Narrator: It is 1796. Hamilton has returned to New York City. Both Hamilton and Jefferson have left Washington's Cabinet. Jefferson has his eye on the presidency, and Hamilton will continue to influence public affairs as a private citizen. He has become frustrated seeing his proposals stalled in a hostile Congress.
Alexander Hamilton (as portrayed by actor): In truth, my work in government has fewer and fewer attractions for me. I am increasingly finding my projects blocked by those with a jealousy of power, and by the peculiar democratical forces operating in republics. As for gratifying a love for fame...
Narrator: Hamilton, with a growing family, has another pressing reason to retire from public life.
Alexander Hamilton (as portrayed by actor): I have resumed the practice of law. Having done my part to place the nation's finances on good footing, I must now take care of my own finances, which need my care not a little.
Narrator: Hamilton is in fact deeply in debt. He never used his position in the Treasury to make one cent -- while others around him were making millions, speculating in the stocks and bonds that he made possible. And now, even as one of New York's most sought after lawyers, Hamilton remains in financial difficulty.
Nathaniel Pendleton (as portrayed by actor): In his practice, he refuses large fees if he doesn't believe in the justice of a case. On the other hand, if a client is in the right but has no money, he takes the case for free. Yet he isn't rich. I know that for a fact because he often has to borrow money from me to take care of family needs. Nevertheless, he always insists on fair compensation and no more.
Narrator: His eldest son Philip is somewhat bemused by his father's unbending principles.
Philip Hamilton (as portrayed by actor): His fellow lawyers joke that he'd refuse to pick up money even if it was lying at his feet.
Joanne B. Freeman, Historian: He, of course, loved all of his children. But I think he had particularly bright hopes for the oldest son, which was Philip. There's something a little rakish about him when you see the image of him from the time -- sort of a chip off the old block.
Narrator: Hamilton is grooming Philip for a future in politics. Even in family affairs, Hamilton is ever the micro-managing administrator.
Alexander Hamilton (as portrayed by actor): From the first of April to the first of October, Philip is to rise no later than six o'clock. From the time he is dressed until breakfast at nine, he is to read the law. At nine, he is to go to the office until dinnertime. After dinner, he reads law at home 'til five o'clock. From this hour 'til seven, he may dispose of his time as he pleases.
Philip Hamilton (as portrayed by actor): My father has a soldier's temperament. When we're walking around the land, his step always seems to fall naturally into the cadence of a military drill.
At night, he reads us Roman history -- translating the Latin as he goes along. When he comes to the battle scenes, he reads them with such emphasis and fervor that we all think that Julius Caesar is in the room with us.
Narrator: Hamilton and his wife will eventually have eight children together. He is making plans to buy land in what is now Harlem, where he will build a large country house for Elizabeth and the family. He will call it The Grange, after his father's ancestral home in Scotland. But Hamilton still misses being at the center of power.
Alexander Hamilton (as portrayed by actor): Gardening is the usual refuge of a disappointed politician. So, here I am --wearing my cultivator hat.
Carol Berkin, Historian: He didn't cope well with time on his hands. He would not have been very good at retiring gracefully, or of giving up power gracefully.
Narrator: In fact, Hamilton never retires from public life. He is advising members of the Cabinet and writing speeches for Washington. He organizes charities in New York and has become a leader of a movement advocating rights for African Americans.
Ron Chernow, Biographer: Hamilton co-founds the first anti-slavery society in New York, The Manumission Society. He's arguably the most consistent abolitionist among the founders, and it's kind of a thread that runs consistently throughout his entire life.
Carol Berkin, Historian: I think his opposition to slavery is of a piece with his general belief in meritocracy. He says slavery keeps men, who might make major contributions to our society -- prevents them from doing that and so it's inefficient. It doesn't let people who have talent use their talents well.
Alexander Hamilton (as portrayed by actor): The disadvantages of slavery are obvious. The institution relaxes the sinews of industry, clips the wings of commerce, and introduces into society misery and indigence of every shape.