Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1906-07-24

he turned with an easy, unembarrass
ed manner, to greet several officer
who came UP at the moment.
Col. Hamilton's impatience carried
him to Billings door full half hou
before the appointed time. That wor
thy, who was something Of an epicure
was busy in giving instructions to hi
cook how to prepare his favorite dish
es. The entrance Of his guest inter
rupted this agreeable occupation, and
dismissing the man, he courteously in
vited Hamilton, according to the GUS
tom Of the times, to join him in glas!
of Madeira
| Those who live in camps cannot bt
very fastidious, and Mr.. Billings was
forced to be contented with one apart
ment for dining-room, sitting-room
and bedroom. In this department be-
fore supper, the servant was engaged
in making preparations for the even.
ing meal, and conversation Of a conf.
Dental nature was therefore impossi-
BILE. After 1t was concluded, and the
two were left to themselves, Hamilton
opened his budget of news, adding al
the close
You see now that was right In pro.
testing against personal violence. We
are rid Of him. No one Is to blame
We have no cause for self-reproach
and will be annoyed by no fears Of 6
disgraceful exposure"
Billings made no comment on this
self -gratulatory address, merely in
quiring,-
Has the resignation been accept
ed?"
mo, but 1t will be. Such things are
matters Of course"
Study we'll the letter Of acceptance
before you send it. Let 1t be perfectly
courteous; but at the same time avoid
strong expressions Of regret, or strong
commentator Of his past services
II will write it.; but the general fire.
quently writes such letters himself
merely directing me to copy. In that
case I can do nothing"
1T would not be prudent certainly
to show much feeling about 1t, and II
may never be of the least Importance
Still would like to see that letter be-
fore it goes"
II will crafty you IL 1 can; though
do not understand why you should
consider 1t of the least consequence
He Is out of the army-he Is out Of my
way, and / do not care a farthing how
much men may praise him for what he
has done.'
HE is at present out of the army
and out Of your way; but it Is by nc
means certain that he will stay so. Al
the expiration of a year, or less, his
health may be restored, and he may
then come back into the army and into
your way too. / have studied his char
acter to little purpose, IL he will long
rest contented In the walks Of civil
life when the clash Of arms is sound
ing In his ears"
You are mistaken, Billings. He
cannot come back without entering
below those who are now his juniors
and his proud spirit will never consent
to that"
Il hope so; but l doubt. 1 have un-
derstood that he did accept the ap-
pointment of lieutenant colonel wher
the date Of that appointment placed
him below some who were his juniors
the preceding campaign. What he has
done once he may do again. At al
events, you ought to be careful to dc
nothing to facilitate his re-entrance
all means. The rewards that will fol-
low success in this contest must be
reaped by the sword, or all the teach
ings of history are false. Let us turn
however, to a question Of more imme-
diate concern; I mean the influence
this resignation ought to have on youl
own course. Have you thought OF
that? Do you propose to remain ir
your present position, or to exchange
| 1t for another?"
II have not had time to mature my
plans. My judgment, though, inc!ines
me now, as heretofore to seek employ
ment in the line"
MY opinion has long been made uI
on that point. 1t must be done some
day, and the sooner the better"
Il wish from my heart that it could
be done tomorrow; but foresee that
| 1t will be work of time. The difficult
ties l mentioned on a former occasion
have been increased. I have become
necessary to General Washington, and
in addition to the jealousies Of the line
officers, / shall also have to overcome
his reluctance to part with me-"
There Is an obvious mode of get
ting over that difficulty. Quarrel with
him upon some point of etiquette which
involves no feeling and will leave nc
sting behind"
1T may be long time before any
such chance will occur; and just no"
1t would do no good, for he is fixed ir
Ills ilol " give oA'''
GERS commands equal to their staff rant
in the line. l will have a better chance
of weakening, If not reversing, this de-
termination by remaining near his
person."
THAT is desirable, if 1t can be done
though In your place, l would not wall
long in the hope Of bringing 1t about
Where you are, promotion is next t'
impossible, and it is better for you tt
accept a place below your juniors thar
to continue in the staff. In the line
the whole field is open before you
Skill and courage are there certain o.
their rewards; and now that Colone
Burr has retired from the service
know no competitor of whom you nave
reason to fear. You are a better SOL
dier today than any general on1ce'
in the army, and George Washington
knows it; but Congress and the coun
try do not know it, and will not know
II, so long as you are tied to the per
son of the commander-in-c chief and arr
allowed to win no fame except such d!
| is reflected from him. 1t is better,