Alexander Hamilton was a hero in the Revolutionary War and later the first Secretary of the Treasury under President George Washington.

He was born in 1757 in the West Indies. As a highly-intelligent youth, he came to America and began his education. He was soon sidetracked, joining the colonial army as an officer. Because of his evident abilities, General George Washington chose Hamilton as his advisor.

Hamilton had relationships with both women and men, his most intense bond with fellow advisor, John Laurens. When they were apart on military assignments, they exchanged affectionate letters.

Hamilton once wrote to Laurens saying, "I wish my dear Laurens, it might be in my power, by actions rather than words, to convince you that I love you."  In 1782, Laurens was killed in a military skirmish, and Hamilton felt "the deepest affliction at the news."

This Rainbow Minute was read by Jay White.

“The Rainbow Minute” is produced by Judd Proctor and Brian Burns and can be heard every weekday at 7:59am, 12:29pm and 2:59pm on WRIR – 97.3fm in Richmond, Virginia, and webcast at wrir.org. It’s also heard internationally on over 200 stations.