Transcription:

Copy [undated, but apparently pre-1804] of a letter written by Alex. Hamilton when Eleven years & ten months of age [sic] to Edward (now Dr.) Stevens.

St. Croix November 11th 1769

Dear Edward

This just serves to acknowledge receipt of yours pr Cap Lowndes, which was deliverd me yesterday. The truth of Cap Lightbowen & Lowndes information is now verifyd by the Presence of your Father and Sister, for whose safe arrival I Pray; and that they may convey that Satisfaction to your Soul that must naturally flow from the sight of absent Friends in health; and shall for news this way refer you to them, as to what you say respecting your having soon the happiness of seeing us all. I wish for an accomplishment of your hopes, provided they are Concomitant with your welfare; otherwise not; tho I doubt whether I shall be present or not. For, to confess my weakness, Ned, my Ambition is so prevalent that I contemn the Grov’ling condition of a Clerk or the like, to which my Fortune etc. condemns me, and would willingly risk my life, tho not my Character, to exalt my station. I am confident, Ned, that my Youth excludes me from any hopes of immediate Preferment; nor do I desire it; but I mean to prepare the way for futurity. I’m no Philosopher you see and may be justly said to Build Castles in the Air. my Folly makes me ashamed, and I beg you’ll [conceal it; yet, Neddy, we have seen such schemes successful when the projector is constant. I shall conclude saying, I wish there was a war.

P.S.—I this morning received yours by William Smith, and am pleased to see you give such close application to study.]