Philip Hamilton facts for kids

Philip Hamilton, son of Alexander Hamilton

Philip Hamilton (born January 22, 1782 – died November 24, 1801) was the oldest child of Alexander Hamilton and Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton. His father, Alexander Hamilton, was America's first Secretary of the Treasury. Philip died at just 19 years old. He was shot during a duel with George Eacker.

Early Life and Family

Philip Hamilton was born in Albany, New York, on January 22, 1782. His father, Alexander Hamilton, was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. This means he was one of the important leaders who helped create the United States. His mother, Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton, was the daughter of Philip Schuyler. Philip Schuyler was a general in the Continental Army during the American Revolution. Philip Hamilton was named after his grandfather.

Alexander Hamilton had high hopes for his first son. In a letter from August 1782, he wrote about baby Philip. He said Philip had "all the omens of future greatness." He believed Philip would achieve great things.

Philip's Education

In 1791, when he was nine, Philip went to a boarding school in Trenton, New Jersey. He studied with William Frazer, a clergyman. His father encouraged him to work hard. Alexander Hamilton wrote to Philip, saying he expected him to make his family proud. By 1794, Philip's younger brother, Alexander Hamilton Jr., joined him at the school.

Later, Philip attended Columbia College. His intelligence and passion reminded people of his father, who also went there. A family friend, Robert Troup, said Philip was very promising. He believed Philip would become a great person.

Philip graduated from Columbia College in 1800 with honors. After college, he began to study law. His father set a strict study schedule for him. Philip was expected to wake up early and read law for many hours each day.

The Duel and His Death

On July 4, 1801, a lawyer named George Eacker gave a speech in New York. In his speech, Eacker reportedly said that Alexander Hamilton might try to remove President Thomas Jefferson from power by force.

Four months later, on November 20, 1801, Philip and his friend Stephen Price saw Eacker at a play. Philip confronted Eacker about his speech. During their argument, Eacker called Philip and Price "damned rascals." Because of this insult, Philip and Price formally challenged Eacker to a duel. A duel was a formal fight with weapons, usually pistols, to settle an argument.

Alexander Hamilton advised his son on how to act in the duel. He told Philip to "delope," which meant to fire his pistol into the air on his first shot. This would show that he did not want to harm Eacker.

The duel happened in Paulus Hook, New Jersey. This is now part of Jersey City. Eacker fought Price first, and then Philip the next day. In the duel with Price, no one was hurt. The next day, November 23, 1801, Philip followed his father's advice. He did not raise his pistol to shoot after they counted ten paces. Eacker also did not shoot at first. For about a minute, both men stood without firing.

Finally, Eacker raised his pistol, and Philip did the same. Eacker shot Philip above his right hip. The bullet went through his body and stopped in his left arm. Philip also fired his pistol as he fell, but it did not hit anything.

Philip fell to the ground, bleeding. Witnesses said he remained calm and dignified. The New York Post newspaper reported that he seemed more concerned with showing his honorable behavior than with his own danger. Philip was quickly taken across the river to his aunt's home in Manhattan.

When Alexander Hamilton heard what happened, he rushed to his son's side. Philip's mother, Elizabeth, who was pregnant, also came. They stayed with Philip through the night. Philip died at 5:00 AM, about fourteen hours after he was shot.

Philip was buried on a stormy day. Many people came to his funeral. It was said that Alexander Hamilton was so sad he had to be supported by friends. Philip's grave is unmarked. It is near his parents' graves at Trinity Church in New York City.

After Philip's Death

Philip's death greatly affected his family. His 17-year-old sister, Angelica Hamilton, became very unwell. She never fully recovered and often did not recognize her family. She spent the rest of her life in a state described as "eternal childhood." She sometimes talked as if her brother was still alive.