A few years ago the musical Hamilton was very popular — might still be, I’m not sure. Anyhow, after seeing the play, I did a bit of research on Alexander Hamilton. I hadn’t though about it until a few days ago until we were having one of our world problem-solving sessions out on the patio. The conversation, as it sometimes, does, turned to politics and for some reason I remembered that I’d looked up some stuff about Hamilton. I wasn’t picking on Hamilton — it just happened to be on my mind after I’d seen the theatrical production.
If you’re anything like me, you’re sick and tired of hearing about sleazy politicians and their scandals. I wish it was like the good old days when he had honorable leaders. Well, the reality is that there’s always been sleazy politicians — seems like there’s more today, but…..
Alexander Hamilton is considered to be one of the greatest of America’s founding fathers. He put his personal stamp on the creation of American through his hard work, determination, and sheer brilliance. He served as George Washington’s trusted aide during the Revolutionary War. He was one of the primary architects of the Constitution, the first Secretary of the Treasury, and he created the National Bank.
In 1791, at the height of his influence and power — and, while he was happily married — Hamilton met Maria Reynolds. This attractive young woman asked him for money. She said her philandering husband had abandoned her. Hamilton later said he was touched by the poor woman’s story. Apparently he was touched enough to begin an affair. Several months later, Maria’s husband appeared at Hamilton’s door.
Hamilton expected Maria’s outraged husband to demand satisfaction — a duel to the death. But — James Reynolds only wanted $1,000 as compensation for husbandly pain and suffering. Hamilton paid up, and James granted Hamilton leeway to continue the affair — in return for future payments.
Hamilton continued his relationship with Maria for a while, but he soon realized he’d been taken by a husband and wife con team. After he was able to wriggle out of Maria’s grasp, he breathed a sigh of relief. He considered himself lucky to only be a few thousand dollars poorer and to get rid of Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds.
In 1792, Hamilton received a visit from three U.S. senators, including James Monroe. They told Hamilton about a rumor that he had given money and secret Treasury Department information to someone named James Reynolds. (James was currently residing in a Philadelphia prison.) Hamilton faced the accusations and came clean. He confessed to the affair with Maria, but denied giving away secret information. The senators believed him. He had squeaked by again.
A few years later, Hamilton left the Treasury Department and returned to private law practice — his scandals remained hidden, and he was an influential figure in national politics. He even considered running for president in 1800. But a pamphlet dredged up the whole Reynolds Affair. It was a tale of sex and payoff in high places and created a sensation. Hamilton suspected that James Monroe — one of the senators that came to his office —had leaked the story. Monroe was an ally of Hamilton’s opposition for the presidency, Thomas Jefferson.
Hamilton decided to let it all out. He’d wrote a fiery essay admitting he had sex with Maria, but he denied any wrongdoing at the Treasury Department. Apparently Hamilton wanted everyone to know that he might be a two-timing skunk — but — he wasn’t a crook. His public career survived, but just barely. His enemies continued to discuss the affair, and his friends were embarrassed by it. There was no chance he could run for president. The election of 1800 was won by….. Thomas Jefferson.
There’s no record of Hamilton’s wife’s reaction to her husband’s embarrassing behavior. Hamilton’s death occurred in the famous duel with Aaron Burr — after the duel, his wife burned all her correspondence.
An interesting side note is that Maria Reynolds later had an affair with Aaron Burr….
— 30 —