Alexander Hamilton and Washington's Presidency

The Original Federal Hall

Washington’s first draft of his Inaugural Address was seventy-three pages long. That draft was completely discarded. Hamilton applied his skills as a wordsmith to draft a new speech that could be read in only twenty minutes.

George Washington’s First Inaugural Address, April 30, 1789

In the address, Washington expressed both the anxiety and the honor he felt in becoming president of the new nation. He discussed the importance of the Constitution and the need for a strong Bill of Rights. He also promised to serve the public good.

Plan of the City of Washington, 1792

The Congressional Act to Establish the Capital called for the capital to be moved from New York to Philadelphia by 1790, then to a new city by 1800. The new capital would occupy land on the eastern side of the Potomac River. The act allocated funds to construct the buildings and authorized the appointment of a group of commissioners to supervise the work. President Washington laid the cornerstone of the US Capitol building on September 18, 1793.

Washington’s Residence in High Street

Washington lived in this house on High Street in Philadelphia for most of his two terms as president. Many Americans were surprised when Washington decided to step down. In 1796, he turned to Hamilton to draft his Farewell Address.

Washington's Farewell Address, 1796

George Washington’s Farewell Address took the form of a letter to the American people. Washington advised American citizens to view themselves as part of a united country and to avoid establishing political parties. He also warned them against involvement in international conflicts.

Hamilton to the Governor of Pennsylvania, September 20, 1794

Washington ordered Alexander Hamilton to lead 12,000 troops to put down the rebellion of American farmers against the tax on whiskey. In this letter, Hamilton urges Pennsylvania governor Thomas Mifflin to raise the state militia to help put down the resistance.

Washington Reviewing the Western Army at Fort Cumberland, Maryland

This painting shows Washington reviewing the troops at Fort Cumberland, Maryland. Within a month, most of the rebels had retreated or left the state. Washington and Hamilton’s victory proved that the federal government could enforce the law.

Neutrality Proclamation Broadside, 1793

Washington and Hamilton feared being drawn into a major war between France and the rest of Europe. In 1793, they issued a Neutrality Proclamation stating that the US would not become involved in the conflict. Republicans believed this violated the Constitution, claiming the president did not have the power to declare war or neutrality.

Portrait of George Washington by Rembrandt Peale

In his reply to Moses Seixas, Washington thanked him for his support and wrote of the American ideal of religious freedom for all.

George Washington to Moses Seixas, August 18, 1790

In his letter to Moses Seixas, Washington affirms the commitment of the United States to religious freedom: “For happily the Government of the United States, which gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance requires only that they who live under its protection should demean themselves as good citizens, in giving it on all occasions their effectual support.”