Hamilton, Alexander. American general and statesman. Born on the island of Nevis in 1757. Published, when 17, some papers on the rights of the colonies. Before he was 19, was captain of artillery. In 1777 he was Washington's aide-de-camp; in 1782 a member of Congress; and in 1787, a delegate to the convention which drew up the American Constitution. Washington appointed him secretary to the treasury and, in 1798, Hamilton became second in command of the army, of which he became afterwards commander-in-chief. He was killed in 1804 in a duel with Colonel Burr, vice-president of the United States.

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