The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1844-03-23
INTERESTING LETTER.
LETTER FROM GEN. HAMILTON

LIZ En- hOH DEN. HAMIL ON
We copy below from The Columbn-
Geo Enquirer, of the 9Th instant, very
interesting lel,er from Gen. JAMES HAM
iLToN, in answer to an invitation from the
Muscogee Clay Club to participate VIII
them in the ceremonies attendant on the
reception OF Mr.. CLAY at that place:
OswICHEE BEND, RUSSELL, Co. ALA.
March 4 1914.
My Dear Sir-On returning from Savan-
nah to this place. had the pleasure to re-
ceive your kind favor of the 26lh uIt, ell
closing an invitation Of the Muscog.e
Clay Club to be present at the reception
of Mr.. Clay al Columbus, on the lllh
inst.
| very much regret that the necessity
Tor a short, but urgent visit TO Texas, will
compel me to leave home for New Orleans
on the Slh instant. | shall, therefore.
have to deny myself the sincere gratifca-
ton which their invitation so saccepably
promises.
Yon do me no more than Justice in sup
posing that the very high estimate which
have long since formed of Mr.. Calhoun's
eminent qualifications for the govern
met of this country, should in no de-
gree interfere with my cordial disposition
to do honor to the distinguished individual
who is abou, to visit you.
1t is true, that however much NAV
have differed with Mr.. Calhoun on a mere
financial question, which at one time more
materially divided the country than at pre-
sent, yet have always recognised in his
admirable genius, consnmnale ability and
acknowledged moral worth, those resour-
ces for high public service which in any
station would confer security and renown
on his country. But it seems that the
usual organs of The party to which he is
supposed 10 belong, whether acc, edited
or not, have so far pronounced differ
emf judgment, as probably 10 postpone his
claims IN favor of another distinguished
candidate; aud certainly, according 10 all
the tokens of party organization, i, appears
that the Baltimore Convention will per-
form no other Office but to register an
edIct which has already gone forth, and
that, like Maezel's celebrated auloma,on
Irumpetcr, this curious piece of mechan-
Ism has been specially wound up TO sound
particular note. Whether this note " i'll
be III accordance with the sentiment OF
the people of the United States remains to
be seen.
My own bosom testifes to the truth Of
IA remark that you most Justly make, in
The letter you have done nae the honor to
address me, that the preference which
have expressed for my distinguished fell
low countrvman, Mr.. Calhoun, is in no
degree inconsistent with the personal
friendship entertain for Mr. CLAY. or Of
the just appreciation which have formed
OF his ability and patriotism burning SER
VIC for Sc, eral years with in the Congress
of the United SAFES "iien IN all excited
opposition, in which we are best able to
estimate the worth and power of those
with whom we may be associated
! became acquainted with Mr.. Clay in
the session OF 1923, when he filled the
char of Speaker of the House OF Repre-
senlalves. Although at thai time young
member. yet through his kindness and
parlalitv, | was placed at the head of one
gifts influential committees. Our acquain-
lance ripened into the slongcst social in
limacy, which continued without abale-
ment, until the formation of that great
party which was constituted to effect the
election OF Gen, jackson to the President
cy OF the United States. II is known to
you we took different sides. | felt myself,
in the angry contest which marked tina,
great public CONFUSION. gradual y separal-
ed from him. Although never INDUCED
III the smallest personal abuse and denun-
citation OF this genlleman--which would
have been so utterly inconsistent with our
former leialons-yel after the election of
Mr. Adams to the Presidency, was in The
habit of passing Mr.. Clay, in the streets
OF Washington, without even distant re-
cognillon-lor had then the folly to re-
gard an opponen. of Gen. Jackson almost
as public enemy of the country. Such
is the madness Of party! These relations
o"hNnucu tili was SumlOneu ny MT.
Randolph to attend HIM to the field, under
Mr.. Clay s challenge, in consequence of
the fragrant insult which he had offered
him in the Senate of the United States, in
conjunction with your amented and gall
and fellow countryn.an Col. Tat,nal, at
that time member of the House OF Re-.
representatives. from Georgia. There are
some circumstances connected with this
duel which have never been made public
which, as they are honorable b>,h to the
living and dead, hope may be pardoned
IN relaling.-l do not think they will rem
der Mr. Clay's reception less cordial and
enthusiastic, among q people who, if they
cherish romantic, aud, as they are called,
false notions of honor, are al the same
time alive to the testimonies Of gallant,