My Thoughts Exactly

It was a busy few months for Alex as he ventured off the Hill to represent his namesake College in two major cities. In July, the statesman headed to New York to visit the Grange, his Federal-style home completed in 1802 and now a National Park Service site. He then made his way to Midtown, mingling with tourists in Times Square, before stopping by the theatre where the hit musical Hamilton was preparing for its Broadway run. In September, Alex traveled to Washington, D.C., where he appeared at the White House and the U.S. Department of Treasury to champion keeping his likeness on the $10 bill. There also was time to raise a mug of ale with alumni at — where else? — the Hamilton restaurant.

You inquire about my impression of New York City in the year 2015? I haven’t experienced such a cultural change since I arrived from St. Croix as a young man! Folks of all ages bestowed cordial greetings and delighted in posing with me for something called ‘selfies.’ However, I was most delighted in returning to my beloved home, which retains much of the charm I remember.

I fancy the pleasant sounds of the harpsichord and enjoy a waltz, but a series of songs and dances that tells the story of my life is unfathomable. I have not yet had the privilege to attend this play called Hamilton and am most curious to experience music known as “hip-hop” — and to see the man whose likeness earned him the role of Aaron Burr.

When Samuel Kirkland met me in Philadelphia in 1793, I cheerfully consented to be a trustee of his fledging academy. A bold and admirable gesture it was to establish a school on the western frontier for white and Indian youths. Two centuries later, I am immensely proud to see this school of higher learning continue to bring young people to its halls where their minds and hearts are opened to the bounties of a fine education.

It is humbling that this college named in my honor is committed to enabling those of limited financial means — most akin to my own early experience — to benefit from the same education accorded to students from wealthier backgrounds.

I once wrote in a letter to [fellow Federalist and Congressman] James Bayard: “great Ambition, unchecked by principle, or the love of Glory, is an unruly Tyrant.” Any recognition bestowed upon me, although appreciated, does not speak of my desire to be so recognized. I am pleased that my likeness has appeared on the $10 bill as it harkens to my days championing the creation of the federal treasury. That some argue my legacy continues to embody current ideals of this great nation is an honor; however, I am pleased to relinquish that to others carrying on the tradition of service to country.