James Nicholson Give Hamilton the Apology he Wants
James Nicholson was the Senior Captain in the Continental Navy.
Nicholson had a penchant for making enemies and eventually was challenged to a duel by Alexander Hamilton.
This engagement had a very peculiar resolution.
James Nicholson
When the Continental Navy was formed, the Continental Congress was in need of men with experience on the high seas.
James Nicholson of Maryland fit just that description.
He was named Captain and given command of the ship Virginia.
Flight
A year later, Nicholson attempted to outmaneuver the British and accidentally ran the Virginia aground.
James escaped the scene on a lifeboat, leaving his crew to be captured.
This should have been seen as cowardice but, since none of his men could discuss his actions (being imprisoned and all), Nicholson instead rose to the rank of Senior Captain in the United States Navy.
He was given command of another ship but rumors spread about his earlier flight and was forced to resign when other sailors would not follow his orders.
Commissioner of Loans
After the war, Captain Nicholson became a federal Commissioner of Loans.
Additionally, he established himself as a leading Democratic-Republican.
Living in New York City, he frequently butted heads with high level Federalists, most notably Alexander Hamilton.
Resolving a Quarrel
In July of 1795, Nicholson and Hamilton came into a heated argument in which Nicholson essentially called Hamilton a coward.
Concerned about maintaining his honor, Hamilton challenged Nicholson to a duel. As was tradition, the two men had their seconds (aka dueling assistants) meet and try to negotiate a peace.
DeWitt Clinton, Henry Brockholst Livingston, Nicholas Fish and Rufus King all met to discuss the situation and resolved that the best course of action was for Nicholson to officially apologize.
The Apology
The interesting thing about James Nicholson’s apology was the way it was created.
It was not written by James.
It was written by ALEXANDER HAMILTON!
Hamilton wrote three drafts, the last of which was sent to Nicholson.
Anticipating a speedy end to the whole situation, Nicholson signed the letter and returned it to Hamilton.
Duel avoided.
Here are some other articles about HAMILTON’S RELATIONSHIPS:
Bunking With Hamilton - Robert Troup Party’s with his Roomate
James A.Bayard Does Hamilton’s Dirty Work
Nathaniel Pendleton Holds a Bloody Hamilton in His Arms
James Nicholson does not have a biography about him.
If you are interested in learning more about the Continental Navy, you might want to read ‘Give Me a Fast Ship.’
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