New national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1870-1874, 1871-12-14
Alexander Hamilton.
BY II. o. WAGNER, JR.

Man, in some form or other, has long beer
the favorite theme of public discourse Me'
Of Mark, Great Men, Men Of Genius, Self
made Men, and the like, have been among the
auctions of learning in every age Men seen
to delight In the contemplation of the character
and career of individuals of their own specie:
more than in almost any other employment Of
the mind. This is evidenced by the numerous
histories, biographies, and memoirs extant,
and by the growing appreciation for mental
science, as well as by everyday experience
Every one is constantly criticised by his CON-
panions. From the highest potentate to the
humblest toiler, from vigorous youth to de-
crepit age, from politician to priest, none escape
the plaudits or reproof of portion of man
kind. We praise mans honesty or condemn
his treachery; we admire his talents Or deplore
his ignorance we declare him sincere or i'm.
pugn his motives and thus every man is liter
ally picked to pieces by his fellows, either in
admiration or disgust
The disclosures of these Investigations are
of transcendsnt interest,". They exhibit the
Vaccinations of the most diabolical passions
and the practice of the most sanity virtues !;
they display idiotic imbecility and consummate
wisdom; in short, they demonstrate the pos
session by man of every degree of intelligence,
every shade of character, and every variety of
passion; all constantly confirming that pro-
found remark Of Pope, that "the chief study
of man is man."
But we have neither time nor ability to dilate
at length upon the whole race of man-that
"last and noblest work of God" and we direct
attention to single individual, who was, GER
tainly, one of the finest specimens of his
species.
Yes, Alexander Hamilton was great man
in the broaiest and best sense of the word, and
his life is so identified with the early history
of our youthful Republic, that it is impossible
for any person to study the one without be-
coming conversant with the other. We cannot
hope to do more, on this occasion, than to
merely mention, with laconic brevity, the most
prominent incidents Of such life So far
from allowing of eulogy, the limits of mnia-
ture Grafton will barely admit of an enumera.
ton of the trials and triumphs of life sr5Gnd.
ing in vicissitudes and ssywnsd with glory.
Alexander Hamilton was born of European
parentage on the lth of January, 1857, in the
Island of Nevis, in the British West Indies.
Soon after the death of his mother, his father
being stricken with impecuniosity, he was
obliged to enter a counting.house to gain his
livelihood. He was not one of those whose
studies ceased upon leaving the schoolroom :;
but he continued to apply himself assiduously
to books. He was prompt, competent, and re
liable in business, and possessed the implicit
confidence of his employers.
But while thus young and obscure, a cir
cumstance occurred which brought him promi.
nently into notice. and which, probably, gave
direction to his whole future
A terrific hurricane swept over the island,
bringing CONSERVATION and destruction, and
leaving tho inhabitnn.s almost com pIeteIy
paralyzed. Shortly afterward there appeared
in public journal of the place a description
Of the tornado, from the pen of Hamilton, then
only about fourteen years of age 1t was so
we'll written as to attract general attention
and his friends, perceivingin him the true ring
of pure metal, decided to assist him in acquiring
an education, so coveted by him, and sent him
to the United States to school,
a diligent and apt student, he made rapid
advancement. With zeal worthy of any ma.
tive born citizen, he espoused the cause of
American independence Even at the early
age of seventeen he took an active part in all
public affairs, and Immediately acquired the
title of "The Eloquent Colegian." Then he
published a pamphlet which ably sustained the
course of the ColOnists in resisting English
tyranny with arms. Aud upon the beginning
of hostilites he promptly entered the army
But such brilliant military tact and genius as
his was like ga city set upon hill, that can
not be hid,' and it was not long before he
attracted the attention of the COMMANDMENTS
Chief, who took him into his own family as his
Abide Camp, in which position Hamilton re-
manned for long period, enjoying the fullest
confidence and closest companionship Of that
great man, who WAS " first ia war, first in peace
and first in the hearts of his countrymen."
Hamilton was repeatedly entrusted by Washing
ton with the negotiation and execution of the
most important matters, and there was formed
that friendship between those mon which con-
tinusd, uudiminished, throughout their lives.
We cannot now enter into narration of the
several military exploits in which this brave
young officer displayed so much of courage and
of skill, however tempting tho theme. But in
many campaign, and on many battle field
did Hamilton prove his right to the name and
fame he received as valiant and efficient
soldier.
Bat, unlike many ancient heroes, land some
scenes of carnal strife alone. His trumphs in
the field were not his last, for
Peace hath her victories
Not less renowned than war;
and Hamiltons sagacity was displayed alike
in the forum and the field.
At the close of the war he betook himself To
the study of law, and after the almost incredi
bic short preparation of four months he was
admitted to practice at the bar of New York.
Burr, HamitoH's great rival, began practice
at the same place after an equally short prep
aration j; and these two men Immediately took
rank as leaders of the New York bar.
Hamilton was elected to Congress. and res
cued the Government from national hank
ruptcy by perfecting financial policy which
secured him the appropriate appellation of
=" The Founder Of the Public Credit" And
n