Letter: Thomas Hamilton to his Brother Attorney James Hamilton in Carlisle, 1793

Letter: Thomas Hamilton to his Brother Attorney James Hamilton in Carlisle, 1793¹

When Thomas Hamilton (c. 1767-1829) wrote this letter he had been in America for eight years. He was living in Greensburg, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania and was appointed the Prothonotary of the county that year. He would move to Kittanning, Pennsylvania in 1809 where he lived until his death in 1829. He was a very religious man and never married.

Thomas is writing to his brother James in Carlisle to tell him that he received his letter several weeks ago about the death of their sister. He mentions tensions in western Pennsylvania that will lead to the Whiskey Rebellion in 1794. Yellow fever was raging in Philadelphia, and Thomas writes of the settlers fears of it.

Greensburgh [sic] October 11, 1793
Dear Brother

I received a few weeks ago your letter communicating to me the melancholy tidings of my sister’s death. One so dear to me and to whom I was under so many and frequent obligations could not fail of making suitable impressions. Her conduct was exemplary in the highest degree for prudence good sense and the most lively affection. As often as I reflect on her admirable discretion and good qualities it serves to remind me of the greatness of my loss and particularly of the familys [sic] who enjoyed her company, but death cuts down all without distinction and also all expectation of ever seeing again or enjoying the company of our friend. I received the week after a letter from Mr. Thomas Cruse informing me of the particulars of the same event and also of sister Nancy's recovery.

The situation of public affairs in the Country are critical and ominous. They seem to promise a revolution which however necessary has at all times been attended with scenes of confusion and distress.

The yellow fever which has been so fatal in the City [Philadelphia], seems to have struck terror in the inhabitants of the several towns in the state though I have not understood that it had made its appearance much out of the City. Many healthy persons have there been suddenly called off the stage of action! and a great interruption to business has necessarily taken place.

We have no late accounts from the Indians or headquarters. From the unexpected peace on our frontiers there is reason to believe that all the warriors are collected with a view of giving battle to General Wayne. On the supposition of a defeat which may God prevent! Our situation would be exposed and dangerous. If a supply of public arms and ammunition were lodged in some of these western county towns subject to the disposal of the Brigadiers it would seem to be a prudent measure.

There was considerable opposition here to the reelection of Governor Mifflin-however there is a majority in his favor in this county of upwards of 400 and I understand he has run pretty generally in both Allegheny and Fayette Counties.

With compliments to Mrs. Hamilton and Mrs. Thompson's family, am affectionately yours etc.
Thomas Hamilton

Obituary of Thomas Hamilton, Esq., from the Kittanning Columbian (Armstrong County, PA) “Died in this borough August 16, Monday night, Thomas Hamilton, Esq., native of Belfast in Ireland, and for many years a citizen of Kittanning, aged about 62 years. Having received his education at Belfast, he emigrated to America in 1785 and resided for some time with his late brother James Hamilton, Esq. in Carlisle. In 1788 he took up residence in Greensburg, and in 1793 was appointed Prothonotary etc. of Westmoreland County and continued in that office until 1809, when he removed to Kittanning, and there remained until the time of his death.”²