Rules for Philip Hamilton, 1800
Sketch of an Empire-style clock, ca. 1800 (The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs, Art & Architecture Collection, The New York Public Library)
Alexander Hamilton was a caring father with high expectations for his eldest son, Philip. Father and son had a deep and close relationship. Hamilton took great pride in his son’s academic achievements, and considered Philip destined to become a great lawyer and statesman. Hamilton wrote to Philip often while he was away at school, and created a rigorous set of rules to govern Philip’s study schedule.
Alexander Hamilton’s Rules for Philip Hamilton, ca. 1800
[New York, 1800]
Rules for Mr Philip Hamilton from the first of April to the first of October he is to rise not later than Six Oclock—The rest of the year not later than Seven. If Earlier he will deserve commendation. Ten will be his hour of going to bed throughout the year.
From the time he is dressed in the morning till nine o clock (the time for breakfast Excepted) he is to read Law.
At nine he goes to the office & continues there till dinner time—he will be occupied partly in the writing and partly in reading law.
After Dinner he reads law at home till five O clock. From this hour till Seven he disposes of his time as he pleases. From Seven to ten he reads and Studies what ever he pleases.
From twelve on Saturday he is at Liberty to amuse himself.
On Sunday he will attend the morning Church. The rest of the day may be applied to innocent recreations.
He must not Depart from any of these rules without my permission.
Source: Alexander Hamilton, “Rules for Philip Hamilton,” [1800], Founders Online, National Archives. Original Source: The Papers of Alexander Hamilton, vol. 5, July 1800–April 1802, ed. Harold C. Syrett. New York: Columbia University Press, 1977, pp. 288–289.
Alexander Hamilton’s Rules for Philip Hamilton, ca. 1800
[New York, 1800]
Rules for Mr Philip Hamilton from the first of April to the first of October he is to rise not later than Six Oclock—The rest of the year not later than Seven. If Earlier he will deserve commendation. Ten will be his hour of going to bed throughout the year.
From the time he is dressed in the morning till nine o clock (the time for breakfast Excepted) he is to read Law.
At nine he goes to the office & continues there till dinner time—he will be occupied partly in the writing and partly in reading law.
After Dinner he reads law at home till five O clock. From this hour till Seven he disposes of his time as he pleases. From Seven to ten he reads and Studies what ever he pleases.
From twelve on Saturday he is at Liberty to amuse himself.
On Sunday he will attend the morning Church. The rest of the day may be applied to innocent recreations.
He must not Depart from any of these rules without my permission.
Source: Alexander Hamilton, “Rules for Philip Hamilton,” [1800], Founders Online, National Archives. Original Source: The Papers of Alexander Hamilton, vol. 5, July 1800–April 1802, ed. Harold C. Syrett. New York: Columbia University Press, 1977, pp. 288–289.
Background
Alexander Hamilton was a caring father with high expectations for his eldest son, Philip. Father and son had a deep and close relationship. Hamilton took great pride in his son’s academic achievements, and considered Philip destined to become a great lawyer and statesman. Hamilton wrote to Philip often while he was away at school, and created a rigorous set of rules to govern Philip’s study schedule.
Transcript
Alexander Hamilton’s Rules for Philip Hamilton, ca. 1800
[New York, 1800]
Rules for Mr Philip Hamilton from the first of April to the first of October he is to rise not later than Six Oclock—The rest of the year not later than Seven. If Earlier he will deserve commendation. Ten will be his hour of going to bed throughout the year.
From the time he is dressed in the morning till nine o clock (the time for breakfast Excepted) he is to read Law.
At nine he goes to the office & continues there till dinner time—he will be occupied partly in the writing and partly in reading law.
After Dinner he reads law at home till five O clock. From this hour till Seven he disposes of his time as he pleases. From Seven to ten he reads and Studies what ever he pleases.
From twelve on Saturday he is at Liberty to amuse himself.
On Sunday he will attend the morning Church. The rest of the day may be applied to innocent recreations.
He must not Depart from any of these rules without my permission.
Source: Alexander Hamilton, “Rules for Philip Hamilton,” [1800], Founders Online, National Archives. Original Source: The Papers of Alexander Hamilton, vol. 5, July 1800–April 1802, ed. Harold C. Syrett. New York: Columbia University Press, 1977, pp. 288–289.
Excerpt
Alexander Hamilton’s Rules for Philip Hamilton, ca. 1800
[New York, 1800]
Rules for Mr Philip Hamilton from the first of April to the first of October he is to rise not later than Six Oclock—The rest of the year not later than Seven. If Earlier he will deserve commendation. Ten will be his hour of going to bed throughout the year.
From the time he is dressed in the morning till nine o clock (the time for breakfast Excepted) he is to read Law.
At nine he goes to the office & continues there till dinner time—he will be occupied partly in the writing and partly in reading law.
After Dinner he reads law at home till five O clock. From this hour till Seven he disposes of his time as he pleases. From Seven to ten he reads and Studies what ever he pleases.
From twelve on Saturday he is at Liberty to amuse himself.
On Sunday he will attend the morning Church. The rest of the day may be applied to innocent recreations.
He must not Depart from any of these rules without my permission.
Source: Alexander Hamilton, “Rules for Philip Hamilton,” [1800], Founders Online, National Archives. Original Source: The Papers of Alexander Hamilton, vol. 5, July 1800–April 1802, ed. Harold C. Syrett. New York: Columbia University Press, 1977, pp. 288–289.
