Accomplishments of Alexander Hamilton

Most of us know Alexander Hamilton, as the first Secretary of the Treasury of the United States of America, however, Hamilton was not just the Secretary for The Treasury Department. He was also a soldier in General Washington's Army, an economist, a philosopher, founding father of the economy of the US and one of the vital elements that shaped the great nation of the United States of America.

Birth

Alexander Hamilton was born in the year 1755, on January 11, in Charlestown on the island of Nevis which was a part of the islands of West Indies. However, his exact birth year is unknown as he was the illegitimate son of Rachel Lavien and James Hamilton. Alexander Hamilton and his brother, were denied education in a Church-run school due to their illegitimate birth. The Hamilton brothers were educated in a Jewish School of private ownership. On the 19th of February, 1768, Hamilton lost his mother. This incident left a very deep impact on the life of the young Hamilton brothers.

Education and Early Writings

Hamilton started working at a local import and export firm of Beekman and Cruger in the town of Christiansted. During this period of his life, he developed a special liking for the art of writing and reading. His journeys through the pages of the books took him far and away from the the island of St.Croix, and he craved to explore the world beyond the limits of his hometown. He had also developed a very special liking for the town of Christiansted. So much was his affection for the town, that when the Royal Danish-American Gazette published a letter written by Hamilton describing a hurricane that struck the town, the local community collected a college fund for him.

Hamilton entered King's College in New York in 1773. He was made the member of the Philolexian Society, which was a literary society. Hamilton's first highly acclaimed and influential writing appeared as a criticism against pamphlets by Samuel Seabury of the Church of England. The pamphlets were written to promote the cause of Troy. Hamilton's powerful reply was titled as 'A full Vindication of the measures of Congress' and 'The Farmer Refuted'. Another set of writings that were published, criticized the Quebec act. A set of fourteen writings titled 'The Monitor' was published anonymously in the Holt's New York Journal.

Military Career

In the year 1775, the first encounter between American and British forces was witnessed in Boston, sparking off the American Revolution. Hamilton immediately signed up for the 'Hearts of Oak' which was a militia company from New York. His intricate study of the military history, tactics and strategies was useful for the company and eventually Hamilton was promoted to the post of a Lieutenant.

In the August of 1775, the company, Heart of Oaks, attacked and captured a battery of British Artillery. During this raid on the British Battery, the company was under heavy engagement fire of HMS Asia of the British Navy.

After this victory, Hamilton was commissioned to the post of Captain, by the New York Provincial Congress. On the orders issued by the Provincial Congress, Hamilton, along with the Hearts of Oaks company formed the New York Provincial Company of Artillery, which was given the task of protecting the island of Manhattan. The new artillery company that was made up of sixty men participated in the famous Campaign of 1776. The most active participation by the company was seen in the Battle of White Plains and the Battle of Trenton. The task of the company during this campaign was to keep the Hessians (German troops in British pay) at bay in the Trenton Barracks.

Hamilton, due to his knowledge and skills in handling situations and overall skills as statesman and military leader, was quickly promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. On 1st of March, 1777, Hamilton joined General Gorge Washington's services as an Aide-De-Camp. Hamilton's work as the Chief of Staff for Washington involved handling of all the documents that were transacted between Washington and Congress, state governors and all the other Generals. Many a times, the documents were highly confidential in nature and were needed to be drafted with great care. Hamilton was also involved in some of the high level tasks like acting as an emissary for Washington, intelligence, diplomacy and negotiations.

After his term of duty in Washington's staff, Hamilton was given the command of the New York Light Infantry. The three battalions that were under the command of Hamilton, fought one of the bravest and also the bloodiest battle in the history of United States at Yorktown. The result of the Battle of Yorktown was that the British attempts to regain the 13 colonies of America, ended.

Accomplishments of Alexander Hamilton as a Politician

Hamilton was a member of the Continental Congress from 1782 to 1783. He was also a member of the Philadelphia Constitutional Congress in 1787. Hamilton was also one of the co-authors of the Federalist Papers. He was also among the politicians who advocated the ratification of the United States Constitution. He also played a very important role in the passing of the Naval Act, 1794, and the formation of the 'revenue marine', which has now led to the formation of the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Coast Guard.

Alexander Hamilton was also the only representative from New York to sign the Constitution of the United States of America.

The First Secretary of the Treasury of the United States of America

Hamilton was one of the greatest contributors to the economy of the United States. As the first Secretary of the Treasury, he brought about significant changes in the economy. Many modern facilities like credit creation were introduced in the United States by Hamilton. In the year of 1789, Hamilton presented before the United States, 5 extremely important reports that ultimately shaped its economy.

Two reports regarding public credit were presented in the House of Representatives. Another important reform that was integrated in the economy by Hamilton, was a set of acts laying the regulations for the manufacturing industry and international trade and duties. Hamilton also initiated and supervised the establishment of the United States Mint.

Death and Remembrance

Alexander Hamilton was killed in a duel against Aaron Burr. This duel ended in the painful death of one of the greatest founders of the United States of America. Hamilton succumbed to his injuries after considerable suffering.

Today Hamilton is remembered as one of the greatest philosophers of the Untied States who laid the foundation for the nation's economy. His tombstone reads,
"The patriot of incorruptible integrity.
The soldier of approved valor.
The statesman of of consummate wisdom.
Whose talents and virtues will be admired."