By this point Hamilton discontinued the affair and briefly ceased to visit, but both Reynoldses apparently were involved in the blackmailing scheme as both sent letters inviting Hamilton to continue his visits.[5] After extorting $1000 in exchange for secrecy over Hamilton's adultery,[7] James Reynolds rethought his request that Hamilton cease his relationship with Maria and wrote inviting him to renew his visits "as a friend",[8] only to extort forced "loans" after each visit which the most likely colluding Maria solicited with her letters.[8] By May 2, 1792, James Reynolds changed his mind again and requested that Hamilton no longer see his wife,[9] but not before receiving additional payment; in the end the blackmail payments totaled over $1,300 including the initial extortion (equivalent to $20,000 in 2019).[10] Hamilton at this point was possibly aware of both Reynoldses being involved in the blackmail[11] and welcomed as well as strictly complied with Reynolds' request to end the affair.[1]