Year: 1868

HIS speech at Columbia, :. G., July 2S..


General Wade Hampton was received very enthusi-
asticay on his return to his home IN Columbia, 8.
c., on the 2Sth ult. In response to cali he made
the following remarks:--


He said he had hoped that after having listened to
the eloquent speakers who preceded him, they would
not desire him to address them, not only that ac
count, but because his voice was weak. There were
many present who had frequently heard him address
larger crowds, and when very different kind of
noises than peaceful accamatons salutcd their ears
but tonight. for the first time in his life, his voice
had failed him. General Kershaw had referred to
the advance Of the cavalry in the campaign OF to-
night, and he desired to add that though the posi-
ton had been inverted, he was glad Of it, and felt
great confidence after hearing the eloquent remarks
Of that distinguished general, as they made him feel
as secure as In the days OF other and more sanguin
Kershaw was on his fank. He preferred to postpone
any extended remarks tonight as he would
desired it, TO lay before them the history Of
the New York Convention and what part was taken
in 1t by our delegation. "a voice in the crowd
Never put or for tomorrow what be done to-
day') General Hampton received the interruption
with great good humor, and continuing his remarks,
said that when che Southern States were invited TO
take part IN the New York Convention he was clearly
OF the opinion that they should accept and should GO
tell them that they had surrendered IN good faith,
and that when they said they wanted peace they
meant peace. just as when they had said they
had proven that they meant war. He believed, then
we should let them see we were not all nre-eaters
as many of them believed US to be, but
buit our tTut Hdu Dccu IHtu uOWn IN
good faith. and we desired to unite
heartily IN the restoration OF political and
material prosperity And the result had proven the
correctness OF his views. When our delegation ar
rived in New York, they received all quarters
and on oil sides in the NEST hearty manner. They
were urged to participate I'm oil the deliberations OF
the Convention, and were consulted freely In all mat
ters or moment. The same reception was given
them by the members OF the Soldiers and Sailors
Convention which was also in session at thar time
and such OF its gallant members as McClernand OF
Illinois, said. gaanty, that they desired extend
ptevhfh hnn ASff int
had been fighting, and VINO had now laid down their
arms. To them he had replied that for himself his
delegation and his people at home he accepted that
hand In good faith (Cheers.l Now, II we wish to
tie State restored TO all its former prosperity he
Appealed to the people to bury all past preiudices
and passions In one common grave and IN solid
mass without regard TO color. TO rally around the
standard OF the New YORK Convention. He spoke TO
the black man as well as the white, for he believed
as firmly that the interests OF the two were insepara
bly, bound up In q common cause as he believed that
God ruled over the desnes OF the people. II they
attempted to draw line OF demarc1tion and array
themselves against the whites they would be pressed
from the soil and endure the fate OF the Indian To
prevent a result like thsone which he truly dcpre-
cated-he had been the first man in South Carolina
TO speak to them and advise them as TO their tue
policy, ana they knew that he would not deceive
them. "a colored man-"That's so God bless you.'')
when seven years ago the state had called upon
him to serve her in the field he had obeyed that
mandate and cheerfully given all that hc possessed
for her defence; and when after the war, she babe
him lay down his arms. with equal submission he
had Obeyed and sheathed sword which he trusted
bore no mark Of shame or dishonor. (Cries OF "No
nO'D Since then he had adjured the people TO cul-
tivate the arts OF peace and conciaion, and espe-
cially had he earnestly recommended the coiored
people to live In friendship and good wil with those
on whom they would have to depend la large
sures for advice and support. Unfortunately things
had taken different turn than that hoped for by the
supporters OF truth, justice and the constitution and
now the spectacle presented In the halls OF legisla-
ti0n by those who undertake 10 govern the destnes
OF the two races was lamentaDle indeed. Asaaxious
as he was to secure peace and prosperity he never
could consent to attempt II on so 'alse. gross anu
outrageous platform as that or the Reconstruction
acts, particularly when he saw the seats OF Bayne,
McDuflle and Calhoun In the Senate OF the United
Tom Robertson. (Hisses and groins Tor
Tom Robertson.) Much rather would ne
have seen cOlored men represent south Caroliha az
they could do with more jussinabie priue auu
honesty He wanted restoration on tee OASIS o,
truth, harmony and justice, and he nrDAy behever


we would have it In November, by the triumph ci
the Democratic party He had been tod by no less
distinguished q person than Nalandignam thlt
Ohio was cert ain for seymour, and shcewd political
thinkers OF New York and Pennsyvsnia were
atatea' me people were thoroughly aroused, and
in November the result Of IL would be more rapid


travelling OF carpetbaggers from the south than was
ever before known the history of this country. lie
nv the democracy of Charleston last Friday night
and said that although he had seen many similar


disnlays at the North he had never Witnessed m0r9


grandeur or enthusiasm than that exhibited by the
| GOOD people OF the old city by the sea, who had
turpe, out-Inen- women and children-to give their
| annrovinr smiles to the noble cause. they had


breught exulting pride to his heart By this mani


testafion of the old Carolina spirit. They NAV have


noon a,ow mt they were sure Let US stand up with
| them and by the help OF God oar cause.-the cause


a. and ,he constitution would meet with a glorious
| ,rL,,nnb Immense apDlauae.l