Independent Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1842-1844, 1843-09-16


About three months since, fellow by
the name Of Alexander NJ. Gwinn, (some
say from Tcksburg, others say from no.
where,) came into our village, Sharon, and
in very short time formed an acquain-
taace with a sister.in'aw of mine, paid
her some attention, and finally addressed
her. She being young and inexperienced,
and being destitute alike OF father and mo
ther, as might have bcen expected, asked
! my opinion concerning him, and my adj.
vice as to the manner in which he should
he received, having no one with whom
to adyise--as she thought, with more pro-
priely than myself Considering the re-
laion in which ] stood, and taking the
whole chain of circumstances into view,
as a matter of course, | was not disposed
to withhold nv sentiments and counsel
|, consequently stated to her that was not
prepoSseSsed in his favor, yet, except from
common report, could not say any thing
very decidedly 10 his disparagoment, hav-
ing never seen nor heard of him, until the
time spoken of above. |, however, re.
marked, that it was not enough TO know
merely that he was not chargeablc with
crime, but that he ought to be man of mer-
! it and stamina Of character, in order that a.
ny impression be made on her mind in his
favor stated that was a strong believer
in the science Of physiognomy and judging
from the downcast appearance ofthe eye,
(Which organ look upon as the index of the
souI) was forced to entertain no very
great prediction for him. then prom
ised to investigate, if possible, his charac-
ter, and 10 let her know the result of my
inquiries. Accordingly, having learned
that there was a certain gentleman at Ro-
gers Springs, who had painted his charac-
ter with black paint, prevailed on Mr.. j.
J. Lamar to accompany me 10 that place,
with the view Of learning something OF
this individual. However, learned when
| reached that watering place, that he had
left some days previous 10 my visit, 50 that
did not get any information from that
source. BIT met with my friend, DR.. l..
f. Henderson there, commission merchant
from Vicksburg, whom | enquired Of. lie
stated that he did not know that such a
creature existed, but remarked that there
was another gentleman from that place
who, he thought might possibly know him.
So saving. the doctor went and enqulred
of him, but returned and said that the gen.
teman knew him not. After talking with
me for some time. in the presence Of Mr..
Lamar, whom had carried expressly to
listen at what might be said concerning
Gwinn, it occurred to the doctor to 60 and
make some enquiries of w. l.. Bate, com.
mission merchant OF Yazoo Ciy--whch
he went and did. After having had an
interview with Bate, Henderson returned
to my witness, (Mr. Lamar) and myself,
and asserted that he was told that Gwinn
was a trfing, loafng fellow--destituto of
property and correct principles, &c.
Mr.. Lamar and myself then took Mr..
Bate out and asked certain questions, to
which he replied "that he knew Gwlnn TO
be damned scoundrel, a Ioafer, and a
man destitute of property | did not
deem it prudent to collect and report
things without having dlslnterested wit
ness ortwo, to corroborate my statlmcnts ;
consequently, as have already said, got
Mr.. Lamar to 90 with me and hear all
that might be sid, After having collect
ed this information, retained home with
Mr.. Lamar, and reported to my sister-ln-
law. the substance of what | had heard.
then r. quesied Mr.. Lamar to correct me
f had mace any false statements. tie
replied that call said was true" as it
came from Bate. Gwlnn was apprsed OF
what had heard by my special request,
and | expected if Gwinn had been slam
dered, that he would go Immediately TO
work 10 clear this matter up, Bat, alas!
| heard nothing more of it until August
9th, (Sunday,) when a fighting company
came from Vicksburg-( about week at
ter my visit to The Springs)-as suppose
to ait him in dueliing me into the belief
that he was fine teI'Or, gentleman DC.
Not succeeding, however, by fair words,