Sunday, February 26th, 1797

My Dearest, Theodosia,

                                                I think it is safe to say that the results of the Presidential election did not go entirely the way Father planned. He wanted to the government to be primarily a Federalist run government, but that has not gone to plan. Jefferson, after receiving the second highest amount of votes, is now Vice-President, much to the disgust of Father.

I am supposed to return to Albany in a few days in order to spend time with my family before the long school year hits us. I know I said the next time we see each other would be when I next returned to Albany, but with Father's temper growing, I fear what he would do were he to find out. Of course, all of our meetings pose a threat, but none more so than now. Until Father's rage passes, I am afraid we will not be allowed to see one another.

I promise to return to Albany in the Summer so we can see one another once Father's temper has dissipated. We shall see each other soon, my love, I can promise you that.

Love Always,

Philip Hamilton.

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Notes;

In February of 1797, the election results were announced. Federalist candidate John Adams won the highest amount of electoral votes, standing at 71, Jefferson the second highest at 68. They became President and Vice President respectively. Hamilton, who had supported Adams as he was a fellow Federalist, spent the next four years of Adams Presidency being punished for the narrow margin between Vice President and President.

We know, through the examination of these letters, that Hamilton and Burr broke rules against their father's wishes and ignored whatever consequences presented themselves. However, we can see here that Hamilton became weary of his father's anger and decided that defying him was not worth the punishment. Interesting considering all these letters have been defying their parent's wishes.