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" The thing, I think most people don't remember- realize, is that in the late you know, 50s, 60s, was just how turmultous and dangerous it is, to be a new country in that era. You know, with all those other large nations wanting to use you as a pawn for ideological purposes, internal revolts- I mean, this was the Cold War! It was dangerous to be in politics then! And it is now, but, the fact that the UAS was able to survive to this day, survive as it did back then- I wouldn't say it's exceptional, but it is- it is truly rather remarkable."
- Interview with Emily Blaine, 20th century historian and expert on Cold War era politics
The cigar burned in his hand, warm embers burning up in his palms, warming them where the cold air bit at the back of his fingers. Alexander bit his lip. The room was cold, too cold, perhaps, to be fitting for the leaders of states. The entire building, perhaps, was shabby, despite being the better ones that were chosen. The courthouse was old, dull, and while it was not breaking down yet, it was no match to the other meetings and capitols- Alexander reminded himself that this was no capitol yet- that he had been in through the years.in Potsdam, the entire building heaved and shined with pride, as though it were alive and healthy and strong, as though it had not yet gone through the baggage of a thousand battles, as though it were not battered and ruined with war.Archeington had no such troubles, yet it was dark and let the cold air in, freezing the old, worn wood hastily hid by carpets and coverings brought in earlier. Alexander shifted in his seat, rubbing his eyes, left hand tapping the paper with his pen. Creamy, soft, a luxury he had allowed for this one meeting. This one important meeting that could make or break this nation and he had only filled a half of a page he had bought another twenty of the same paper for. Alexander grit his teeth. They were doomed. Well. No, they might be doomed. They might succeed. Who knew? He missed Laurens. He missed Eliza. He missed both of them. John’s words before he left overseas- for diplomacy, for the nation, shot through him, quick and gentle and soft, envisioned clearly through the letter that he had been given.He looked up, rubbing his face to ease it into less of a grimace. Fingers crumpled the paper. He was paying attention. He was. Really was. He glanced around. Madison was taking notes furiously, as though there was something interesting that he heard that had to be written down. Alexander couldn't recall if that was the case.Good for him, though. Washington sat in the chair. Glancing up at moments to look at whoever was speaking, before resuming to flip through his book, a look of neutral determination on his face... Was that Don Quixote?
" Alexander Hamilton was...among the first to advocate for a stronger, more central government. He advocated for stronger rights for the federal government, in order to defend the nation.
" While some of his actions may seem almost paranoid in retrospect, in the time, it was a reasonable concern. And indeed, many of his fellow consituents agreed with him, when they were drafting the country's Constitution, and otherwise, when in government.
" It was only when his advocating got... too intense or too far, when Jefferson and Madison and the others began to step in."
- The Early Republic, by Ronald J Wallace
" Secretary of the Treasury, Alexander Hamilton, meet Secretary of State, Thomas Jefferson."Washington's voice was cold, detatched, possibly clinical, although a sense of relief and agitation seeped in, even as the two men shook hand with each other.Hamilton's smile was eager, though it did not seem to be replicated exactly on Jefferson's face. Jefferson gave a nod, shaking Hamilton's hand firmly, hand gripping tight through the white gloves he wore." I heard of your exploits in service of your country." Jefferson said amiably. " Both in war, and as a lawyer. Madison told me about your advocation for the government in the Convention."" You humble me." Hamilton said. " Most of it was not my own. I had the help of others, and I hope only that I can do as much for my nation in my position, as you have in yours."Jefferson paused, frowned. " I have barely begun."" I heard in France you helped to instate an alliance with France and the United States in our time of need. Surely that needs some acknowledgement."" I had help. As you did. Mr. Adams and Mr. Franklin were as much help to me as your..." he faltered momentarily. "- allies must have been in the heat of battle, as well."Hamilton grinned widely. " I do hope we can get along for the prosperity of this nation." Jefferson nodded, the most momentary flex of his hand hidden under the sleeve. " Indeed." he agreed.
