Jefferson sulked. Washington always seemed to favor Hamilton over everyone else. Even when the President had gotten sick in 1790, it was Hamilton who took over, not John Adams.

Burr walked in, and stared at Washington's office. While looking over his shoulder at Jefferson he said, "It must be nice, it must be nice to have Washington on your side." Jefferson took note of him, so Burr turned to him and said again, "It must be nice, it must be nice to have Washington on your side."

Jefferson thought about it. He had to agree. Later Madison joined them. The three bonded over their dislike of Hamilton. Hate is such a strong word, and I like to think that Burr and Madison had at least some respect and like for their former friend.

Well you know how this plays out, the three men say how Hamilton is trampling State's rights with his programs meant to hold the country together and keep the states united. And because they're being racist against an immigrant who rose up through merit, and gaining the favor of a man who was seen as a demi-god, yes Washington was that revered, they decided to spy on Hamilton's finances and spread rumors about him.

What kind of rumors? Oh, a whole bunch of misinformation about Alexander's heritage, origin, and beliefs. They had it about that Washington, instead of being a father-figure, was actually his father. They claimed he was actually a monarchist, not just a guy who had monarchist leanings. And the debates, don't get me started! But remember my dears, always be the bigger person, as Alexander tried so hard to be. Depends on your point of view.


It had been almost a year since Dolley had been widowed. She, her son John Payne Jr (who just went by Payne), and her sister Anna, had managed to live in a boarding house. Even though she was poor, Dolley was still a beautiful woman, and caught the eye of a lot of men. A friend once told her, "Thou must hide thy face. There are so many staring at thee!"

Dolley would playfully deny it, but she would get offers.

Also living at the boarding house, was Aaron Burr and his family. Burr of course noticed Dolley's outstanding beauty, but, he wouldn't dare cheat on Theodosia, again. Oh, he had an affair with a maid while his wife was sick. Yeah, I know. And they had two kids.

Anyway, Burr was awestruck at the beautiful Quaker woman. He started talking to her, and became even more enamored. She was just as smart as his wife, and not dying. He thought they would make great friends.

Then one day at a party, Burr noticed the look on his college friend, James Madison. The long-standing bachelor had a look Burr had never seen on him before. It was love. Knowing what had to be done, the widowed Burr introduced the two.

Dolley and Madison immediately hit things off, and after a brief courtship, were married. Even though James was not a Quaker and 17 years older than her. It took several tries, but Dolley finally accepted his proposal, and were married in August. Although Dolley was kicked out the Quaker community for marrying outside the faith, she shrugged her shoulders and became an Episcopal. She also didn't mind James being a slaveholder.

Maybe, but she really did love him. At least the two were mutually attracted to each other, and held a deep affection towards each other.


Burr's eyes were red and puffy. His throat was still tight from crying. Eleven-year-old Theo entered the room, with a smile on her face.

"Good morning papa." Theo greeted, "How's Mama?"

Burr sighed and without looking up he said, "Dear Theodosia how to say to you? Sometime last night, your mother breathed your name. And like a flame that flickers out too soon, she died. She's gone." Burr broke down into tears. Theo was quick to comfort him. And soon, her eyes began to leak.

Once Burr had recovered he continued, "She dedicated every day to you. She changed my life, she made my life worthwhile. And when you smile, I know a part of her lives on I know I can go on." Theodosia was highly invested in her youngest daughter's education, making her a prodigy. Burr, which was unusual for the time, also became highly invested. He had taken over Theo's education two years ago when Theodosia became too ill.

"You have come of-age with our young nation. We bleed and fight for you, sometimes it seems that's all we do, but you and I will build a strong foundation. And I'll be here for you. The way is clear for you to blow us all away. Someday, someday, yeah you'll blow us all away. Someday, someday..."


If the Whiskey Rebellion had taught the Federal Government anything, it was that the people really didn't like their alcohol taxed, and rebellions were hard to put out. However, the government still needed money, so Washington ordered Hamilton to come up with a new idea that didn't cause another costly rebellion. Alexander's solution? The Coast Guard! Which would guard the coast, and collect tariffs. These tariffs helped fund the government, and still does today.

Yes Grandpa was a part of the Coast Guard reserves, and no that wasn't all that his duties consisted of. I'm guessing, he doesn't tell us much. Well, he said his job consisted of making sure things imported into the country through the coast were safe and legal.

