this subject, Guizot, in his “Character and Influence of Wash- 
ington,” says: “Hamilton must be classed among the ee 
who have best known the vital principles and fundamenta 
conditions of government. . . . There is not in the Consti- 
tution of the United States an element of order, strength, or 
durability which he did not powerfully contribute to introduce 
Into it.” 
In the eyes of Samuel M. Smucker, a person being very fond 
of Alexander Hamilton, we see the last sphere of intellectual 
activity Hamilton shone with unsurpassed brilliancy; for, as 
an orator, he had no superior, his manner of delivery being 
easy, graceful, and impressive, while his utterance was fluent, 
unembarrassed, and self-possessed. His eloquence was Cic- 
€eronian rather than Demosthenian; when occasion served, he 
could thunder with a power and effectiveness not unworthy 
of the ancient, implacable foe of Philip of Macedon; his preva- 
lent style was suavity, melody, and grace. In deliberative 
assembly, in the courts of justice, in the hall of the academy, 
he spoke as if the Attic Bee dwelt forever on his lips, his 
eloquence being a model of perfection. Thus, he was the 
Pride and delight of all who could appreciate the beauties 
ft a polished, consummate, and masterly eloquence; even 
ls great enemy, Aaron Burr, was compelled to concede his 
Supremacy in this respect. ‘ 
is merit as a writer, when we remember the vast quantity 
of his writings, becomes extraordinary; he did not confine his 
Power to the elaboration of a few great productions, exhaust- 
ing upon them all his mental resources, for his intellect was too 
Prolific and rich for such aim. Hence, the amount of Ham- 
ilton’s writings is prodigious, occupying seven large octavo 
bet exclusive of the “Federalist,” being more numerous 
ti an the productions of Burke, Bolingbroke, Broughham, 
; bates, or Quincy Adams. On the other hand, the writings 
or no modern or ancient statesman, except, perhaps, Cicero 
alone, equal in amount that of Hamilton. Moreover, it should 
nee forgotten, dear reader, as I speak to you as a biog- 
i ee = our ang of his intellectual resources, he was 
et rg cry whose life was passed in the quietude and retire- 
of his study, because most of his time was spent in the 
: ery and ei of public business, in the official bureau, in 
= courts of justice, in giving professional counsel, both in 
€ aghtued and drlibeeeeits assembly, 
1¢ memoirs of Hamilton have been edited by several per- 
ants eg after se death, three volumes of his works were 
Pincay toy sequently, John C. Hamilton, his son, published 
later, i devte anlckeee ae a Otc coe 
if nae dj » a History of the United States, as 
ay be read in the writings of Alexander Hamilton.” A 
8 
