In my view Hamilton started out advocating for a mercantile empire and most of what he wrote in the federalist was aimed at ultimately achieving that goal. He never gave up on the idea until a duel with Aaron Burr on July 11, 1804 put an end to his earthly existence.
Napoleon thought so too. On the Louisiana Purchase he stated “This accession of territory affirms forever the power of the United States, and I have given England a maritime rival who sooner or later will humble her pride.” There wasn’t any real question that the United States would expand, the only debate was in what form. From his Caribbean antecedents Hamilton knew all about mercantile empires.