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 Nullification in South Carolina, iSjo-iSj^ 745 There is a listlessness about him wh. shows that his mind is deeply engaged and no doubt that it is on the subject of the Presidency. He is unquestionably quite feverish under the present excitement, and his hopes. IX. James Hamilton, Jr. to James H. Hammond. Charleston May 3* 1831. My Dear Sir. I have had the pleasure by yesterdays Mail to receive your kind favor, and regret that a pressure of business official and otherwise prevents my doing any thing more at presenc but to acknowledge its receipt. I had previously been made acquainted by your Letter addressed to me at Columbia at the happy cliange of auspices which in all probability will keep you in Carolina for a Career I trust of exceptional prosperity and honor. Let me add my most fervent wishes that yours may in atl respects be realized. I am just preparing for my review tomorrow, and for my departure from the City to attend on the 6'" for the same purpose at Strawberry. On my return to town I hope to meet McDuffie and after a full consulta- tion with our friends here we will write you precisely what tone it is deemed most advisable to give to the press. I am fully aware of the great peril of permitting public feeling to collapse because the inference made is that the cause is not worth supporting or the party unworthy of supporting it. We must have a rally on some firm ground and then stand manfully to our arms. The administration at Washington cannot recover from the retKsX precipitate of the late Cabinet, and consequently Jackson's reelection is placed in such hazard as scarcely to be a probable event. We had better lay too, as the Sailors say, with our Main top sail aback and see our way well ahead before we make sail. In truth it becomes of vast importance to know the true character to be given to this change, whether it is in fact a countermarch from fear or from a profound spirit of intrigue. I would suggest silence on the subject of the new Cabinet until from Hayne, Mc Duffie, and my own knowledge of the individuals we can give you a true Key to the whole movement. Expect to hear from me soon and be assured in the mean time of the sincere esteem and regard with which I am faithfully and respectfully Your friend. J. Hamilton Jr. X. James Hamilton, Jr. to James H. Hammond. Charleston May 21" 1831. My Dear Sir. I have had the pleasure to receive by last evening's Mail your favor of the 16'" inst. Whilst I deeply regret that we must lose your valuable services at the Head of the Times, I am greatly rejoiced that this retirement from your VOL. VI. — 49.