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A letter written by Alexander Hamilton in 1780 and believed to have been stolen from an archive in Massachusetts decades ago is on display again, though not exactly in the room where it happened.
The founder’s father’s letter will be featured at the Federal Museum’s annual exhibition on July 4, says the office of Federal Secretary William Galvin. It is the first time the public has had the opportunity to see it since it was returned to the state after a long court battle.
It will be taken up with the original copy of the Massachusetts Declaration of Independence.
Hamilton, the Treasury Secretary, who has gained new attention in recent years with the hit of his eponymous Broadway musical, wrote to Marquis Lafayette, a French aristocrat who served as General of the Continental Army.
On this 4th of July, you may see Thomas Jefferson chatting with fellow citizens.
Dated July 21, 1780, it details the imminent British threat to French troops on Rhode Island.
“We have just received advice from New York on various routes that the enemy is on board to threaten the French fleet and the army,” Hamilton wrote. “It is said that 50 transports climbed the sound to accept the army and proceed directly to Rhode Island.”
July 4th quiz! How do you know Independence Day?
Signed “Yr. Most Obdt, A. Hamilton, Aidede Camp”.
According to Galvin’s office, the letter was forwarded from General William Heath of Massachusetts to state leaders, with an army request to support the French allies.
The letter was believed to have been stolen by state archives during World War II and then sold personally.
It resurfaced a few years ago when a Virginia auctioneer received it from a family who wanted to sell it. The auction house determined it was stolen and contacted the FBI. The Federal Court of Appeals ruled in October that it belonged to the state.
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The Federal Museum is open Mondays from 9am to 4pm.