Delaware journal., 1827-11-02
GEN. JACKSON & CON. DECATUR.


red between these gentlemen some years ago, near
the door of the y. 5. Senate Chamber. As have
derived the particulars from an authentic source,
shall take the liberty Of submlttn, them TO the con-
sderatlon of the public
The extraordinary measures of Gen. Jackson
during the continuance Of the Seminole war; not
only elected deep and loud complaints from the
public. but attracted the notice of Congress. The
subject was broush before the House Of Represen-
tatives by Mr Clay, the present distinguished Sc
cretary of State. He animadverted on the Gene
ral's disregard of orders, well as of legal and
constitutional restraint, with degree Of boldness |
and eoqaence which even surpassed all his prevlcas
efforts.
The Generals conduct was also made subject
of inquiry in the Senate. In this investigation Mr.
Leacock and Roberts, of this state. and Mr.. Eppes,
Of Va. took an active part The GeNeral COM
planned with much bitterness. Of the course pur
sued by all these gentlemen and threatened to cut
off their ears. He selected, however, Mr. Eppes,
the sonnaw of the patriot Jefferson, as the part
cuar object of his vengeance. and swUre, with his
usual profanity, that he would chastise him in the
midst Of the body in which his injurious remarks
had been made. This report reached the Of
the gallant Decatur. lie considered it, however,
as Of those idle declarations which men Of intem-
perae passions not unfrequently make, without any
intention of putting into execution.
The last of the session, the senate have even
ing sitting for the purpose of receiving messages
from the President. On this occasion the Commo-
dore conducted Mrs. Decatur to the brick capitol,
to witness the ceremony of the adjournment of the
Senate. As they passed through SIN III antl-room
to the door OF the Senate chamber, about nine
O'Clock at night, they with surprise, Gen. Jack
son, with his two aids de-camp walking backwards
and Forwards appearing under the Influence Of
great excitement. so soon as he conducted Mrs.
Decatur to a seat in the lobby he returned and ask
cd of al IS ph.thp pot ttIIp at
Gen. Jackson intended to attack Mr.. Eppes in the
Senate chamber The reply was, such is the Gene
rails intention, and such ls the object Of his visit 10
the capitol this noor. He added further that it
altogether impossible tor any one to alter his de-
termination.
Decatur then turned to Gen. jackson, and OBJ
served. with that giayc, aud firm tone for which he
was so remarkable : - have Just learned, sir,
with deep regret that the object Of your visit to the
capitol, at this late hour. is to chastse Mr.. Eppes
III the senate cha,nher.''
The Geueral reyle l. with a voice faulterng with
passion. ..yps, str, ihe d-n'd rascal has injured
nv reputation. and will be avenged of him thi-
evening" will cane him in the senate chamber--]
will teach the scoundrel TO impeach my conduct, o
to call in question the propriety Of my measures
= hem replied The gallant Cominolore. !" yol
are AN nndone man-your fame will be shipwrecket
and the nation dlssraeed. For Gods sake be di
yerted from your purpnses-the pers0ns OF Our -,
nators are sacred. when engaged in their ,leibera
tons, and It IS our duty 10 protect and Not to assa
them.''
Whilst Decatur was thus earnestly rendering hi
advice. jackson hastily interrupted him altn th
following remark :. | have made il rue IN life
sir. 10 be restnged OF all insults, and l not
to be diverted from my purposes. BY the eterna
Cd | viii! enter the senate chamber and No. Il,
Id rascal"
Decatur slapped his hands together in hi, own p'
,,It b,,u
ter that door. sr, miess il be my teal body!
Jackson stepped back his lips compressed, an
his face pallid with anger ; he eyed in silence II
gallant spirit opposed to him for the space of half
minute. He remarked, :. Decatur regard YOU
friend, and respect you gallant officer, b
you must not, charge YOU interfere in my designs
The Cummo,lnre replied 81 recprocate yu
obliging expressions, but my friendship for YOU
nv admiration Of your gallant exploits, cannot
compared with the estimation in which hold II
country she Shall never be dis sraced while it is
my pnwes to prevent it,
witnessing the lnhexib,e determination of Dec
tur, the General lowered his tone of violence, al
intreated in his that there should be no int
ference with his purposes" General jackson
sal, Decatur. +" | respect the feelings of IA sodt
but the coa.se which you have taken in this AHA
canaot receive the sanction of any one wiio
judgement is free from the influence Of passion
must therefore, again lntreat of you. to abanl
your present rash aud ncensiderae intentions y
jackson gave Decatur familiar slap on
shoulder; and observed .. you a gallant solli
! know you would not advise inc to any cna
which is incompatible with the honor Of d so|,ligY
The truth Of Ne above anecdntc can he sustain
BY the most positive and unimneachabe testimo
The galant the lelr'ut,c, tne high minded Dpca
himself has detailed the circumstances to seve
highly respectable gentlemen in this state.
detail was made at time when no one in his sen
eyer supposed General Jackson wonld he brou
i,rwarl as callIil .tr rlr Inc Hrns;.l4..D.. d