adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Mr. Allen, like many others in the colonies at that time, was both a professional man and a merchant.
acrossprepositionUS /əˈkrɔːs/
from one side of something to the other
From this reading Mr. West found, on his arrival in London, several American families who had come across the Atlantic after the peace to visit their relations, and he had the unexpected pleasure of hearing that Mr. William Allen, Governor Hamilton, and Dr. Smith, his earliest friends and patrons, were in this country.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading Mr. West found, on his arrival in London, several American families who had come across the Atlantic after the peace to visit their relations, and he had the unexpected pleasure of hearing that Mr. William Allen, Governor Hamilton, and Dr. Smith, his earliest friends and patrons, were in this country.
AllennounUS /ˈælən/
United States comedienne remembered as the confused but imperturbable partner of her husband, George Burns (1906-1964)
From this reading Mr. West found, on his arrival in London, several American families who had come across the Atlantic after the peace to visit their relations, and he had the unexpected pleasure of hearing that Mr. William Allen, Governor Hamilton, and Dr. Smith, his earliest friends and patrons, were in this country.
AmericannounUS /əˈmerəkən/
a native or inhabitant of the United States
From this reading Mr. West found, on his arrival in London, several American families who had come across the Atlantic after the peace to visit their relations, and he had the unexpected pleasure of hearing that Mr. William Allen, Governor Hamilton, and Dr. Smith, his earliest friends and patrons, were in this country.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Mr. West found, on his arrival in London, several American families who had come across the Atlantic after the peace to visit their relations, and he had the unexpected pleasure of hearing that Mr. William Allen, Governor Hamilton, and Dr. Smith, his earliest friends and patrons, were in this country.
arrivalnounUS /ərˈaɪvəl/
accomplishment of an objective
From this reading Mr. West found, on his arrival in London, several American families who had come across the Atlantic after the peace to visit their relations, and he had the unexpected pleasure of hearing that Mr. William Allen, Governor Hamilton, and Dr. Smith, his earliest friends and patrons, were in this country.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Mr. Allen, like many others in the colonies at that time, was both a professional man and a merchant.
AtlanticnounUS /ətˈlæntɪk/
the 2nd largest ocean; separates North and South America on the west from Europe and Africa on the east
From this reading Mr. West found, on his arrival in London, several American families who had come across the Atlantic after the peace to visit their relations, and he had the unexpected pleasure of hearing that Mr. William Allen, Governor Hamilton, and Dr. Smith, his earliest friends and patrons, were in this country.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Hamilton, who had been many years governor, was chiefly indebted to him for the rank which he enjoyed, in consequence of having married his sister.
bothdeterminerUS /boʊθ/
the two together, not just one
From this reading Mr. Allen, like many others in the colonies at that time, was both a professional man and a merchant.
chiefnounUS /tʃiːf/
a person who is in charge
From this reading He held indeed the dignified office of chief justice in Pennsylvania, and was a person of powerful and extensive connections in the mother-country.
chieflyadverbUS /ˈtʃiːfli/
for the most part
From this reading Hamilton, who had been many years governor, was chiefly indebted to him for the rank which he enjoyed, in consequence of having married his sister.
coloniesnounUS /ˈkɑːləniz/
plural of “colony” — a body of people who settle far from home but maintain ties with their homeland; inhabitants remain nationals of their home state but are not literally under the home state's system of government
From this reading Mr. Allen, like many others in the colonies at that time, was both a professional man and a merchant.
comeverbUS /kʌm/
move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading Mr. West found, on his arrival in London, several American families who had come across the Atlantic after the peace to visit their relations, and he had the unexpected pleasure of hearing that Mr. William Allen, Governor Hamilton, and Dr. Smith, his earliest friends and patrons, were in this country.
connectionsnounUS /kəˈnekʃənz/
plural of “connection” — a relation between things or events (as in the case of one causing the other or sharing features with it)
From this reading He held indeed the dignified office of chief justice in Pennsylvania, and was a person of powerful and extensive connections in the mother-country.
consequencenounUS /ˈkɑːnsəkwəns/
a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon
From this reading Hamilton, who had been many years governor, was chiefly indebted to him for the rank which he enjoyed, in consequence of having married his sister.
cordialadjectiveUS /ˈkɔːrdʒəl/
diffusing warmth and friendliness
From this reading The naval and military officers who had occasion, during the war, to visit Philadelphia, found in the houses of the governor and Mr. Allen a cordial hospitality which they never forgot.
countrynounUS /ˈkʌntri/
a politically organized body of people under a single government
From this reading Mr. West found, on his arrival in London, several American families who had come across the Atlantic after the peace to visit their relations, and he had the unexpected pleasure of hearing that Mr. William Allen, Governor Hamilton, and Dr. Smith, his earliest friends and patrons, were in this country.
dignifiedadjectiveUS /ˈdɪɡnəfaɪd/
having or expressing dignity; especially formality or stateliness in bearing or appearance
From this reading He held indeed the dignified office of chief justice in Pennsylvania, and was a person of powerful and extensive connections in the mother-country.
