Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, IA [i.e. Ind.]) 1839-1854, 1845-06-04
1IscsLLAxE0Us SELECTIONS
ALEXANDER HAMILTON.


r..,, N. "Custis Recoections and Private Memoirs
''''" The Life and Character of w ashington"
Faithful 10 our purpose of giving. in tho course
If this work, brief memoirs of tho distinguishes
oh.r.c.ers Of the age Of Washington, who were
.;,h., attached to his person stood high in hi:
s.,sam. next 10 Nathaniel Green and Robert Nor
-. wo introduce Alexander Hamilton.
In this illustrious individual were united the
ostrot tho soldier, the statesman. the Jurist, the
orator and philosopher, and he was great in them
ALL Born in tho island of Novis, tho first rudi
nents of his education were obtained IN Santa
Cruz, from which, nj very carly age, he came
% America, and completed his studies at Column
bio College, in Now York. In that city tho Rev
o,usion found tho West Indian engaged in the d.
,ection of extensive mercantile concern. where
tho youthful aspirant for liberty soon laid aside
his ledger and welded his pen, he drew his
sword, for tho natural rights of mankind.
Among tho efforts then making in behalf Of tho
Royal cause in New York were series Of nble
essays, published with view to alarm the patri-
ots as to a rupture with the mother country,
urging that, in such an event, all supplies Of clo
thing would be withheld, and, thus tho mos, Sc
rious privations DO endured by tho colonists.
Young Hamilton wrote powerful reply to these
essays, in which he proved that RESOURCES aboun-
dod in the country; and thon, for the first tme in
tho world, it was left for this precocous genius
to predict that the cotton plant could uoud be gyo,cn
tie Southern Colonies, and aroud yield and abundance of
a< rsw material for the supply Of our ,rnnts.
The trouble increasing, Mr.. Hamilton spoke of
revisiting tho West Indies, with a view TO recruit
his finances; this the patriots Of Now York
would not boar for moment; thoy had
witnessed the powers of his pen and wished h i'm
to try tho temper Of his sword 'Well, my
friends said the gallant youth, If you arc de-
terminod that shall remain among yc, and take
part in your just and holy cause. you must raise
for mo full company Of artillery This was
done, and Captain Hamilton lost no time in en-
listing the services of several veteran artillerists,
and, by a constant drilIing soon brought his
company into very high state of orlor and dis
cipline. He remained in Now York diligently
engaged in his mil tary duties. until tho Asia, Ad-
mira Pandcpu, fired upon tho city. Retreat be-
coming necessary, Hamilton hore displayed that
noble disintcrestcdncss and disregard of self that
adorned aiI tho subsequent actions, whether put
lie or private. Of his illustrious life. n cart
drawn by q single horse. contained tho baggage
Of this young officer. He ordered his baggage TO
Be abandoned, and the horse that drew it to be
harnessed to tho cannon.
Hamil,on's military talents wcro apparent in
very carly fo. Previous to tho baltic Of Long
Island he crossed over TO Brooklyn. and thonce,
BY examining tho position Of the American for
ces with n military eye, no became convinced
that with such materials composed the Amori-
can army, conflict with troops, which consisted
Of all soldiers, would b. hopclcs. Of success Fill
cd with these ideas, Hamilton addressed
nonymous lotter to tho Commander in Chief, do
failing many and forcible arguments against
wishing an action, and warmly recommending a
retreat to the strong grounds of tho main land.
Tho letter created no little surprise III tho mind
OF tho General, but it was mixed with respect for
tho talent displayed by the writor. Tho disas-
tcrous battle of Long Island is matter of history.
The letter Of which wo have made such honor
able mention, was forwarded to tho General by
M, afterwards celebrated for having convey
ed to the American commander tho most impor-
tant information during tho occupancy Of Now
York by tho British army. Tho morning after
Washington made his triumpha ontry into the
city Of New York, 25th November, 1888, he
breakfasted with NJ, TO tho wonder of the
Torres and tho perfect horror of tho Wings.
Hamilion's Artillery joined the American ar
my and took part In tho memorable retreat
through tho Jerseys. 1t was, as VIC havo before
related. at tho passage Of tho Raritan, noar
Brunswick. that Hamilton first attracted tho no.
sice of tho Commander in Chief. who. while pos
ted on tho river bank. and contemplating with
anxiety tho passage of the troops. charmed
by the brilliant courage and admirable skill dis
played by young officer of artillery, who di-
recscd battery against the cnomy's advanced
columns that pressed upon tho Americans in
their retreat by tho ford. Tho General ordered
Lieut.. Fitzgerald. his aid dc camp, to ascertain
who this young officer was. and bid him repair to
the headquarters at tho first hal, Of the army.
At the interview that ensucd, Washington
quickly discovered in tho young patriot and war
ror those eminent qualities of tho head and heart
that shed such n renown upon tho actions Of his
utter life. From that interview Washington
marked him for his own.'
The American Commander in Chief was pecu-
harly happy in tho selection of tho officers of his
military family. Of his guard, &c. in soli,a-
" instance, and in that instance tho individual
served but worry short time. The members Of
Inc military family and Of the Gfo guard were
mon OF The first order in intellect. patriotism.
Zoo al right soldicrly quolities-;hcy were at
'aened to tho Chief and q each other. Hamilton
ana Laurens were kindred spiri.s. brothers alike
e arms. IN affection, and in accomplishments,
ana might be styled the preux chevaliers of the