Alexander Hamilton, Ron Chernow

When I started reading about the Founding Fathers, a friend from New York said that I must add a Hamilton biography to my list. When Chernow's Alexander Hamilton was released in Spring of 2004 I bought one of the first copies. The book has been sitting on my unread shelf until I finally found time to start it this fall.

Alexander Hamilton is one of the most influential and controversial figures in the history of the United States. He was orphaned as a child in the Carribean but attracted the attention of his employers who supported his emigration to the Colonies where he enrolled at Kings College, New York (now Columbia University). In the status conscious world of the late 18th century, a child of uncertain parentage had few prospects. Despite this, Hamilton rose to the height of power and influence in the developing nation.

Of course the main thing most people remember about Alexander Hamilton is his infamous deul with Aaron Burr.

It is a truth that winners write the histories. In the case of Alexander Hamilton — the survivors have written the histories. Hamilton is the forgotten founding father. The nation we live in today is probably closer to Hamilton's view of the world than the viow of any of his major rivals (Madison, Jefferson, Adams and Burr). So while they survived Hamilton may have ultimately won.

During the Revolution Hamilton entered the rarified atmosphere of General Washington's inner circle. As aide-de-camp to Washington he worked along side him throughout much of the war. Later when Hamilton had a command of his own he distinguished himself in combat and as a leader.

Hamilton believed that a strong national government with the power to tax to fund its programs was essential to the survivial of the United States. He was one of the first to call for a constitution to replace the articles of confederacy. Unfortunately New York's delegation included Hamilton and two opponents of a new constitution thus severly limiting his influence in the Contstitutional Convention. Hamilton's magnum opus is the Federalist Papers. A series of articles published in New York newspapers to encourage New Yorkers to ratify the New Consitution. Hamilton collaborated with John Jay and James Madison but Hamilton wrote the lion's share. Hamilton was known for his ability to turn out large volumes of meticulously researched arguments even under extreme deadline pressure. The Federalist Papers rank among the sacred documents of American history — they should be required reading for all Americans.

Hamilton served as Treasury Secretary under Washington. He is today credited with writing Washington's farewell address. As secretary he laid the groundwork for much of today's finacnial systems. He might rightfully be called the father of American banking and securities trading. During this time Hamilton had a falling out with Jefferson and Madison.

During the Adams administration he was a strong influence on Adams' cabinet. Eventually when war with France loomed — Hamilton was brought back into the governement by Washington who had been recalled to head the army. Hamilton was made Inspector General, second in command, and carried the title General for the rest of his life.

Adams was a man plagued by controversy. He was scrupulously honest despite several inquiries to his role as Treasury Secretary. The one chink in his armor was his alleged womanizing and an ongoing affair that he felt compelled to admit to publicly. Were it not for this and the ferver that went onto his opposition of Jefferson and Madison — Hamilton likely would have become president.

Hamilton's life ended ended abruptly in a duel with Aaron Burr. In the book Chernow shows how often Hamilton and Burr's paths crossed. In many cases they were allies. I probably have to read a book on Burr written by a sympathetic biographer.

This book helped to convince me that Hamilton truly deserves his place in the pantheon of the Founding Fathers.

Alexander Hamilton gets 5 of 5 dis-oriented smileys

Purchase Alexander Hamilton from Amazon.com.