The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1848-10-08
From the Charleston Mercury, sep. 80
Letter from Gen. Hamilton.

we publish to-day an Interesting letter from GeneIa
James Hamilton 1t was written in reply to an inquiry
addressed TO him by member OF the democratic party OF
this city, his views the presidential question:
inquiry prompted by the impression that had been made
here that he advocated the election OF General Taylor
The testimony which he gives TO the public and private
worth of General Cass, is the more valuable and the
more deserving OF consideration, in that il is manlesy
mingled with disposition TO deprecate the character OF
his opponent General Hamons truthfulness OF spirit
less than the ample opportunities he has had of form
ing true estimate of General Cass, must ente his
judgment TO a great degree of Difference, among
those who may differ from him in their preference for the
presidency.
But most of ALL this letter will be relished for the true
old Carolina spirit which il breaihes-a spirit that seems
to be essential part of the existence OF its distinguish
ed author; and HIM, that in her hour OF
trial and of danger, South Carolina is likely 10 forget
him as he 10 desert her
PINE MOUNTAIN, near the Warm Springs,
Menweher Co., Ga, Sept. %, 1918.
My In consequence of the instruction OF
your letter of the 2Sh of August did not receive II until
some few days since.
understand its object to resolve itself into friendly
inquiry the part OF the committee of the democratic
party of Charleston who support the claims OF Gen Cass
for the presidency whether they justified I'm my
opnon) in this preference by just regard TO their duties
to the South and to their former principles.
This question best answer by expressing with
entire ankness my estimate of the PATRIOTISM character
and ability of this gentleman Let me, however premise
that, engaged in aduous private duties which allow me
but little time for any other pursuit, have retired from
all participation in the party politics of the country.
Perhaps this retirement enables me to form more calm
and unbiased estimate of the present crisis, and of the
events inseparably connected with It, am conscious at
least that between the two prominent candidates for the
presidency, am in that tone OF mind which qualities me
to do entire justice to both.
An intimate personal cquainiance with Gen Cass,
abes TO speak of him without any reference 10 the
opinions of others However much may differ with
HIM the abstract question OF the power of the people
OF Territory to decree fundamental principle OF their
future government before their political organization
should have taken the form OF absolute sovereignty tins
shall not prevent my doing ample justice to his talents,
tried ed worth, and distinguished public services
eminent of the King OF the French, Gen Cass was our
penpotentiary owe to his Jealous friendship and
lightened public spirit, in small degree, the favorable
impression able to make upon the mind of the then
King of the French, in behalf of country then indie
pendent but now goously united to our own, which, in
the extent OF her territory grandeur of her future
sources destined to contribute much to the prosper
ty and wealth OF the whole Union, and to the domestic
security OF the South
certainly, at the period 10 which allude, could not
but have felt much pride, as an American, in witnessing
the consideration which Gen, Cass enjoyed at the Court
of the French King-by manners the most bland and
unosentaiousby the kndes regard for the wants and
convenience of his countrymen-by hospitality the
most cordial and erventand by an ability which made
olr country felt in the court OF every crowned head IN
Europe. Although take no part III the election, yet
induced TO believe that, should Gen. Cass occupy the
presidential chair the interests of the South would be
exposed TO no peril and sustain no injury at his hands
In word, believe him utterly incapable OF sectional
injustice to any portion of the Union.
In announcing this declaration let it not be understood
that il is made in any feeling of partisan opposition to
the distinguished veteran who really the only serious
competitor Gen Cass has to deal with in the approaching
struggle. No, sir If had thrown myself into this
contest with all the vehemence once felt in past public
canvasses could not find it in my heart to utter one
word in unkndness or dsparagement OF this gallant old
soldier.
will saw more confess that when Gen Taylor was
Announced n candidate. n
tirey in his favor although have not the honor OF his
personal acquaintance was it possible, from the du-
ties had prescribed to myself, that should take the
smallest part in his election beyond honest and frank
expression of my private opinions. These symn'
thies in his behalf were the result OF his early and un-
reserved declaration that he the candidate OF par
ty, but of the country, the whole country and nothing
else. After the disgusting factions which had so long
dsgaced the character of country, there was some
thing peculiarly refreshing in the position TO which the
honest old veteran was advancing seemingly with firm
STEP to occupy immorallze, and adorn believed that,
with his overwhelming military and personal popularity,
his signal repute for honesty benevoence, charity and
kindness OF feeling, he was about, with the club
OF Hercules" to destroy at one blow both the giant
of faction, and (what was far betteD that insane
of toad, has sought treacherous shelter IN the
'Wilmo Provisow That such victory, consummated
by his triumphant election, in Gen. Taylor's
power cannot for moment doubt: He had only to
stand his ground, he did at Buena Vista he had only
announce and forever that he was the candidate OF
no party and in accepting the nomination of the wing
convention at Philadelphia to have accompanied this
acceptance with explicit declaration that lie had In no
degree departed from mistaken resolution with which
he had fortified his first position and that he intended to
abide by those great compromises by which alone the
Union of these States be preserved He would have
swept the entire South and Southwest, from the Chesa
peake to the Rio Grande and compelled the whig party
at the North and West to into his support, suffer-
under some feeble party candidate, gnominous de-
feat AS is, think that General Taylor has thrown
away the best trump cards which candidate for the
presidency ever held perhaps because he knows better
how open standup fight is to be conducted than the
mere stratagems OF party politics.
can readily conceive that the trends OF Gen. Taylor
at the South honestly believe that he would in the event
of his election, occupy widely different position from
the his parsans at the North compel HIM TO assume
and that many sound democrats South Carolina should
consider their support of Gen. Taylor to involve no.
breach of their old and approved faith hence such on
Grafton, and nowhere they to be tolerated more en-
phaticaly than with (for still regard ms self as
South Carolnlan and ever WILL where we have been
united as n " band of brothers,. Let me, therefore,
old friend urge upon that portion OF the democracy you
represent the most charitable Interpretation OF the
tves of those from whom you differ nothing could be
more calamious than any disruption OF that raternal
feeling which has characterized the people OF State,
and which has led to the strength OF the moral position
which she has always occupied IN the Conlederacy
You will scarcely expect TO say one word in refer
ence to the relation which Mr. Van Buren, occupies in
this triangular contest, who is likely to exhibit the
singular spectacle of candidate without single vote,
in which he harm nobody but himself What a tate
for one who has been President of the United States
Having said thus much OF the candidates permit me to
say word in reference to the Crisis IN comparl-
with which, the presidential question is mere dust IN
the balance.