Dr
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. West found, on his arrival in London, several American families who had come across the Atlantic after the peace to visit their relations, and he had the unexpected pleasure of hearing that Mr. William Allen, Governor Hamilton, and Dr. Smith, his earliest friends and patrons, were in this country.
duringprepositionUS /ˈdʊrɪŋ/
all through a period, or at some point within it
From this reading The naval and military officers who had occasion, during the war, to visit Philadelphia, found in the houses of the governor and Mr. Allen a cordial hospitality which they never forgot.
earliestadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrliəst/
(comparative and superlative of “early”) more early than; most early
From this reading Mr. West found, on his arrival in London, several American families who had come across the Atlantic after the peace to visit their relations, and he had the unexpected pleasure of hearing that Mr. William Allen, Governor Hamilton, and Dr. Smith, his earliest friends and patrons, were in this country.
enjoyedverbUS /ˌenˈdʒɔɪd/
past form of “enjoy” — derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in
From this reading Hamilton, who had been many years governor, was chiefly indebted to him for the rank which he enjoyed, in consequence of having married his sister.
extensiveadjectiveUS /ɪkˈstensɪv/
large in spatial extent or range or scope or quantity
From this reading He held indeed the dignified office of chief justice in Pennsylvania, and was a person of powerful and extensive connections in the mother-country.
familiesnounUS /ˈfæməliz/
plural of “family” — a social unit living together
From this reading Mr. West found, on his arrival in London, several American families who had come across the Atlantic after the peace to visit their relations, and he had the unexpected pleasure of hearing that Mr. William Allen, Governor Hamilton, and Dr. Smith, his earliest friends and patrons, were in this country.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Hamilton, who had been many years governor, was chiefly indebted to him for the rank which he enjoyed, in consequence of having married his sister.
forgotverbUS /fərˈɡɑːt/
inflected form of “forget” — dismiss from the mind; stop remembering
From this reading The naval and military officers who had occasion, during the war, to visit Philadelphia, found in the houses of the governor and Mr. Allen a cordial hospitality which they never forgot.
foundverbUS /faʊnd/
set up or found
From this reading Mr. West found, on his arrival in London, several American families who had come across the Atlantic after the peace to visit their relations, and he had the unexpected pleasure of hearing that Mr. William Allen, Governor Hamilton, and Dr. Smith, his earliest friends and patrons, were in this country.
friendsnounUS /frendz/
plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading Mr. West found, on his arrival in London, several American families who had come across the Atlantic after the peace to visit their relations, and he had the unexpected pleasure of hearing that Mr. William Allen, Governor Hamilton, and Dr. Smith, his earliest friends and patrons, were in this country.
GovernornounUS /ˈɡʌvərnər/
the head of a state government
From this reading Mr. West found, on his arrival in London, several American families who had come across the Atlantic after the peace to visit their relations, and he had the unexpected pleasure of hearing that Mr. William Allen, Governor Hamilton, and Dr. Smith, his earliest friends and patrons, were in this country.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Mr. West found, on his arrival in London, several American families who had come across the Atlantic after the peace to visit their relations, and he had the unexpected pleasure of hearing that Mr. William Allen, Governor Hamilton, and Dr. Smith, his earliest friends and patrons, were in this country.
HamiltonnounUS /ˈhæməltən/
Irish mathematician (1806-1865)
From this reading Mr. West found, on his arrival in London, several American families who had come across the Atlantic after the peace to visit their relations, and he had the unexpected pleasure of hearing that Mr. William Allen, Governor Hamilton, and Dr. Smith, his earliest friends and patrons, were in this country.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading Hamilton, who had been many years governor, was chiefly indebted to him for the rank which he enjoyed, in consequence of having married his sister.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Mr. West found, on his arrival in London, several American families who had come across the Atlantic after the peace to visit their relations, and he had the unexpected pleasure of hearing that Mr. William Allen, Governor Hamilton, and Dr. Smith, his earliest friends and patrons, were in this country.
