when you smile {philip hamilton x reader}

t r a d e g i e s

Today, we begin to mourn over the loss of a man so handsome, so pure, and so innocent. Today we begin to mourn the inevitable death of our dear, Philip Hamilton.

According to Ron Chernow in his ever-popular, Alexander Hamilton biography, the studious Alexander regarded Philip as his "eldest and brightest hope," and was setting him up for high expectations and major accomplishments. Here is an excerpt: "With his high forehead, luminous eyes, and Roman nose, Philip Hamilton was exceedingly handsome. Smart and with a winning manner, he had followed a career path that replicated his father's: he had graduated the year before from Columbia College with high honors, was a fine orator (he was great with his mouth 😏 too soon? okay,) and studied to be lawyer," (Chernow 650-651) For those who have not read the book, in short, here is how the duel came to be: On the night of November 20, 1801, Philip spotted Eacker at the Park Theatre in Manhattan. The performance in progress was a comedy entitled, The West Indian. Philip Hamilton, son of Americas most celebrated West Indian, and his friend Richard Price entered into a box where Eacker was watching the show. The two men began taunting Eacker, until it became to much for him and began to draw the eyes of some members in the audience. After trying so hard to ignore the banter, Eacker finally called the two men to step out into the lobby. After throwing insults at each other, Eacker grabbed Philip by the collar and the argument nearly came to harm. They moved to a tavern, where Eacker both considered them "Damned rascals," and as he was walking back to the play, he said, "I expect to hear from you," to which they both replied in chorus, "You shall." It was then when events progressed quickly, as Price had already written a letter to Eacker proposing a duel, to which Eacker accepted.

The duel commenced without any harm done between both parties two days later, though the same could. it be said about the duel that would happen only a day later.

The duel between Philip Hamilton and George Eacker would take place at 3:00 pm Eastern Time (in the US), which means my fellow mourners, that where ever you are in the world, the duel has already commenced, and Philip is most likely in his aunt Angelicas house, in agonizing pain.

On the day of the duel, after receiving counsel from his father, decided that he would not raise his pistol. So, after counting to ten, he didn't shoot, Eacker following suit. For about a minute, the two stared dumbly at each other until Eacker finally raised his pistol, and Philip did like wise. Eacker then shot Philip above the right hip, the bullet slashing through his body and lodging in his left arm. Philip, in what might have been involuntary discharge, fired his pistol before he slumped to the ground. The Post reported that "His manner on the ground was calm and composed beyond expression." Philip was rushed back to the house of Angelica Schuyler Church and John Church. The news of the duel and the injured young man spread like a wildfire. Alexander Hamilton, upon hearing of his sons injury, races to the home of Dr. David Hosack where he requested his services. Hosack later recalled that Hamilton "was so much overcome by his anxiety that he fainted and remained some time in my before he was sufficiently recovered to proceed." Hosack raced to Philips whereabouts and tended to him. Hamilton became pale upon seeing his son, and Eliza was struck with horror. For fourteen hours Hamilton and Eliza stayed by the groaning sons bedside, until on November 24, 1801 at five in the morning, Philip Hamilton died after professing his faith in Christ.

Let us take a moment of silence, please. 

Philip Hamilton was buried on a rainy day, with many grieving attendees. As he approached the grave, Hamilton had to be propped up by friends, and Eliza for a long time, was inconsolable.

Philip Hamilton, although you were only at the ripe age of nineteen, many great opportunities were sure to come your way. And it is not how tragic your death was, but how all those opportunities would never be achieved on this Earth that we mourn over. The future generations would never know what you could've have done that could have changed the world. History books will never mention the accomplishments you could have achieved as your father did. On behalf of the Hamilton community, I give you my condolences, and my wishes that you are watching over everyone of us. And we really hope your father can try not to be disappointed in the world we have become with all of our financial and economic problems.

I hope you, Philip Hamilton, hear our prayers, our tributes, dedications, and honorable mentions of your short life, but your long living legacy.

This line is open for comments of the grievers of this community gathered here in Philips memory. Thank you for joining me today.

May peace be upon you all, especially you, Philip Hamilton.