On Hamilton

I am reading this fascinating book that I picked up in Virginia when we were visiting Montpelier. It's called the Intimate Lives of the Founding Fathers. It's about the FF's personal lives and loves. And no, it's not sordid! The title sounds chintzy I know. But it has been truly interesting because it not only covers the FF's wives and lovers, it also discusses their relationships with their parents and children, and it is all done within the time that they lived. So I am getting a great synopsis of these guys place in history. (I did read about half of a John Adam's autobiography, but you know, it was a but heavy going here and there, and I finally gave up and gave the book back to my father-in-law.) So, the Washington chapter was cool - I mean, he's Washington! The Adam's chapter was great because you really got this picture of a couple that adored each other and found it hard to live without each other. Despite many years of having to live apart. (The Franklin chapter was crap. I just don't care for Benjamin F.) But the Hamilton chapter had me on the edge of my seat! Thus far in my life, I knew little of Hamilton except he was a co-author of the Federalist Papers, that he had something to do with the Treasury and that he and John Adams had ALOT of animosity towards each other. What I didn't know was that he was kind of an orphan from Trinidad and that his parents had a huge influence on his hesitation to marry a rich girl and his infidelity. But what was amazing to me is that this chapter just proved to me that political scandals, backstabbing, and blown-up conspiracy theories have been around for 100's of years! Hamilton has one affair in particular that seemed to cost him his political influence and standing. His enemies get a hold of the letters between Hamilton and his mistress and they try to show that he had dipped into the treasuries money (especially when the country first sold stock to the public). Hamilton's enemies publish the letters!! (I can see the headline now in Us, People and the National Enquirer!) Hamilton comes out and writes this long mini-book about his affair and tried to defend himself in light of the monetary accusations. Once he dies (from a bullet in a duel....the drama!) all his papers are released and it shows that he died bankrupt and never touched a penny that didn't belong to him in a legitimate manner. Wow.
The chapter was reassuring in a troubling way. It helped me realize that our generation is not going to hell...human nature has, apparently always revealed in a scandal. There has always been individuals who cannot wait to top their enemies, with or without legitimate proof of wrong doing. I guess the difference now is that you know, back then there would be no apology, instead a duel would ensue! I wonder how Tiger Woods would have fared in those times? Or John Edwards? At least now, the women who were also wronged could challenge to a duel, instead of being pretty much powerless. However, the general public (and the wives) just have to sit through the pitiful public apology or an interview with Oprah. I think I'd take the duel.