Lynchburg Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1829-185?, 1829-11-09

Extract ofa Letter from gentleman in Arkan-
Gas, 10 the Editor Of he Western Chronicle,
dated Cant. Gibson, Sept. 81, 1929.
II Is amusing TO read the statements and
speculallons in the various public journals o the
day. respecting Gen. Samuel Houston, late Co
vernon OF lennessee-soule of which are well
calculated 10 excite great interest among his
relatives and acquaintance, and to give them
much inqnirtude and unhappness
Profound mystery bangs around this man
and the circumstances in which he has place.
himself. His former elevation in society, con.
rasted with his present situation aud exile ar
well calculated to excite the curiosity II man,
and awaken the generous sympathy Of all.
81 became acquainted with Gen. Houstou
many years past in the army Of the Ualtr
States and saw him soon after his arrival west
OF the Mississippi, in the Arkansas Territory
and with whom had passage in a steamer, as
tar as Cant. Gibson on the Neosho or Grand
river ; aud with whom had many and f equen
conversaiions--iound him always unreseryed IL
ms manner and convei salons on all sd rcfs
except that of his own peculiar sttuation
he became serions and melancholy he song,
10 conceal Il by assuming a calmuass Of esuras-
sion and manner-he was often alone anu read
ing--seldom participating in the amusemenls
on board, nor dih h" appear thai he sought 10
all tue siiBHtIb tibllt Oi regard from
but emed rather satisfied unh every thing
or rather cared for nothing. II was. however,
impossible 10 associate with him, and GOT TO
discover the distinctive impress, non sum opn-
lis erGm'-l am not what | have been. After
short residence IN this country, he appeared less
depressed and melancholy, and was some
times very cheerful, speaking in rap ures OF the
beautiful scenery and natural advantages of the
CONTEMPLATING the mis- ~ and ignorance
ofthe Usage Nation ot ludians, OF whom he
had seen a great numb r.
Il saw the General again at his 7pioloam or
summer house, constructed of cate. and closely
entwined and mantied by the Lima Bean, al The
mouth of the Illinois river, distant from this
place about went five miles the residence of
Ctdtaka alias Gen. John JOley, the principal
chief of the Cherokees, his Indian Father, a
bout sixty years of age, half breed somew hat
| above the middle SIZE, very genteel in his per-
| son, man of fine manners. mild, intelligent,
| and possessing high character for honesty and
benevolence, by whom the General was recciy
| ed with the most cordial and paiernaI affection
| and regard, which brought 10 my recollection
the language OF the classic poet OF the least OF
| fneas, lddeed Gen. Houston seems to have
exci,ee much interest and regard in this country,
and II seems with him that self interest NAV be
merged in the loftier consideration of endeavor
ing 10 DO good among the Indian tribes located
west OF the Mississippi; and with his kuowled e
OF the indian character. he is certainly capable
OF doing much good. His talents are nor of the
splendid and sparkling kind )" and yet pro
found, respectable, varied aud useful. But his
location in the Cherokee Nation I'M. been asc,;
bed TO alterations ofthe mind 10 which the ma.
levoIence of Islander has added int importance, of
either OF which | have not discovered the ieas,
indications Indeed the department and con-
VeTsalions oil Gen. Houston merit unqualified
appreciation We do not discover in him the
least uncture of bitterness We hear nothing
from MIN but manly sentiments. conciiatory
language, and enlarged and liberal views Of
things. lie seems to be satisfied with his situ-
alton, and 10 state OF enviable peace-hut we
cannot permit this man to remain in exile-he
WI he restored to society and usefulness again.
In me mean lime, we will do him the Justice to
bear testimony to the high estimation ia which
ne Is neld oy the Whites and the Indians who
oave the pleasure of bis acquaintance"