Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1852-06-18
Hon. Edward A. Hannegan.

The facts as to the killing of his brother in-aw,
Capt. Duncan, by Mr.. Hannegan had been member
of the legislature both Houses of Congress, Ambas-
sador 10 Prussia, and might have been honorcd and
useful in every relation of life but for his fearful de-
vo,on 10 liquor which has long rendered him terror
and disgrace to his friends and has al last probably
led him 10 felons doom. John Wentworth, who
served with him in Congress, thus comments on his
case in his Chicago Democrat: 4
Every man who has seen Mr. Hannegan when
under the influence of liquor, have can beIiers
the above. And every one who has seen him end
his family, as we have. wheh he has been total ab
stinence for months together, will indeed pity
him. When sober, he Is as pure. as upright as kim,
and generous there in this eonulry
With him, there car be no middle STATE. He is a
brute when drunk. When sober he will compare in
all the elements of goodness with any man liyeg.-
But he ca"not drink without getting drunk. Mr.. Han
negan entered The lower House of Congress MANY
years ago. perfectly temperate man; and; in point of
talents, integrity, and popularity, his prospects were
as 1atterhg as those of any young man in the United
States. But Washington fashions and habits wele
too much for him. DissiI alton drove him 10 private
lile. He reformed became temperance lecturer, and
an emexpary member of the Church. His exhora-
tons in times of great revvas said 10 have equal
led those of the most eloquent divihes living AT
length his old habits were forgotten. and be sent
10 the Senate. He took his seat an exemplary OF
temperance and christian But again the temptations
were too strong for him. His struggles with himself
were gigantic and the assistance of of natures
nobesl of women, his wife. secured for him the sym
pathes OF everybody But he would have his sprees.
and he lost his reelection, Like mos politicians. he
left office mI-erabiy poor Al the close of his term,
and of Mr.. Pok's administration to keep so popular
and so good man from despair and rnin, although it
came out of Gen. TayIors term, the Senators unan-
mously, Wings and Democrats, signed call for Mr..
Polk send him Prussia. and he was appoiaiea Il,
that mission His unfortunate career there is well
known. Since his return, we have heard nothing pf
him until this melancholy affair.
We have seen many young man enter Congress
perfectly temperate, and leave il totally ruined; but
we never knew one who had so many efforts 10 save
him, so Intellectually as Mr.. Hannegan. We now
have il in mind three in our own term who killed
themselves Mr.. Hannegan has tried To do several
times: but he lived TO kill his wife's brother the best
friend. save his wife, he had in the world. That he
wished he was in poor Duncan's place we have
doubt What awful commentary this is upon Tie
evil effects of intemperance II was the first drop that
ruined Hannegan. He is now about the middle age OF
man. and may vet live 10 be very useful man but
there is greater probability that he will commit suicide.
This radgedy will do much toward enac,ing the
Maine Liquor Law in Indiana. and almost pre-
dict il will be enacted at the next session OF the Legs-
la:ure.'