Alexander Hamilton Sought the American Dream

Alexander Hamilton sought the American dream. He was an orphan who longed for more for himself. His amazing ability to write built him up and broke him down in his life. He wanted to leave behind a legacy, something bigger than himself, and he certainly did. As the first Secretary of the Treasury he helped to build up this country's wealth. Before becoming Secretary of the Treasury Hamilton fought for the country's freedom. As one of our country's Founding Fathers, Hamilton had a huge impact on the growth of the United States of America.
Hamilton's father walked out on him, his brother, and his mother. His mother died soon after his father left. Their cousin became their guardian.

A year after taking in Alexander and his brother he committed suicide. Hamilton started working for Thomas Stevens, who was rumored to be Hamilton's real father. Hamilton's brother, James, became a carpenter's apprentice, the two separated and never saw each other again. Hamilton then started working for an import-export firm owned by Nicholas Cruger. Cruger taught Hamilton about finance. After work Hamilton would read, learning about literature, history, and science. He would also publish poems in the local paper. Cruger sent Hamilton to America to get the education he deserved.

Hamilton applied to the College of New Jersey, which is now Princeton University, where he wanted an accelerated course study. They wouldn't accept him has a special student so in 1773 Hamilton enrolled at King's College where he was able to accelerate. He took on a heavy coursework in math, medicine, and law. His pursuit of politics started while attending college. He began attending Whig meetings and publishing pamphlets in support of the colonists. On December 15, 1774 he published his first pamphlet A Full Vindication of the Measures of the Congress. He wrote this in response to A.W. Farmer who wrote against the people in Philadelphia speaking out against Britain. He followed up with his second pamphlet A Farmer Refuted on February 23, 1775.

Hamilton would not have been able to rise the way he did if he hadn't had an amazing way with words. He could write his way into anything, but he could speak just as well. He was all for the revolution, but he didn't agree with mob violence. One day a mob of 300 people came to King's College wanting to lynch the president, Miles Cooper, a known loyalist. Hamilton stood up and gave a speech on how violence outside of the war was more troublesome to their cause than good. He kept the mob busy long enough for Cooper to escape.

In 1776 Hamilton took a job as captain of a company of artillery. He left school to give his all to his new job in the war. King's College closed soon after he left. As captain of an artillery company Hamilton led his company in many battles around New York. In 177 his performance as captain got the attention of General George Washington. Hamilton was hired as lieutenant colonel and aide to Washington. As Washington's aide Hamilton wrote to Congress, state politicians, and other officers.

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