Alexander Hamilton

“ Yet I am pained to be obliged to entertain doubt whether, if an accident should happen to me, by which the sales of my property should come to be forced, it would be even sufficient to pay my debts.
In a situation like this, it is perhaps due to my reputation to explain why I have made so considerable an establishment in the country. This explanation shall be submitted.
To men, who have been so much harassed in the busy world as myself, it is natural to look forward to a comfortable retirement, in the sequel of life, as a principal desideratum. ”

“ It has been for some time past pretty well ascertained to my mind, that the emolument of my profession would prove equal to the maintenance of my family and the gradual discharge of my debts, within a period to the end of which my faculties for business might be expected to extend, in full energy. I think myself warranted to estimate the annual product of those emoluments at Twelve [1] dollar at the least. My expences while the first improvements of my country establishment were going on have been great ”

“ On mature reflection I have thought it jusfiable to secure them in preference other creditors, lest perchance there should be a deficit. Yet while this may save them from eventual loss, it will not exempt them from some present inconvenience. ”