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“A Most Critical Comma”: Hamilton, Angelica, and Their Flirty and Witty Correspondence

November 26, 2025 Tags: , ,
NYC Hamilton Tour

The surviving letters between Alexander Hamilton and his sister‑in‑law, Angelica Schuyler Church, offer a tantalizing glimpse into a relationship that—though publicly familial—was steeped in warmth, wit, and an emotional intimacy that has fascinated historians and the public alike. . . and informed the song “Satisfied” in the Hamilton musical. While some of their exchanges were clever and even flirtatious, the release of the “Reynolds Pamphlet” in 1797 seems to have altered the dynamic irrevocably.

From one of their more famous exchanges, written 6 December 1787, Hamilton wrote to Angelica:

“You ladies despise the pedantry of punctuation. There was a most critical comma in your last letter. It is my interest that it should have been designed; but I presume it was accidental. Unriddle this if you can. The proof that you do it rightly may be given by the omission or repetition of the same mistake in your next.” (1)

That playful reference to punctuation—a “most critical comma”—caught the public imagination thanks to modern dramatic retellings of their story. But the real letters show a more ambiguous tone. Hamilton closes that letter, after complimenting her and her husband, with a warm: “Adieu ma chere, soeur” — “my dear sister.” (2)

Angelica’s side of the correspondence shows similar intimacy. In a letter from 2 October 1787, writing from London, she confessed to some melancholy and longing for home:

“Indeed my dear, Sir if my path was strewed with as many roses, as you have filled your letter with compliments, I should not now lament my absence from America … but even Hope is weary…” (3)

The comma after “my dear,” rather than “my dear Sir,” is what appears to have triggered Hamilton’s response.

And, expressing how much she missed his company, she told him in a letter dated 4 February 1790:

“I regret America, I regret the separation from my friends and I lament the loss of your society… I cannot now relish the gay world.” (4)

Such phrasing — “loss of your society,” “lament”—suggests an intimacy beyond casual family courtesy. Hamilton wrote to her in 1787, “I seldom write to a lady without fancying the relation of lover and mistress.”  In his letters, Hamilton referred to the “relation of lover and mistress” in a playful way, showing the suggestive undertones of their exchanges. 

Given the constraints and social norms of their time, that admission stands out. But whether their affection went beyond the verbally remains a matter of speculation.

That ambiguity became sharpened after the scandal. The Reynolds Pamphlet, published by Hamilton in 1797, publicly disclosed his affair with Maria Reynolds and financial dealings with her husband — a decision that forever destabilized his private and public life.

Although none of Angelica’s known surviving letters explicitly address the affair or the pamphlet, the tone of their later correspondence noticeably cools. After 1789–1790, her letters tend to refer to him as “dear friend” or “dear Brother,” rarely revisit the playful punctuation banter, and emphasize familial duty.

In historical retrospect, this shifting tone suggests that the scandal may have introduced restraint and distance.  Previously, the tone of their correspondence had been undeniably flirtatious, but it remains unclear whether that teasing warmth hinted at genuine romantic feeling or simply reflected their shared wit and charm.

1. Alexander Hamilton to Angelica Church, December 6, 1787, Founders Online, National Archives, https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Hamilton/01-04-02-0172.

2. Ibid.

3. Angelica Church to Alexander Hamilton, October 2, 1787, Founders Online, National Archives, https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Hamilton/01-04-02-0144.

4. Angelica Church to Alexander Hamilton, February 4, 1790, Founders Online, National Archives, https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Hamilton/01-06-02-0127.

The Remarkable Roeblings and the Making of the Brooklyn Bridge

November 13, 2025 Tags: , ,
Best-Brooklyn-Tour

The Remarkable Roeblings and the Making of the Brooklyn Bridge

Few landmarks embody New York’s spirit of ambition and ingenuity like the Brooklyn Bridge. Completed in 1883, this engineering marvel linked Manhattan and Brooklyn for the first time, transforming both cities and shaping the destiny of the young nation. Behind this iconic achievement stood three extraordinary figures—John A. Roebling, Colonel Washington Roebling, and Emily Warren Roebling—whose combined brilliance, perseverance, and sacrifice made the impossible possible. Their story is a central highlight of our Best of Brooklyn/Brooklyn Revolution The Best of Brooklyn Walking Tour, where we explore how the fight for freedom, innovation, and identity continued long after the American Revolution.

