doi:10.7916/2s9j-kq90[Document, 1798 November 8]Hamilton, Alexander, 1757-1804correspondencetextUnited States--History--Constitutional period, 1789-1809Jay, John, 1745-1829Believes that there has been misrepresentation to Jay in case of the Attorney General: "[E]very construction should in such a case be admitted against an unfavorable conclusion, else every man must expect contamination from the very touch of public money." Has been told there is hope of extrication in Josiah Ogden Hoffman's general financial affairs and thinks that only permanent, not temporary, embarrassment justifies the removal of an official. On the whole, he deserves another chance. Finally, the state Comptroller is Hoffman's personal enemy, and his candor should not be overly trusted.