The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1827-11-01
POLITICAL.
From the Democratic Press
GEN. JACKSON AND COM. DECATUR

GEN. JACKSON AND COM. DECATUR
Allusion has been frequently made in
the public prints, 10 an interesting inter-
view which occurred between these gem
temen, some years ago, near the door OF
the u, :. Senate Chamber. AS have de-
rived the particulars from an authentic
source | shall take the liberty of submit
= ting them TO the consideration Of the pub
/ lie.
Phe extraordinary measures Of General
Jackson during the continuance OF the Se-
mnole War, not only ehcited deep and
loud complaints from the public, but at
tracted the notice of Congress. The sub
lect was brought before the House OF Re-
presentatves by Mr.. Clay. the present
distinguished Secretary OF State. He an
imadverted on the Generals disregard of
orders, AS well as of legal and constitution
al restraint, with degree OF boldncss and
eloquence which even surpassed all his
previous efforts.
The Generals conduct was also made Il
subject of inquiry in the Senate. In this
investigation Mr.. Leacock end Roberts, Of
this state, and Mr.. Eppes of Virginia took
an active part. The General complained
with much bitterness Of the course pursued
by all these gentlemen, and threatened to
cut off their ears. He selected, however,
Mr.. Eppes, tho son in law of the patriot
Jefferson, as the particular object OF his
vengeance, and swore, with his usual pro-
family, that he would chastise him in the
midst Of tho body in which his injurious
remarks had been made. This report
reached tho ears Of the gallant Decatur.
He considered II, however, as one OF those
idle declarations which men Of intempc-
rate passions not unfrequonlly make, with
out any intention OF putting IL into execu-
ton.
The last day Of the session the Senate
have an evening sitting for the purpose o
receiving messages from the President.
On this occasion the Commodore conduct
cd Mrs. Decatur to the brick capitol, 10
witness the ceremony Of the adjournment
of the Senate. AS they passed through n
small antiroom to tho door OF tho Senate
Chamber, about nne o'clock at night,thev
saw with surprise General Jackson, with
his two aids-de-camp walking backwards
and forwards, appearing under the lnfln-
ence OF great excitement. So soon ms hc
conducted Mrs. Decatur to scat IN tho
aids whether or not TWAS Ssssflfd led, one OF tue
eral Jackson inycnuvu 'o, w.. g -
pes in the Senate Chamber. The rep,Y
was. such is the Generals intention, ana
| such is tho object of his visit to the caoIioi
at this hour. He added further that IT.
was altogether impossible for any one, to
| alter his determination.
Decatur then turned TO General Jackson,
and observed, with that grave anu hrm
tone for which he was 80 rcmarkable-"I
have Just learned, sir, with deep regret,
that the object Of your visit to The capitol
at this late hour, IL 10 chastise Mr.. Eppes
in the Senate chamber"
The General replied with voice ialtor-
ing with passion, "yes, SIR, the d-mna
rascal has injured my reputation, ana
will be rcvcDged of him this evening"
will cane him in the senate chamber
will teach the scoundrel to impeach my
conduct or to call in question the propriety
Of my measures"
"1'hen" replied The gallant Commodore.
"you are an undone man-your fame WIZ
be shipwrecked, and the nation dlsgraced.
For God sake be diverted from your pur-
poses--the persons Of our senators are ga
cred. when engaged in their deliberations,
and il is our duty to protect them, and not
to assail them"
Whilst Decatur was thus earnestly ten
dcrlng his advice, Jackson hastily inter.
rupted him with the following remark: 81
have made il rule in life SIR, 70 DC re-
venCed Of all insults, and am not now 10
be diverted from my purposes. by the C.
ternal Cd will enter the Senate cham-
Der and fog the d-d rascal. !"
Decatur slapped his hands together III
his own peculiar manner, and hcrcely oo-
served Gyou shall not enter thot door, SIR,
unless Il be orer my dead body"
Jackson stepped back-bis lips COM
pressed, and his face pallid with anger; lie
eyed in silence the gallant spirit opposed
to him for the space Of half minute. lie
remarked, "Decatur, ] regard you ss
| friend, and respect you asa gallant ofhcer
but you must not, l charge you, ih'eriefe
| in my designs"
The commodore replied, 81 rociprocote
your obliging expressions, but my irieng-
shin for YOU, or my admiration oil your gal
liant exploits, cannot be compared with the
estimation in which ] bold my country
She shall never be disgraced while II 10 IN
my power to prevent IT."
Witnessing the infexible determination
Of Decatur, the General lowered his tone
Of violence, and entroated him IN his turn,
that there should be no interference with
his purposes. Jackson" sold
Decatur, "I respect the feelings Of col
der, but the course which you have taken
in this affair, cannot receive the sanction
Of any one. whose judgment is free irons
the influence of passion. j must, there
fore, again entreat Of you, to abandon your
nresent rash and inconsideretc intentions"
Jackson gave Decatur familiar slap on
the shoulder, and observed "you are gal
liant soldier, I will take your advice
know YOU would not advise me to any
| co,x.. ,vb;cb ia incompatible with the ho.