The North-Carolina standard., 1843-04-19

y! RlCnmond. IL is proper here to remark, that
Mr. Gardner maintained his position with digni-
he'd frmness, and with conscious rectitude of pur
pose, disregarding the manifestations of hostility
on the part of the individual referred to. The
public mind became so fully convinced that the
cause IN which Mr.. G. had so zealously enlisted,
was just one, and believing it to be Right and
Right only, for which ne was contending, a town
meeting was called, in his absence, and of which
he had no knowledge until his return AT this
meeting, which was numerously attended by all
parties and classes resolutions were unanimously
passed, expressing in the warmest and most un-
equivocal terms, their entire appreciation of his
course. From this period all excitement seemed
to be gradually passing away.
On the Goth of March last, another meeting
was held for the purpose of nominating candi-
dates to represent this County in the Legislature,
when the individual above referred arose to ex-
plain his conduct in connection with this matter
Objection was made to his remarks as being out
Iof order, and having no reference to the object
for which the meeting had been called 1t was
at this stage of the proceedings, on motion being
made to allow the individual to continue his ex-
PLANTATION, that NJ. Cooke, jr. voluntarily became
party in the controversy which had been for
some weeks, agitating this community. Hav
ing previously inquired of gentleman near him
IJ Mr.. Gardner 1cas present, and being inform
that he aoGS not, he proceeded to make some re-
marks, in the course of which he understood
in aludng to Mr.. c., to have used most un-
justfable and abusive language. Mr.. Gardner was
informed of this by several friends who were pre-
sent on the occasion. In his next paper, believ
ing he had been attacked in public meeting with
out proyocation, by one with whom he was who'll
ly unacquainted noticed it in such manner as he
thought it deserved.
Within two or three days subsequent to the no.
tice mentioned above, relative of Mr.. Cooke,
called upon him Mr. Gardner at his Office, and de-
sired him to go into the street, which he refused
to do, saying that his office was the place where
he transacted business, and ifany person had busi
ness with him, they could see him there This
did not appear to satisfy the gentleman, as he was
understood to say when about retiring, that he
should take some other time and place.
1t was Mr.. Gardner's desire that the difficulty
might be amicably adjusted, and often expressed
willingness to do all that an honorable man could
do, to Lring about such result. In a subsequent
article he explained his position and made use of
INFORMED OR HAVE MISREPRE-
SENTED ANY MATERIAL FACTS IN
THE CASE, NO MAN CAN BE BETTER
PLEASED THAN OURSELF TO BE IN
FORMED OF OUR ERROR. WE DE-
SIRE TO KNOW ONLY TRUTH AL
WAYS"
That the attack was premeditated, and arrange
ments made that there might be no failure, is ap-
parent from the remarks made few days before
Mr.. G's death, by person who has not before
been mentioned in this account, 'that whoever
should interfere 1ohen the attack aoaS made
WOULD CERTAINLY BE SHOT,.
Acting on the defensive from the first, Mr. c.
continued in this position. On Thursday last, he
had occasion to go to Norfolk on business de-
manding his attention. He consulted friend in
regard to the propTiety or safety of going, who
thought he could run risk. 1t the eve
of returning home that the sad event occurred, as
we have already noticed
We have thus gone through with the history
connected with this affair, omittng many import
ant circumstances which will be presented when
the examination shall take place. We might
have said more, we could not say less. 1t may
perhaps be expected that we should say more, es-
pecally in view of the statements made in the
Norfolk papers. But though melted to do so, we
shall not yield to the impulse, especially as the
unfortunate author ofthis lamentable affair is now
awaiting a trial. What we have said, we haye
received from the mouths of witnesses and we'll
attested circumstances.
We would that we had the ability to pay
worthy tribute to the elevated character, and en-
inent talents ofthe lamented Gardner. The world
has been blessed with few such men, and his death
may we'll be regarded as a common calamity
cast upon the world Wnlle Ooy, WITHOUT d llleHu
to encourage, or a hand to sustain him. there was
an early development of his mental powers, and
though at the period of his death, he was young
man, he had for several years ranked among the
first writers in our country. AS poet he has
struck out some notes which have thrilled many
hearts with emotions of inexpressible delight, and
in remembrance of which many will mourn that
so sweet harp has been so soon unstrung. AS a
prose writer, there was a giant power and rare
freshness which gave interest and value to all that
proceeded from his pen. AS man there were
excellencies evinced by him which commanded
the respect and warm attachment of all who knew
him. Alas alas that such an one should so
soon have fallen, and thus have fallen. He was
worthy better fate, and the living will keep his
name and character as dear to their souls. We
doubt not that other hands will make a worthier
record of this truly great man.
The funeral of Mr. G.. which took place on
presented a spectacle such as we have
never before seen. Hundreds-we believe we
may say thousands-joined in the ceremonies of
the sad occasion. The services took place in the
Baptist Church, and were appropriately perform
ed by the Pastor, the Rev. Mr.. Hume The spa
cous building was densely filled, while hundreds