Independent Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1842-1844, 1844-02-17
GEN. AicDUPFIP

following extract Of a letter from az ~ y
teemed friend, which refers 10 he s,,v
history of The distinguished gealems
whose name stands at tie head Of thi,w
iicle. 1t is prevalent opinion, which l
have always credited, that Mr.. John c |
Calhoun has educated Gen. McDuSs- |
This, il seems, is an error which we d.~
of sufficient interest 10 correct, and oriha
purpose we extract from the letter Of on
friend:--Selma Free Press.
Marion, Perry county, Ala1
Dec. "a, lS4S.
/ was in Tuscaloosa at the eonusaes.
ment of the Legislature and among mssy
possible and contingent things which vs
discussed by the assembled wseac.ss d .
that focus Of petty intrigue, | was m.
prised TO hear Gen. McDufie spoken ds
the gentleman who would best indicated +
position and future course Of Mr.. Calhm,
Of all his distinguished friends at WsA
ington, and the reason assigned for tA
beliefthat he had been educated and bmt |
into his present distinguished position By
Mr.. G. Its astonishing to me iha, 10
person friendly TO both Of ihrse smineat
gentlemen, and acquainted with the Incl.
dents of the early life Of Gen. McDuihe,
has seen fit to put the public in possession
ofthem. have the pleasure Of the per-
sonal acquaintance, and flliter myself
the friendship of both Mr.. Calhoun and
Gen. McDufiie, and, from perfect know
ledge of The how and the wherefore oil 'h
latter gentleman's introduction to fame
and brilliant career of public usefulness
| have frequently felt hall inclined 10 zen
tighten the heather" Allow me briefly
to tn>truct you, and own for one that you
have learned something from DEM
crat.
Mr.. John G. Calhoun had three brohsn
James, Willi,m, and Patrick, al d
whom are now daad- Iamea wa, tha sN
est, William, the next eldest. and Pd'nd
the younge,t. Mr.. James Calhoun IN
early lie followed the mercantile Lu,iass
in Augusta, Ca, and failed there. On
breaking up and visiting Abbeville, Souh
Carolina, his native district, preparatory
to final removal and settlement lheu,
he mentioned to Mr.. William Calhoun, uAs
was wealthy Cotton Planter, that he bad
poor boy named George McDufie in BIZ
employment as clerk, and from his grea
attention to business, quick apprehensio,
and remarkable fondness for study, aal
with all utter restitution, be fell much
pain in discharging him. Mr.. William
Calhoun, who was man remarkable IL
his good sense and acaive benevoIencs
requested his brother 10 bring up the yeals
man with the remainder of the wreck d
his fortune, ond promised to stand 10 la
parents to him until he was able 10 lab,
care of himself. And nobiy did he nlR
his promise. Young McDuffie cane Y
with the other baggage, and brought in
little pine box (about the size of Sperm
acetti candle box) all his earthly good
and was Immediately put to school und'
the celebrated DR.. Moses Waddle, VII
was a bro,her-in.law by his first marriag'
to the Messrs. Calhoun. The young NAL
in very short time prepared himself y
entrance into The Junior class in the Cd
lege at Columbia S. c., WHITTIER he w'
sent and graduated, taking the first hOG0'
in that excellent college. | think 10
taught school after graduating and WINS
reading law: but he could not have "iaugI,
the young idea how TO Shoot" long, o.
have been informed he was ADMITTED v
the bar in less than seven months study.
He became eminent from the date Of I
license. That period Of probation ap
starvation which most young attorneysm
perience, he never knew, but with ~
stride he mounted the topmost round o, ~
profession. lie has a deep and ael0lus
gratitude for his benetactor, and ~as'o' 'I
and cherished by him whilst living W."
all the affection and fondness which ~
rent might feel FOR 50 noble son; Ou''a. !
Gen. McDufie's gratitude to ofO@a ~ !"
the Hon. John G. Calhoun should W."
him mere shadow Of that gentlemaa.. 4
that man Of his god-like inteilec. ~,
more than Roman frmness, should sa. VI.
fee honor, duty and principle, OF ni'a "
independence, for any consideration W." NV
preposierous to be believed by any N
of common sense, and contradlcted Y Il
whole life. know, because ! was V WA. \
his constituents, that next to Gen " ssS,
ington the United States never mas a mia,
man who sacrificed less for public Op aas,
and followed with more unfiinchintg: r. 'I ovl
mination the honest convictions OF n' ,, s
mind. Nothing bat his exalted cnS' !" N
for prcbiiy and talent sustained nl, n, ;Jo6
own congressional district. de wa a're
zed by his constituents, and am ans ~, in Ii
did no, know moe than 200 PerS00' ;" "