OOO

As much as Georges hated to leave, he knew he had to. England was just too close to France for him to be safe. So with a heavy heart, he said goodbye to the Churches, who had been so kind to him. He, with the help of John Church Sr and Angelica, boarded a ship with his bags, the box of Caroline's letters and the key.

While he was on the ship, he reread the letters Caroline wrote. He read them all, and found himself looking forward to meeting his brother and his mother.

When Georges finally arrived in America, he wasted no time in finding Alexander Hamilton. When he arrived at his house, he knocked on the door. A maid opened the door.

"Hello sir." The maid greeted. "Can I help you?"

"Is this Alexander Hamilton's house?"

"Yes. What is your business with him?"

Georges pulled out the letter his father gave him, "I have a letter of introduction for him."

"Very well." The maid said, then she stepped aside, "Come in."

"Thank you." Georges said. He entered the front room, and gave the maid his letter.

"Wait here." The maid said, then she went to Alexander's study, where he was busily working on plans to strengthen the nation's economy. The maid knocked on the door, and when Alexander looked up, she said, "Sir, there's a young man with a letter of introduction for you."

"Thank you." Alexander said, "Put it on my desk."

"Yes sir." The maid replied. Then she put the letter on his desk.

Alexander continued to work, but then he heard John Lauren's voice saying, "Read the letter, now! It's very important."

"Ok." Alexander mumbled. Then he grabbed the letter and opened it. He was kinda shocked when he read it:

Dear Alex,

I write you this letter in haste. As you may know, the state of France is terrible. If you're reading this, then I am either imprisoned or in hiding, or worse, and my oldest son Georges is in your home needing a place to hide. He should be with his tutor, if not, please inquire about him.

Georges should have with him a box of Carol's letters to me. You very well know the risk if they end up in the wrong hands. Please make sure they get to Carol safe and sound, and please dear friend, make sure you treat Georges with the same love and respect that you treat your other children. Make sure he doesn't leave unless it's safe.

Also, if little Bertie knows of the Truth, please gently tell Georges. I want him to be informed of his brother, but I don't want him to be upset.

Yours faithfully,

Lafayette.

P.S. I send you, Carol, and Bertie my love. Please keep safe, and think things through.

After reading the letter, Alexander quickly got up and went to the front room, where he found Georges sitting on a couch talking and flirting with Angie and Fanny.

"You must be Georges." Alexander said to him.

Georges immediately stood up and said, "Yes, Mr. Hamilton. I trust you have read my letter?"

"Yes." Alexander answered, "And you are welcome to stay here for as long as you like."

"Thank you Mr. Hamilton." Georges replied.

"You're welcome." Alexander replied, "Any son of Lafayette is welcome here. Now, your father mentioned you having a box of letters?"

"Oh yes. It's right here." Georges grabbed the box he had been carrying and gave it to his father's friend. Alexander took the box and smiled at it. Instantly, his mind wandered back to his solider days. Of the days when it was just he, Laurens, Carol and Laf. And Mulligan. Oh how he missed Laurens.

"Father?" Angie asked.

"Yes?" Alexander replied, suddenly coming back to reality.

"What are you thinking of?" Angie asked.

"Oh, just happy and bitter-sweet memories of the Revolution." Alexander dismissively answered.

"Mind telling us?" Angie asked, always excited for her father's war stories.

"There's so many." Alexander replied, he hated saying no to the girls, but he didn't feel like going into detail at that moment.

"Just one then?" Angie begged, "Please?"

"Yes, please Uncle Alex?" Fanny begged.

"Oh, alright." Alexander said, finally giving in.

"Yay!" The girls cheered.

"But after that, I must show Georges to his room." Alexander told them.

"We can show him." Angie said with a flirty expression.

"You can join me." Alexander told them, he didn't trust his young adolescent daughters alone with the handsome adolescent Georges.

Angie pouted.

"Come now," Alexander said, trying to cheer her up, "I'm sure you'll have plenty of time to get to know our guest." Georges blushed a bit. "Now how about I tell you about how I met Aunt Carol?"

"Ok." Fanny answered.

"Alright." Angie answered.

"I would like it." Georges answered.

Alexander smiled, then he told the kids how he met the brave and courageous Caroline Robinson.

OOO

The Robinson household was stressing out. Today was the day little Bertie would be told the truth about his father. Everyone tried their best to be calm, but that wasn't the easiest thing to do when you know you're about to shatter the worldview of a child.

Little Bertie was somewhat aware of the stress, but he figured it was because of his birthday celebrations that day. There was going to be a small party for him in the afternoon, with all of Bertie's friends and family to eat, dance and play.

