Summary

Alexander, who had watched his mother suffer at the hands of men, could not ignore this young woman’s plight. So, he took some money and met Maria Reynolds for a conversation that led to an affair. His child James was sick, and Alexander urged his wife to stay in Albany until he got better. Maria revealed that her husband wanted to reconcile, and had information on a dishonest man in the treasury. Alexander met with James Reynolds, who named William Duer (pictured on page 273) as the problem. Alexander wanted to end the affair, but Maria kept him involved with emotional letters. Maria revealed that her husband was going to tell Eliza. Reynolds accused Alexander of seducing his wife, and Alexander sensed a conspiracy. Nevertheless, Alexander paid Reynolds $1,000 to stay quiet and leave town. Reynolds continued blackmailing Alexander until...