I made this comic a long time ago, but decided to hold onto it until this week, the 229th anniversary of when Hamilton wrote his letter to us. It’s tradition in the Coast Guard to reread the words of our founder every year, and this year should be no different
Read the transcript
Letter to the Captains of the Revenue Cutter Service, 1791 / While I recommend in the strongest terms to the respective officers, activity, vigilance and firmness, I feel no less solicitude, that their deportment may be marked with prudence, moderation and good temper… / They will always keep in mind that their countrymen are freemen, and, as such, are impatient of everything that bears the least mark of a domineering spirit. They will, therefore, refrain, with the most guarded circumspection, from whatever has the semblance of haughtiness, rudeness, or insult… / They will endeavor to overcome difficulties, if any are experienced, by a cool and temperate perseverance in their duty – by address and moderation, rather than by vehemence or violence. / The former style of conduct will recommend them to the particular approbation of the President of the United States, while the reverse of it – even a single instance of outrage or intemperate or improper treatment of any person with whom they have anything to do, in the course of their duty, will meet with his pointed displeasure, and will be attended with correspondent consequences. / I am sir, your obedient servant, Alexander Hamilton, Secretary of the Treasury