actions, and there would be no quibbling or faltering in the "Star Route" cases. Of course,

in such a policy he would incur the enmity of "Rings" who would endeavor, as they have done, to cover his memory with obloquy. But it is to be hoped that there is enough honesty and patriotism remaining in the republic to appreciate and cherish the memory of a Chief Magistrate who faithfully discharges his duty to the country as did General Jackson.

CHAPTER VII.

ALEXANDER HAMILTON.

Founder of the Federal Party-Early Military Services-An Able Financier-Finished Speaker and Writer-Quarrels with Aaron Burr -Killed in a Duel by the Latter-Moral Character.

FAMOUS as the founder of the Federal party, and a very able financier, the subject of this sketch was born on one of the West India Islands January 11, 1757. His father was a Scotchman and his mother was of French Huguenot descent. Loft with little property, his friends. sent him to school near Elizabeth, N. J., and afterwards to Columbia College, N. Y., which he was attending at the commencement of the war for independence. At that time he gained considerable celebrity as a writer and speaker, though but eighteen years old, and joining the army his energy and talents were immediately recognized, and he was given the command of an artillery company. He served with honor through the war, being present at all the principal engagements in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, and assisted at the final siege of Yorktown, where he acquired much credit by capturing one of the British redoubts.

Having married the daughter the daughter of General Schuyler in 1780, he was thus placed in pos

session of the advantages of wealth and influence, and after a few months study at the close of the war, he commenced the practice of the law. He was immediately returned to the legislature, and thereafter was almost constantly employed in the public service. He is most generally remembered from his connection with the convention which framed the Constitution, being one of the acknowledged leaders of the Federal side in that convention.

On the adoption of that instrument and the organization of the government, he was called to occupy the position of Secretary of the Treasury by General Washington, and his administration of that bureau was marked by great efficiency.

The first United States Bank was founded through his influence, and the fact that when it wound up, twenty years afterward, it was entirely solvent-its stock paying a premium— attests his good judgment and his knowledge of true banking principles.

He is also remembered as a fine writer. The Federalist, mostly written by him in defense of the Constitution, is thought to be equal to any political papers ever written.

Resigning his position in the Cabinet in 1795, he returned to the practice of the law in New York, his principal competitor, both in law and politics, being Aaron Burr.

In 1800 the competition for the Presidency

between Jefferson and Burr having resulted in favor of Jefferson through the influence of Hamilton, Burr conceived himself injured by him, and when in 1803 he was again defeated for governor of New York, he picked up a quarrel and challenged Hamilton, and the succeeding duel resulted in Hamilton's death, on July 11, 1804. It is remarkable that his son should have been also the victim of a duel on the same spot, Weehawken, near Hoboken, N. J., two years before.

Hamilton's widow survived him until 1854, reaching the age of 97 years.

Hamilton was undoubtedly one of the ablest of our early statesmen; of small stature, but very erect and dignified; of pleasant address, but of his morals there remain very unpleasant remembrances.

CHAPTER VIII.

HENRY CLAY.

Early Training of a Good Mother-Emigrates to Kentucky-Opposes Slavery in that State-Elected to United States Senate-Opposes United States Bank-Advocates War of 1812-Peace Commissioner to Europe-Favors Protection and United States Bank-Secures Admission of Missouri-Duel with John Randolph-Often Unsuccessful Candidate for President-Personal Traits and Habits-Specimen of his Oratory.

THE subject of this sketch was born near Richmond, Virginia, in 1777. His father, who was a Baptist preacher, died when he was quite young, leaving but little property. He had, however, one superior advantage, a mother, possessed of excellent qualities of mind and morals. Indeed it is the almost universal testimony of those who have become noted in the higher walks of life, that their early character was directed by the precepts and example of "noble mothers."

Young "Harry" was of a studious mind, but had few advantages until his fifteenth year, when his friends procured him a situation in a law office in Richmond. Here he soon attracted attention in the debating clubs, and being a neat pensman was much employed in copying by no less a personage than Chancellor George Wythe. Having been admitted to the