John Roebling: The Visionary Engineer

German-born engineer John A. Roebling was already renowned for his pioneering wire-rope suspension bridges, such as the Cincinnati-Covington Bridge, when he proposed a bold new project in the 1860s: a massive suspension bridge stretching across the East River. His design was revolutionary—using steel cables (a Roebling innovation) and Gothic stone towers that would become two of the nation’s most iconic architectural symbols. Roebling envisioned the bridge not just as a feat of engineering, but as a unifying civic triumph that would link the rapidly growing city of Brooklyn with the commercial powerhouse of Manhattan.

Tragically, Roebling never saw construction begin. A crushing accident on the Brooklyn pier led to his death in 1869. But his vision lived on through his son.

Washington Roebling: The Relentless Builder

Colonel Washington Roebling, trained by his father and battle-tested as a Civil War officer, took command of the project at the age of 32. Under his leadership, the team constructed the massive underwater caissons—giant wooden chambers pressurized with air—that allowed workers to dig the foundations of the bridge’s towers deep into the riverbed.

This work came at a tremendous cost. Many laborers suffered from “caisson’s disease,” but Washington himself became the most famous victim. The illness, now understood as decompression sickness, or “the bends,” left him partially paralyzed and confined to his Brooklyn Heights home. Conventional leadership became impossible. But the project did not stop.

Emily Roebling: The Bridge’s Unsung Hero

In stepped Emily Warren Roebling, whose role became legendary. Emily served as Washington’s eyes, ears, and voice on the construction site. She mastered the most complex engineering concepts, relayed her husband’s instructions, negotiated with politicians, and reassured skeptical investors. For over a decade, Emily became the indispensable link that kept the story of the Brooklyn Bridge alive.

When the bridge finally opened on May 24, 1883, Emily rode across it in a ceremonial carriage—the first person ever to cross the finished span.

Explore the Roeblings’ Legacy on the Brooklyn Revolution Tour

The story of the Brooklyn Bridge is about more than cables and towers; it’s about family, resilience, and the evolution of America’s ideals. On our Best of Brooklyn/Brooklyn Revolution Tour, we trace the neighborhood’s history from the Revolutionary era to the Roeblings’ soaring 19th-century achievement. You’ll stand near Washington Roebling’s residence, see key viewpoints of the bridge, and discover how Brooklyn’s spirit of innovation connects the fight for independence with the triumph of one of the world’s greatest engineering feats. You’ll also visit DUMBO, Brooklyn Heights, and Brooklyn Bridge Park with fantastic vistas and American history from the Revolutionary War to the Civil War and beyond. You’ll see New York City in a new way!

Join us and experience the Best of Brooklyn/Brooklyn Revolution Walking Tour.

The Secret North: Hidden Beauty in Central Park’s Quietest Corners

November 11, 2025

Discover Central Park’s hidden northern wonders — from the wild North Woods and tranquil Pool to the elegant Conservatory Garden and scenic Harlem Meer. Join Revolutionary Tours NYC for the Secret Places of Central Park Tour and uncover the park’s most peaceful and historic corners.

The Secret North: Hidden Beauty in Central Park’s Quietest Corners

Most visitors to Central Park never make it north of 100th Street. Yet some of the park’s most enchanting, mystical, and least-visited landscapes lie beyond it — places where the city seems to melt away, and Olmsted and Vaux’s grand design reveals its most intimate secrets. On our Secret Places of Central Park Tour, we explore these northern gems, where history, artistry, and nature intertwine in surprising ways.

The North Woods – New York’s Wilderness

The North Woods feels like a wilderness transported to Manhattan. Designed to evoke the Adirondacks, it’s a landscape of towering oaks, rustic bridges, and a tumbling stream known as the Loch, winding its way toward Harlem Meer. During the park’s construction between 1858 and 1873, nearly 20,000 workers, many of them Irish and German immigrants, reshaped this rugged terrain by hand. They blasted through bedrock, diverted water through dozens of miles of underground pipes, and planted thousands of trees to create this illusion of natural wilderness. Today, the North Woods remains one of the most peaceful refuges in the entire city — a place where you can hear woodpeckers instead of traffic and follow winding trails that reward the curious wanderer.

