2006-06
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/31/2006
Autograph Letter Signed, "James E. Goddard" 2p. quarto, July 19, 1867, New York, addressed to noted historian H.B. Dawson, pertaining to the duel that resulted in the death of Phillip Hamilton, and reads in most part: "…I have made two searches for the letter of my Uncle to my mother giving the particulars of the affront challenge and duel in which Phillip Hamilton lost his life; but have been unable to find it…The dispute and affront occurred at the Theater the young man who shot Hamilton fought a duel first with Price. They exchanged two or three shots without damage to either party. Price said at the conclusion - was such a d__d lark of a fellow no one could hit him - when Hamilton and _ fought Cooper the actor was second for _ and Hamilton fell at the first fire. According to this letter Genl Hamilton was privy to his son's engagement and advised his son to receive _ fire and then discharge his pistol in the air. After young Hamilton was mortally wounded he was brought over to old State Prison Dock where his father came to see him and his agony was like that of David over Absolom. I have understood the young man who shot Hamilton delivered the 4th of July oration (after the duel) the same year before the Tammany Society. I have also heard he did not live long after the duel and his death was ascribed to grief of mind at the fatal termination of the combat. About a year ago a son of Genl Hamilton told me this young man sought an interview with his father to express his sorrow and great grief of mind that he had even in (what was then called honorable combat) slain one against whom he was only politically hostile. The date of this letter was 1802. I remember the letter lamented the newspapers of the day discussed and dissected the subject of the duel from partisan points of view….The place where the duel was fought my Uncle wrote Wehawk, I suppose near Hoboken. My uncle was a classmate of Phil Hamilton and attended the funeral and wrote of him as a generous hearted young man…" VG.
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