The Young Ralph Case and Hamilton’s Ultimate Defense of Slavery

After returning to private life and his law practice in 1802, Hamilton further demonstrated his indifference to slavery in court, defending Robert Cumings, a slave trafficker who intended to sell slaves overseas, thereby violating state and national laws. Although the public tolerated slave traders, the New-York Manumission Society promptly notified US district attorney Edward Livingston, a Jefferson appointee, of the slaver’s arrival. Livingston vigorously prosecuted the slave trader in district court, but Hamilton won the case. He convinced his friend, presiding Judge John Sloss Hobart, that his client did not intend to buy and sell slaves overseas even though his ship was outfitted for the slave trade. Livingston appealed the verdict, but he lost a final time in July 1805, a year after Hamilton died.