1. how much time passed between alexander and eliza meeting and his asking for her hand in marriage? 2. how did alexander go about asking for her hand in marriage? 3. what made angelica a desirable match? what made alexander an undesirable match? 4. what was the purpose of marriage/courtship in colonial america?

1. How much time passed between Alexander and Eliza meeting and his asking for her hand in marriage?

Eliza first met Hamilton during her stay at the Schuyler Mansion in 1778, albeit briefly. Their first meeting was early in 1780, at Morristown, New Jersey. They exchanged letters, until in April of the same year they got engaged and then married by December.

Alexander and Eliza exchanged many letters (many of which are still existing today) while they were apart and in them they grew more in love. By March, they both expressed their desire for marriage and by April they were wed at the Schuyler Mansion.

Angelica Schuyler Church was  Elizabeth’s (Alexander’s wife) sister and although there are many allegations of adultery between them, the strong bond of the sisters prove otherwise. Intellectually, Angelica and Alexander are more of a match.

In many ways, Eliza is the ‘perfect’ wife for Alexander but he himself is not that a great match for her. He is a womanizer and cares more or his political career than his personal relationships.

Courtship and marriage is not that different then from now. While some may pursue marriage for political maneuvering courtship  was a free avenue to meet socially and get to know each other. Women in particular, take advantage of this window of time to ‘collect’ suitors before they select one and then become tied to the obligations of rearing children and taking care of the home.

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