Iowa territorial gazette and advertiser. [volume] (Burlington, Iowa Territory [Iowa]) 1840-1846, 1844-11-23

The following brilliant and happy pas
sage is from the speech Of Classroom
MELVILLE, Esq, delivered at the great
democratic mass convention held at Nash
vile in August last. The classic beauty
Of the extract given will be acknowledged
by all; but those only who heard the words
fall from the lips Of the eloquent speaker,
as we did, can appreciate the startling
effect " tn which they told upon the inn
mense audience present. The cheer
which followed the imprisoned exclama-
ton, "Henry Clay the Harry Hotspur Of
the wing party" is properly described.
Its like we never heard before.
Mr.. Melville's predictions have all been
verified. What was then speculation is
now matter Of history. The battle has
been fought, and federalism, in the person
Of its great leader and champion, Henry
Clay, is overthrown. The field of Ottra-
bourne is ours, and the "serried phalanx"
will long remember the noble services Of
GASsEvooRr MELvlLLE in assisting to
win it.
After having dwelt at considerable length
upon other topics Of discussion, Mr. Mel
vile, in the course Of his speech, emphat;-
cally repealed the idea which the wings Of
Tennessee are SO loborious in intoxicating
that Mr. Van Buren, is giving but cold
and inisncere support to the nomination Of
Polk and Dallas, and after demonstrating
the warm desire which he feels for the sue
cess Of the democratic candidates, spoke at
length Of the career, character and elevat-
ed position Of Martin Van Buren, in terms
which drew from the auditors oft repeated
and enthusiastic responses. In speaking
Of the magnanimity Of Mr. Van Buren's
latest public act, his letter to the New
York committee, Mr. Melville said:
And here let us take from the simple
page Of history an illustration Of kindred
heroism. During the long and bloody
warfare which existed between the Eng
lish and Scotch for several centuries, many
well contested and glorious actions were
fought, but none better contested or more
glorious than the battle Of Ottrabourne
which took place in the latter part Of the
fourteenth century. The opposing force.
were well matched in point Of numbers
bravery and discipline, and each headed BY
leader Of acknowledged proves. The
English rallied under the banner Of the
princely house Of Percy, which, on tina,
field was represented well by the pride
and hope Of his ancient lineage, gallant
Harry Percy-the Harry Hotspur Of
Shakespeare. The Scotch swarmed around
standard that bore aloft bloody heart
the well known badge Of naughty Doug
lass. James, earl Of Douglass, q chieftain
worthy Of his heroic name, led them to the
encounter. Thus equal in numbers
courage and generalship, the battle ragged
for several hours, and the event vet uncer-
tain. The Scottish leader, in the hope q
deciding the contest, gave the signal for q
general charge, and, sword in hand and
spur on heel, he led it gallantly. While
waving his arm to his troops to invite them
onward, an arrow pierced his heart. He
fell from his saddle. His chiefs thronced
around him. Death was perceptible On
his brow. Everything near and dear 70
him was fitting from Els grasp. His vast
barcnial estate, feudal honors. military
lame, wife, children and friends mere to
him as nanght. They claimed nd = ksin-