found him earnestly engaged in preparing a composition which he told me was the Farewell Address; that it was nearly finished; that he actually read the MSS. or heard it read, and that it was the original of what afterward appeared in print under the name of 'Washington's Farewell Address.'"
Some extracts from letters that passed between Washington and Hamilton, and collected by James A. Hamilton, may be reproduced. These, after Hamilton's death, remained in possession of Rufus King, and came into my uncle's hands only after the threat of a lawsuit. Why they should have been withheld can only be accounted for by the supposition that it had been determined by a coterie of friends to give Washington the full credit for the address. They certainly show that there was collaboration at least, and probably that much of the original material, and many of the suggestions, originated with Hamilton.
Hamilton to Washington July 30, 1796
I have the pleasure to send you a certain draft which I have made as perfect as my time and engagement would permit. It has been my object to render this act importantly and lastingly useful, and avoiding all cause of present exception to embrace such reflections and sentiments as will wear well, progress In approbation with time, and redound to future reputation. How far I have succeeded you will judge. If you should intend to take the draft now sent, and after perusing, and noting anything you wish changed, send it to me, I will with pleasure shape it as you desire. This may also put it in my power to improve the expression, and perhaps in some instances condense.
Washington to Hamilton, August 10, 1796
The principal design of this letter, is to inform you that your favor of the 30th ult, with its enclosure, came safely to hand by the last post, and that the latter shall have the most attentive consideration I am able to give it. A cursory reading it has had, and the sentiments therein contained are exceedingly just and such as ought to be inculcated.
Washington to Hamilton, August 26, 1796
I have given the paper herein enclosed, several serious and attentive readings, and prefer it greatly to the other drafts, [his own included] being more copious on material points, more dignified on the whole, and with less egotism; of course less exposed to criticism, and better calculated to meet the eye of discerning readers, and foreigners particularly, whose curiosity I have no doubt will lead them to inspect it attentively, and to pronounce their opinions on the performance.
Washington to Hamilton, September 1, 1796
About the middle of last week I wrote to you, and that it might escape the eye of the inquisitive, (for some of my letters have lately been pried into), I took the liberty of putting it under cover to Mr. Jay. Since then revolving over the paper that was enclosed therein on the various matters it contained, and on the just expression of the advice or recommendation which was given in it, I have regretted that another subject, (which in my estimation is of interesting concern to the well being of the country) was not touched upon also. I mean Education generally as one of the surest means of enlightening and giving just ways of thinking to our citizens; but particularly the establishment of a University.
Hamilton's Reply
The idea of the University is one of those which I think will be most properly reserved for your speech at the opening of the session.
Washington to Hamiltony, September 6, 1796
If you think the idea of a University had better be reserved for a speech at the opening of the session, I am content to defer the communication of it until that period, but even in that case I could pray you as soon as convenient to make a draft for the occasion.
Washington to Hamilton
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