The Pool – A Serene Hidden Mirror

Just west of the Woods lies the Pool, a tranquil body of water at 100th Street and Central Park West. It’s one of the park’s loveliest and most overlooked features, surrounded by willows and red maples that reflect perfectly in the water’s surface. In spring and fall, migratory birds rest here, while in winter, the scene turns into a snow-dusted tableau worthy of a painting. The Pool captures Olmsted and Vaux’s genius for designing spaces that look entirely natural yet were painstakingly crafted to offer changing beauty with each season.

The Conservatory Garden – A Formal Oasis

A few blocks east at Fifth Avenue and 105th Street stands the Conservatory Garden, a masterpiece of horticultural artistry hidden behind the ornate Fifth Avenue Vanderbilt Gate. Divided into three distinct styles — Italian, French, and English — this six-acre garden bursts with color and structure from the spring through the fall. It’s one of the park’s quietest corners, missed by even seasoned New Yorkers. Whether it’s the symmetry of the Italian terrace or the romantic Secret Garden of the English area, every section reveals another layer of Central Park’s personality — cultivated, elegant, and serene.

Harlem Meer – The Park’s Northern Lake

At the park’s northeast edge lies Harlem Meer, a shimmering lake bordered by elms and willows and framed by a view of Harlem’s skyline. The word Meer means “lake” in Dutch, a nod to the area’s early colonial history. In Olmsted and Vaux’s design, the Meer served as both a picturesque water feature and a recreational gathering place. Today, it remains one of the park’s most tranquil settings — perfect for birdwatching, or simply standing by the shore as the light ripples across the water. The Meer represents the ideal balance between nature and city — the kind of harmony Central Park was built to create.

Discover the North with Us

These northern landscapes and other areas of the areas of the northern park tell a quieter story of Central Park — one of tranquility, mystery, and discovery. On our Secret Places of Central Park Tour, you’ll explore these hidden sanctuaries, uncover the history behind their design, and experience a side of the park most visitors never see.

Best Central Park Walking Tour in New York City

Exploring Central Park’s Secret Northern End: Hidden History, Scenic Trails & Peaceful Escapes

November 4, 2025 Tags: , , , ,
Best Central Park Walking Tour

When most visitors think of Central Park, they picture Bethesda Terrace, the Bow Bridge, or the Great Lawn. Yet the park’s northern end — stretching from 100th Street to 110th Street — offers some of its most serene and spectacular landscapes, richest history, and least-crowded experiences. From the woodlands of the North Woods to the elegant Conservatory Garden and the historic forts of the Revolutionary War, this part of Central Park is a hidden gem that rewards those who venture beyond the familiar.

The North Woods: A Wilderness in Manhattan

At 40 acres, the North Woods is the largest of Central Park’s three woodlands, designed to evoke the feeling of the Adirondack forest. Winding paths, rustic bridges, and a serene stream known as the Loch make it a tranquil retreat right in the heart of Manhattan. Visitors can follow the Ravine Trail through dense oaks and maples, listening to waterfalls that flow from the Pool at 100th Street down to the Harlem Meer.

This area is a paradise for birdwatchers and photographers alike. You’ll find migrating warblers in spring, red-tailed hawks soaring above, and even the occasional heron fishing in the waters below. For locals and visitors seeking nature and solitude, the North Woods is one of the best-kept secrets of Central Park’s northern end.

The Conservatory Garden: Central Park’s Only Formal Garden

A short walk east of the North Woods, lies the Conservatory Garden — a masterpiece of landscape design and one of the park’s most peaceful places. You’ll find three distinct styles: the Italianate garden with its grand fountain and terraces, the French garden with seasonal tulips and the fountain of Three Dancing Maidens, and the English garden featuring a reflecting pool and lush perennials.

The fully-restored Conservatory Garden is an oasis of tranquility far from the park’s busier southern half. It’s also a favorite destination when flowers and foliage are at their peak. For anyone searching for romantic spots in Central Park or hidden gems in Upper Manhattan, this is a must-see.

