“…More scarce and nearly as dear:” The Schuyler-Hamilton Family, Illness, and Food Shortages

Alexander Hamilton painted
by James Sharples; 1796.

By Jessie Serfilippi

Today we’re facing so many challenges at once: fear and worry for the health of loved ones and ourselves, shortages of food and supplies, and an uncertain economic future. Our fears today were once the fears of the Schuylers, Hamiltons, and everyone else in their 18th century world. This letter from Alexander Hamilton to his wife, Elizabeth, serves as a glimpse into some of their fears and worries in 1796.

On October 26, 1796, Hamilton wrote a letter to Elizabeth from her father’s home in Albany. He wrote: “I was consoled to hear that you & our darling little ones were well—though I shall be anxious till I rejoin you lest there should be a relapse or some new attack.”

Hamilton may have been referring to an unspecified illness Eliza and their children had recovered from, or to the dreaded Yellow Fever, which hit New York City once again in 1796. In either case, the resurgence of this deadly illness must have weighed heavily upon the family’s minds since the Hamiltons had so narrowly survived the 1793 epidemic in Philadelphia. 

While Hamilton worried for his family’s health, his father-in-law, Philip Schuyler, was dealing with his own chronic health issues. Schuyler seems to have suffered another round of ulcers and sores on his legs, but Hamilton informed Eliza her father was “really better and as I hope in no present danger.” He continued with more good news. Schuyler’s “breaking out” did not appear to be “mortification,” which in the 18th century referred to gangrene. 

Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton
painted by James Sharples; 1796.

Following the good news of her father’s health, Hamilton broke a bit of bad news to Eliza. While her sister Peggy had beef ready to go down the Hudson to her, Hamilton stated “Eggs are more scarce & nearly as dear as at New York. I shall see what can be done as to butter.” 

This shortage does not appear to have been related to Yellow Fever, but rather to what is now known as the Panic of 1796-1797, during which the United States and Great Britain took economic hits. The ramifications of the downward economic spiral really hurt shop owners and artisans, and caused widespread shortages, likely including the shortage on eggs Hamilton mentioned.

It is unknown if Hamilton was able to find the eggs and butter Eliza needed to make many basic and necessary foods. They, like so many other New Yorkers, may have had to do completely without such foods or with a depleted supply for some time. 

1796 was a tense and turbulent year for the Hamiltons and Schuylers. While they were separated during this time of uncertainty, they relied on the one form of long-distance social communication available to them: letters. Just like phone calls and video chats allow us to connect with loved ones right now, letters offered the Schuylers and Hamiltons the same comfort and reassurance when they couldn’t physically be together.  

For more on the Schuylers, Hamiltons, and Yellow Fever click here.