“As you say it is insinuated by some of your political adversaries, and may obtain credit, ’that you palmed yourself upon me, and was dismissed from my family,’ and call upon me to do you justice by a recital of the facts, I do therefore explicitly declare, that both charges are entirely unfounded.  With respect to the first, I have no cause to believe, that you took a single step to accomplish, or had the most distant idea of receiving an appointment in my family till you were invited in it; and, with respect to the second, that your quitting it was altogether the effect of your own choice.”

With the appointment as Secretary of the Treasury warmer feelings were developed.  Hamilton became the President’s most trusted official, and was tireless in the aid he gave his superior.  Even after he left office he performed many services equivalent to official ones, for which Washington did “not know how to thank” him “sufficiently,” and the President leaned on his judgment to an otherwise unexampled extent.  This service produced affection and respect, and in 1792 Washington wrote from Mount Vernon, “We have learnt ... that you have some thoughts of taking a trip this way.  I felt pleasure at hearing it, and hope it is unnecessary to add, that it would be considerably increased by seeing you under this roof; for you may be assured of the sincere and affectionate regard of yours, &c.” and signed other letters “always and affectionately yours,” or “very affectionately,” while Hamilton reciprocated by sending “affectionate attachment.”

On being appointed lieutenant-general in 1798, Washington at once sought the aid of Hamilton for the highest position under him, assuring the Secretary of War that “of the abilities and fitness of the gentleman you have named for a high command in the provisional army, I think as you do, and that his services ought to be secured at almost any price.”  To this the President, who hated Hamilton, objected, but Washington refused to take the command unless this wish was granted, and Adams had to give way.  They stood in this relation when Washington died, and almost the last letter he penned was to this friend.  On learning of the death, Hamilton wrote of “our beloved Commander-in-chief,”—­

“The very painful event ... filled my heart with bitterness.  Perhaps no man in this community has equal cause with myself to deplore the loss.  I have been much indebted to the kindness of the General, and he was an AEgis very essential to me.  But regrets are unavailing.  For great misfortunes it is the business of reason to seek consolation.  The friends of General Washington have very noble ones.  If virtue can secure happiness in another world, he is happy.”