Martinsburg gazette and public advertiser. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1826-1833, 1833-08-01

4
that have appeared, during the present political
controversies. The subject Of the Tariff en-
gagged much Of his attention, not merely as a
question vitality important 20 Louisiana, but as
closely interviewer with the general veal He
wrote one or two very able pamphlets, one Of
which was pslblished with his name on the effect
Of the repeal Of the duty on sugar. and pointed out
with singular felicity, the extent to which the
prosperity OF almost every other great interest in
the country was connected Win the culture of this
important staple. TINS was done on a conviction
q duty to mis- State aud TO the Union. He was,
himself, as planter, exclusively engaged in the
culture OF cotton. This circumstance caused him
10 feel the unsoundness Of the statements of the
nulliers 10 the effect Of the tariff ON the price
OF cotton. His personal observation enabled him
TO trace the lsnguishng state of that culture in
South Carolina to its true cause-a cause so noto-
rious and powerful in its operation, TO make il
wonderful that any other should be thought Of
the competition of the inferior and exhausted
soils Of South Carolina, with the newer and rich
er soils OF the Southwest As cotton planter,
MIR. Johnston bore the clearest testimony to the
beneficial effects Of the establishment of Ameri-
can manufactures upon the prosperity Of that
branch of industry.
Convinced, from his own observation and ex-
pcrence that the complaints Of the South, against
the .ssriff were without foundation in fact, Mr.
Johnston of course looked urron the strange herssy
OF notification with peculiar disapr.p~ ~';"''
a
imaginary evil; and all his Influence was thrown
into the scale OF the Constitution. Such, how
ever, was the mi'dness Of his manner, such the
kindness of his disposition, such his known per-
sonal disintercstedness, that perhaps, there was
not member Of Congress, who possessed, to an
equal extent, the personal respect Of those, who
differed from him on this great and exciting qnes-
ton.
He was unremitted in his devotion TO the da-
ties OF his station. To his constituents he was
faithful in degree not easily surpassed Their
interests were ever uppermost In his mI"d; and
every act Of legislation, which concerned them,
received his unwcaried attention, from its incep-
ton TO its close. He made their affairs, public or
private, which were committed TO him. his own,
till he had done all in his power, to accomplish
what was desired. No labor was too great in
committee, the floor, or in private conference
with other members, when he saw the possibih-
ty OF advancing the interests entrusted TO his care
Few persons had pursued the political career
with more hatterng success; but this Success left
Mr.. Johnston perfectly unambitious. His total
freedom from selfish aims one great cause oil
his influence and popularity. No one ever sus-
pected, that h. had private end IN view, III any
thing which he either did or forbore TO do. Dur
ing the administration of MIR. Adams, he ranked
among the most prominent OF the political friends
of the President; and was known to be on the
most intimate footing Of confidence with the Sec
rotary of State. His character, talents, and
merits, would have well warranted the Execu-
tive, in gratifying any wish which could have
been entertained for his higher advancement, by
his warmest friends. But nothing, most certain
ly, would have panied him more, than 10 have it
thought that he would permit interest to be made
his behalf, for any office IN the gilt OF the all
ministration. twas the wish OF his friends, two
years since to tender him nomination as Co
vernon Of the Stale of Lousians but highly as he
respected the State cf his adoption, he found 10
{ mptation in the honors Of her chief magistracy
H. had passion for active efficient usetuln S.;
and the honor and eclat of station were the part OF
it, which was not only not attractive, but pecu-
liarly burdensome to him,
Mr.. Johnston's disposition was eminently So
cial. The Kentucky cordially of manner had IN
him be IN engrafted on the New England discre-
ton He selected his intimate associates with
care; but no one possessed, III higher degree,
| the happy art of keeping up an agreeable and
friendly intercourse, with large number OF per-
, sons Of various tempers and tastes. He adapt d
hims,lt to every kind of society, with peculiar
ease, and his company was equally welcome IN
all the circles of the metropolis political, fash
1 ionable, and domestic.
I No man ind .rstood more thoroughly, or prac-
tiscd more faithfully, the sacred duty Of friend
! ship. His tine, his advice, his purss, were free
! ly bestowed wherever they could sery Trend.
| FL could sacrifice his convenience and interest
with much alacrty in tn service of friend,
! as most men manifest in pursuit OF their own
| ends. His personal intercourse was character
| lied by great gentleness and suayity OF manner.
The rights and f..l ings of the abs, were al
! ways saf'; in his keeping; and he probably had
passed through life with as little personal enmity,
| as any public man in the country. Even party
malignIty, which spares no one, left him unas-
| sailed
MIR. Johnston had strong taste for books
| Though his active habits OF life had led him
| away from the pursuit Of mere scholarship, he
was well acquainted with the standard literature
OF onr language. His principal reading, how
ever, IN the constitutional and political his
| tory of our own country. Few persons were al
well versed in this subject His library contain
| I'D more than usually ample collection OF works
on this topic; and it the favorite occupation
of his leisure hours TO make himself acquainted
with their contents. OF his proficiency in these
| studies, his speech on Foots resolution affords
| the amplest proof ....
Nc man was more perfectly free from afiecta.
ton and prete Honesty, cordially, and sll,
gleness Of purpose, were striking qualities OF his
character. He never made an effort to give him
self consequence-never attuned his voice to his
own praise; and wore the multiplied honors that
had been bestowed upon him with the uncon
| seous ease OF true merit.
Nor was he less exempt from intrigue. Al
though the greater part of his life had been pass
ed as public man, in which capacity he filled {
succession of stations, most of them depending OF
popular favor, he knew the arts Of the dema
| gogue only he them daily practised by
others. He knew no path TO public favor bu
public usefulness. Content to serve the people
he never courted nor hattered them, and, resd
ing in the part Of the country, where the person
| al interference Of candidates in the elections il
| not discounteuanced by public sentiment, proba
Div no individual who had been so long and a
| variously in public life, had left his advancement
more entirely to the care of others.
MIR. Johnston was emnently happy in his do
| mestic relations. He discharged all the dutieso
| a son, a brother, husband, and father, witt
unsurpassed fidelity and tenderness. AT th'
close Of the war, he married the highly accom-
plished daughter Of DIR. JOIN SIRLEY, of Massa
/, chusetts, a gentleman then established and still
residing in Louisiana. This lady, the ornamen
> and pride Of every circle in which she moves
> survives TO deplore the irTeparable loss whic
she has been called to suffer Their only child
| a ,,onno man ON a visit 10 his estate, was wit