Hamilton

much desire that you should stay. Mr. Hamilton, it is sometimes difficult to determine how far a public man realizes the extent of his influence on the character of others. You are a modest man, but I think you must know that the eyes of the nation are turned toward you as an honorable man who is to steer this country clear of grave dangers. Hamilton I am, at any rate, conscious of great responsibilities. Jay That is so⁠—great and grave responsibilities. No one but yourself can persuade the government to assume the debts of the states. Hamilton The value of the cooperation of Jefferson and Monroe on that issue cannot be overrated. Jay Yes. The Anti-Federalists are with you on that issue as long as they have to be, but it is my belief that they are looking for a loophole, a way out. Hamilton What makes you believe that? Jay Pause. Hamilton waits. I will be frank with you. I have been several times annoyed by the receipt of anonymous letters threatening exposure of some scandal connected with the Secretary of the Treasury. I wished you to remain, General Schuyler, because I want it understood that my confidence in Colonel Hamilton is unbounded. I have traced these letters to a man named Reynolds. Hamilton Oh, yes. Jay You know him? Hamilton Yes. Jay He was recently arrested for perjury in connection with a state case. Do you know anything of the case? Hamilton No, but the prosecution was made through the Treasury Department, and he wrote to me, begging me to use my influence to obtain his release. Jay And you refused. Hamilton Yes, I refused. Jay Had he any reason to believe that you would help him? Hamilton Yes, good reason. Jay Why did you refuse? Hamilton Because I have never used my public office for my private ends. Jay By that I understand that the man has some claim upon you. Hamilton Yes. Jay It has come to my knowledge that since his arrest certain papers or letters have fallen into the hands of Senator Monroe, and that some information has been passed on to the unscrupulous Giles of Virginia. Enter Zekiel up R. Zekiel Sentah Monroe an’ Mr. Giles to see yo’, sah. Jay and Schuyler look toward each other. Hamilton Rising. It looks as if your information were correct, Judge Jay. Jay Rising. I’ll take my leave. Hamilton Excuse me. I ask you both to remain. Show them in, Zekiel. Exit Zekiel. Hamilton places chair back L. of table. Jay Meeting him in front of table and taking his hand. Understand, Hamilton, my confidence in your integrity is unshakable. Enter Zekiel. Jay to L. Zekiel Sentah Monroe and Mr. Giles. Enter Monroe and Giles up R. Hamilton Down C. and bowing. Gentlemen, you honor me. Exit Zekiel door up R. Monroe Coming down. I’m sorry if I interrupt you, Mr. Hamilton, but my errand is important. Hamilton meets them C. Giles On Monroe’s R. How do, Hamilton? Schuyler shows annoyance at Giles’ loud manner. Hamilton Mr. Giles. Bows. Monroe Citizen Jay. Jay Senator Monroe. They bow. Giles How do, Judge? Jay doesn’t bow to Giles. Hamilton Judge Jay called⁠—Won’t you sit down, Mr. Monroe? Monroe sits R. of table. Giles remains standing. Judge Jay called to express his pleasure at your cooperation in connection with the States’ Debts. Jay sits L. of table. Monroe Yes, I trust we shall have no reason to alter our decision on that point. Hamilton Standing back of table. I, too, trust that you will not find it expedient to break your word. Giles It’s not a matter of breaking words; it’s a matter of public opinion. Hamilton Oh, I was not referring to you, Mr. Giles. Everybody knows that you would never be guilty of a breach of faith. Giles Ugh! Moves across R. in front of sofa. Hamilton Unless it were made absolutely worth your while. Giles Turning. That remark is uncalled for, sir! Hamilton True. Tell me, Mr. Giles, what have you called for? Monroe We have called, Citizen Hamilton, on business of a private character. Hamilton Do you wish us to be alone? Monroe I think you would prefer it. Zekiel Enters up R., announcing. Mr. Thomas Jefferson! Enter Jefferson to C. Monroe and Jay rise. Hamilton Greets him C. Mr. Jefferson! Jefferson You will excuse me, Citizen Hamilton, but I received a note from Citizen Monroe asking me to meet him here at this hour. I trust I do not intrude. Monroe I told Mr. Jefferson that the business was urgent. Jefferson Otherwise, I assure you, I should not have taken this liberty. Hamilton To Monroe. Does your business relate to my public office as Secretary of the Treasury? Giles It does. Hamilton Then I am gratified that you are here, Mr. Jefferson, and I shall ask you, gentlemen, to allow Chief Justice Jay and General Schuyler to remain. Monroe Stiffly. If you wish it. Hamilton Taking chair from behind sofa and placing it C. Jefferson shakes hands with Schuyler and then sits. Pray be seated, Mr. Jefferson. Monroe and Jay sit. Hamilton to back of table. Monroe Mr. Hamilton, I am compelled to ask you if you are acquainted⁠— Hamilton It may facilitate matters if I say that I am acquainted with a man of the name of Reynolds. Giles Standing down R. in front of sofa. James Reynolds. Hamilton I’m not sure of his first name. He is hardly an intimate acquaintance of mine. I believe it is James. You probably know him as Jim. Won’t you sit down? Giles does not hear him. Hamilton repeats. Won’t you sit down? Indicates large chair L. Giles crosses and sits. Hamilton sits back of table. Monroe The man Reynolds has placed in my hands certain letters which show that he has