February 20, 2005

1782: "The sensations of a tender father"

Alexander Hamilton's first child - Philip - was born in 1782. He wrote the following to a friend. (Now remember, Hamilton was a "bastard brat". An orphan, essentially. He had never had a home-life. Ever. This whole fatherhood thing was new to him. He loved it.) When Philip was killed in a duel, years later, Hamilton never really recovered from the loss.

The sensations of a tender father can only be conceived by those who have experienced them. You cannot imagine how entirely domestic I am growing. I lose all taste for the pursuits of ambition. I sigh for nothing but the company of my wife and baby.
Posted by sheila