The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1836-08-17
RICHARD M. JOHNSON AT HOME.
From the New York Evening Post

A Kentucky paper, the Georgetown
Sentinel, gives an interesting account Of
late litery exhibition at the Choctaw Acad-
emy, on the farm Of Col. II. M. Johnson.
The building Of the academy, of rude ar
chtectare, but spacious and convenient,
stands on the top of hill shaded by beau
tifpl grove OF sugar naples. Under these
trees stage had been erected for the oc-
casion, and band of music engaged, and
seats placed in the shade before the platform
for the accommodation Of the audience.
The number of persons collected on the oc-
casion was estimated at three thousand !;
and the exercises are described as peculiar
y interesting from the self-possession Of the
speakers, and the peculiarly Of their ap-
pearance and articulation. The perfor-
mances were mostly declamations aud dia-
logues, and the recitation of popular songs,
performed by persons of various ages, from
boys OF twelve years old to full grown
young men. We have never witnessed" :"
says the Georgetown Sentinel, " in the ex-
ercIses OF young men belonging to colleges
an apparent better knowledge Of the science
of defamation, than was shown by these
young men. We believe that there is, in
the Indian composition, peculiar love for
the sterner and gloomier features of the
drama. The expression Of countsnance,
the violence Of gesticulation, and the i'm
passioned tone Of voice, all indicate the
workings Of the darker passions, in such
manner as to awaken in the spectator the
most lively interest, and often kindle a
sympathetic excitement" The company,
alter the exercises were over, were invited
TO Colonel JOhDson's residence, where they
partook of a repast provided for the occa-
sion, and were addressed by their enter
tainer in speech of which the following
account is given:
i" He said that he was happy and CRATE
fui in being again enabled, after a long and
tedious separation, to grasp the hand of SO
many of his old and faithful friends. That
of all others the people then around him
were endeared to him by ties and associa-
tions peculiarly strong and interesting.
There were among them many ofthe friends
and associates of his early years-men with
whom he had mingled in the friendly and
happy intercourse of private and domestic
life, and men with whom he had went forth
hand in hand, to brave the tolls, the perils,
and sufferngs of war.
But, said he, in casting my eyes over
this assembly, | find much to awaken feel
lngs of sadness as well as pleasure. The
faces of many of my oldest and warmei
friends no longer greet me. Age, diseas
and accident have thinned their ranks bu,
l am still inspired with feeling of grateful
and chastened pride to witness here many
who have stood by me during thirty years
of arduous public duty-in peace and in
war, and in every vicissitude of not un-
eventful life. l have been charged with
praislng the people beyond their merits, for
selfish purposes, The charge is too ungen-
erous to awaken my regard.
TO the people owe a debt of gratitude
which can never discharge. They alone
have placed me in a situation, and given me
! ,ho power to be useful in civil life. But more
particularly am indebted t. them for the
slight fame that attaches to my military
career. | should be subject to the most
bitter self-condemnaton, should cease to
declare that more is owing to the patriotism
and bravery OF the gallant men which haG
the good fortune to command, than to my
own exertlons, however devotedly l may
have striven to serve my country. l was
entrusted with the keeping of many valua-
Die lives. l felt the responsibility of the
task,and strove to discharge my duties faith
fully and uprighily. My life was not more
valuable that the lives of the rest, shun-
ned no danger to which those under my
command were exposed-I shed some drops
OF blood but my gallant men poured theirs
out like autumn rain. Nor were these men
mean and mercenary hirelings,, but my
peers, my fellow tizens, my neighbors,
and my kinsmen-the people. Had serv-
ed monarch with the same zeal and in
dustry with which have attempted to serve
my country, n star or garter, or title Of no.
biity might have been gained, But how in
comparably richer has been my reward. The
pleasure | feel this day in witnessing the
friendly demonstration of neighbors and
acquaintanccs is worth all the giIded bau-
bles ever worn by selfish ambition tramp
ling upon human rights. / have not won a
coronet, but have gained credit for toll
and sacrifice in the cause Of humanity
the kindly regard of the farmer and the
mechanic, the poor laborer, and the time
worn and toiI-worn soldier. But this gives
'"o "o 'eS"S "Nin w Nauity. Tor me III Is
sufficient to know that | am not deemed
unworthy to be called one Of the people
The multitude, it is true, may not have
weighed and pondered upon every maxim
OF political economy, or form of government
ancient and modern-they may not have
sought among imperfect records and OBJ
scure traditions the secrets of the rise, glory
aud decline of Greece and Rome. and The
other nations which, like them, have -four