Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1827-10-24
TO DE NTINUED.

Some months since, we adverted to an inter-
view, had between Commodore Decatur and
General Andrew Jackson, of most extraord-
nary nature, in the lobby OF the United
States Senate Chamber. At the time we wcro
not enabled to give all the facts, but moro re-
Gently they have come to light, and we pre-
sent them them to tho public for their espec-
ial consideration. II is woll remembered, that
at the time Of the discussion had in Congress
IN relation to Jackson's conduct in the Semi.
mole war, his deportmont, was .ignalzcd by
unusual arrogance, so much so. that he excited
equally, the pity and contempt of friends and
foes. In the fulness Of his ire, he threatened
to cut off the ears Of those members Of tho
House of Representatives and Senate, who ba d
the temcrity TO speak freely and openly, of his
offensive conduct.
| Among others, who did not hesitate to de-
nounce his operations whilst engaged in the
Seminole war; was tho the Hon. Mr. Eppcs of
Virginia, the son-in-law of Mr.. Jefferson, and
he was the first one selected by tho General,
! to receive tho vollies Of his ire, and he swore
that he would castigate him in tho Senate cham
Der, and actually repaired thither TO carry his
threats into execution These threats re- chcd
could not believe that they were made in So
Der seriousness, he treated them as the idle
and ridiculous ebulitions Of an irritable man =
angry moments. 1t so happened however, that
he accidentally, discovered they were too true,
as will be found by the following article, fur
nished by the editor Of the Democratic Press,
which gives a minute, and painfully interes-
ting account Of the whole transa ction.
| "Thc last day of the session, the Senate
have an evening sitting for the purpose of re-
ceivng MESA gcs from tho President On this
occasion the Commodore conducted Mrs. De-
ca,ur to the brick capitol to witness the GER
emony Of the adjournment Of the Senate. As
they passed through n small anti-room to
tho door Of the Senate Chamber, about
nine o'clock nt night, they saw with sur
prise General Jackson, with his two aids
do-camp, walking backwards and forw ards,
appearing under the influence of great excite
mcnt. So soon as he conducted Mrs. De-
catur to scat in the lobby, he returned and
asked one of the aids, whether or not It was
true, that General Jackson intended to attack
Mr.. Eppes in the Senate Chamber. The re-
ply was, such is the Generals intention, and
such is the object Of his visit to tho capitol at
this hour. He added further that it was alto
gether impossible for any one, TO alter his de-
| termination.
Decatur then turned to General Jackson,
and observed, with that grave and firm tone
for which he was SO remarkable. "I have
Just learned, sir, with deep regret, that the
object Of your visit to the capitol, at this late
hour, is TO chastise Mr.. Eppcs in tho senate
chamber
The General replying with voice faulter-
ing with passion, Eyes, Sir, the d-mn'd ras-
cal has injured my reputation, and will be re-
vonged Of him this evening Il will cane him
in tho senate chamber - will teach the scoun-
drel 10 impeach my conduct, or to call in
question the proprety Of my measures
| "Thcn" replied the gallant Commodore,
you are an undone man-your fame will be
shipwrcckcd, and the nation disgra aced For
Gods sake be diverted from your purposes
the persons Of our Senators are sacred, when
engaged in their deliberations, and it is our du-
ty to protect, and not to assail them.''
! Whilst Decatur was thus earnestly tender
/ ing his advice, jackson hastily interrupted hun
with the following remark: az have made it a
rule in life sir, to bo revengcd of all insults, and
! am not now to be diverted from my purposes.
BY the eternal Cd I will enter tho senate
chamber and flog the id rascal"
Decatur slaprcd his hands together in his
own peculiar manner, and fercely observed,
"you shall not enter that door, sir, unless n
be over my dead body.'
Jackson stepped back his lips comp, essed,
and his face palld with anger; he eyed in si-
lenco the gallant spirit opposed to him for tha (
space Of half a minute. lie remarked, "De-
catur, regard you as a friend, and respect |
you as a gallant officer. but you must not, I
charge you, interfere in my designs
The commodore replied, :" reciprocste your
or my admiration Of your gallant exploits. can.
not be compared with the estimation ia which |