" In the end, John Adams was appointed to be the head of the Supreme Court after his brief stint as ambassador to England. While in the office, he would end up feuding with his once ally Thomas Jefferson when he ascended to office, after the Washington and Laurens' administrations." - John Adams, by David McCullough
“ Mr. Laurens.” Eliza’s voice is soft. Almost. There’s that hint of judgement or something more, maybe that’s enveloped in it, carefully concealed and wrapped with wax and honey and glue. John coils inside instinctively, quickly quashing the urge inside him.He should know far better than that by now. “ Attorney General John Laurens.” he smiled. “ Please, Eliza. We’ve met before- is Alexander here?”Eliza shook her head at him. “ Of course, come in, Laurens?”” John.” Laurens’ insisted as he stepped in, bowing slightly to allow himself to fit through the doorframe. He stood rather patiently by the entrance, still, warily seating himself onto the sofa. Green. He wasn’t suprised. He was definately annoyed. Horrible color scheme, he thought. “ John!” Laurens’ looked up quickly from his thoughts. Alexander walked to him hurriedly, Eliza beside him. “ I didn’t realize, first- does the General- President, want something? Another meeting of sorts?” Laurens’ lip quirked vaguely. “ Hardly.” he said. “ I wanted a personal meeting, and a request, too.”“ Am I just a tool for you?” Hamilton chuckled, seating himself onto the chair by the table before them, picking at the cookies that may or may not have been safe to eat. “ Eliza will rejoin us in a moment, John, so please speak.”“ Hamilton. Perhaps you are aware that the Secretary of State has recently- and while I have no solid proof on my hands, I do believe him to be behind this- accused me of homosexual behavior.” “ Unfortunate. I will speak to the President. Perhaps I can get a word with Mr. Jefferson himself.” Hamilton’s tone was… dismissive, to an extent. Laurens found himself wavering, slightly. “ His slander will not only impact my reputation but that of others around me.” he continued vaguely. “ Including you.”” I will be fine.” Hamilton responded tersely, eyes darting up, as though- no, definately, he was smart, Hamilton was smart- he realized what Laurens’ wanted to say. “ What do you wish me to do?”” I wish to speak to the President, and you could as well, although I doubt that will solve much in the public sense. I am grateful for your support in my political endeavors, now and in the future. I hope that you could…”He trailed off. Hamilton stared at him, not speaking. John opened his mouth, found himself choking on his words.” In your public endeavors as well?” Hamilton asked, in a near whisper. He sounded… calm, almost. John’s eyes flickered, watching Hamilton’s fingers as they clasped around his wrists.” Perhaps. I apologize for the intrusion.”” No.” Hamilton muttered, looking up. “ No, it is no problem of mine.” He smiled. “ I am grateful that you came to me for this, Laurens. I will do my best.”” We could speak at another time if you… wish?”” Of course. We can talk tomorrow.” Firm. Strong.John opened his mouth. Hamilton continued. Almost forcefully, maybe, if John wished to use that word. But that had connotations, the ones that Alexander did not have.” Tomorrow, John. Perhaps over lunch?”John swallowed.” Of course.”
“ While we cannot assume the sexuality of any historical figure with absolute certainty- we can make educated guesses, provided that we say them as such.”
” Therefore, with the knowledge we have of the time period, we can accurately deduce that contact between the Sec. of Treasury and the Attorney General decreased fairly noticeably in the mid 60’s of the century.” - Carter Soot, Interview
They don’t meet for a while after that. Hamilton’s fingers itch for something that he doesn’t know what or who for. Hamilton wants to scream. He spends a lot of time glaring at Jefferson in cabinet meetins for whatever reason. No, he knows the reason. He blames him, wholly for the debacle. Even when he probably isn’t. One man alone does not cause such a sensation. Maybe it was just their fault. Him and Laurens’, for not hiding it more, hiding it better. “ Attorney General.” Washington’s voice somehow remains clinically detatched, although a glance at Hamilton conveys sympathy. Rage bubbles inside of him. Sympathy for something he knows nothing about, and is doing clearly little for if Jefferson is still here.Jefferson nods at him as well.As though… as though he could, that-Hamilton directed his own nod at Laurens. “ Nice to see you as well.” he croaked, finally. His tone felt off, weird, even to him. Disgust flooded himself. He berated it internally. Great.He stiffened as Laurens sat quietly at the end of the table. Couldn’t look at him.It wasn’t this awkward before, honestly. Laurens. With him.But it was, now. Hamilton forced himself to quiet his fidgeting. Wondered if anyone noticed. Hated it.” Is everyone here?” Washington asked calmly. Hamilton forced out a casual nod of agreement. Washington gave him a questioning look. Hamilton bit his tongue. Was he that bad at hiding it? He forced out a smile.Washington turned away from him. “ Then this meeting can convene.”
Mr. Genet wishes our cooperation in joining hand in hand with France and America in the Vietnam War.
He claims to wish for us to prove our alliance, our allegiance, to the west. He claims to wish us to be brothers in war and peace, wants us to send soldiers, send supplies, send our well-wishes.
He wants us to send our boys and men in a war far away, a land they have never heard of, joining as pawns in a greater world stage we have no power nor need to participate in.
