The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1867-09-04
GEN. HAMpToN's LETTER.

Gen. HAMPTON is beyond doubt1e most popular
citizen of this State, and anything emanating from
| his pen will bc read with interest His distin-
guished services and unfaltering devotion during
the late war render his opinions at this time wor-
thy of attention, at least, and in consequence of
these services his advice and opinions carry with
them powerful weight and influence. But never
theless, VIC sincerely regret that he has been in
duccd, ct this late hour, to break long silence
and send forth letter, the only effect of which
will be TO add confusion TO the already perplexed
condition of the public mind, and tend still further
to divide and distract the people from the practical
issues involved in the contest before u.s. General
HAMPTON has not given much advice to the people
of this State heretofore and free to declare
that the letter dictated to Major GDBEs, and dated
Aug 90, 1865, which is embodied in this last etfu-
sion, if published Immediately after it was written,
in our humble judgment, might have led the State
to pursue an entirely different course in reference
to federal affairs. We will not stop to examine
the merits of that letter. and neither do we hold
the General responsible for its being withheld from
publication at that time, since friends persuaded
him to n different course. But VIC do heartily re-
gret that its publication now reveals the fact that
Gen. H. vas capable of leading the State in SEN
sible and practical direction, and failed to do his
duty, because others doubted the expediency Of his
views. Certainly the wisdom and propriety of his
pcnt-up opinions being promulgated now, at the
eleventh hour, when he cannot accomplish the
least possible good. seem open to criticism. With
these remarks we leave the discussion of 'thc stu
alton" to those dcsrous of moulding public opin-
ion after it has been thoroughly worked over, and
among them We are con strained to designate the
distinguished writer alluded to.
We cannot dismiss the subject, though, without
Offering our feeble testimony to the manly and
characteristic bearing of Gen. HAMPTON to those
opposed to him on this question of rccopstruction.
His course in this particular strikingly contrasts
with the denunciation and abuse of others to be
found in the numerous letters Of certain eminent
politician. His touching allusion to Gen. LONG
STREET will awaken soft emotions in the breast Of
every man who bore arms under the leadership OF
that gallant old chcftain; and as one of that num-
Der, and among the class 'who honestly and con-
scicntiously advocate our acceptance Of these mill
tary bills, VIC would DC ucrcncl 10 lnc ulclateS vi
an honest heart did We fail to thank Gen. HAMPTON
for his manly protest against the insoent taunts
of men who were, to say the least not conspicuous
in the defense of their homes and fresides. When
such men arc disposed to cavl at the action of 9th
ers equally honorable os themselves, We would
have them read the following extract from Gen.
HAMPTON letter:
"Lct me not be understood as making any rcfec-
lions on those Southern who honestly and
conscientiously advocate our acceptance of these
military bills. Any divisions amongst us are to be
deprecated, and it is as unwse rs it is unknd TO
impugn the motives of men who, on many field,
have proved their devotion to the South. Especial
ly do regret the vrulent attacks which have been
made on that gallant soldier who so long and 50
ably led the iustrious First Corps of the Army of
Northern Virginia. 1t has been his hard fate, in
peace as in war, TO be wounded by his own people.
That charity which ''hopcth all things and ma
l,.ral dstrust of our own Judgment should make us
treat the convictions of such men with at least
kindly and proper consideration