Maria Reynolds

Maria Reynolds (née Lewis; March 30, 1768 – March 25, 1828) was the wife of James Reynolds, and was Alexander Hamilton's mistress between 1791 and 1792. She became the object of much scrutiny after the release of the Reynolds Pamphlet and central in America's first political sex scandal.

Maria Reynolds was the wife of James Reynolds and Alexander Hamilton's mistress between 1791 and 1792. She became the center of a political scandal after the release of the Reynolds Pamphlet. Maria married James in 1783, had one child with him, and moved to Philadelphia in 1791. There she met Hamilton and began an affair while he was still married to Eliza Schuyler Hamilton. The affair continued until December 15, 1792 when it ended due to blackmail by James Reynolds who demanded money from Hamilton for his silence on their relationship. In July of that year, journalist James T Callender published a collection of pamphlets accusing Hamilton of public wrongdoing which led him to publish "The Reynolds Pamphlet" admitting his affair with Maria but denying any treasury misconduct. Afterwards Maria faced public scorn and left for Britain with her second husband Jacob Clingman before returning later as housekeeper under another name.