Hamilton, Alexander, 1757-1804 to Harrison Gray Otis
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00496.028 Author/Creator: Hamilton, Alexander, 1757-1804 Place Written: New York, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: December 23, 1800 Pagination: 4 p. : Height: 25 cm, Width: 20 cm Order a Copy PDF Download(s): Download PDF
Hamilton suggests that the Federalists should support Thomas Jefferson for President rather than Aaron Burr when the tied election goes to the House of Representatives. Hamilton's response is an extended comparison of the two men concluding with the statement: "In a choice of Evils, let them take the least - Jefferson is in my view less dangerous than Burr." Hamilton concludes with comments about relations with France and Britain which responds to Gray's short discussion of the Convention of 1800 with France. Harrison Gray Otis, a leading Boston Federalist, had written to Hamilton on December 17, 1800. Otis asked Hamilton for a private communication on Burr's character since no one among the Federalists knew Burr personally.
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