Gentlemen, let me tell you what will happen if we will agree to his demands. To their demands, for they are not us, they do not speak for us, and they have no knowledge of us, either, and thus, no authority to require anything of us as well.
Our men will die. They will, that is a given. Their blood will be shed in the hundreds, possibly thousands, neither number we can afford. Women will be left widows, children will be orphaned, and our nation will be brought to the brink in the service of a power we cannot rely on and yet still expects us to obey, to follow their every order.
No, I am not saying we should join in with the Soviets, I am not even saying we should halt in our selling of ammunition, our resources, our volunteers...
- Excerpt from Aaron Burr's speech to the Senate, on the topic of the Genet Affair
John Laurens' was many things. He was a war hero, the son of a former President of Congress, Attorney General, ambassador to France, and, most recently, father of Frances Laurens' after the most upsetting death of his wife. He was a compromise between the North and South, a figurehead for the new republic after George Washington.He was also, according to several news centers- oddly enough those that were endorsed by the Secretary of State, one shade away from being a Federalist, and almost definately was a homosexual.Currently, he was also tearing at a string that had frayed along the edge of his suit, sitting in one of the many rooms in his office he set aside for work. The room empty, in a way. He didn't come in this one much, faded wallpaper, mostly ceremonial desk with books he hadn't touched in years. A photo of his father, ceremoniously hung up above the window of his desk. John stared at it as he thought, paper virtually pristine and blank before him, legs crossed under the desk.The ambassador from Russia- USSR?- would arrive in the next week. The light flickered over his head. Hopefully, they could find a way to forge alliances with them somehow without invalidating their partnership with the United States. Fat chance.To be honest, John rather liked the idea, generally, provided by the Soviets. His policies were borderline in echo of socialism, which was good enough, apparently, for the Soviets to want him on their side.Then again, John Laurens wasn't a fool. He read. He knew the news.That alone was enough cause for alarm. The phone rung suddenly, shocking the President out of his thoughts. John scowled momentarily, picking up clunky black thing at the corner of his desk." Yes?" he asked through it." Laurens." John's eyes widened slightly with a jolt. Alexander- he clenched his hand into fists, relaxed them, thought about all the reasons why Alexander could be calling him, and prompty answered back too quickly." Is something the matter."The barest hesitance from his lover- no, once-lover's, breath." Do you know anything about a Ms. Reynolds?"" VICE PRESIDENT ALEXANDER HAMILTON, age 42 was revealed just yesterday to have had an affair with a Ms. Maria Reynolds. Confessing it himself in the Reynolds' Pamphlet… if the Vice President's personal life can produce such level of scandal, then it... is cause for questions to be asked then of his political life... that he be outed from office.... and perhaps even barred from politics, permanently, in the future." - EXCERPT from the ANDERBERG PRESS, written by JAMES CALLENDAREdward Stevens' did not like the press. As a close friend of Alexander Hamilton, recently resigned from the position of Vice President, he was even more furious when the press came by to his house in question of him. The cameras flashed red in his eyes, though he knew that they were white and their film would be grey. He grit his teeth." Enough!" he shouted, voice drowned and swallowed whole by the clamoring crowd. He walked hurriedly, pushing past many an eager journalist, muttering far fewer apologies than bodies, and rammed the door shut behind him with a fury as he ran into his house. The heat washed over his face, he was already coughing from the running.He sighed, pressing his head against the door, hearing the faint chatter behind it. A faint ringing shot up by his ear.He frowned. Walked over to it tenatively. Picked it up, the wires tangling along his wrist, fingers clasped around the bulk." Yes?"Pause." Edward, I've been calling for nearly half an hour. Where were you?"" Out." he said blandly. " I believe it is your fault." He couldn't see Hamilton's face through the phone, but he was sure that he was blushing. Edward continued. " So. What are you planning, now that you won't get a political career started anymore. Lawyering?"Hamilton snorted, Edward could almost imagine his breath sifting through." Why ask if you already have an answer? Yes. Yes, I suppose I will. I will try to comment on politics. Perhaps run again for a lower position. Senator. Representative, something of that sort."Edward felt a smile run across his cheeks, unwarrented. " You could always join me as a doctor." he offered. " I wouldn't mind."" No." The brush of hair as Hamilton shook his head. " I caused far too much trouble for you, and Eliza, and John." There was a crackly chuckle from the other end. " And Washington too, I believe."" First scandal in this nation's short history. You should be proud." " I ruined everything with my own personal life." " Hey." Edward offered. " You claimed that the Vice Presidency was thankless job anyways."" The rest of the world has heard about it already, I believe." Hamilton muttered crossly. " And if they have not, they will by sundown. Our nation will be viewed in a distasteful light because of me. I fear I have brought upon our downfall."" You hold too much belief in your own importance." Edward muttered, trying to assuage Hamilton's fears. Fears that were unfortunately possible, now that Edward thought of it. A chill crept down his spine." Our people are unified." he said waveringly. He kept an optimistic tone in his voice. " They can endure. They have trust."" I pray so." He didn't seem convinced.Edward swallowed." Bye." he said. Put down the phone.
