Tuesday, September 20th, 1796

My Dearest, Theodosia,

                                                Yesterday, Washington's farewell speech was officially released to the public. The farewell address that my father wrote only months ago for the man he had served since the Revolutionary years. My brother Alexander believes it to be a great honor for him to serve under the President for so many years, and then be entrusted to write his last farewell to the public. I am all but inclined to agree with him.

Washington was a great man and a great leader, he has protected us well these many years and I do not think a successor will do him justice, whoever it may be in the end. There is talk that John Adams will be Washington's successor, much to Father's disgust. He does not deem the man to be worthy of the position, believes him to be a no-good. I do not know the man personally so I can make no judgment about him. Though I think Father will do everything in his power to put a stop to it. He may no longer be Treasury, but he holds some influence, albeit, a small amount.

I wonder, what are your views on his successor? Do you know much of him? I must confess, I barely even knew his name, Father never mentioned him to me. What of the farewell address? I do not want to sound so positive and perhaps come off as biased seeing as it was my own father who wrote the address. I would, however, love to hear your view.

Love Always,

Philip Hamilton.

~~~

My Dearest, Philip,

                                       Father showed me the newspaper with which we found the farewell address and it moved me to tears. I have never been one to hold a political figure in such high regards, but Washington has served as our first President valiantly. He brought this nation up from nothing to what it is today and I wish I could thank him for that personally. He showed us that our nation is worth fighting for.

As for John Adams, I know little of him. Father does not like to bring his political work home with him and, instead, focuses more and more on my education with every passing day. I have never once heard him utter the name John Adams, and if I had, it is less than likely that I was not paying any attention to him. I rarely do these days. He always rambles on and on about nonsense, predominately my education, but it always just repetition so I stopped paying attention. He, of course, finds it disrespectful, I find it entertaining.

I found the words your father wrote to be long awaited and most heartfelt. They reflected strongly what Washington stood for during his time and I can only hope that it is echoed by future Presidents. The idea of 'good laws under a free government' is one I feel will be supported throughout time and well into our future. It is a line that shows just what we, as a nation, really stand for.

Love Always,

Theodosia Burr.

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Notes;

On the 19th of October, 1796, Washington's farewell address appeared in 'Claypoole's American Daily Advertiser'. Here, he said his last words to the people of America and outlined his views on the future of the nation. These words, were, in fact, written by Alexander Hamilton. The first draft was written by James Madison, future American President. Washington's speech was both praised and criticized by many, particularly the Republicans of the time. Although Washington fought for a no-party governmental system, he still faced the divide that exists in our current government.

Although they are only young, it is clear that both Burr and Hamilton understood the political aspects of their lives as well as the effect Washington had on the political system within America.