Did Alexander Hamilton Really Tell Philip Hamilton to Not Shoot George Eacker in Their Duel?

The historical record shows that, yes, Alexander Hamilton did indeed give his son Philip a crucial piece of advice regarding their famous duel with George Eacker in 1780. This incident, a significant chapter in American history, has since sparked countless questions and discussions about the strategic and ethical aspects of dueling.

Alexander Hamilton and the Duel

Alexander Hamilton, the first US Secretary of the Treasury, fell into controversy after criticizing Philip Eacker, a political ally of the governor of New York, George Clinton. Eacker published a scathing attack on Hamilton, leading to a public feud that necessitated the serious step of a duel.

The Sandbar Duel in Jersey City

On November 23, 1780, Hamilton and Philip Eacker, along with their respective seconds, met on an assigned sandbar in what is now Jersey City, New Jersey. As the day approached, Alex Hamilton—as the father, the mentor, and a battle-hardened warrior—strived to guide his son through the perils of this deadly sport.

Alexander Hamilton’s Advice to Philip

According to historical accounts, Alex Hamilton had spoken to Philip about the complexities of dueling. On the day of the duel, instead of urging his son to fight zealously, Hamilton actually advised him to save his honor by holding his fire unless Eacker began firing first or shooting into the air. This technique, known as the delope, was not unusual in the context of the time but still marked a unique moment in their father-son dynamic.

The Delope: An Obsolete Tradition

The delope, or a feint shot, was a common practice in dueling culture, aimed at avoiding an immediate and potentially fatal exchange of gunfire. It was particularly used when one party wanted to avoid the duel altogether, or to show honor in allowing the other party to fire first. This practice highlights the complex social protocols and ethical considerations that defined dueling.

Consequences and Legacy

While the exact outcome of what would follow the advice given by Alexander Hamilton remains unclear from the historical records, it is known that the duel did not lead to further bloodshed. However, the incident cast a long shadow, adding another layer of complexity to the already fraught relationship between Hamilton and Eacker.

Moreover, the advice given by Alexander to Philip has become a focal point in discussions about the moral and strategic implications of dueling. It symbolizes how tightly Aristotle's concept of phronesis—or practical wisdom—could be turned to different ends by figures of great historical importance.

Controversial and Trailblazing

Notably, as a key figure in American history, Alexander Hamilton’s role in this duel has sparked numerous debates. While some historians celebrate his dash and resolve in a conflict that eventually included duelists with guns, others see his strategic advice as revealing a more nuanced and perhaps more humane side of the controversial Founding Father.

Ultimately, the incident remains a poignant reminder of the many contradictions that suffused the lives of influential historical figures during the American Revolution era. It raises questions about honor, ethical conduct, and the complex nature of political and personal rivalries.

Whether Alexander Hamilton's advice to hold back in the 1780 duel symbolizes an attempt to preserve lives or an opportunity to show honor, it leaves a lasting impression on the events and individuals involved. It is a cautionary tale of the deadly allure of dueling as a means to achieve personal and political ends.