Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1827-03-23

large, and peculiarly qualified TO supply The
want Of facts by redundancy OF praise. ne
task is executed with Iaudible intrePldity, and,
considering The materials, pretty "ng 'yo Is
eked out.
This unique sketch begins by tracing a con.
nexion between the Colonel and that "iantaro-
nade," the Declaration ofIndePendence; exuits
that "the highest honors that can ne conferred
Shy this nation, are no,c within the grasp Oh 'he
"lowliest peasant boy OF the land ana men
proceeds 10 business. We are toid, that Coi'
B. was born IN North Carolina; that al the DEAN
OF his father, who had possessed talents anu
lands in Tennessee, his mother removed 70 tha'
State, that he "engaged in his studies ,ohenec''
opportunity permitted, with persevering di'igenee
and ardor," particularly history, which 'he hi-
ographer, as well as Lord Bolingbroke thinks,
is philosophy teaching by example" and that
there was then no circulating medium I'D
Tennessee. In 1907, he was called to the Bar
and "men Of Judgment" then perceived what
men oil Judgment perceive in 1920 mat MS
actions had marked eharncfer,' and that he
had quantum snr Of" con fdencs." He was, 1t
seems, successful" in spite Of an uncomproni-
sing, lofty, "and ndomitabe temper" the first
Of which qualities he has now got rid OF, how
Gin 1909 he was pressed to become candidate
" for the Office Of Senator in the Legislature Of
Tennessee" Of course, che reluctantly yielded
TO the solicitations OF his friends" "He mark
"ed the difference between the genuine and spu-
rious pa,ro,;" and we are left to infer that he
then preferred being "genuine" patriot, and
did not act the other character till period
long subsequent. Great men never do but one
thing at time:
From the momen Of his election, she became
one of the most distinguished men in Tennes-
sce;" the most striking example OF insantane-
Gus greatness which has happened, since Mi
nerva jumped, ready armed, out of Jupiter's
brain. While in the Legislature, she connect
ed his labors with many Of the vital interests
Of the State, and originated, supported, and
defended measures, which al last were adopt
ed, and which have, ever since that period,
constituted favoite and prominent part OF
her policy" What these measures were, the
deponent sayeth rot; but we are bound to be-
lieve they were Of the highest importance, and
required first rate abilities and erudition for
their support. From 500 TO 1912, "the impe-
tuous and gigantic genius oil Jackson was en-
"ployed in enkindling throughout Tennessee,
that spirit Of resistance" tc British aggres
| sion, which, in consequence probably OF the
Familiarity Of the Young men" with the "use
| Of the rife" was al least as animated IN that
State as in any other. "The classical reader
saw every day, bands Of volunteer soldiers,
who ,Oould, headed by their leader, should oc-
casion require IL, renew those heroic scenes
6 that had been acted al Thermopyle." But
the Gods did not des,ine MIR. Benton to the
fate or The fame Of Leonidas. Indeed, alter
making him great at once, they seem to have
perversely thwared every opportunity which al
forwards occurred Of augmcnting his renown
For though, "throughout the war OF 1912, he
sided with his own country against the enemy,
and took so "decided part in behalf OF the
" rights Of the nation, that he actually raised
ga volunteer company Of which he was chosen
"the commander" though he was afterwards
made Colonel Of regiment, and even "en6ark-
ed for Ndfchez, with JACKSON" yet this super
lstivc patriotism found no field Of glory. The
"detat hment was recalled in the spring, and in
the summer Of lsl3," the rival Of Leondas did
what? Nothing, gentle reader; he was only
"appoiuted Lieutenant Colonel Of the 39lh u.
States Regiment Of Ihiantry!!" He then de-
voted himself, as Colonel should do, to the
study Of the science Of war. He joined the South
ern army, and il would Individually have been be-
nefted by his military practice as well as science
but for one Of those cross accidents which sc
often impede the march Of herosm: "he was
called of just before the battle Of the Horse
Shoe, by an order from the Secretary Of War"
Not deferred by this disappointment, che made
special application 10 the proper Department
TO be transferred" to the Canada frontier,
"where most danger was to be met, and most
glory o be won.'' But here again, cruel fate
interposed. The British Commissioners al
Chen, bad somehow OWNED his intentions, and
on his way 10 Canada-the ne,cs q pence reached
him! His military achievements ended with the
war. and he removed to Missouri "stood IN
the front rank Of his profession, and soon iden-
tilted his interest with those ofthe country" "He
connected his labours with every great question
regarding the welfare Of the Territory, the i'm
provemen, of her policy, and her advancement
in an honorable career In this respect he out
stripped the knowledge which prevailed in
that country-aH has eontemporaries-dnd anti
ctpatcd The uie,cs and conclusions Of the oldest and
most experienced men," And mere ends the story.
Perhaps more n ss gre collection of facts to
prove man iustrious-a more "beggarly ac-
count OF empty boxes"-has never been exhib-
lied since the recital of General Jackson's civil
services by Messrs. Reed and Eaton. II a new
edition Of Col. Benton's biography is medita-
Ted, we beg leave 10 suggest some additions