Summary

Alexander believed his son Phillip was perfect. Still sad over his own childhood, Alexander wanted to enjoy family life. He learned his half-brother Peter, who took everything from him after his mother died, had given his fortune away and left Alexander with little. However, Alexander’s ambition pushed him back into his studies. He finished years of work in six months at law school. He wrote a law manual that would be used by New York law students for years to come. The author says part of his success was thanks to Burr, who convinced the Supreme Court to allow veterans to skip a three year apprenticeship. Since Alexander had waived his military pay, he needed to find a job fast.

Alexander also knew the Articles of Confederation had no rules on taxes, and needed...