When Rachel died in February 1768, her estate was claimed by John Lavien on the behalf of her legitimate son. Care of Alexander and his brother went to Rachel's brother in law, Peter Lyton. When Peter committed suicide, Hamilton is believed to have been taken into the care of a friend's family. Alexander demonstrated an ability in figures and because of this, he was given increased responsibility in the firm where he worked. Alexander was extremely ambitious and confident and felt restrained by this. Hamilton was aware that he needed to secure financial help to escape his poverty and concentrated all of his efforts on making the most of any opportunities.
When Saint Croix was battered by a hurricane in 1772, Alexander wrote an account of what had occurred. As was the style of that time, his writing was focused on the hurricane as a demonstration of God's force and man's weakness. He showed this to a clergyman who was tutoring him and he had the prose published in the island's newspaper. The article attracted much attention and gave much influence to a plan to send Hamilton to college in the British Colonies. With the help from aristocratic island leaders, Hamilton embarked for Boston in October of 1772.
After a short stay in Boston, Hamilton went to New York City preceded by letters from his employer and tutor. Hamilton was accepted socially despite his illegitimacy. His tutor's plan required Hamilton to enroll in the College of New Jersey, but he had to do preliminary work to prepare himself for the tough curriculum. Hamilton was accepted into a grammar school in New jersey, where he worked at his own pace. He mastered his studies in a year. When the president of the College of New Jersey would not let Hamilton work under a similar arrangement, Hamilton applied for admission to King's College. Hamilton was allowed to advance once again at his own pace and received private tutoring from the school's president and instructors.