Once upon a time in medieval England, there was a young king who would do just about anything for his favorite night.

They were inseparable.

With love at the front of a king's mind, instead of war or ambition, you'd think the kingdom would be in for a golden

era of peace. But England is headed for the most catastrophic collapse seen for hundreds of

years. The saga continues, Join me Dan Jones on This is History, a Dynasty to

Die for. Available wherever you get your podcasts. The charge against me is in connection with one James Reynolds for purposes of improper pecuniary speculation.

It's August 1797.

Alexander Hamilton, former Secretary of the Treasury,

Framer of the Constitution, by reputation devoted father and

husband, rights of an illicit romantic entanglement he'd fallen into six years earlier. All an effort to clear his name of accusations of

financial impropriety. My real crime is an amorous connection with his wife, for a considerable time with his privity and connivance,

if not originally brought on by a combination between the husband and wife with the design

to extort money from me.

It would come to be known as the Reynolds affair,

and when the scandal went public,

Hamilton took the extraordinary step of publishing a 95-page pamphlet entitled Observations on Certain Documents,

in which he explained his motives behind financial moves that had raised suspicion.

This confession is not made without a blush.

I cannot be the apologist for any vice because the ardor of passion may have made it mine.

I can never cease to condemn myself for the pang,

which it may inflict in a bosom eminently entitled to all my gratitude, fidelity, and love.

Squirmworthy. gratitude, fidelity, and love.

...