The Charlotte journal. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1835-1851, 1844-04-05
Letter from Gen. Hamilton.
OswIcuEE BEND, Russell Co. Ala, !
March 4, lS44.


My Dear Sir-On returning from Sa-
vannah 20 this place had the pleasure TO
receive YOUR kind favor Of the goth ult., |
enclosing an invitation OF the Muscogee
Clay Club TO be present at the reception
of Mr.. Clay at Columbus, OH the 18th inst.
very much regret that necessity for a
short, but urgent visit 10 Texas, Will COM
pei me to leave home for New Orleans on
the sth instant. shall, therefore, have
to deny myself the sincere qualification
which their invitation so accepiably prom !
Ses.
You 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 government
of this country, should in no degree inter
iere with my cordial disposition TO do hon
or TO the distinguished individual who is
about 10 visit YOU.
Ii is true, that however much | may
have differed with Mr.. Calhoun on mere
financial question, which at one time more
materially divided the country than at pre-
sent, yet have always recognised In his
admirable genius, consummate 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 TO belong, whether accredited
or not, have SO far pronounced diiitrcnt
Judgment, as probably 10 postpone bis
claims in favor of another distinguished
candidate and certainly, according 10 all
1 the tokens OF party organization, Il 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 automaton trum-
peter, this curious piece OF mechanism has
been espec ally wound up to sound part.
cular note. Whether this note will be IN
accordance with the sentiment of the pco-
pie Of the United States remains to be seen.
Nv own bosom testfies to the truth Of
remark that YOU most Justly make, in
the letter you have done me the honor to
address me, that the preference which |
have expressed for my distinguished fell
low countryman, Mr.. Calhoun, is in no
degree inconsistent with the personal
+ friendship entertain for Mr.. Clay, or of
I the Just appreciation which have formed
of his ability and patriotism during u ser.
vice for several years with bin, IN The
Congress ofthe L. s; often IN az excited
opposition, ~ which sc are best able 10
estimate the worth and power 81 those
with whom we may be associated.
became acquainted with MIR. Clay IN
he session of 1923, when he filled the
chair of Speaker of the House of Repre-.
sentaliyes. Although al that time young
member, yet through his kindness and par
'ialiy, | was placed at the head Of one Of
its Influential committees. Our acqualnt-
ance rlPened into the strongest social III
,inacy, which continued without abate.
ment, until the formation of that great par.
/ ty which was constituted to effect the cleo.
ton Of Gen. jackson to the Presidency of
the United States. Il is known to you we
took different sides. | felt myself in the
angry contest which marked that great
public CONFUSION, gradually separated from
him. Although | never INDUCED in the
smallest personal abuse and Remuneration
of that geutleman--which would have
been so utterly Inconsistent with our for
mcr reIalons--yet, 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-
cognitlon-for | had then the foly to re-.
gard an opponent Of Gen. Jackson almost
as puclc enemy Of the country. Such
is the madness Of party These rcla
lions continued until | was summoned b7
Mr.. Randolph to attend him TO the field
under Mr.. Clay 5 challenge IN consequence
Of the fragrant insult he had offered hin
in the Senate of the United States, in con.
junction with your lamented and gallant
ellow.countryman, Col. Tatnal at that
time member Of the House Of Rcpresen
tatiyes from Georgia. There are some
circumstances connected with this due
which have never been made public
which, as they are honorable both TO the
living and the dead, | hope may be par.
doncd IN relating. | DO not think they
viii render Mr. Clay's reception less cor.
hidI anu SiItHuctdoliN. dtDOUB people VINO
if they cherish romantic, and, as they arc
called false notions of honor, are al the
same time alive to the testimonies Of a
gallant, generous and feeling spirit.
Ihe night before the duel, Mr.. Randolph
sent Tor me IN the evening. | found him
calm, but in a snguarly kind and conlid.
ing alood. He told me that he had some.
thIrg on bis mind to tell me. He ther
remarked, 4" Hamilton, have determined
to recelye-wlthout returning Claws fire
nothing shall induce me to harm hair or
bis head; ! vii not make his wife a wild
ow, or his children orphans. Their tear.
would be shed over his grave, but whcr
the sod Of Virginia rests on nv bosom
there is not III this wide world, one indlyid
ual TO pay tins tribute upon mine" IEs
eyes filled, and resting his head upon hi,
hand, we remained some moments silent
replied my dear friend" (lor our.
was sort Of posthumous friendship, be
qnca,hed by our mothers.) 81 deeply
regret that you have mentioned this sub
Igrt n rr.g tr,,rt n.I ,,p,., 100. - d,