Lynchburg Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1829-185?, 1829-07-13
ALEXANDER HAMILTON

The following sketch 81 this distinguished
patriot, Statesman. and 6nancier, from the Liy-
erpoo' Chronicle of Aug. 90 1904 10 an ey-
tract OF letter from Gsn Hamilton himself
dated in New York, 1799. 10 a relative in Liv-
erpool, England who had requested TO know
some particulars Of his life. liz simplicity and
modesiy are worthy all commentator and
. the remarks upon the difficulties Of hod,lg
public Offices in our republic, demand the SER.
oIs consideration Of every freeman.
came TO this country AT about the age OF
16; and having always had strong propensl.
10 literary pnrsgits. by course ot steady and
laborious ererlion, was able. AT the age Of
10, to qualify myself for the degree Of Buche-
Tor of Arts. in The College OF New York, and To
lay foundation, by preparatory study for the
future profession OF the law. The American
revolution snperveneJ. My principles led me
10 take par, in it. At 49, entered into the
American Army, as a captain of artillery and
shortly after, became, by invitation, aid-de.
camp 20 Gen, Washington, in which ststiou |
served till the commencement of that campaign
which ended with the siege Of yorktown, Vir.
eiuis, and the capture OF Lord Cornwallis ar
my. This campaign made ut the head of a
corps of light Infantry, with which was pre-
sent at the siege of Yorktown, and engaged In
some interesting opct atious. At the period OF
the peace with Great Britain, found myself
member Of Congress. by the appointment of
the Legislature ofthis State. After the peace,
l settled in the city of New York, in the prac-
tie of the law, and was in very lucrative
course Of practice. when the arrangement of
our public affairs, by the feebleness otshe gen.
erai Confederation. drew me again reluctant
" into public life. became a member of the
Convention that framed the present consiiiu.
ton Of the United States and having taken
part in this measure, l conceived myselfto be
under an obligation TO lend my aid towards
putting the machine in motion Hence did
not hesitate to accept the offer Of Pres ideni
Washington. 10 undertake the Office of Secre-
tary ofthe Treasury. In that office met with
manv intrinsic difficulties, aud many artificial
ones, proceeding from passions not very wor-
thy but common 10 human nature and which
oct with peculiar force in republics. The OBJ
iecf, however, was eifectual Of establishing
public credit, and introducing order into the Fl.
naBces.
e Public Office in this country has few at.
fractions. The pecaniary compensation Is SO
uncomfortable, as TO amount TO a sacrifice 10
any man who can employ his time with advan.
sage in any liberal profession. The oppor:u.
nifty Of doing good. from the Jealousy of power
aud the spirit Of faction, is too sn,sl' in any
sacrifices. enterprises Of party had so far
succeeded, as materially TO weaken the neces
sary influence and energy OF the Executive an
shortly. and so far diminished the good in tina
department, as greatly 10 take away the mo
tiyes which a yirtuous man might have for ma
king such sacrifices The prospect was even
bad, for gratifying. in future the love Of fame,
if that passion was 10 be the spring Of action
The union Of these motives, with tue Reflections
Of prudence. TO growing family, determined
me. as soon as my plan had attained acertaio
maturity, TO withdraw from office. This did
in the year 1875, by resignation, when lresum-
ed the profession Of the law (as counsellor) in
New York, under every advantage could de-
sire. Ills a pleasant reflection TO me, that
since the commencement OF my eonnexion
with Gen. Washington to the present time, I
have possessed a fattering share of his conf
dence and friendship. In the year 1880 Imar-
ried daughter of Gen. Schuyler. a gentleman
Of one of the best families Of this country: of
large fortune and Of no less personal and pab-
lie consequence. II is impossible to be hap
,,er than lam with my wife and I have eight
sshi,dren. the eldest son somewhat passed Sc
,en,esn. who all promise we'll as far as their
yssrs permit, and give me much satisfaction.