Revolutionary Forts, History & Hidden Stories

Few visitors realize that the northern end of Central Park played an important defensive role in New York City’s Revolutionary War and War of 1812 history. The park’s high points — Fort Clinton, Fort Fish, and Nutter’s Battery — were part of a line of defensive fortifications built by American forces in 1814 during the War of 1812, on or near earlier Revolutionary War positions. The oldest original structure in the park is a Blockhouse from the War of 1812. The views of Harlem and the Bronx from its bluff are impressive.

Go Beyond the Map: Discover the Secret Places of Central Park

Want to uncover even more of Central Park’s hidden history, forgotten forts, and surprising stories? You’ll learn about Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux’s vision for the first large-scale public park in the United States. You’ll also discover the fascinating pre-park history, including the Seneca Village community, an African American and immigrant community that preceded the park’s construction. Join Revolutionary Tours NYC for the acclaimed Secret Places of Central Park Tour — a deep dive into the park’s untold history, design secrets, and natural wonders. Led by a passionate historian, this immersive walking tour reveals areas most visitors never find on their own — from mysterious arches and hidden trails to sites where history was made.

Book your Secret Places of Central Park experience today at RevolutionaryToursNYC.com and see America’s greatest urban park in a whole new light.

The Hamilton & Burr Duel Letters

September 2, 2025 Tags: , , ,
Best Hamilton Tour in New York City

The duel between Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton on July 11, 1804 was one of the most infamous events in American history, rooted in fierce political rivalry and personal animosity. Their conflict erupted after a contentious New York gubernatorial race, where Burr, then Vice President, lost to Morgan Lewis, partly due to Hamilton’s vocal opposition to his candidacy. The final catalyst for the duel came when a letter from Dr. Charles D. Cooper, published in the Albany Register, accused Hamilton of describing Burr as an untrustworthy “dangerous man,” and of having expressed “a still more despicable opinion” of Burr.

The Cooper Letter in the Albany Register

Dr. Cooper’s letter read:

“I assert that Gen. Hamilton and Judge Kent have declared, in substance, that they looked upon Mr. Burr to be a dangerous man, and one who ought not to be trusted with the reins of government.” (1)

Cooper further reported Hamilton’s supposed utterance of an even worse “despicable” opinion, which triggered Burr to confront Hamilton directly. This public airing of private resentments created a scandal Burr felt demanded satisfaction.

Burr’s Letters to Hamilton

Upon seeing Cooper’s published remarks, Burr sent his first challenge letter to Hamilton on June 18, 1804:

“You must perceive, sir, the necessity of a prompt and unqualified acknowledgement or denial of the use of any expression that would warrant the assertions of Dr. Cooper.” (2)

Burr demanded Hamilton either confirm or deny he made the statements attributed to him. Hamilton’s reply was evasive, refusing a categorical answer, which inflamed the conflict. Burr followed up with another letter dated June 22:

“I relied with unsuspecting faith that from the frankness of a Soldier and the Candor of a gentleman I might expect an ingenuous declaration; that if, as I had reason to believe, you had used expressions derogatory to my honor, you would have had the Spirit to Maintain or the Magnanimity to retract them…” (3)

Burr made clear that only an explicit apology or retraction would suffice, expressing disappointment at what he saw as Hamilton’s equivocation.

Hamilton’s Responses

Hamilton’s replies were measured but firm. In his June 20, 1804 letter, Hamilton rebuffed Burr’s demand:

“I have become convinced, that I could not, without manifest impropriety, make the avowal or disavowal which you seem to think necessary.” (4)

Hamilton further explained that his statements about Burr were general political criticisms and not a direct attack on Burr’s honor. He conceded to “abide by the consequences,” implicitly accepting the possibility of a duel. Throughout these exchanges, Hamilton maintained a tone of civility and principle, while trying to avoid a public retraction and escalation, but Burr saw this as evasion.

The Path to the Duel

The repeated written refusals to apologize and escalating tone brought both men to an impasse. Burr closed his final letter:

“Thus, sir, you have invited the course I am about to pursue, and now your silence impose it upon me.” (5)

Hamilton, meanwhile, prepared drafts in case he would not survive, expressing his moral aversion to dueling but accepting the practical realities of honor and reputation in that era.

