Lynchburg daily Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1852-1861, 1854-07-08
rrom lbe AIbanr AlIa.. Jano 81.
The Case OF Dr. Hamilton, Of Mobile.

| church IA that eitv n man celebrated in many
parts of the Union for his ability and eloquence'
| was lately discovered 10 have been for years fast
running n career of unbridled RIGHTEOUSNESS and
profligacy causing the ruin of several respect
| able Young women, members Of his congregation
Rumors affecting lis reputation have been III err
culntion for some time. bur such confidence WIS
felt in his integrity by his friends, that 1t was
only when rumor gave pace to open charges, tlai
a committee of investigation was appointed be-
| fore whom such IA mass of evidence was present
| ed as / II no doubt of his guilt. The Mobile Re
gister snvs be was forewaned TO leave the city by
a certain time, mob violence would he done
him. The reverend pro1igate took the hint aud
| left.
One who is conyersant with the true history Of
| the lamentable affair thus noticed, in view OF the
widespread publicity it has now obtained through
| sources naturally liable 10 misrepresentation and
consequent distortion of facts, deems il duty 10
the congregation alluded to, and with which he
| connected. to correct the many errors Of the n
| bove statement. In doing so, the circumstances
will Justify and compel faithful narration OF the
| case.
The crime for which DIR. Hamilton is banished
from the pulpit, the church, his home and decent
society, is yet darker IN its character, the most
revolving, oathsome and deprayed, indeed, that
can enter into the head Of man TO conceive II
you will turn to the 10Th chapter Of Genesis, or
the 9th verse of the first chapter Of Paul to the
Romans, You will be enlightened rs to its nature.
The preparation Of this unnatural crime with
one person is proved coniessed--and il Is pretty
well known that similar advances have been made
TO others, at intervals, during years passed-wlth
whit success is naturally, not well known.
Those acquainted with DIR. llamilton's position
here, can form but feeble estimate of the
height from whence he fell. For 20 years be has
been pastor of Governments st. church-a con-
gregation that any minister would be exeusable
in delighting in.
The building, large and imposing; the audi
ence, choice as the Union attofds always
demand for pews, far exceeding the supply
every wish on the part of the pastor complied
with; amount of salary scarcely limited
Then the home of Dr. Hamilton On the sub
urbs of the city, ombowered in of highest
cultivation; cmbellished by art; seclusion
complete facilities for mental elevation and the
enjoyment of refined visitors, so ample; n cabi-
net of minerals, shells, vegetables, animals and
insects, that host of learned naturasts might
have revealed in; while money was of no consid-
Grafton in adding to the wealth Of his library
Having published work n few years ago i'll
defence of the unity of our race, entitled -
Friend of Noses his congregation granted him
years leave of absence (Which terminated less
than year ago,) in order that he might travel 10
Egypt, Holy Land, &c, " to see il what he had
written We true or not" as old lady of an adj
joining county expressed it; furnishing him with
ample means for the prosecution of his researches
and pleasures provided for his family in his alb
senoe, and supplied his place in his pulpit during
his travels. His "Reminiscences of travel in
Egypt, &C." was nearly ready to have been
given TO the public. You can judge from this
faint outline, somewhat of the effect upon our
community, of such fall of such man; but
yesterday the honorcd guest of Lepsus, of Bun
SEN of the venerable Humboldt and with posi-
ton at home that might excuse the envy of any
man.
DR.. Hamilton is a man of great ecccntrcity of
manner and habits; and the main misdemeanors
of which he has been privately accused by many.
have been set aside as mere uncomprehended pc
culiarties of constitution, and their assertion
frowned down by a thus increased devotion of his
many admirers and twisted into envious efforts
to impair greatness incapable of appreciation
| by ordinary morals
He is man of distinguished presence--of
snowy abihties-laborious ,habits-rare industry
and untring energy. He is sixty years of age
leaves here an overwhelmed wife, some years his
senior, and three sons, all married. of prominent
positions in their professions and in society.
One further fact is necessary to complete this
exposit N. 1t is the reverend gentlemans CON
fesson Of his sin. When the committee visited
him to lay before him the accusation,quietly wait
ing till theyfully announced 1.-THE placed his hand
on his forehead, and in accents of torture eXclam
ed, "Iam guilty fore God and mdn-though n
ruined man covered with sin and shame, no lie
can ever pollute my hps-what fool ! have
been-guilty, guilty, but not to the extent
chargedn' These nearly his words.
Though more said, this contains the sub
stance. This frank confession, of course. elected
world of wonderment in oui community, for it
is universally felt, that had DIR. Hamilton, from
his high position hurled denial upon his accu-
sers-had he met the expression Of so black sin
as devilish calumny-he could have trampled
in the dust trnfold the weight of evidence ready
to be brought against him.
Scarce member of his powerful congregation
would have h STATED an instant, but would have
rallied around him with more devotion than ever
and easily fought down all such contests for him.
But from what motive persons Judge differently
he altcred not to acknowledge his sin and ruin
In addition to this, many items ofhistory might
be adduced, corroborating the pretty general con-
elusion of our citizens, that with DR.. Hamilton
the ulpit was chosen for the advantageous pros
ecution of studies winch he enjoyed, and as the
best forum for the display (which he loved,) of
his peculiar talents.
The conviction has, through all times past, for
ced itself upon the great majority of intelligent
persons who have been thrown in his society, that
there was no ,ceH balanced mind there: while
charity throws the mantle of innate moral obi
putty mere temporary insanity over his memo
ry. A CITIZEN OF MOBILE.
The Washington correspondent of the New
York Courier says that the movements for the
acquisition of Cuba 'haye received new strength
and impetus from the accession TO that cause,
of Hon Gerritt Smith, who came here flaming
abolitonist, and is likely to go away confirmed
and enthusiastic devo:ee of Southern principles
ON slnvprv and all other subjects Mr. Smith