Alexander Hamilton
" Alexander Hamilton was born on the Island of Nevis in 1757. His father was an Englishman, his mother an American and brought him to New York in 1773 and placed him in Columbia college. His towering genius burst upon the world like a blazing meteor in the darkness of night. At the age of 17, he grasped the mighty concerns that were then rocking England and America in the cradle of fearful commotion. He then wrote several essays upon the rights and wrongs of the two nations that were attributed to Mr. Jay. College walls could not keep him from the field of glory. At the age of 19 he commanded a company of artillery and was ever ready for a little more grape when it could be used to advantage. He soon attracted the attention of the penetrating Washington who appointed him one of his aids in 1777 with the rank of lieutenant-colonel. In every battle where Washington commanded Colonel Hamilton was at his post regardless of danger. When the two destructive redoubts were carried at the siege of Yorktown facing a storm of iron hail he led the advanced corps under La Fayette. Not a gun was fired. The the charge was like a rushing avalanche. The surrender of that garrison closed his Revolutionary services. His manly brow was decked with epic laurels that can never lose their amaranthine freshness whilst patriotic fire glows or history endures.In 1782, he was elected to Congress and shed fresh lustre on that august body of sages. He grasped every subject with a gigantic mental power that filled the more experienced members with astonishment and admiration. He originated measures with a surprising facility and wisdom that were truly beneficial. He was a member of the Convention that framed the Federal Constitution. He was in favor of what he considered a stronger government than the one formed. At the final organization under the new Constitution he was placed at the head of the Treasury Department. To the surprise and joy of all concerned he raised the credit of the nation rapidly from the lowest depths of depreciation to a lofty eminence of credit. At the end of six years he resigned and resumed the practice of law in the city of New York. When the provisional Army was raised in 1798 in anticipation of a war with France, he was placed next in command to Washington and proved one of the most efficient disciplinarians that ever graced the profession of arms. On the disbanding of this Army he again resumed his profession at the bar. In 1804, he was challenged by Colonel Burr and sacrificed his life on the barbarous field of false honor contrary to his better judgment and finer feelings. He was mortally wounded on the 11th of July 1804 and died the next day. So opposed was he in principle to duelling that he fired his pistol in the air. He died deeply regretting the sad error, with full faith in the merits of his Saviour to wash every stain from his noble soul and present him with a crown of unfading glory. His sudden death and the manner his bright career was terminated spread a mantle of gloom over our country and the civilized world. His transcendent talents had attracted the admiring gaze of Europe and America. He was in all respects a remarkable man. "