New-York daily tribune., 1844-03-16
Letter from Gen. Hamilton.

We copy below from the Columbus (Ga.) En-
sstrer, of the 9th inst, letter from Gen. JAMES
HAMILTON, in answer to an invitation from the
Mnseogee Clay Club to participate with them in
Che ceremonies attendant on the reception of Mr.
CLAY at that place.
oswlcHEs BEND RussEh+ Ns+oS Co., A1A"}
My DEAR S1R-On returning from Savannah
Go this place, l had the pleasure TO receive your
kiad favor of the 26th ut., enclosing anlnvltaton
Of The Muscogee Clay Club to be present at the
rseeption os Mr.. Clay at Columbus, on the lth
I1st
i very much regret that the necessity for
ahott, but urgent visit to Texas, will compel me
u,seave home for New Orleans on the Sth inst.
4 shall, therefore, have to deny myself the sincere
srstifcation which their invitation SO acccptably
promises
You do me no moro than Justice in supposing
that the very high estimate which l have long
aance formed of Mr.. Calhoun's eminent qualtica
sions fer the government of this country, should
m DO degree interfere with my cordial disposition
30 do honor to the distinguished mdlVloual Whols
about to visit you.
Il Is true that however much may have dit-
Ssred with Mr.. Calhoun on mere financial
question, which at one time more materially dlvl-
dea the country than at present, yet have al
ways recognized in his admirable genius, con-
gsunmate ability and acknowled moral worth,
Chase resources for high nsblic service which in
any station would confer security and renown on
Ais country. But it seems that the usual organs
81 the party to which he is supposed to belong,
whether accredited or not, have so far pronounced
n different Judgment, as probably to postpone his
esaims in favor of another distinguished candi-
date; and certainly according to all the tokens of
party organization, it appears that the Baltimore
Convention will perform no other Office but to
seyister an cdict which has already gone FORTH
Mad that like Maezels celebrated automaton
Trumpeter, this curious piece of mechanism has
Sscn specially wound up to sound particular
note Whether this note will be in accordance
with the sentiment of the people of the United
States remains TO be seen
My bosom testlties TO the truth of re-
mark that you most Justly make in the letter you
bare done me the honor to address me- that the
Exeference which have expressed for my distin.
suished fellow countryman, MIR. Calhoun, Is in no
aegrec inconsistent with the personal friendship
entertain for Mr.. Clay, or Of the Just apprecla-
don which have formed of his ability and pat
notsm during service for several years with
Ain, in the Congress Of the United States; often
"a an excited opposition, In which we arc best
able to estimate the worth and power of those
wrah whomwe may be associated.
became acquainted with MIR. Clay in the
aesaon of 1923, when he filled the chair OF
Speaker of the House of Representatives. Al.
shough at that time a young member, ye,
shsolgh his kindness and partiality, was placed
al the head of one of its influential committees
Our acquaintance ripcned into the strongest So
saal intimacy, which continued without abate
nsnt, until the formation of that great party
which was constituted 10 effect the election Of
Gen Jackson to the Presidency of the United
States. 1t is known to you we took difercn,
AIDES. felt myself, in the angry contest which
marked that great public convulslon, gradually
separated from him. Although never indulge
IN the smallest personal abuse and denunciaton
ehis genteman-which would have been so Ut
aszly inconsistent with our former relatlons-yet
after the election of Mr.. Adams to the Prcsi
sency, was in the habit of passing Mr.. Clay,
N the streets OF Washington, without even a dis
sans yecognition-for | had then the folly to re-
gard an opponent of Gen. Jackson almost as
Sabhc enemy Of the country Such is the mad
nexs Of party. These relations continued until
was summoned by Mr.. Randolph to attend him