These exchanges show how the collision of politics and pride produced one of America’s defining moments, ending in Hamilton’s early demise and reshaping the early republic’s view of honor and violence.

The unfortunate conclusion of the Burr–Hamilton duel reveals a profound complexity at the heart of their relationship, shaped by fifteen years of political rivalry, deep-seated mistrust, and competing ambitions for influence in the new nation. Though both men had worked together in law and served in the American Revolution, their differences became irreconcilable as Burr’s flexible political allegiances repeatedly clashed with Hamilton’s principled Federalism, leading Hamilton to view Burr as an obstacle to the country’s future. Hamilton’s letter before the duel admitted no personal hatred, but emphasized his duty to oppose Burr for the greater good.

For both Hamilton and Burr, the concept of honor was not merely personal character, but a public currency essential for survival in the Early Republic. Burr’s demand for a full retraction was rooted in the era’s sometimes unforgiving standards, where reputation dictated power; refusing the challenge would have meant public humiliation and hence political death for either man. Hamilton, meanwhile, struggled with the moral consequences of dueling but understood that conceding would compromise his usefulness and legacy as a leader.  Ultimately, their ideas of honor forced them onto the dueling ground—not out of animosity alone, but from a belief that only through defending reputation could they uphold their dominance, even at ultimate personal cost. The heartbreak was not just in the loss of Hamilton’s life, but in the way their fixation on personal honor transformed a private quarrel into a moment that transformed early American political culture.

Explore Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr in the Hamilton & Washington in New York walking tour, offered as both a public and private tour. Book the tour today!

Sources:

  1. Founders Online: Enclosure: Charles D. Cooper to Philip Schuyler, April 23, 1804
  2. The June 18 Letter – Hamilton’s Choice
  3. Aaron Burr Challenges Alexander Hamilton, 1804 | Gilder Lehrman
  4. Hamilton-Burr Duel (U.S. National Park Service)
  5. Aaron Burr Challenges Alexander Hamilton, 1804 | Gilder Lehrman

Seneca Village: A Remarkable African American and Immigrant Community

May 25, 2025 Tags: , , , ,
Seneca Village Tour in Central Park

In the heart of what is now the Central Park landscape once stood Seneca Village, a vibrant and empowered African American and immigrant community that existed on the land between 1825, two years before the end of slavery in New York State, and 1857.  The community was between 82nd and 89th Streets and between Seventh and Eighth Avenues.  Seneca Village was established when white property owners John and Elizabeth Whitehead, uptown landowners, subdivided their property and sold off 200 lots. The first buyer was Andrew Williams, a 25-year-old African American bootblack (shoe shiner) who purchased three lots for $125.  Williams was soon joined by others seeking opportunity and refuge from the crowded, disease-ridden, and discriminatory conditions of Lower Manhattan. Epiphany Davis, a store clerk, bought 12 lots for $578, and the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church acquired six more.  By the mid-1850s, it had grown to around 50 homes, three churches, a school for African-American children, and burial grounds. White European immigrants began moving to Seneca Village in the 1840s.

Seneca Village was remarkable not just for its growth but for its diversity and autonomy. At its peak, the community numbered about 225 residents, two-thirds of whom were Black, with the rest being Irish and possibly German immigrants. More than half of the Black residents were property owners, a rare achievement since, at the time, only 10% of the city’s entire population owned land.  This land ownership also conferred the right to vote for Black men (a $250 property-ownership requirement and three years’ residency in the state began in 1821), as well as stability and self-determination.

Andrew Williams, the village’s first landowner, lived there with his wife, Elizabeth, and their family from 1825 until 1857, when the city acquired the land through eminent domain to create Central Park. Williams’s story is emblematic of the community: he built a home, raised a family, and participated in a thriving middle-class neighborhood that included churches, schools, and gardens.  Epiphany Davis, another prominent resident, invested in multiple lots and helped anchor the village’s economic and social fabric.