JOHN LAURENS: LADIES and GENTLEMEN, I present to you, your new VICE PRESIDENT, THOMAS JEFFERSON.
ALEXANDER HAMILTON: What?
AARON BURR: Oh, shit.
JOHN ADAMS: Oh, shit.
EDWARD STEVENS: Oh, shit.
FEDERALISTS, in UNISION: OH, SHIT.- EXCERPT from " Second Try, Vice President ", ACT TWO of HAMILTON: THE MUSiCALOccasionally, Laurens’ gets reminded about the fact that he and Hamilton used to actually get along with Jefferson. It twists at something inside of him, something angry and disappointed and oddly relieved all in one. Working with him is odd. Both times. Both as Cabinet and as President and Vice President. It’s made worse by the fact that he had to get rid of Hamilton to install him in.Hamilton.Reynolds. Bile rises rapid-fire and instantly in his chest. He forces himself to nod, stretching out his hand at the person responsible for well over a dozen of the slander and campaigns against him. He smiles.” I hope you will enjoy your new position as Vice President.” Jefferson returns the smile, amiable and soft, and Laurens’ wants to strangle him for how easy he makes it look, to stand before someone you hate with all your being and look as though you’re talking to a close friend.” I hope only that I can fill the roles of my predecessors.”As though you ever cared about Hamilton, John thought scathingly, barely stopping himself from wrenching his hand away. He nodded.” I hope so as well.”Clinical, detatched.Suddenly, a true feeling of happiness sweeps across him, grin smeared over his cheeks.In the cabinet.Jefferson could slander him because they were the same level.I’m the President, now. He thought victoriously. I’m the President, now.
" While not many of the founding folk were not exactly, well, modern, in their beliefs on race and gender and as such, it's easy to see Aaron Burr as the exception. He advocated for rights for women, and for people of color as well. It's easy to see that in the many different ways that he fought for those rights, for other people, all throughout his political career." - Drew Willis, Interview
When Washington dies, there's a parade. There's a day of mourning. The city gives euologies and nods and waves flags and sings anthems, hovering, crowding around as Washington's body is laid to rest ceremoniously near his home. Then.After Washington dies, the city stops.The country stops. It's odd, looking back. The petrifying fear, the clinging- oh, no, it's ending now- the fear of it breaking down, burning down. It's ending. It's quiet. John can't sleep. Virtually no one can.Alexander can’t, either.” Reynolds?” John asks whispers into his ear. No judgement. He keeps it out. He keeps most of it out. Hamilton groaned, softly nudging his chin into the crook of John’s throat and shoulder. Wisps of hair tickle his nose.” I’m sorry. For ruining your administration.” John sighed. “ That’s not what..” he stopped. His hand twirled Hamilton’s hair into curls. “ Or. It is.”He let out a snort. “ I never asked why.”” I wrote it down. You read it. Everyone read it.”John hummed softly, his voice being the only thing filling the space of the room. Lights flashed downtown through the night, fireworks as people commemorated the death of the President.John felt something choke at him, almost like a noose. Fear. Anger. Grief. And further still, a sense of pride. They were there. They were right there, celebrating the death of Washington in the same city and sight as where the former-President and former- Vice President were sleeping together, and they didn’t know that they were there- And it was a odd sort of thing to be excited by, odd and weird and brought even more guilt in a way, as indescribable feelings tend to do, confusing things they are.John planted a kiss onto Alexander’s head. “ Why?”Almost didn’t expect him to respond. He did.Readily.” I missed you. I missed you, and I was angry, and I didn’t know if-“ he froze. Wavered. “ I missed you.” he said, finally. “ I did.” John huffed, letting puffs of breath cloud the air, already dirtied with dust and sweat… “ Eliza. You love her. It’s okay.” He snorted. “ Can’t believe I have to say that.” Hamilton turned around, flopping over so that his elbows are digging into John’s ribs.” Do you think this country is going to collapse without Washington?”” No.” “ Sure?”“ Maybe,” John admits. “ You?”” I’m worried. Really worried.” John doesn’t respond to that, caressing Alexander’s hair.” So am I.”But the country doesn't break down. It doesn't splinter and fall and crash with the weight of a thousand suns, the weight holding it up disappearing in days.It doesn't. They continue.