hearingnounUS /ˈhiːrɪŋ/
(law) a proceeding (usually by a court) where evidence is taken for the purpose of determining an issue of fact and reaching a decision based on that evidence
From this reading Mr. West found, on his arrival in London, several American families who had come across the Atlantic after the peace to visit their relations, and he had the unexpected pleasure of hearing that Mr. William Allen, Governor Hamilton, and Dr. Smith, his earliest friends and patrons, were in this country.
heldadjectiveUS /held/
occupied or in the control of; often used in combination
From this reading He held indeed the dignified office of chief justice in Pennsylvania, and was a person of powerful and extensive connections in the mother-country.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Hamilton, who had been many years governor, was chiefly indebted to him for the rank which he enjoyed, in consequence of having married his sister.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Mr. West found, on his arrival in London, several American families who had come across the Atlantic after the peace to visit their relations, and he had the unexpected pleasure of hearing that Mr. William Allen, Governor Hamilton, and Dr. Smith, his earliest friends and patrons, were in this country.
hospitalitynounUS /ˌhɑːspəˈtæləti/
kindness in welcoming guests or strangers
From this reading The naval and military officers who had occasion, during the war, to visit Philadelphia, found in the houses of the governor and Mr. Allen a cordial hospitality which they never forgot.
housesnounUS /ˈhaʊsəz/
plural of “house” — a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading The naval and military officers who had occasion, during the war, to visit Philadelphia, found in the houses of the governor and Mr. Allen a cordial hospitality which they never forgot.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Mr. West found, on his arrival in London, several American families who had come across the Atlantic after the peace to visit their relations, and he had the unexpected pleasure of hearing that Mr. William Allen, Governor Hamilton, and Dr. Smith, his earliest friends and patrons, were in this country.
indebtedadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈdetɪd/
owing gratitude or recognition to another for help or favors etc
From this reading Hamilton, who had been many years governor, was chiefly indebted to him for the rank which he enjoyed, in consequence of having married his sister.
indeedadverbUS /ˌɪnˈdiːd/
in truth (often tends to intensify)
From this reading He held indeed the dignified office of chief justice in Pennsylvania, and was a person of powerful and extensive connections in the mother-country.
justicenounUS /ˈdʒʌstəs/
the quality of being just or fair
From this reading He held indeed the dignified office of chief justice in Pennsylvania, and was a person of powerful and extensive connections in the mother-country.
likeverbUS /laɪk/
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading Mr. Allen, like many others in the colonies at that time, was both a professional man and a merchant.
LondonnounUS /ˈlʌndən/
the capital and largest city of England; located on the Thames in southeastern England; financial and industrial and cultural center
From this reading Mr. West found, on his arrival in London, several American families who had come across the Atlantic after the peace to visit their relations, and he had the unexpected pleasure of hearing that Mr. William Allen, Governor Hamilton, and Dr. Smith, his earliest friends and patrons, were in this country.
mannounUS /mæn/
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading Mr. Allen, like many others in the colonies at that time, was both a professional man and a merchant.
manyadjectiveUS /ˈmeni/
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading Mr. Allen, like many others in the colonies at that time, was both a professional man and a merchant.
marriedadjectiveUS /ˈmerid/
joined in matrimony
From this reading Hamilton, who had been many years governor, was chiefly indebted to him for the rank which he enjoyed, in consequence of having married his sister.
merchantnounUS /ˈmɜːr.tʃənt/
A person or company involved in wholesale trade, especially with foreign countries.
From this reading Mr. Allen, like many others in the colonies at that time, was both a professional man and a merchant.
militaryadjectiveUS /ˈmɪləteri/
of or relating to the study of the principles of warfare
From this reading The naval and military officers who had occasion, during the war, to visit Philadelphia, found in the houses of the governor and Mr. Allen a cordial hospitality which they never forgot.
mother-country
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He held indeed the dignified office of chief justice in Pennsylvania, and was a person of powerful and extensive connections in the mother-country.
