Alexander Hamilton to James Duane, September 14, 1779

Head Quarters. West Point Sept. 14th 1779

I received your letter of the 10th ins. two days since & with my usual distraction suffered your apple to pass out of my hands and to be lost before it could be seen by the General. 1 But Tilghman and Meade 2 who saw it and pretend to be connoisseurs in matters of this kind laughed at me for my inquiries & insisted that it was nothing more than the common crab-apple and not the least resemblance to Hughes—It was in vain that I pleaded that Mr. Duane was a virtuoso as well as themselves, had sent it to me to be submitted to inspection, and that I was not obliged to be acquainted with the natural productions of this country; they were unmerciful upon the occasion and baited me so hard that I almost thought the loss of the apple a happy riddance—and glad to have so good an excuse for not bringing it on the carpet a second time. But notwithstanding the raiting I have undergone, I will muster fortitude enough to endure a repetition of the storm, if you will take the trouble to send me another apple. I promise to take care that it shall not be lost before it is seen by the Genl.

The General & family charge me to present their most affectionate respects.