When the Hamilton arrived, Caroline greeted them all warmly. When she hugged Eliza, the blue-clad woman whispered in her ear, "Lina, Georges is here."

"What?" Caroline asked in shock.

"He felt London was too dangerous, so he came here." Eliza answered.

Caroline looked at the children, and saw a young man carrying a letter box. "Hello young man." Caroline said to him.

"Hello Madame." Georges said to her with a bow.

"Carol," Alexander softly said, "this is Georges Washington Louis Gilbert de La Fayette, son of our old friend, Lafayette. Or as you called him, 'Laffy'." Alexander and Caroline chucked at the memories and the old nickname. Then Alexander turned to Georges, "Georges, this is Caroline Guinevere Robinson, a dear friend of your father and me. And my wife."

"Pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Robinson." Georges told her, then he handed her the letter box and key, "My father told me to give these to you."

"Thank you." Caroline said as she took the box. When she held it, memories came flooding back of her time during the war. Some good, some bad. She remembered Angelica's letter about Georges arriving at her home. "My friend Angelica Church wrote me shortly after you arrived at her home a few years ago. She said you read the letters, is it true?"

Georges sighed, "Yes."

Caroline sighed as well. "Georges, I know this might be hard, but your father loves your mother very much. And we only saw each other as friends, but…" Caroline swallowed her spit, "war can do things to people. I never wanted to hurt anybody, but things just happened."

"I understand." Georges told her. "I've seen sane men become savage in France."

"Thank you." Caroline said, "I'll go put this in my room now."

"Want any help?" Eliza and Alexander asked in unison, knowing how emotional their dear friend might be.

"I can manage." Then she left. Alexander and Eliza looked at each other, and with a knowing look, silently followed her to her room.

The children went into the house and were largely left to their own devices. They made their way to Bertie and the children of Arthur and Gwendolyn: Anna, Arthur jr, Lawrence and Gwydre. After greetings were made, Philip introduced the others to Georges.

OOO

Caroline sat the letterbox on her desk. So many memories, so much evidence. She heard the creaking of floorboards. "Who's there?"

"Friends." Eliza answered.

"Who are full of concern." Alexander added.

"Leave me alone." Caroline stated.

Alexander opened the door and entered the room. "You wouldn't leave me." He remarked.

"I can handle this." Caroline told him.

Alexander neared her and placed a hand on hers as Eliza entered the room. "I know."

"And you won't be alone." Eliza added as she reached for her.

OOO

"He looks a lot like you, Bertie." Angie said to him about Georges while the youngest children played in their own world.

"Really?" Bertie, who didn't spend much time in front of reflective surfaces, asked.

"Yes." Angie answered, then she turned to the others, "Don't you agree?"

They all nodded.

"They could be brothers." Anna remarked.

"Maybe they are." Philip jokingly remarked.

While the others were quick to laugh, Georges was visibly uncomfortable.

"Why are you like that?" Philip asked as he put an arm around him, "It was just a joke."

Georges was unsure of how to reply, "Um, well, uh…"

"Georges," Angie asked with a knowing glare, "is there something you'd like to tell us?"

Georges swallowed hard. "Whatever it is, it's up to Mrs. Robinson to discuss with whoever she feels comfortable with."

"But you can trust us." Angie told him.

"Yeah." Philip added. The others agreed.

Georges felt trapped. Sure he had told the Churches, but that was then. He hardly knew these people, and he was right in front of his brother. He was sure the news would break his heart, if he didn't already know.

Finally, he gave in. "Alright. But you must swear not to tell a soul. No one else can know this."

"We swear." They replied with uncrossed fingers.

"Ok." Georges answered, then, carefully, he told them the Truth. "Bertie, what do you know about your father?"

"He was a great solider who fought under your father, Lafayette." Bertie answered, "My mother and Uncle Zander say that he was a brave and caring man, but he died during the siege of Yorktown."

"Did they tell you how they met?" Georges asked.

"Mother says that she met him while in the market one day." Bertie answered, "They hit it off, and then they ran away to join the army and elope."

"Is that all?" Georges gently asked.

"Well, I am told war stories." Bertie answered, "Do you want to hear them?"

"Perhaps that would be best saved for after Georges tells us his secret." Angie stated.

Georges felt nervous. Angie sure was like her namesake. He took a deep breath and told Bertie, "Your mother sent ou-my father letters regularly, and in order to protect them, and her, father told me to deliver the box sent to them. Out of curiosity, I read the letters." Georges paused for a moment, "They revealed some interesting things."