The landscape of Seneca Village was varied, featuring rolling hills, rocky outcrops, and meadows. Residents cultivated gardens, raised livestock, and drew water from a natural water source that became known as Tanner’s Spring, while orchards and barns dotted the landscape.

Seneca Village offered a rare sanctuary of Black property ownership and community in antebellum New York. Its erasure in 1857 for Central Park’s creation was a profound loss, but ongoing research, archaeological work, and public commemoration since it’s rediscovery in 1992—by historians Roy Rosenzweig and Elizabeth Blackmar—are restoring its rightful place in the city’s history—a testament to resilience, aspiration, resourcefulness, and community in the face of adversity.  Find more about Seneca Village on the Secret Places of Central Park and Central Park Experience walking tours, as well as a private tour focusing on Seneca Village offered for groups of adults, students, and corporate employees.

Bethesda Terrace: The Heart of Central Park

May 8, 2025 Tags: , , , ,
Best NYC Central Park Tour

Nestled at the crossroads of Central Park’s most scenic landscapes, Bethesda Terrace stands as a testament to visionary design, artistic collaboration, and the enduring power of public space. More than just an architectural marvel, the Terrace is the symbolic and social heart of Central Park- a place where nature, art, and community converge in spectacular fashion.

A Vision for the People

The story of Bethesda Terrace begins with the ambitious vision of Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, the masterminds behind Central Park’s celebrated “Greensward Plan.” Their goal was revolutionary: create a park that offered city dwellers a restorative escape into nature, while also providing spaces for social interaction and cultural enrichment. Olmsted, a pioneer in landscape architecture, believed in the transformative power of green spaces for public health and social well-being. Vaux, the British-born architect, brought a keen sense of structure and artistry to the project, ensuring that architectural elements complemented the park’s naturalistic beauty.

Bethesda Terrace was conceived as the park’s main gathering place, where visitors from all walks of life could mingle, relax, and enjoy the restorative qualities of their surroundings. The Terrace’s strategic placement at the end of the Mall, Central Park’s only straight promenade, was designed to be the culmination of the park’s primary formal space.

Design: Nature First, Architecture Second

Construction of Bethesda Terrace began in 1859, making it one of the park’s earliest and most significant structures. The Terrace is a two-level complex: the upper level, flanked by 72nd Street, offers sweeping views of the Lake and the Ramble in the background, while the lower plaza, known as the Esplanade, centers on the iconic Bethesda Fountain.

The design is a masterclass in blending architecture and nature. Vaux insisted that the built elements should be “subordinate to the surrounding landscape,” a philosophy that shines through in every detail. The materials, such as New Brunswick sandstone, Roman brick, and granite, were chosen for their earthy hues and durability. The two grand staircases, along with a smaller one leading directly to the Mall, connect the levels in a way that feels both monumental and inviting.

Artistry in Stone and Tile: The Role of Jacob Wrey Mould

While Olmsted and Vaux established the vision, it was Jacob Wrey Mould who brought the Terrace’s decorative elements to life. Mould, an English-born architect and designer, infused the space with intricate carvings and vibrant colors. The balustrades feature sculpted motifs representing the four seasons, such as lambs for spring, butterflies and berries for summer, holly and pine cones for fall, and firewood for winter. These are alongside whimsical touches like ice skates and even a witch on a broomstick.

Perhaps the most breathtaking feature is the arcade’s ceiling, adorned with around 16,000 elaborate Minton encaustic tiles. This polychrome masterpiece is the only place in the world where these tiles are used on a ceiling and outdoors, creating a kaleidoscope of color and pattern that dazzles the visitor as they pass through the cool, echoing hall. Mould’s work here is considered his crowning achievement, marrying Victorian and Moorish exuberance with themes of nature, art, and science.

Highlights and Enduring Appeal

Bethesda Terrace is not just an architectural gem, it is a living, breathing stage for New York life. The site offers panoramic views, which attract artists and performers, and is a favorite backdrop for so many movies. The Angel of the Waters statue atop Bethesda Fountain, designed by Emma Stebbins and dedicated in 1873, adds a spiritual dimension, symbolizing healing power of water.

