The Whig standard. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1843-1844, 1844-03-19

have reaped bis own harvest, abundant and fruc-
tfying, now and for ever. / know no man who
has more OF the instrumental means TO perform
this high function than himself
believe, in the splendor of yet unclouded
genius, his ambition will be on level with the
august position he is likely to occupy. God
grant that 1t may be so!
That man must have limited sight and
strong nerves, who does not see, or seeing does
not feel, that the country has to pass through
valley encompassed with clouds and darkness
The crisis requires gifted sagacity, and the
highest moral courage; Mr.. Clay has these
qualities in degree conferred on few men. In
making these remarks, | beg you not to consider
one OF them as intended in Disagreement OF the
gentleman who is considered, as hitherto, in OPP
position to Mr.. Calhoun in the ranks Of the same
party to which they are both said to belong.
For MIR. Van Buren,, cherish feelings OF kind
ness and esteem, which should be insensible TO
both his merits and his uniform friendship, if
did not both entertain and express. II, at any
time, have ever appeared to occupy an antago-
mist position to this gentleman, it has been ra-
Their 10 the measures OF his party, than himself
measures which derived their authority from the
potent influence Of Chief, the repose OF whose
declining years | would not no,o disturb, If
could Let the rays Of his glory gather together
on the banks Of the river am soon destined to
visit, settle with collected majesty, eternal and
enduring, on his fame.
Youmay well ask, if entertain these feelings
towards most OF our public men to whom am
opposed? | answer, no one. The embers Of
party spirit are extinguished in my bosom, after
having felt, as intensely as most men, their
burning heat. / am sensible, with one of the
most eloquen, and philosophical of statesmen, Of
the truth of the remark, that "Old factions are
volcanoes burnt out; from their ashes the fruit
ful olive and vine take root" feel that by
these exhausted craters can plant few of
those charities which induce us to look with in
diligence on the opinions Of others, and with
less overweening confidence in our own. AL
though have not felt it worth my while, or any
body's while, to define my position and to deter
mine whether am Democrat or Whig-(for
on certain points have differed and agreed with
both parties)-yet, cannot but feel and express
my strong regard for the Wings of Georgia,
who, at time when South Carolina needed
friends, were all Nullifers to man, and pre-
pared TO "back us to the DEATH" |, therefore,
am little disposed to quarrel with them now, if
they happen to have made up their minds to
support an individual for the Presidency who
was mainly instrumental in the only substantial
reduction Of the Tariff which has ever been eff
fected on any recognised principle of public Sc
curity who has stood forth on two occasions as
the great and successful mediator of the perilous
srifes of this confederacy, and who, to brilliant
courage and surprising genius, unites the most
attractive social qualities. may have had my
preference, my dear sir, and they are entitled to
theirs, which they are quite likely to make far
more effectual than my own, by q triumph deci-
sive and overwhelming
Pardon this long, rambling letter, which is at
your disposal to use as you please Retain but
the assurance Of the great esteem with which
am, faithfully and respectfully, your friend and
obedent servant,
r. HAMILTON r#