"What things?" Bertie asked. There was a suspicion in the air, but none of the kids wanted to admit it.

Georges was hesitant, eventually, he decided to be blunt. "I'm your brother."

There was a great shock to the children. They didn't want to believe it. But it was true. With all the gentleness he could, Georges told them all the Truth.

When Caroline finally returned downstairs, she found her son looking shook and with Georges. Fearing the worst, she immediately went to them, with Alexander and Eliza following.

"Hello everyone." Caroline said to them, trying to be calm.

"Mother, Georges said he read your letters." Bertie told her, "Is what he said about them true?"

"Well… what did he say?" Caroline asked.

"Is he my brother?"

Caroline looked down at the floor, full of guilt.

"It's true?!" Bertie asked, full of hurt.

"Oh Bertie." Caroline began, "I- I wanted to tell you sooner, but I could never bring myself to."

"Why?"

"I wasn't sure you could comprehend it, and I couldn't risk the world finding out."

"So you lied to me? All these years?"

"I was going to tell you the truth, but I just couldn't."

"Who else knows?"

"Your father, Uncle Alex, Aunt Eliza, Aunt Angelica, Aunt Peggy, my siblings, Grandpa and Uncle Artie."

"And my mother." Georges added.

"She does?" Caroline nervously asked in shock.

"Yes." Georges answered. He rubbed the back of his neck, "A maid knocked the box over and the lock broke, scattering the letters. She offered to help clean up, and while she was doing so, she read them."

"How'd she take it?" Caroline asked.

"She moved out of his bedroom and as far as I know, they only put up a front for guests and us kids."

Caroline looked guilty. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean for any of this to happen."

"What did you mean?" Bertie asked his mother.

Caroline sighed, and told him everything. Well not everything, just what was necessary for Bertie to grasp. She would never tell them of Alexander's relationship with Laurens, not without their consent.


Napoleon Bonaparte was a man who had risen through the ranks. And yes I know you know him as a creepy "short" dude who took control of France and was a celebrated general. But let me tell you some of his history.

First, please don't confuse Napoleon I for Napoleon III. Napoleon III was Napoleon I's nephew and took control after being elected President, then convincing everyone to make him Emperor. Napoleon I, was a celebrated general in the French army who took control of France after the Reign of Terror ended. Napoleon II was Napoleon I's son who died when he was 21. I know, tragic. But let this be a lesson my dears, when a country is week, anyone can take over. A liberator, can easily become a dictator. Also, never put your people in such a state to where they need a liberator.

Napoleon I was an non-aristocratic country boy who won a scholarship to an elite military school, and had risen through the ranks of the French army by winning the loyalty of his comrades along with his bravery and determination. When the aristocratic generals fled, he stayed behind and lead his troops from the front. He was a military genius, except when it came to Russia. He was made a general, who won victory after victory, proving his doubters wrong, and winning the love and respect of the army and people of France. He was put in charge of the French army, and while stationed in Egypt, his men found the Rosette Stone, which allowed the world to understand hieroglyphs. King Ptolemy V wrote a speech about himself on the stone in hieroglyphs, demotic and ancient Greek. It's like those signs that have the same message in different languages. So, using the Rosetta Stone, we were able to tell what the Egyptian said based off the Greek.

Napoleon's military successes and the Reign of Terror made the rest of the world nervous. They feared what happened in France could happen elsewhere. Also they feared France would get greedy and attack them to take their land. Which totally happened, there's a reason why the Napolionic Wars happened.

OOO

Lafayette paced in his cell. He had been in solitary confinement for a whole year, with only the guards who brought him his food for company. Suddenly, the doors to his cell opened, and his wife and daughters rushed in.

"Pappa!" Anastasie and Virginie cried as they rushed into his arms.

"Girls!" Lafayette cried as he hugged them tight. "What are you doing here?" He couldn't believe his eyes.

"We wanted to see you!" Ana explained. "We even met Emperor Francis. He was so kingly!"

"And we met the American minister to France, Mr. Monroe." Virginie added, "He helped us met him."

"That's wonderful!" Lafayette replied. Then he looked up at Adrienne, "Were you moved, or released?"

"Released." Adrienne answered, "I wanted to be with you."

"You did?" Lafayette couldn't believe his ears.

"Yes." Adrienne moved their daughters aside and took his hands. "We may not be perfect, but I love you. And I forgive you."

