There is NO evidence that Hamilton wanted war with France
Oh really? Then I wonder where this came from...
"If universal empire is still to be the pursuit of France, what can tend to defeat the purpose better than to detach South America from Spain, which is only the channel through which the riches of Mexico and Peru are conveyed to France? The executive ought to be put in a situation to embrace favorable conjunctures for effecting that separation. It is to be regretted that the preparation of an adequate military force does not advance more rapidly. There is some sad nonsense on this subject in some good heads. The reveries of some of the friends of the government are more injurious to it than the attacks of its declared enemies." - Alexander Hamilton, January 26, 1799
"Among other things, it should be agreed what precise force should be created, naval and land, and this proportioned to the state of our finances. It will be ridiculous to raise troops, and immediately after to disband them. Six ships of the line and twenty frigates and sloops of war are desirable. More would not now be comparatively expedient. It is desirable to complete and prepare the land force which has been provided for by law. Besides eventual security against invasion, we ought certainly to look to the possession of the Floridas and Louisiana, and we ought to squint at South America." - Hamilton, June 27, 1799
Not only did he want a war with France and Spain - the CERTAIN result if he carried out his plans for Louisiana and Florida - he was even talking about a future invasion of South America to add to his little empire. And all, of course, to ensure that the little standing army he had conveniently built up for himself "wouldn't go to waste."
And that is why Adams was speaking truthfully when he called Hamilton mad.
You need to pay more attention to the first word in your quotation IF....
He also understood that making military preparations would REDUCE the chance of war and that is what eventually happened when he and Washington took command of the new military establishment France MYSTERIOUSLY decided it was time to remove the danger of war. Particularly since it had failed to elect its ally, Jefferson.
And apparently you are unaware that Jefferson even as President thought war with Spain was inevitable. He was speaking of these preparations as “eventual security against INVASION.” Not to declare war. And “squinting” at South America is hardly a design to invade outside minds poisoned against the man. He had been aiding Miranda’s proposals to separate Spain’s S. American colonies from the mother country NOT planning a US invasion.
The “mad” Hamilton was the fulcrum around which almost all politics of the 1790s turned. He was, indeed, a Man Without Measure as Jefferson complained “a Colossus.” In THAT at least Jefferson told the truth.