### April 11 On April 11, 1789, I got a letter that changed my life forever. It was from Secretary of War Henry Knox and it contained the notification that President George Washington had nominated me to become the first Secretary of the Treasury of the United States. I was absolutely ecstatic; it was a huge honor and responsibility. But what most people don't know is that on the same day, being the practical man that I was, I paused to buy "the most fashionable American suit I could find in New York City" for the occasion. I was determined to make a good impression!