Saturday, January 28th, 1797

My Dearest, Theodosia,

                                                Unfortunately, I cannot say when or if I will be returning to Albany in the near future, I am determined to do well in my studies in order to get Father off my back. Ever since he found out about our letter writing, he has been making sure I am keeping up with my studies, he has even neglected to ask about Alexander, something he often does. The more work I do, the less likely he is to watch my every step.

I am sure you are under the same scrutiny. The difference between us is that I am at a distance from my father whereas you are constantly under his watchful eye. Just like my father is likely to back off me, I am more than certain your father will realize he cannot control you for all your life, especially as you are getting older. You shall see that soon enough we will be able to see each other without our father's being able to control us.

Angelica has said she will continue to help you and I correspond through these letters when I am home. I am just glad that we are able to write to each other whilst I am away without anyone knowing, unless your father were to find out, but you appear to be perfectly capable of slipping through the net and avoid your father's capture.

Write soon.

Love Always,

Philip Hamilton.

~~~

My Dearest, Philip,

                                      As you know, I am extremely capable of avoiding my father despite it all happening under his very nose. Ever since he sent a letter to your father, he has yet to know that I have been writing to you and I doubt he will find out. You see, Philip, when it comes to sneaking around, I am like the invisible man. He will not see nor hear my movement as I write these letters. Candle light can be a savor.

As you say, Father will probably back off soon enough, particularly as we grow older and get tempted to turn to the more rebellious side of life. I for one am feeling myself growing more and more angry with his need to control. One of these days, I will scream at him and I am not sure if it is going to happen now or within the next few months. We shall see.

I must keep this brief, I am supposed to be studying and Father will not be happy if he finds out I am doing something other than Latin, he will be extremely angry with me.

Love Always,

Theodosia Burr.

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Notes;

This is, perhaps, one of the first incidences where we see Burr outwardly state that she was willing to bend the rules or become more rebellious towards her father, a state she has to express. We can clearly see them aging and turning away from their father's rules about the way they live their lives.