Today, whether you’re seeking a quiet moment by the Lake, a lively crowd to observe, or a glimpse into New York’s rich cultural tapestry, Bethesda Terrace delivers. It is Olmsted and Vaux’s vision realized: a place where nature and humanity meet, and where every visitor becomes part of the park’s unfolding story.

Find the Central Park Experience and other New York Historical tours at Revolutionary Tours NYC

Unity in Leadership: Washington’s 1783 Letter to Hamilton

March 27, 2025 Tags: , , , ,
Best Hamilton Tour in NYC

In March 1783, as the Revolutionary War drew to a close, George Washington drafted a letter from Newburgh, New York to his trusted associate Alexander Hamilton that revealed the depth of his vision for the newly independent United States. This letter reflects not only Washington’s happiness at the close of the war but also his concerns and vision for the future of the United States.

Unity

Washington’s letter reveals his optimism about the potential of the new nation to become “a great, respectable, and happy People” but also his awareness that realizing this vision would require more than just the end of the long conflict with England. Internal divisions, petty politics, and “unreasonable jealousies & prejudices,” he understood, could undermine the nation’s progress, making it vulnerable to foreign powers seeking to dissolve the government running under the Articles of Confederation through intervention.

Washington’s words serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of unity and cooperation in achieving greatness. He understood that the path to success was about building a strong, cohesive society where all citizens could thrive.

Reform

One of the most striking aspects of Washington’s letter is his prescience in his candid assessment of the defects in the existing Confederation and the need for reform and and a nation built upon “liberal & permanent principles.” He understood that many of the war’s challenges, including its prolongation and expense, were due to the lack of power vested in Congress. This insight highlights Washington’s foresight in recognizing the need for a more robust central government, a vision that he and Alexander Hamilton shared that would later shape the creation of the U.S. Constitution.

Washington’s call for reform was not simply intellectual; it was deeply personal. He had experienced firsthand the difficulties caused by a weak Congress during the war. The letter reveals his frustration with the “prejudices of some” and the “designs of others,” which made it challenging to implement needed reforms

Collaboration

What makes Washington’s letter truly remarkable is his willingness to collaborate and seek advice. He eagerly awaited Hamilton’s thoughts on these matters, demonstrating the value he placed on other perspectives. This approach to governance is still essential today, as leaders must navigate complex challenges and, for the betterment of the nation, engage with different viewpoints.

Lessons

Washington’s letter offers wisdom that resonates deeply in today’s divisive political landscape. His emphasis on unity, principled governance, and visionary leadership is a powerful reminder of how to build a strong and prosperous nation.

In an era marked by polarization, Washington’s words remind us of the importance of putting aside our differences and working towards common national goals. His call for a robust and effective government structure is a reminder that systemic issues must be addressed to ensure the well-being of all citizens.

Conclusion

George Washington’s letter to Alexander Hamilton is a blueprint for building a better future. It reminds us that the strength of a nation lies in its ability to unite, reform, and lead with vision and integrity. As we navigate the complexities of today, Washington’s letter stands as a testament to the enduring power of unity, collaboration, and principled leadership.

You can experience more about Washington & Hamilton’s visionary partnership on the Washington & Hamilton in New York Walking tour. Book it Today!

Here is the complete letter:

From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 31 March 1783

Newburgh 31st March 1783

Dear Sir,

I have duly received your favors of the 17th & 24 Ulto—I rejoice most exceedingly that there is an end to our Warfare, and that such a field is opening to our view as will, with wisdom to direct the cultivation of it, make us a great, a respectable, and happy People; but it must be improved by other means than state politics, and unreasonable jealousies & prejudices; or (it requires not the second sight to see that) we shall be instruments in the hands of our Enemies, & those European powers who May be jealous of our greatness, in Union to dissolve the confederation—but to attain this, altho’ the way seems extremely plain, is not so easy.

My wish to see the Union of these States established upon liberal & permanent principles—& inclination to contribute my mite in pointing out the defects of the present Constitution, are equally great—All my private letters have teemed with these Sentiments, & whenever this topic has been the Subject of conversation, I have endeavoured to diffuse &enforce them; but how far any further essay, by me, might be productive of the wished for end–or– appear to arrogate more than belongs to me, depends so much upon popular opinions & the temper and disposition of People, that it is not easy to decide. I shall be obliged to you however for the thoughts which you have promised me on this Subject, and as soon as you can make it convenient.