Lafayette gasped. Forgiveness?

"With all my heart." Adrienne added.

Lafayette couldn't help but smile. He took his wife in his arms and kissed for the first time in years.


"You wanted to see me sir?" Alexander asked as he entered Washington's office with a handful of papers. There was no answer, Alexander looked up from his papers, "Sir?"

"I wanted to give you a word of warning." Washington said gravely.

"Sir, I don't know what you've heard," Alexander answered, "but whatever it is, Jefferson started it." Alexander was thinking about the terrible rumors being spread about him.

"You know he resigned." Washington answered. Thomas Jefferson had resigned on New Year's Eve in 1793, and this was after that. No later than 1796.

"Yes, but see all the damage he's inflicting from the outside?"

"And we can handle it." Washington answered, then he sighed. "Jefferson's gonna run for president in two years' time."

"Ha. Good luck defeating you, sir." Alexander laughed. Washington had been unanimously elected both times.

"I am stepping down, I'm not running for president."

Alexander was a state of shock. "I'm sorry, what?" Even though Washington had tried to step down at the end of his first term, this seemed to come from no where.

"One last time. Relax, have a drink with me." Washington said as he gave Hamilton a glass of wine, "One last time. Let's take a break tonight, and we'll teach them how to say goodbye, you and I!" It's a sad truth that many revolutions end in dictatorships. The French Revolution, the Russian Revolution, the Cuban Revolution… I could go on and on. Washington knew that by stepping down, he would prevent such a dictatorship from happening. Yes, the world would be very different if this hadn't happened.

"No, sir, why?" Alexander couldn't believe it. He had wanted the office of president to be a life long position, and Washington continuing to run was the closest thing to it. Also, he couldn't understand why Washington would want to give up power. Also, Jefferson was right, Alexander was nothing without Washington.

Hamilton believed that staying in office for an extended period of time would make the officeholder be better at their work. Afterall, practice makes perfect.

"I want you to write my farewell address." Washington said, then he took out some papers, "Madison wrote the first draft, it's a mess." He handed the papers to Alexander, "Start with his words, or start from scratch. I want to talk about neutrality." Washington originally considered stepping down after one term, and had Madison help him craft the first draft of his Farewell Address, but he decided there were too many problems that needed solving before he retired. The problems: the growing tensions between Hamilton and Jefferson as well as foreign affairs.

Alexander tried to talk him out if it. "Sir, with Britain and France and the verge of war, is this the best time—"

Washington cut him off, "I want to warn against partisan fighting." Partisan fighting means fighting between political parties. Washington warned American citizens to not so wrapped up in their party. When a person is zealous to their party, they may make bad decisions, like voting for a person who is clearly not qualified for the position they're running for, or have been appointed to. Yes like Trump and Kavanaugh.

"But—"

"Pick up a pen, start writing." Washington shushed, he knew the man was in shock. "I wanna talk about what I have learned; the hard won wisdom I have earned." Being the first U.S., Washington had a lot of precedent to set.

Hamilton, meanwhile, thought that that elected officials should serve as long as they can. This is the logic behind Supreme Court members serving for life today. "As far as the people are concerned, you have to serve." Alexander pleaded, "You could continue to serve-"

"No!" Washington interjected, "One last time, the people will hear from me, one last time, and if we get this right, we're gonna teach' em how to say goodbye. You and I!" Washington was setting the precedent of a U.S. President only serving two terms, as it wouldn't become law until the 1940s.

"Mr. President," Alexander, who prefered bold acts of bravery and perseverance to prove strength replied, "they will say you're weak."

"No," Washington countered, for he saw how real strength can be demonstrated by stepping back, "they will see we're strong."

"Your position is so unique."

"So I'll use it to move them along"

"Why do you have to say goodbye?"

"If I say goodbye, the nation learns to move on. It outlives me when I'm gone." He grabbed a Bible from his desk and flipped to a verse, "Like the scripture says: 'Everyone shall sit under their own vine and fig tree. And no one shall make them afraid.'" He turned to Alexander, "They'll be safe in the nation we've made." He closed the Bible and stared out the window, and began to think of his home in Virginia, "I want to sit under my own vine and fig tree, a moment alone in the shade. At home, in this nation we've made. One last time."

"One last time." Hamilton muttered. Then he went to work on the speech. He made two drafts, one from Madison's framework, the other completely his own. When Washington saw them, he picked the original, and went to work editing it.