MrnounUS /ˈmɪstər/
a form of address for a man
From this reading Mr. West found, on his arrival in London, several American families who had come across the Atlantic after the peace to visit their relations, and he had the unexpected pleasure of hearing that Mr. William Allen, Governor Hamilton, and Dr. Smith, his earliest friends and patrons, were in this country.
navaladjectiveUS /ˈneɪvəl/
connected with or belonging to or used in a navy
From this reading The naval and military officers who had occasion, during the war, to visit Philadelphia, found in the houses of the governor and Mr. Allen a cordial hospitality which they never forgot.
neveradverbUS /ˈnevər/
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading The naval and military officers who had occasion, during the war, to visit Philadelphia, found in the houses of the governor and Mr. Allen a cordial hospitality which they never forgot.
occasionnounUS /əˈkeɪʒən/
an event that occurs at a critical time
From this reading The naval and military officers who had occasion, during the war, to visit Philadelphia, found in the houses of the governor and Mr. Allen a cordial hospitality which they never forgot.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Mr. West found, on his arrival in London, several American families who had come across the Atlantic after the peace to visit their relations, and he had the unexpected pleasure of hearing that Mr. William Allen, Governor Hamilton, and Dr. Smith, his earliest friends and patrons, were in this country.
officenounUS /ˈɔːfɪs/
place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed
From this reading He held indeed the dignified office of chief justice in Pennsylvania, and was a person of powerful and extensive connections in the mother-country.
officersnounUS /ˈɔːfəsərz/
plural of “officer” — any person in the armed services who holds a position of authority or command
From this reading The naval and military officers who had occasion, during the war, to visit Philadelphia, found in the houses of the governor and Mr. Allen a cordial hospitality which they never forgot.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Mr. West found, on his arrival in London, several American families who had come across the Atlantic after the peace to visit their relations, and he had the unexpected pleasure of hearing that Mr. William Allen, Governor Hamilton, and Dr. Smith, his earliest friends and patrons, were in this country.
others
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Allen, like many others in the colonies at that time, was both a professional man and a merchant.
patronsnounUS /ˈpeɪtrənz/
plural of “patron” — a regular customer
From this reading Mr. West found, on his arrival in London, several American families who had come across the Atlantic after the peace to visit their relations, and he had the unexpected pleasure of hearing that Mr. William Allen, Governor Hamilton, and Dr. Smith, his earliest friends and patrons, were in this country.
peacenounUS /piːs/
the state prevailing during the absence of war
From this reading Mr. West found, on his arrival in London, several American families who had come across the Atlantic after the peace to visit their relations, and he had the unexpected pleasure of hearing that Mr. William Allen, Governor Hamilton, and Dr. Smith, his earliest friends and patrons, were in this country.
PennsylvanianounUS /ˌpensəlˈveɪnjə/
a Mid-Atlantic state; one of the original 13 colonies
From this reading He held indeed the dignified office of chief justice in Pennsylvania, and was a person of powerful and extensive connections in the mother-country.
personnounUS /ˈpɜːrsən/
a human being
From this reading He held indeed the dignified office of chief justice in Pennsylvania, and was a person of powerful and extensive connections in the mother-country.
PhiladelphianounUS /ˌfɪləˈdelfiə/
the largest city in Pennsylvania; located in the southeastern part of the state on the Delaware river; site of Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed; site of the University of Pennsylvania
From this reading The naval and military officers who had occasion, during the war, to visit Philadelphia, found in the houses of the governor and Mr. Allen a cordial hospitality which they never forgot.
pleasurenounUS /ˈpleʒər/
a fundamental feeling that is hard to define but that people desire to experience
From this reading Mr. West found, on his arrival in London, several American families who had come across the Atlantic after the peace to visit their relations, and he had the unexpected pleasure of hearing that Mr. William Allen, Governor Hamilton, and Dr. Smith, his earliest friends and patrons, were in this country.
powerfuladjectiveUS /ˈpaʊərfəl/
having great power or force or potency or effect
From this reading He held indeed the dignified office of chief justice in Pennsylvania, and was a person of powerful and extensive connections in the mother-country.
professionaladjectiveUS /prəˈfeʃənəl/
engaged in a profession or engaging in as a profession or means of livelihood
From this reading Mr. Allen, like many others in the colonies at that time, was both a professional man and a merchant.
ranknounUS /ræŋk/
a row or line of people (especially soldiers or police) standing abreast of one another
From this reading Hamilton, who had been many years governor, was chiefly indebted to him for the rank which he enjoyed, in consequence of having married his sister.
relationsnounUS /riˈleɪʃənz/
mutual dealings or connections or communications among persons or groups
From this reading Mr. West found, on his arrival in London, several American families who had come across the Atlantic after the peace to visit their relations, and he had the unexpected pleasure of hearing that Mr. William Allen, Governor Hamilton, and Dr. Smith, his earliest friends and patrons, were in this country.
severaladjectiveUS /ˈsevrəl/
(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many
From this reading Mr. West found, on his arrival in London, several American families who had come across the Atlantic after the peace to visit their relations, and he had the unexpected pleasure of hearing that Mr. William Allen, Governor Hamilton, and Dr. Smith, his earliest friends and patrons, were in this country.
sisternounUS /ˈsɪstər/
a female person who has the same parents as another person
From this reading Hamilton, who had been many years governor, was chiefly indebted to him for the rank which he enjoyed, in consequence of having married his sister.
