The spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1840-1844, 1841-11-19


him. that Mr. Curtis had prepared an affidavit, for
so'u Wentworth to swear To, which affidavit be-
came satisfied from the statement of Mr. G., il
would be nProper for him to leave in the possess
sion OF Mr. Curtis. This affidavit, was accordingly
Wilndrawn' ana handed over 10 me. 1t was in
the hand writing of Mr. Curtis. became satisfied
on the perusa OF It, knowing that it was drawn
| by Mr. c. with full knowledge of HE Corj, ,ba.
his conduct in the matter was highly reprehens;-
BILE; ard from that time my confidence was imnair-
ed in his integrity. Not long after this lransac,ion
(and inter i'm indictment had been found against
Mr. Glentworlh, charging him with a participation
in said election frauds,) was informed by said
Glentworih, that Mr. Curtis had called upon him.
and offered him the sum of $4,000, for certain oa.
pers which had been placed BY Mr. Gentwonh in
my possession, and which contained evidence OF
said election frauds.
Mr. Gentwolh declined the offer. Mr. Curtis
then replied as follows If Ihad offered you S4,-
900, Colonel Hamilton wouid recommend q still
larger sum, This reflection was not only ground
less, but gratuilous, as had invariably, from the
time the frauds first came to my knowledge relus-
ed to approve or sanction in any way, negotiations
for settlement of those disgraceful transactions
Being in possession of the above facts, whep
Mr. Curtis was named for the responsible station
which he now holds, used such means as were
in my power against him, wrote to some of the
members of the Cabinet at Washington, freely ex-
pressing my opinion in relation to the appointment
of Mr. Curtis, And recently in Washington, |
stated openly and unqualiiedy that ] considered
him corrupt, and that his continuance in office
would prove public evil. About this time, !
ascertained that his rejection was considered
doubtful. ! then Immediately advised the Presi-
dent TO Withdraw his name from the Senate and
IN place thereof send to that body the name of
Robert e. Cornell. The President requested me
10 hand to him statement of the gu lifcatons
and recommendations of Mr. Cornell, with which
request | complied on the same day, ! UNDER
stood from the President that he did not consider
il necessary 10 withdraw the name of Mr. Curtis ,as
it was believed that he would be rejected.
On the day after the adjournment of Congress,
was informed that Mr Webster had written TO
Mr Curtis, requesting him TO come Immediately 10
Washington. deferred my departure until Mr.
Curtis arrived, in order to afford an opportunity 10
demand of me such explanations as he might deem
proper under the circumstances. lie soon came.
The day after his arrival, in the office of the clerk
of the House Of Representatives, as | was about
leaving the office MIR Curtis entered it, and said 20
me, elbow are you, Hamilton" did not reply
to him, but treated his salulalion with entire ne
gcct. In passing between him and the centre table
he pressed against me; immediately stopped and
inquired of hm-"Did you do that purpose,?"
lie said, 81 treat You, as You treat me, -
to which answered, "Sir, you ARE i id i'm
pertinent puppy" Mr. Curtis then made some re-
mark, which Mr. Johnson, who was present, in
forms INC, was" You are Il id son ola bitch.'I
closed the conversation on my part b, saying TO MIR
Curtis, "lou are not only nm mperllnent puppy,
buta cowany scoundrel;' and on leaving the
room, he said "get along" This is full and
correct version of that affair After this, remain
ed in Washington three days, during which time
the subject Of said interview was publicly talked
of in the city, and was by me communicated to
the President,
With the sentiments which had reason TO ell
terrain of the want Of integrity Of Mr. Curtis, and
after the avowal Of those sentiments, and the open
opposition made TO his confirmation, ! consider
ed the course which adopted, in refusing to re-
cognizc him rs an acquaintance, the only one that
| could consistently adopt, and the only one gen
Heman rouM hare expected, and that therefore MIR
Curtis is indebted to his own conduct for the insult
offered him at Washington.
ALEXANDER HAMILTON.
New York, Oct. s. 1871.