Vandalia Whig and Illinois intelligencer. [volume] (Vandalia, Ill.) 1832-183?, 1834-03-27
COL. r. I'll. J3HNsON,s.

col. r, III. JDHNsON'S.
Chnracie' d''d scru'ces, By tie Rcp. o. C.
CoasG'och, q preacher Of Tie G9oapel IN
Fes2 11oyF, eelto formerly scrued nth hin
az tie Congress Of tie United States
contained IN an er4ract of a letter al
dressed to The Rcp. J. r. Dodge, of
Broc.port.
VERY DrAa sra-Amoag the advanta
gos and satisfaction consequent upon nv
congressional life, is The opportunity i! al
lorded to form an Intimate acquaintance
with some Of the most Interesting charac.
ters. Most Of oar great men in The vari-
Gus departments Of the government, are
only known to Us by their pubic acts which
occasionally meet our eye on official re-
cords, OF in the fugitive publications. Of he
times. From these sources we may learn.
IN great measure, the public merit OF a
man, but they often leave us ignorant Of
the qualities of his heart. These qualities
are chiefly manifested in the disposition
one makes OF himself in controlling his ap-
pelItcs and passions, and in the way IN
which he aPpropriates his time, talents ana
property. Long observation Of the genei-
al conduct Of man in his public and pri-
vato walks, enables US to form Just concep-
tons OF his sentiments, disposition and
habits. How frequently is the lustro Of Of
iicial career tornishod by unjust, iliberal,
or dishoaorablc actions in social and do
nestle intercourse. The man who uni,
'ornliy eIhbi.s, in his public and private
life, integrity and 5eneyoIenco of heart, is
a rare example Of human excellence, and
claims our highest esteem and affection.
Among the intimate acquaintance to
whom have alluded, mention with pleas
IRE Col r. III. Johnson of Kentucky
From the knowledge have OF this gentle
man, derived from his patriotic and olo-
f1cnt speeches in congress, and from the
official reports OF his active and efficient
services in war, had a,aibed a very high
respect tof his character. remember,
with the proud sensibiiigy Of al American
citizen, the mounted regiment, the rapldity
with which lhcy were raised, and The
p1omr;ludc, alacr,ty, and success with
which they met HE enemy The painful
bat slor;oa3 part he Colonel sustained in
the defeat and capture Of the combined
forces under the command ot general Proc
tor, had excited in my breast those senti-
monts, and emotions which The history of
these transactions IS calculated to inspire
In the winter Of 1914, the Colonei's ar
rival at Washington, had been the subject
of much discourse and pleasing anticipa-
ton 1t was not, however, till March, that
he made his appearance in the house CT
representatives, feeble, emaciated, and
covered with honored scars received in
fighting the battles of his country.
1t was my happiness, at this time, to be-
come an inmate with him, and during sev
eral succeeding sessions, we he'd and oc%
cupied IN common, the same drawing room
at the house Of mutual friend. The Co
lionel is celebrated for his companions bic
qualities, and of course, could not fail to
form with him an extensive and intimate
acquaintance. Temperate and studious in
his habits, We reviewed, in our leisure
hours, trust with reciprocal advantage.
various departments Of literature and ser
ence. improvement in useful knowledge
and unremitted attention to business, is his
comcnt Serving his friends and the pub
lie is his delight. TO this end he cheerful
" directs all the energies of his body and
mind Whist he occasionally unbends
the soul 70 facetious conversation, and in
dulges for an hour in the fashionable a.
muscincnts of the polite circles, it is GER
tain that the pursuit OF solid learning and
the faithful discharge of every trust, yield
him richer entertainment. Perhaps, there
are few men ia the United States, who con-
sumo more midnigh, oil than Col. johnson.
His public station, joiaed to the beneyo-
lcnce of his heart, have imposed on him a
most extensive and iaborious correspon-
dcnce. The poor soldier, and the most
helpless widow and orphan, have continu
ally since the war been prefering to him.
as Fl lend and advocate, their claims on
government Nor have they appealed tc
him in vain.5 Whenever they have had
Justice in their favor, they have found him
an able, disinicrested and faithful supper
ter. Communications, in relation to the
public accounts, have not only been adj
dressed to him from his own district anc
state, but also from various quarters of tho
union. 1t was surprising to see the grea
number of letters he wrote in a week OF
business and friendship, and on military
and political science. lie breads no exer
,ion: he shrinks from no responsibility
The generous sympahies of his heart, hay'
very often been manifested, in the most mu