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I 3 follow suit. In this way, Hamilton worked to over- turn the long-standing European tradition of bas- ing military promotion on the arbitrary privileges of rank and birth, making an early and lasting democratic impact on the structure of the young nation’s military. It was not long before Hamilton’s own merit drew the attention of his superiors. In January 1777, after fighting valiantly and distinguishing him- self in several military campaigns, Hamilton was invited to join General George Washington’s staff. He was officially appointed as aide-de-camp to the commander in chief on March 1, 1777, at which time he was also promoted in rank to lieutenant colonel. Ron Chernow (2004), noting the signifi- cance of this appointment, observes that “in fewer than five years, the twenty-two-year-old Alexan- der Hamilton had risen from despondent clerk in St. Croix to one of the aides to America’s most eminent man” (85). In his capacity as aide-to-camp, Hamilton was charged with writing much of Washington’s offi- cial correspondence. Hamilton’s responsibilities, however, soon included far more than clerical work. He quickly earned Washington’s respect and became one of his principal military advisers. Washington even trusted Hamilton to serve as his proxy in many important matters and gave him a great deal of latitude to make decisions, negotiate agreements, and communicate with the Continen- tal Congress and state governments on Washing- ton’s behalf. Due to his extensive authority as one of the highest-ranking members of General Washing- ton’s staff, Hamilton was well positioned to observe the various military, political, and financial dimen- sions of the war. From critiquing the actions of the Continental Congress to suggesting the enlist- ment of slaves as soldiers, Hamilton was soon giv- ing political advice to America’s most prominent leaders. During this time, his sanguine vision of the future of the new country and the quality of its leaders began to diminish. Witnessing firsthand the capriciousness of the state governments and the incompetence of the Continental Congress, Hamilton began to develop many of the politi- cal convictions that would shape his later career, including his preference for a strong union of states and energetic executive power. After serving Washington in a largely admin- istrative capacity for four years, Hamilton longed to return to field command. Eventually, after con- siderable petitioning, Hamilton was assigned to a New York battalion, which led the successful assault on Yorktown, the last major battle in the War of Independence. By the end of the war, Hamilton had proven himself to be one of the country’s most insightful, dedicated, and courageous leaders. He thus con- firmed the veracity of his later statement—made in eulogy of General Nathanael Greene—that revolutions “serve to bring to light talents and vir- tues which might otherwise have languished in obscurity.” Although Hamilton’s desire to leave Washing- ton’s staff for combat command caused a short- term rift between the two, their deep admiration for one another and mutual conviction that only a strong, united country would secure liberty and independence led them to form one of the most enduring and influential political partnerships in American history. Section IV: Family Life Having experienced the desertion of his father and early death of his mother, Hamilton no doubt yearned for a sense of belonging and the intimate closeness of family life that he had largely lacked as a youth. In fact, throughout his career, Hamil- ton’s burning political ambition was rivaled only by his strong affection for his wife, children, and extended family. Hamilton’s interaction with his future in-laws, the distinguished Schuyler family, began while he was a member of Washington’s staff. As Washing- ton’s aide-to-camp, Hamilton impressed many of