Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1843-08-03
GEN. HAMILTON AND REPUTATION.

GEN. HAMILTON AND REPUTATION.
Gen. Hamilton was guest at Fourth Of July
dinner in Columbus. Miss, and having been
{" called OUT by toast, referred to the doctrine
Of reputation. In the course Of his remarks, he
narrated the following circumstance which occur
RED while he was in London:
"Gentlemen, was In England when the intel
ligcnce was received, and the shock was felt Of
your falling to pay the dividends on your bonds.
might describe to you the panic which this in
telligence produced, and its disastrous influence
on the interest Of our whole country; but i for
bear. know that the losses OF large capitalists
are not very apt to produce much SYMPATHY
However, your bonds, you will permit me to in
form you, were sold at price which seemed to
promise high rate Of interest: they were there
fore purchased In Europe by persons in moderate
circumstances, seeking in this way an augmented
income; by disabled halfpay officers, by compa-
ratively destitute widows, and by trustees for or
plans in no wise in better condition. The
statement Of this fact recalls to my mind cir
cunlstance which occurred shortly after the news
reached London that the Executive of your State
had declined recognising the validity of your
State bonds. happened TO step into the Office Of
friend, highly respectable merchant in Lon
don, where met a gallant officer Of the British
army, whose acquaintance had the honor and
pleasure previously to make. He informed me
that he was an Unfortunate holder of Mississippi
bonds. He remarked, f" shall carry to my grave
large deposit Of American lead, which ] received
at the battle of Chippewa, where wounded and
disabled fell into the hands Of your countrymen.
From their generosity, unbounded kindness and
humanity, thought could safely deposit in their
good faith the little gold limited fortune had still
left me. saw the seal and signature Of the State
OF Mississippi; / thought this enough; but am
nearly ruined by my confidence in your country
This, gentlemen, was said with a scnsibilily free
from all vituperation or querulous abuse. 1t was
said by man who stood six feet two in his SHOES.
the perfect and entire impersonaton of the finest
models of Phidias and Praxiteles twas, i'm one
word, the gallant Sir John MariIon Wilson, who
was wounded in seven places at the battle OF
| Chippewa, and who amidst prejudice and igno-
rance in regard TO our country, stood up as heI
generous and noble defender in his own. Can
you blame me, gentlemen, if assured this vete.
ran, with a gush of sensibity equal to his, that
every farthing of the Mississippi bonds, interes
and principal which he held, would be paid a,
sure as there is God in Hearen; that knew the
resources of this State and the character of hel
people; that this was mere pause suspension
in her good faith, which had resulted from causes
entirely connected with the supposed unfairness
with which an intermediate negotiation had beer
made for the aggregate amount of the bonds in
the United States; that there was not in her PEG
pie particle of meanness or sordidness and e
hold on with innexible confidence in his stock