, 1841-09-25

We extract the following short but into.
resting history, OF the life and public services
of that distinguished hero and patriot Col. X.
M. johnson, from a series ofletters just pub.
lished, in which is faithfully delineated the
character OF tina, inestimable man. We
were so In Unfortunate as to misplace one of
the numbers, which will cause that which
we publish to appear rather unconnected.-
1t contains however we believe the most
prominent acts in his life, though it would
seem impossible TO portray even a faint like
ness Of the character of one who for the last
forty years, has acted SO proud and conspi-
cious a part in his country's history, within
such narrow limits:
Col. Johnson was born in the autumn of
the year 1881, and IL nov in the sixtieth
wear of his age. He is Of middle stature
rather heavy make. large masculine prcmi-
nent features with u robust constitution and
excellent health. Although somewhat lame
and hobbling in his gait. owing 10 the numer-
GUS wounds received in defence of ''~freedom's
soil and freeman's rights" yet is lie capable
of sustaining more fatigue and performing
more duty, than one in fifty OF the young
men of tie present age. lie now bears up
on his mangled body. five CHASTITY scars, re-
ceived in the single battle of the Thames,
when no less than fifteen bullets entered his
hat, clothes and person.
He was the third son Of Col. Robert John
son, a native Of Virginia, who during the
revolutionary wal emigrated to the then
wilderness Of Kentucky, or as it was COM
monty called the Bloody Ground and where
he embraced with the yea! of a patriot, the
cause of his then bleeding country, and de-
termined to assist in her protection and de-
live to the utmost Of his abilities. Few
are better acquainted than yourself, with the
difficulties. privations, hardship s and dangers,
incident upon the first settlement Of Ken
tucky. When its sparse population OF brave
,dyenturers, were compelled TO live in forts
and stations, TO fell the forests and till the
ground, with a rifle and battle-axe lashed TO
their hacks. to he ever ready at a moments
warning 10 defend themselves. their wives
and little ores. irem The tomahawk and scalp.
ing knife Of the cunning. insidious savages,
ar to follow in hot pursuit those hellish blood
hounds of British tyranny. History and the
grateful recollectionS Of 4 few yet lingering
upon the shores of mortality, both bear tes-
timony, that in those perils, hardshiPs and
dangers, none bore a more active part, and
few were more distinguished, than was Col.
Robert Johnson. Intelligent. vlr,uous and
brave he was beloved by most. and respected
bv all who knew him. He at an early age
Injured his sons to endure hardships and pri-
vations. and instilIed into their young minds
an ardent love of liberty; and that it was
the duty of the patriot, to be at all times
ready to peril even life itself in maintaining
and defending his ceuntry's rights, his coun-
trv's cause. His sons, one and all, but more
esneciallv James and Richard NJ, are bright
and shining examples, that those precePts
and examples were not in vain.
Al the close of the revolution and cessa-
zion of Indian hostiiities, Col. Robert John
.on tnrnedhis attention mostly to agriculture.
His useful talents were. however, too well
known, and too fully appreciated to be lost
to his country. Accordingly ne was chosen
one of the Delegates who framed the State
Constitution. and was also one OF the Dele
yates of the Convention, held afterwards
Tor its revision. He was also elected and
served in the State Legislature for many
Years: retaining, unimpaired. the entire con-
6dence Of the people until death putt peri
Cd to his useful and virtuous lite.
When yet quite a lad, Richard MIR. resolv-
ed 10 qualify himself for a learned profession.
After receiving the best education the coun-
trv schools would afford, he went to Lexlng-
ton and finished a classic and scientific edu.
cation at the Pennsylvania University. A.
ter this he forthwith commenced the study
Of the law, under Col. George Nicholas, then
one of Kentucky's most celebrated states
men, councillors and ~jurists. Upon the
death of Col. Nicholas, Richard NJ. finished
his studies under the Hon. James Brown,
since 4 distinguished Senator in the Congress
Of the United States from the STATE Of Lou