Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1827-09-08


BILE excitement exists in the town Of Huntsville,
Alabama. which owes its origin to tho publ
cation of political article published in the
Alabama Democrat, signed "Patric K T. ienry,' -
and addressed to Mr.. James M'Clung, q pro-
minent member Of tho Alabama Legislature.
appears that tho article contained gross
pcrronal attack on the character of Mr.
M'Clung;- that he called upon the Editor OF
the Democrat, Mr.. Wills, and demanded the
name Of the author, which demand was not
then complied with; but it was n,imated, that
at the expiration Of week, the request would
be granted. At tho time proposed, Mr..
M'Clung made fresh demand for the author,
and Mr.. Wills, still refusing, he shot him dead
in the public street.
immediately after the preparation Of the
bloody deed, il was rimorcd that the Hon.
John N Mkmley,a member Of the United States
senate, was the author Of " Patrick Henry, -
And refusing that his name should be given up,
leR the storm upon tho shoulders Of Mr.. Wills,
who, for his fidelity to his employer and per-
sonal friend, lost his life, at the hands Of the
injured party. Since the death Of Mr.. Wills,
Colonel M'Kiniey, aware Of the odium that
would grow out Of the affair, has come for
ward, in his own defence, and whilst he ad-
mite, that he dad write something for Mr.. Wills
on tho subject, Of which the essay signed
Patrick Hcary' touches, denies that he is
the author Of the unlucky production which
sent Mr. Wills TO an untimely grave.
Mr.. M'Kinley'. defence is clumsiIy written; /;
il betrsys some dsquietudc, and as whole,
will naturally lead the reader to tie adoption
of an opinion, that he really was tho author OF
Patrick Horny; and that, too faint hearted to
meet the consequences it was calculated to
call forth, he denied to Mr. Wills, the privi-
lege of making use Of his name; and thus,
through mana cement, cowardce, apd the in
auence of his name, sent TO an early grave,
man, who was either frightened by his threats,
or do!uded by the influences Of wealth. We
should not think, that Colonel NJ Kinley, had
efie cted the objects he had in view; but on the
contrary, had met with an entire failure.
Mr. Mckinley, is a native Of Virginia, but
at an early period in life, emigratcd TO Ken
tucky, where he learned the trade of a car
pcnter. Believing, however, that lie could OBJ
tain living, in an easier manner, than by Ia
bouring with the jack plane, he botook himself
10 the study Of the Law, and soon after to its
practice, and in a little period, obtaineda very
handsome fortune. During the celebrated AL
ALBANIA Land specializing mania, he emgratcd
TO Alabama, and there located himself for
life, and come out in the guisc OF politician
and the last year, consented to be a candidate
for the United States Senate, and was success
ful in obtaining an election; to accelerate
which even, the murdered Mr.. Wills exorcis-
cd all bis talents and energies, and Ultimate
ly sacrificed his life.
For the sake Of the honor Of mankind, we
cannot but hope, that Colonel Mckinley, was
not the author Of the unfortunate essay, but
from all We have seen, we are prepared to be-
leve that he did write il and that to expiate
his offences, he suffered another, and an inno-
cent man to die. If this be true, no odium,
which the detsstation and adherence of an
insuted and an indignant world can heap upon
him, can scarcely be sufficient to punish him,
for the commission Of moral alteration, at
the bare contemplation Of which, the mind
shrinks, and the heart turns away with disgust.
The unfortunate Mr.. Wills, as an editor.
maintained very respectable rank was a
Scotchman by birth and education, and has
left behind him to deplore his death, young
and INDECENT family, who, by the excitement of
politics. and the madness Of political jars, have
been thrown upon the cold charities of the
world, and deprived Of kind and aaectonatc
protector.