Thursday, November 21st, 1799

My Dearest, Theodosia,

                                                  I have wonderful news to present to you! Just yesterday, Mother gave birth to a girl who they have decided to call Eliza, after Mother. Of course, Mother's full name was Elizabeth, but they have refrained from using this and instead gone for the classic Eliza. Angelica is more thrilled with having a sister as she has been surrounded by male influences for her entire life with no one but Mother beside her. She cannot wait for baby Eliza to grow old enough so they can share in adventures and gossip. She has already cooed over the baby several times and I am sure this will continue as they grow older.

I must confess that I cannot remember a time where I was so happy, despite having so many siblings prior to Eliza. Perhaps it is because Angelica was so thrilled and I live to her smile, it is one of the many things that brings me joy. Or, maybe it is the idea that our family continues to grow and that Father is always around more often when there is a new baby. But I digress. Maybe I am just pleased to have another sibling.

Whilst in this joyous state, I realise that my behaviour in our last few letters has been rather extravagant, and for that, I apologise. I realise now that you were simply asking a question and I had no place to react the way I did. I sincerely hope this has not affected our friendship in any way.

Love Always,

Philip Hamilton.

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Notes;

On November 20th, 1799, Eliza Hamilton gave birth to their second daughter and second youngest child, Eliza. The namesake clearly taken from her mother is altered by her first officially name, as written on her birth certificate, being Eliza rather than Elizabeth, however, we do not know why this is the case. Young Eliza was one of few siblings who outlived their mother and she also helped her brother, John Church Hamilton, with the creation of their father's bibliography.

Interestingly, although the letters we found had been degraded over the prolonged time period, we found some markings on this letter that suggests Hamilton was struggling. Notably, we found what can only be presumed as a single water drop, near the word 'friendship'. Our analysis has suggested that the mark could either be a single splash of water, or the remnants of a tear. From this, we have concluded that the tear is either from happiness or, judging by its placement, Hamilton regretted having to write the word 'friendship'. This, however, is pure speculation.