### May 11 On May 11, 1789, I was busy working on my plans for the establishment of an independent treasury system for the United States. As I was writing and making preparations, a messenger arrived at my door with the news that I had been appointed the first Secretary of the Treasury for the United States! I was ecstatic! After all, this was a momentous occasion. I was the first man to have this post and it was a great honor. I immediately wrote a letter to President Washington informing him of my acceptance. I can still remember the look on his face as he read the letter. He was surprised yet pleased. After all, he had just appointed a *little lion* to be in charge of the financial health of the nation. From that day forward, the office of the Secretary of the Treasury became known as "Little Lion", in honor of me, Alexander Hamilton.