Alexander Hamilton to Catherine Schuyler

Hamilton wrote this letter to to Mrs. Schuyler regarding “my union with your daughter.” The formal tone of the letter is meant to impress his future mother-in-law. “I leave it to my conduct rather than expressions to testify the sincerity of my affection for her, the respect I have for her parents, the desire I shall always feel to justify their confidence and merit their friendship ... though I have not the happiness of a personal acquaintance with you, I am no stranger to the qualities which distinguish your character.”