t, however, my intention to enter into any
explanation on the ground. Apology, from principle, I hope, rather
than pride, is out of the question. To those who, with me abhorring
the practise of duelling, may think that I ought on no account to have
added to the number of examples, I answer that my relative situation
as well in public as in private, enforcing all the considerations
which constitute what men of the world denominate honor, inspired in
me (as I thought) a peculiar necessity not to decline the call. The
ability to be useful in future, whether in resisting mischief or in
effecting good, in those crises of our public affairs which seem
lately to happen would probably be inseparable from a conformity with
public prejudice in this particular.[44]

[Footnote 44: Among the Hamilton papers is a letter addrest as follows
to Mrs. Hamilton, dated the day before the duel:

"This letter, my dear Eliza, will not be delivered to you unless I
shall first have terminated my earthly career, to begin, as I humbly
hope from redeeming grace and divine mercy, a happy immortality. If it
had been possible for me to have avoided the interview, my love for
you and my precious children would have been alone a decisive motive.
But it was not possible without sacrifice which would have rendered me
unworthy of your esteem. I need not tell you of the pangs I feel from
the idea of quitting you and exposing you to the anguish I know you
would feel. Nor could I dwell on the topic lest it should unman me.
The consolations of religion, my beloved, can alone support you; and
these you have a right to enjoy. Fly to the bosom of your God and be
comforted. With my last idea I shall cherish the sweet hope of meeting
you in a better world. Adieu, best of wives, best of women. Embrace
all my darling children for me."]

JOHN QUINCY ADAMS

Born in Massachusetts in 1767, died in Washington in 1848;
son of John Adams; graduated from Harvard in 1787; admitted
to the bar in 1791; minister to the Netherlands in 1794-97;
minister to Prussia in 1797-1801; Senator from Massachusetts
in 1803-08; professor at Harvard in 1806-09; minister to
Russia in 1809-14; minister to England in 1815-17; Secretary
of State in 1817-25; elected President in 1824; defeated for
the Presidency by Jackson in 1828; Member of Congress in
1831-48; unsuccessful candidate for Governor of
Massachusetts in 1834; his "Diary" pub