Hamilton Grange Study Collection

The desk present in the study is a faithful reproduction of the desk that Hamilton owned.

NPS Photo

Desk

When Alexander Hamilton wrote to Nathaniel Pendleton on July 4, 1804, Hamilton was leaving instructions on how to settle his debts and find his will. It was just days before the infamous duel with Burr that would claim his life. He instructed Pendleton to look for critical documents in several places, including “in the upper Apartment of Secretary in the Country”. It is thought that Hamilton was referring to this desk.

The “secretary in the country” is a solid mahogany Federal-style desk built around the year 1800. It was present at The Grange and kept in the study, where Hamilton worked and wrote during his time in the country. The desk was passed down through the Hamilton family and donated to the Museum of the City of New York by Alexander Hamilton’s great-grandson, Piermont Morgan Hamilton. The desk that is currently in the study is a faithful reproduction of the original and represents an integral part of Hamilton’s life and legacy as a symbol of his scholarship, attention to detail, and policymaking.

NPS Photo

Travel Desk

Throughout his life, and especially towards the end of his life, Hamilton spent much of his time travelling. Many letters from Hamilton have survived that describe his whereabouts and business away from home.

Hamilton’s travel desk, dated to the late 18th century, would have been a traveler's companion. The thick mahogany desk features a folding writing surface and drawers for writing materials.

This desk was donated to the Smithsonian Museum by Allan McLane Hamilton, Alexander Hamilton’s grandson.

Inkstand

Georgian sterling silver and glass pen stand, made in London in 1797 by John Emes.

The tray is oval, footed, with raised ends and reed borders. One pen holder and one sand bottle are inserted into low fences, both have silver caps with reed bordering. The top of the pen holder has three round holes, the sand bottle's top is pierced with a dot and cross design. The fences are held to the tray with two silver pins in the tray bottom. All silver pieces carry hallmarks, the largest and most visible on the bottom of the tray.