There is no doubt that the swiftness and suddenness of Hamilton’s conversion, his abrupt descent from a background of study and alien indifference, gave him a clearer and more comprehensive view of the wrongs and needs of the colonists than they possessed themselves.  They had been muttering ever since the passage of the first stamp tax, threatening, permitting themselves to be placated, hoping, despairing, hoping again.  Hamilton, from the first moment he grasped the subject, saw that there was no hope in ministerial England, no hope in anything but war.  Moreover, his courage, naturally of the finest temper, and an audacity which no one had ever discouraged, leapt out from that far background of the West Indies into an arena where the natives moved in an atmosphere whose damps of doubt and discouragement had corroded them for years.  Even among men whose courage and independence were of the first quality, Hamilton’s passionate energy, fearlessness of thought, and audacity of expression, made him remarkable at once; and they drew a long breath of relief when he uncompromisingly published what they had long agreed upon over the dining-table, or built up the doctrine of resistance with argument as powerful as it was new.

But the time rapidly approached for deeds, and Hamilton had been occupied in other ways than writing pamphlets.  During the past six months he had studied tactics and gunnery, and had joined a volunteer corps in order to learn the practical details of military science.  All his friends belonged to this corps, which called itself “Hearts of Oak,” and looked very charming in green uniforms and leathern caps, inscribed “Freedom or Death.”  They soon attracted the attention of General Greene, a superior man and an accomplished officer.  He took an especial fancy to Hamilton, and great as was their disparity in years, they were close friends until the General’s death.  It was Greene who first attracted Washington’s attention to the youngest of his captains, and Hamilton was able to render the older man, whose services and talents have even yet not been properly recognized by his country, exceptional service.  The company exercised in the churchyard of St. George’s chapel, early in the morning; for in spite of the swarms of recruits clad in every variety of uniform, deserted houses, and daily flights of the timid into Jersey, earthworks and fortifications, college went on as usual.

It was not long before the “Hearts of Oak” had an opportunity to distinguish themselves.  The provincial committee ordered them to remove the cannon stationed at the Battery.  In the harbour was the British war-ship, Asia, which immediately sent off a boat to enquire into this proceeding.  A large number of armed citizens had escorted the little corps to the Battery, and several lost their heads and fired at the boat.  There was an immediate broadside from the Asia.  Three of the militia were wounded, and one fell dead by Hamilton’s side.  “It is child’s play to a hurricane,” he thought.  “I doubt if a man could have a better training for the battlefield.”  They removed the guns.