HAMILTON, Alexander (c.1757-1804). Autograph letter signed ("A Hamilton"), to "Mr. Wilson," n.p., "Wednesday" c.1789-1793?

One page, bifolium (205 x 163mm). With integral transmittal leaf addressed in his hand (soiled, tissue mounting remnants, portions of bifolium affixed together, small loss from seal tear).

A cryptic note to "Mr. Wilson," writing that he had been "informed by Mr. Laurence [John Laurance?] that yesterday an experiment was made on the principle in which you are interested, and the prevailing sense of the house was against going further than Indian purchases. The bill he supposes will now hurried through so that it becomes necessary to decide what is to be done. I would wait on you but am very busy & rather unwell." During the Maria Reynolds affair, James Reynolds had implicated Hamilton in illegal land speculation in 1791, a charge he denied vehemently (although he did admit his affair with Maria). Despite these denials, Hamilton had sunk a fortune into lands in western New York which failed to appreciate in value during his lifetime and were sold off after his death in 1804 to settle his debts. See William Graham Sumner, Alexander Hamilton pp. 250-251. Not published in the Papers of Alexander Hamilton. Provenance: William E. Simon – by descent to the consignor.