tion whatever from the original text;[1] nor can any statement by Mr. Coleman, in his own defence, whether he had made the alterations himself, or not, purge them from deserved contempt, so long as a copy of the original edition remains to prove that General Hamilton's acknowledged instruction, that "the original idea was to be strictly adhered to,"[2] was repeatedly and flagrantly violated by the editor referred to.
The more important of the "corrections" which were made by the editor of this edition will be noticed in the Notes which form the second volume of this work.
This edition is not very scarce; the copy which has been used in the preparation of this work is that which is in the library of the New York Historical Society.
The seventh edition of The Fœderalist, in book-form, was published in 1810, with the following title:—
"The | Federalist, | on the new constitution; | written in 1788, | by Mr.Hamilton, Mr. Jay, and Mr.
- ↑ "Hopkins, printer, said to me, 'I called upon Mr. H[amilton] for permission to reprint the Nos. of The Federalist. He intimated that they hardly deserved to be printed again; he said he would think of it, but that they must not be reproduced without his assent.' Hopkins said 'I will present the proofs to you for correction.' Hamilton said 'No, if reprinted, it must be exactly as they were written.' J. A. H." —Memorandum in Hon. James A. Hamilton's copy of the work, communicated to the Editor of this edition, by that gentleman, February 10, 1862.
"While on this topic, the decease of Hamilton, I may state an anecdote, the import of which can be readily understood. It was not long prior to the time of his death that the new and authentic edition of The Federalist was published by George F. Hopkins. Hopkins told me of the delicacy of which Hamilton listened to his proposition to print a new edition of these papers. 'They are demanded by the spirit of the times and the desire of the people,' said Hopkins, 'Do you really think, Mr. Hopkins, that those fugitive essays will be read, if reprinted?' asked Hamilton; 'well, give me a few days to consider,' said he. 'Will this not be a good opportunity, Gen. Hamilton,' rejoined Hopkins, 'to revise them, and, if so, to make, perhaps, alterations, if necessary, in some parts?' 'No, sir, if reprinted, they must stand exactly as at first, not a word of alteration. A comma may be inserted or left out, but the work must undergo no change whatever.'"—Reminiscences of Printers, Authors, etc., in New York, an Oration delivered at the Printers' Banquet, January 16, 1852, by John W. Francis, M.D., LL.D. - ↑ Mr. Coleman's "Answer" to the letter of "Corrector," in The New York Evening Post, March 25, 1817.