SmithnounUS /smɪθ/
Rhodesian statesman who declared independence of Zimbabwe from Great Britain (born in 1919)
From this reading Mr. West found, on his arrival in London, several American families who had come across the Atlantic after the peace to visit their relations, and he had the unexpected pleasure of hearing that Mr. William Allen, Governor Hamilton, and Dr. Smith, his earliest friends and patrons, were in this country.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Mr. West found, on his arrival in London, several American families who had come across the Atlantic after the peace to visit their relations, and he had the unexpected pleasure of hearing that Mr. William Allen, Governor Hamilton, and Dr. Smith, his earliest friends and patrons, were in this country.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Mr. West found, on his arrival in London, several American families who had come across the Atlantic after the peace to visit their relations, and he had the unexpected pleasure of hearing that Mr. William Allen, Governor Hamilton, and Dr. Smith, his earliest friends and patrons, were in this country.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Mr. West found, on his arrival in London, several American families who had come across the Atlantic after the peace to visit their relations, and he had the unexpected pleasure of hearing that Mr. William Allen, Governor Hamilton, and Dr. Smith, his earliest friends and patrons, were in this country.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The naval and military officers who had occasion, during the war, to visit Philadelphia, found in the houses of the governor and Mr. Allen a cordial hospitality which they never forgot.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Mr. West found, on his arrival in London, several American families who had come across the Atlantic after the peace to visit their relations, and he had the unexpected pleasure of hearing that Mr. William Allen, Governor Hamilton, and Dr. Smith, his earliest friends and patrons, were in this country.
timenounUS /taɪm/
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading Mr. Allen, like many others in the colonies at that time, was both a professional man and a merchant.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Mr. West found, on his arrival in London, several American families who had come across the Atlantic after the peace to visit their relations, and he had the unexpected pleasure of hearing that Mr. William Allen, Governor Hamilton, and Dr. Smith, his earliest friends and patrons, were in this country.
unexpectedadjectiveUS /ˌʌnɪkˈspektɪd/
not expected or anticipated
From this reading Mr. West found, on his arrival in London, several American families who had come across the Atlantic after the peace to visit their relations, and he had the unexpected pleasure of hearing that Mr. William Allen, Governor Hamilton, and Dr. Smith, his earliest friends and patrons, were in this country.
visitverbUS /ˈvɪzɪt/
go to see a place, as for entertainment
From this reading Mr. West found, on his arrival in London, several American families who had come across the Atlantic after the peace to visit their relations, and he had the unexpected pleasure of hearing that Mr. William Allen, Governor Hamilton, and Dr. Smith, his earliest friends and patrons, were in this country.
warnounUS /wɔːr/
the waging of armed conflict against an enemy
From this reading The naval and military officers who had occasion, during the war, to visit Philadelphia, found in the houses of the governor and Mr. Allen a cordial hospitality which they never forgot.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Mr. Allen, like many others in the colonies at that time, was both a professional man and a merchant.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Mr. West found, on his arrival in London, several American families who had come across the Atlantic after the peace to visit their relations, and he had the unexpected pleasure of hearing that Mr. William Allen, Governor Hamilton, and Dr. Smith, his earliest friends and patrons, were in this country.
WestnounUS /west/
the countries of (originally) Europe and (now including) North America and South America
From this reading Mr. West found, on his arrival in London, several American families who had come across the Atlantic after the peace to visit their relations, and he had the unexpected pleasure of hearing that Mr. William Allen, Governor Hamilton, and Dr. Smith, his earliest friends and patrons, were in this country.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Hamilton, who had been many years governor, was chiefly indebted to him for the rank which he enjoyed, in consequence of having married his sister.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading Mr. West found, on his arrival in London, several American families who had come across the Atlantic after the peace to visit their relations, and he had the unexpected pleasure of hearing that Mr. William Allen, Governor Hamilton, and Dr. Smith, his earliest friends and patrons, were in this country.
William
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. West found, on his arrival in London, several American families who had come across the Atlantic after the peace to visit their relations, and he had the unexpected pleasure of hearing that Mr. William Allen, Governor Hamilton, and Dr. Smith, his earliest friends and patrons, were in this country.
yearsnounUS /jɪrz/
a late time of life
From this reading Hamilton, who had been many years governor, was chiefly indebted to him for the rank which he enjoyed, in consequence of having married his sister.
