Beschreibung:

HAMILTON, Alexander, First Secretary of the Treasury (1755-1804). Autograph document signed ("A Hamilton"), Albany, [New York], 5 February 1782. 1 page, oblong (3¼ x 7 5/8 in.), docket on verso . In superb condition. HAMILTON AS A LAW STUDENT IN ALBANY. A rare, very early document from a key transitional period in Hamilton's colorful career. In October, the 27-year-old Colonel in the Continental Army led a small band that stormed and captured a key British redoubt at Yorktown, a heroic episode which hastened the surrender of Cornwallis to Washington and his French allies. Immediately after the surrender ceremony, Hamilton set out for Albany to finish his study of the law which had been interrupted by the war. He took up residence at the Schuyler mansion with his young wife, Elizabeth Schuyler. Here, Hamilton acknowledges receipt of funds on behalf of his father-in-law: "Received from W. Jacob Cuyler by the hands of W. Fonda on behalf of General Schuyler Twenty pounds, five shillings." Though he studied law largely on his own, in July 1782 he passed the bar exam and became an attorney only six months behind his future rival and nemesis, Aaron Burr.