Delaware journal. [volume] (Wilmington [Del.]) 1827-1832, 1828-04-04
FoR THE DELAWARE Journal,

FoR THE Delaware JOURNAL.
The sanguinary execution Of John Woods, at Fort
Sroher in the Creek nation, and the facts brought
TO light by the late certificates of Thomas Couch
Robt Ferguson, Saml. Hanna, and Geo. A. Brock,
must forever, mark, with ndelible disgrace, the
character of General Jackson.
The conduct of Woods was Just such as would
have been pursued by every person of spirit. The
magsteria tone of the overbearing Major Camp
was opposed, repulsed and resented with the fear
essness of American independence. Gifted with
. brief authority "the vainglorous military myrmi-
don imagined that complete subordination-s
ordination even to meanness--was due to him from
all others who held inferior titles-that his word
was an rrevocabe and irresistible edict, and that
he who gainsayed it should meet the vengeance oil
his power. But the free spirit Of Woods could not
brook the haughtiness of tyrant nor degrade him
self by savish submission to arbitrary orders.
The hastiness of Gen. Jackson's temper has been
always known and this case confirms it still more
His disposition to act rashly, without the least de-
liberation, inquiry, examination is very evident.
Camp. enraged by disappointment and defeat hast
ened to the General and informed him that man
had mutnied. This was enough to call up the san
culinary ire of Gen. Jackson and rushing out off
his tent, venting his bitter magnity in the coarsest
yociferations of the most shocking plasphemy, hel
demanded the life-blood of fellow being. 'sBy
the Eternal God blow ten balls through the damn
ed rascal ~
1t is plainly manifest that Woods had not fair
trial. He was, in the words of Mr.. Brock. with
out any friend, adviser, counsel to defend him.
How can it, then, be supposed that justice was done
| him, when contrary to law and usage he was tried
and condemned without the aid of counsela A
youth of eighteen years, with strong preudces rails
| ed against him by a commissioned officer backed in
the prosecution by the Commandments, could
not be expected to defend himself, with success, be-
fore deficient Court Martial nominated by his vii
LITER, and also subject to the exparte pleadngs of
Judge Advocate. But he had been prejudged by an
-lndividuai Military Chcfnin, whose decision could
! NOT be modified or reversed-whose calous heart
:. fet not the sympathetic appeals of humane friends
and associates but who, immoveably liked IN his
lust determination. was deaf to the most powerful
lsuppications OF humanity.
y But there is another fact disclosed in this case
(which shows at what little consequence General
Jackson estimates human life Woods life would
have been spared had he consented to enlist. Speak
+ ling of Woods execution the General had said, BY
the Eternal God he must be the example ;"-he
must suffer the vengeance of power. And in exc.
cutting his object the General would either have him
linhumanly murdered or make him enlist. What a
strange equality of punishments ! and bow still
more passing strange. that man who aspires to the
Presidency of the United States should make such
ed for by enlistment, merit death No mind ex-
cept that which had been, by nature and practice,
injured to blood and carnage, could ever think so.
Supposing Woods to be guilty, he certainly de-
A served pardon, mitigated punishment. The
> charge was trivial one--he would not "carry
away some bones.'' This was the i" head and front
Of his ofending.'' He was esteemed and beloved
by all who knew him as is evidenced by the petition
for his PARDON which was signed by his friends and
associates, and even by the Court Martial that con-
i demned him. He was youth of eighteen gears o.
age The crimson hue of early life mantled on his
lhealthful cheek--his cheerful cOutenance cleaned
with vivacity and inteligence--and his stately form
e his dignifed and buoyant step marked him with q
i manly and imposing air. He was an American
his heart felt indignant athss countrys wrongs-the
flame of patriotism burnt brightly in his fearless
. breast, and his courageous was ever ready to
defend his nations rights and repel the rude en-.
2 croachments of savage foe. This was not ALL
. He was the Joy, he love, the hope of his aged pa
j. rents-he was the sturdy pillar which supported
r their lettering tenements of Wondering clay-his
heart glowed with flial petyhs fatigue was borne,
his dangers encountered, his honors won, MS earn.
ngs saved, all to reflect credit his parents. and
honor his father and his mother. The frosts of ma
Inv winters had CONCEALED his parents flowing veins,
land time had rendered fra and decrepit their once
|hale and active forms. They now looked with joy
Ifu confidence to the of their beloved son
for their protection and support Their confidence
was not misplaced ; for their sons delight was to
look forward to the day when honorably crowned
with never fading aurels of victory he should return
to his humble home, and glad the hearts of his below
ed parents with his wshed-tor presence and the full
and we'll earned recompense of his valorous deeds
But alas! these frightened prospects, at once. are
wrapt in gloom. The lips of General jackson have
uttered the unjust, the bloody, the blasphemous
words 'sBy the Eternal God he must be the exam
Iple.'' Law, justice, humanity, friendship, youth.
Ienur.na narintis1n and flial netH anvil nothing .