The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1848-10-06
Letter from Gen. James Hamilton.
FINE MOUNTAIN, NEAR WARM SPRINGS,
Meriwether county. Ga Sent % 1919


Meriwether county, Ga, Sept. 90 ls4S. {
MY DEAR SIR In consequence of the misdrection
Of your letter of the 2Sth Of August did not receive
it until some few days since.
| understand It's object to resolve itself into
friendly inquiry on the part of the committee the
democratic party of Charleston who support the
claims Of Gen. Cas- to the Presidency whether they
are justified lin my opinion> in this prefere ice by a
just regard to their duties to the South and to their
former principles. t. "'- ID
This question can best answer by expressing. with
entire frank ness my estimate OF the patriotism cha
premise that engaged in arduous private duties
which allow me but little time for any other pursuit
have retired from all participation in the party politics
Perhaps this retirement enables me to form a more
calm and unbiased estimate of the present crisis
of the events iDseparably connected With It, am
conscious at least that between the two prom nent
candidates for the Presidency, am in that tone of
mind which qualities me to do entire justice to both:
Cass, enables me to speak If him without any re-
ference to the opinion of others However much may
differ with him on the abstractquestien the Of
the people Of territory to decree tai prn-
cple Of their future before their official
orssnisaton should have taken the form of absolute
sovereignty, this shall not prevent my doing ample
justice to MS talents tried WORTH and distinguished
When represented the Republic of Texas at the 90
vernment OF the King OF the French General Cass was
our plenpotentiary. owe to his jealous frend
and enlightened public spirit in no small degree the
favorable impression able to make upon the mind
Of the then King Of the French, in behalf of country
then independent, but now gorously united to our
/
deur of her future resources destined to contribute
so much to the prosperity and wealth of the whole
Union and to the domestic security of the South
certainly, at the period to which alIude could not
but have felt much pride American in witness
ing the consideration which General Cass epioyed
at the court Of the French hing by the most
bland and unoste ptaous, by the kipdest regard for
the wants and convenience Of his countrymen by
hospitality the most cordial and ferv.rt and by an
ability which made country felt in the court of
| every crowned head in Europe. Although take no
part in the election, yet am induced to believe that
should General Cass occupy the Presidential chair the
interests Of the South be exposed peril nd
| sustain no injury at his hands In one word be.
eve him utterlv ircenable of sec tonal injustice to
| any portion of the Union.
In announcing this declaration, let IL not be under.
stood that IL is made In any feeling of partisan oppos
ton to the dtipgu he'd veteran who Is really the My
serious competitor General has to deal with in the
| approaching struggle. No, sir. II had thrown my
self into this contest with all the vehemence once
elt In past public could find it Ia my
heart to utter one word io upkndness or dsparage.
mept Of this gallant old soldier
] will say more-I confess that when Gen. TAYLOR
was hrst announced as candidate, my sympathes
we're entirely in his favor. although have not the
honor OF his personal acquaintance nor it posi-
bile. from th' out.s hru prescribed tn myself that
should take the smallest part In his election beyond
an honest aud FRANK essen nv own private
opinions. These sympathies In his behalf were the
tut ~ ms sttts 6rp ntsssrvst opc ration that he
was the candidate Of party but Of the country
whole country, and nothing else. After the disg