Wednesday, January 17, 1797

My Dearest, Theodosia,

                                                 I am glad to hear that you were dealing with nothing but a minor cold, dear Theo, I would have been devastated were it to be anything else. I must apologise for my late response to your last letter, Angelica was unable to pass it on as I returned to school not long before the letter arrive. She had to send it on and it took several days to arrive.

I am sure your father is simply looking out for you, Theo, the loss of your mother must have been devastating for him. Do not think of him so negatively for he is looking out for your best interests, I am sure of it. I may not agree with our parent's decision to keep us apart, I have never been agreed with that, but if he is looking out for your health and well-being, then I find little wrong. It would be devastating for the both of us.

You know, darling Theo, these past weeks talking to you without our father's current positions getting in the way has been most pleasant. It has allowed us to bond more and I am glad of that. Though I must confess, I feel myself tempted to comment on Father's current condition. Angelica informed me that an old war injury was creating an issue, particularly with his walking. It is an injury that had plagued him for many a year, but I doubt he would admit it.

Sorry for getting sidetracked, but it is, in a sense, a way for the two of us to meet next time I am in Albany. If Father's leg injury is playing up, then he cannot follow me and stop me from meeting you in a park. I shall endeavor to return to Albany as soon as possible, so we can see each other again.

Love Always,

Philip Hamilton.

~~~

My Dearest, Philip,

                                      Father's concern for me is nothing more than an exaggeration as to what may happen. Many experience colds, myself included, and many live to see another day. Allowing me to go outside would as much hinder my recovery as it would help it. I understand he fears I may suffer like Mother did, but Mother's illness was not a simple cold, it was far more complex than that, and he knows it.

The cold has since passed and I am now able to walk around as freely as I like, to a certain degree. I just wish it had hit after we had had our meeting. I feel as though I have not seen you in such a long time and for an irrelevant cold to come between us has to be one of the worst inconveniences I have ever faced. Though I can assure you, when you are next in Albany, whenever that may be, I shall escape from Father and see you, whatever the time and place.

I do hope you return to Albany soon, Philip, I do not know how much longer I can write these letters to you before I truly loose my mind.

Love Always,

Theodosia Burr.

****************************

Notes;

It has been noted that around this time, Alexander Hamilton was experiencing a reoccurring injury to his leg, most likely a war wound. Whether or not this would have had any impact on the young lovers meeting is unknown to us. Though from these letters, it is clear that Philip believed it would.

It is also interesting to note that Philip agrees with something implemented by Aaron Burr, despite the two disagreeing as much as Hamilton and his father did. Whether this shows him getting older, or he has realized not to fit them on everything, we don't know.