No Man in the United States is, or can be more deeply impressed with the necessity of a reform in our present Confederation than myself—No Man perhaps has felt the bad efects of it more sensibly; for to the defects thereof, & want of Powers in Congress may justly be ascribed the prolongation of the War, & consequently the Expences occasioned by it. More than half the perplexities I have experienced in the course of My command, and almost the whole of the difficulties & distress of, the Army, have there origin here; but still, the prejudices of some—the designs of others—and the mere Machinery of the Majority, makes address & management necessary to give weight to opinions which are to Combat the doctrines of these diferent classes of Men, in the field of Politics.

I would have been more full on this subject but the bearer (in the Clothing department) is waiting—I wish you may understand what I have written. I am Dr Sir Yr Most Obed Servt

Go: Washington

P.S. The inclosed extract of a Letter to Mr Livingston, I give you in confidence—I submit it to your consideration, fully perswaded that you do not want inclination to gratify the Marquis’s wishes as far as is consistent with our National honor. (1)

1 George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 31 March 1783, Founders Online, National Archives, accessed March 27, 2025, https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/99-01-02-10968.

Find the Washington & Hamilton in New York tour and other New York Historical Tours at Revolutionary Tours NYC

America’s 250th Anniversary, the Semiquincentennial in New York City

March 8, 2025 Tags: , , , ,
Celebrate America's 250th - Semiquincentennial in New York City

As we approach the United States’ Semiquincentennial in 2026, marking 250 years since the birth of our nation, it’s fitting to reflect on New York City’s pivotal role in the American Revolution and the Early Republic. Today’s bustling metropolis was once a crucible and battleground where the fate of the nascent nation hung in the balance and after the war, the first capital city.

In the summer of 1776, New York became the center stage for one of the Revolution’s most crucial campaigns. General George Washington, recognizing the city’s strategic importance, fortified it against British attack. Despite his efforts, the New York Campaign proved to be one of the lowest points of his military career. The little-known Battle of Brooklyn in August 1776 saw the Continental Army suffer a crushing defeat. Yet, in a daring nighttime maneuver Washington saved the army and the revolutionary cause.

While the British held New York for the longest occupation of the war, the city’s revolutionary spirit persisted. It was here that Alexander Hamilton, a young immigrant artillery officer, caught the attention of the military and began his ascent to Founding Father. It was here that Washington bade farewell to his officers and generals, and it was here that he took the oath as the nation’s first president.

As we look forward to the Semiquincentennial celebrations, New York’s revolutionary history reminds us of the courage and perseverance that birthed our nation by men and women and Black and white. On the Washington & Hamilton in New York tour, you’ll discover the historic streets of Lower Manhattan that still echoes with the footsteps of those who fought for independence and created a new nation. The immersive tour will entertain and educate through historic sites, storytelling, and images as we reflect on the past and gain greater insights into the present. Book the tour today!

Manhattan Serenity: Central Park’s Secret Woodland

March 1, 2025 Tags: , , ,
Best Central Park Tour

On the Secret Places of Central Park tour, you’ll the enchanting North Woods, a 40-acre woodland oasis that will transport you to a tranquil environment reminiscent of the Adirondack Mountains. This serene escape offers “natural” beauty and carefully crafted landscapes, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux that evoke a sense of wilderness and wonder in the heart of Manhattan.

As we wander through the winding paths, the sounds and sights of the city fade away, replaced by the soothing melody of the Cascade waterfall. The Ravine, with its picturesque stream known as the Loch, is a highlight, featuring a number of manmade wooden bridges beneath a canopy of trees.  You’ll be surrounded by lush greenery and as you roam past the engineering feats of spectacular stone bridges.  The scenery and romantic ambiance enhance the peaceful stroll that clear or “unbend” the mind.

The North Woods also boasts the historic landmark of the majestic Blockhouse, a remnant from the War of 1812.   Whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff, or simply seeking a tranquil retreat, the North Woods is a must-visit destination in Central Park. Come and discover its beauty, serenity, and magic on the Secret Places of Central Park tour.  Book the tour today!