" The election was... it was interesting. It was really interesting. Aaron Burr and Thomas Jefferson were tied for votes, both in public, and in the electoral college. On every front, basically. Neither of them were backing down. And so this matter was sent to John Adams, and the Supreme Court to decide.
" And you know, John Adams, always feeling like he was under-appreciated, well, he's like 'Wow, this is my big moment!' and he gets kinda flooded, with letters, and there are pamphlets written about it, and there's a lot of people digging up dirt on both candidates, on even Adams, and there's a lot of urging for him to chose one side or another, there's a lot of Federalists who want Burr in power, as long as it isn't Jefferson.
" But you know, Adams. He's not- he's not exactly into party politics! And besides, he doesn't have to, being a judge and all, so he doesn't. he doesn't choose Burr.
" It's funny, because it's one of the few times you can actually find Hamilton and Adams actually agreeing on things despite being always against each other. Of course, Hamilton didn't have a lot of power in this time period either, seeing as he got kicked out, virtually, because of the Reynolds' Scandal.
" So Adams helps Jefferson become president.
" Which doesn't matter much, considering that he spent the rest of his career as Justice fighting with him at every turn.
" But, well, you know, them. Friends in Peace, Enemies in Politics, as they put it." - Janet Friechetson
East End was dirtier than the West. Trash floated down the bricks and into the gutter, dirt clung swollen to his nose and throat. The sky was gray and drizzling." Hello?" Alexander asked. the crankiness must've shown in his voice. " This is Frances Laurens."Alexander stopped. Froze. Forced himself to speak. " Oh?" he paused. " Is there anything you would like me to go over for you, Ms. Laurens?"There's the sound of her shaking her head from the other side. " No. Actually, I would like to ask some questions- none of which will reveal your identities. You don't have to answer if you have to, either. This is just..." she paused. Hamilton spoke up before she could continue, eyes flicking at the gray sky." Yes? I am getting rather worried, here, Frances."" No need." she responded. Assured, maybe. " I just want some clarification for your relationship with my father. We could schedule a meeting?"" A political overview?" Hamilton mused smiling." A personal one." Frances bit out. Fuck." Really." he said. " Mostly during the war years, your relationships with each other, Mr. Washington, et cetera." she said, and oh, god, Alexander did not trust telephone lines, what if, was this secure? Was it? He didn't know. " A personal meeting would be more preferable. None of this is going out, you say?"" No. Not if you wish it. I asked my father. He said it was alright for him, although I would love to hear from you. You always did have wonderful stories."Right." I suppose I could arrange something." Hamilton said. " What are you planning on?"" I will speak of it later, if you will forgive me." Frances said apologetically. Hamilton nodded curtly, although he knew she might not hear." At five, next week, Thursday?"" I can make it. Thank you, Mr. Hamilton."" Of course." " ...for the right for all citizens, regardless of race, gender, or sexual orientation to live as not only people, but citizens of the republic."
- Petition to the Senate, 1974, approved after 13 years.
“ I can’t believe you let him be President.” John snorted softly.” Alexander, I had no say in it any more than you have.” “ You’re a former President.” he grumbled. John took a sip of his tea. Hot and scorching. It burned up his tongue and he winced, letting it back down. He was pretty sure he killed a few cells.” And you, a former Vice President.” he said, Hamilton giving him a righteous glare. John smiled softly.” We both know that my opinion is…” he paused, considerately. His eyes glazed for the right word. “.. not inconsequential, no. Many will listen to me. But opinions are… complicated. If I say anything for, or god forbid, against…”No. There wasn’t any need to explain himself, really. Hamilton knew. He understood. He had to, that was good enough.” You have very influential ties. You could have stopped him.” Hamilton quipped.” You’d rather Burr as president?”Hamilton shrugged. “ Maybe. He took you away from me.” John stopped, suddenly. He felt the words swim over him. Finally, he laughed. Smile danced over him.” Really?” He stared. “ I- I appreciate that.” he clarified.Snorted. Leaned in. “ You are very open about this.” Hamilton lopped his head to the side. “ Hey. The times they are a changing?”” Frances?”” Sure.” Hamilton agreed. John groaned." The relentless attacks against various public figures on account of suspicions of homosexuality must be taken into account when thinking about the erasure of homosexuality from the public mind. In recent history, there have been multiple instances where the accusation of same-sex relationships have been used to target political enemies, discrediting them as 'inferior' or 'infected' depending on what would hit harsher given the circumstances." - A Mind of Our Own, by Anonymus