Manuscript Collection

James Hamilton Speech - Accession 621 - M265 (315)

James Hamilton Speech - Accession 621 - M265 (315)

Identifier

Accession 621 - M265 (315)

Inclusive Dates

1828

Restrictions

Open under the rules and regulations of the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections

Collection Size

8 pieces

Language

English;

Historical Note

Mr. James Hamilton (1786-1857) was a South Carolina politician. He was born in Charleston, SC and served in the war of 1812 and rose to the rank of major. Hamilton's political career began in 1819 when he served as a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives.

In 1822, he became a member of the United States House of representatives which he served in until 1829 and also served as mayor (Intendant) of Charleston, SC. It was during his tenure as Mayor that the Denmark Vesey’s slave conspiracy cam to light.

In 1830, Mr. Hamilton was appointed Governor of South Carolina and served until 1832. He was an ardent opponent to the Tariff Bill while a member of the U.S. House and presided over the 1832 Nullification Convention while Governor, voting to nullify the tariff in South Carolina.

After stepping out of the political arena, he focused on his business interests which largely failed and following the panic of 1837 was left in severe debt. His reputation was tarnished beyond repair by his business failings and eventually moved to the newly formed state of Texas. In 1857, he would perish on the steamer Opelousas when it was struck by another ship while en route to Texas. It was said that he gave up his life jacket and seat on a lifeboat to a woman and her child before being swept of the deck by wave.

Scope and Content Note

The James Hamilton Speech consists of a published speech delivered by Mr. James Hamilton, a member of the House of Representatives from South Carolina (1822-1829), on the Tariff of 1828. The speech was published by Green & Jarvis in 1828 and titled, Speech of Mr. Hamilton, Of S. Carolina, on Mr. Randolph's Motion Indefinitely To Postpone The Tariff Bill: Delivered In The House Of Representatives Of The United States, 19th April, 1828.

Provenance

unknown

Copyright

For information concerning copyright please contact the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections at Winthrop University.

James Hamilton Speech - Accession 621 - M265 (315)

LC Subject Headings

Randolph, John, 1773-1833; Tariff--United States

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