The struggle in Hamilton’s mind was brief.  The prospect of sailing with his bride on a long and delightful journey that could not fail to bring him highest honour had made his blood dance.  Moreover, in the previous month Washington had again refused his request for an independent command.  It took him but a short time to relinquish this cherished dream when he thought of the unhappy plight of Mr. Laurens, and remembered the deep anxiety of the son, often expressed.  He wrote to Laurens, withdrawing in the most decisive terms.  Laurens was not to be outdone.  He loved his father, but he loved Hamilton more.  He pressed the appointment upon his friend, protesting that the affairs of the elder Laurens would be quite as safe in his hands.  Hamilton prevailed, and Congress, having waited amiably while the two martial youths had it out, unanimously appointed Laurens.  He could not sail until February, and as soon as the matter was decided obtained leave of absence and repaired in all haste to Albany, to be present at Hamilton’s wedding.

IX

The wedding of Alexander Hamilton and Elizabeth Schuyler was the most notable private event of the Revolution.  The immense social and political consequence of the Schuylers, and the romantic fame of the young aide, of whom the greatest things possible were expected, brought the aristocracy of New York and the Jersies to Albany despite the inclement winter weather.  The large house of the Schuylers gave a prolonged hospitality to the women, and the men lodged in the patriarchal little town.  But although Hamilton was glad to see the Livingstons, Sterlings, and Boudinots again, the greater number of the guests interested him far less than a small group of weather-beaten soldiers, of which this occasion was the happy cause of reunion.  Troup was there, full of youth and honours.  He had received the thanks of Congress for his services at Saratoga, and been appointed secretary of the Board of War.  Recently he had resigned from the army, and was completing his law studies.  Nicolas Fish came with Lafayette, whose light artillery he commanded.  He was known as a brave and gallant soldier, and so excellent a disciplinarian that he had won the approval and confidence of Washington.  He still parted his little fringe in the middle, and his face was as chubby as ever, his eyes as solemn.  Lafayette, who had brought a box full of clothes that had dazzled Paris, embraced Hamilton with tears, but they were soon deep in conjectures of the next campaign.  Laurens, looking like a king in exile, wrung many hearts.  Hamilton’s brother aides, unfortunately, were the more closely bound by his absence, but they had despatched him with their blessing and much chaffing.