The Abbeville banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1847-1869, 1857-10-15
LETTER OF GEN. HAMILTON.
TO the Editors Of hhc Charleston INcrcu

~
An esteemed friend in tho interior of the
State, has called upon me to declare pub.
licy whether, it elected to tho Senate
Of the United States, would serve. The
terms Of this onl arc so kind and compl-
mcntary, that dclicacy forbids my being in
strumcntal in making it public. The par
tiali'y of other friends has also brought my
name before the good people Of Soutl, Car.
olina in the columns of your paper and the
Charleston Courier, as a fit successor to the
lamentcd Rutler-a vacancy more easily
filled than his place can be adequately sup
piled.
Believing that the Kansas complication
may preciptate on the country momcntus
issue: conjuncture Of circumstances may
arise, which, i'll tho service Of the State,
would involve an obligation equally imper-
tive rs her defence in case Of a public war.
Toavoid all misconstruction of my position,
If the State thinks proper to elect mo to
the high and honorable post in question, l
shall feel it my duty to obey her mandate.
! beg leave, however, to avow, that, re-
garding the Office as one that may be de-
declined, but never solicited, l will, under
no circumstances, make myself a candidate.
will solicit no mans vote I will oppose
no mans election. l enter into no canvass,
10 combination, no confederation with 9TH
,,,, , t;.r
quicscence and neutrality, ready to obey the
unsolicited wishes Of the Legislature, if it calls
upon me to represent the sovereign of South
Carolina i'll the great council Of confcde-
rated sovercigns-in which event l will re-
pair to my post with all possible dispatch,
prepared, with uncompromisi4~ zeal and fl
deity, to promote her interest and sustain
her honor. If my past history in connec-
tion with public affairs Of South Carolina,
at crisis OF intense interest and public pc
ril, give me no claim to lie trusted, then
must submit to the verdict of public scnti-
mcnt, and remain in retirement in which
have many private duties 10 perform and
many sources Of contcntmcnt to cultivate.
think it due to candor, however, to declare
that have 10 desire to serve beyond the
remaining term Of the late incumbent. l
should 60 into the representation of the
State under belief that the issue must
come up within the next four years, wlncth-
or the South can, consistently with her in
tercsts and homer, remain in the Union.
This question being practically solved,
would then seek a retirement 80 well suited
TO my own inclination, penetrated with
deep and inexpressible feeling of gratitude
to my native State, which in times past, has
lavished upon me so many Of her public
honors, and what is far more inapprcciaLle
value, much Of her public confidence.
belong TO past gencration-to con-
federation of men who have passed from
the strifes and contentious of this fitful and
feverish world, to an Immortality of happi.
ness. When think of those companions
of my then comparative youth, and associ-
ates in glorious struggle, "my heart grows
liquid as l write, and I could pour it out
like water" I hope that !, the humblest
OF the throng, may be permitted 10 place
poor garland on their graves. They rise
unbidden to my memory in all the strong
lineaments of life.
= There stands Calhoun, in all the grand
eur of his genious and the soldity of his
immovable integrity. What inscription of
praise does he need beyond the uttcrance
of his nan,ea
There stands Hayne, in the mild radiance
OF his character-with an ability of the
highest possible compass, with all his tram
scendant powers for government and nd.
mlnistration - pure spotless and undis-
mayed,
There stands McDuffic, with his robust
intellect and stern honesty, cxerting powers
OF analysis and argument which made him
one Of the first diclectcians of his time. and
with Roman patriotism which burned
even in the cavcrns Of the tomb.
There stands Turnbull, whose head was
RS gigantic as his heart was incorruptible
who, with his fine Grecian face, disclosed
the great qualities of the race from which
lie sprung-burning enthusiasm, Intense
genius, and unconqucrable courage.
There stands Harper, a bright emana-
ton Of that intelligence which God confers
on tie most gifted Of his creatures-simpIe,
artIess, with suhjugated selflove.
Of the leaders of the odd Guard, but two
Of us are left. Preston and the humble in :
dividunl that addresses you. Preston, who
having been soreIy smitten by the hand of
'nfirmity, survives, thank God, in renovated
health and usefulness. 1t was said by a
distinguished cotemporary, that our assoc.