The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1845-06-17
oF GENERAL JACKsoN.l

"REMINISCENCES OF GENERAL JACKSON
On the same day that intelligence of the death
of the veneral hero, whose loss the nation now de-
Kplores, reached Washington, the mail brought US
the Illinois State Register containing the following
incident, narrated by the editor of that paper. The
Sscene is striking and characteristic, and gives
further insight into the high ruling principles which
guided the actions Of the lustrious dead in all that
concerned his country, and his ardent desire that
Everything which he did, even in situations the
most trying and difficult, should be in strict con-
formity with her laws Judge Douglass had rea-
son 10 be proud of his able exposition Of public
law; and it must be qualification to him to remem-
his socitude and efforts that no shadow might rest
on his fame.
From the Illinois State Register.
INTERESTING INCIDENT.
Everything that relates to Andrew jackson, the
hero of New Orleans, and the friend Of his country
is of deep interest to the American people. And al
though the incident we about to relate is in il
se of no great interest, it becomes to in con-
sequence of those connected with it.
At the Nashville convention of August last, we
visited the Hermitage (only twelve miles dstant) in
company with Judge Douglass Of this State, and
some other of our felow-ctzens. The Hermitage
was crowded with people from almost every State,
who had been invited thither by the venerable pa.
triot on the day succeeding the convention.
Governor Clay, of Alabama, was near General
Jackson, who himself sitting on the sofa in the
hall of his residence; and as each person entered
Goyernor Clay introduced him to the hero, and he
passed along. When Judge Douglass was thus in
Produced, General Jackson raised his still brilliant
eyes, and gazed for moment in the countenance OF
the judge, still retaining his hand; care you the
Mr. Douglass, of Illinois, who delivered a speech
last session the subject of the fine imposed on me
for declaring martial law at New Orleans'" asked
General Jackson.
~ have delivered speech in the House of Rep
resenatives upon that subject" was the modest
. ply Of our friend.
"Then stop!" said General Jackson. 'Sit down
here, beside me! l desire to return to you my
thanks for that speech You are the first man that
has ever relieved my mind on subject which has
rested upon it for thirty years. My enemies have
always charged me with violating the constitution
of my country, by declaring martial law at New
Orleans; and my friends have always admitted the
violation; but have contended that circumstances
Justified me in that violation. I never could under.
stand how it was, that the performance Of solemn
.dutyto my country-a duty which, if had neg
lected would have made me traitor in the sight Of
God and man-could properly be pronounced O
violation Of the constitution. | felt convinced in
my own mind, that was not guilty of such helm
Gus offence; but could never make out legal Jus
tifcation of my course; nor has il ever been done
sir until you, on the floor of Congress, at the late
session. established it beyond the possibility of ca
vii doubt. thank you, sir for that speech it has
relieved my mind from the only circumstance tina
rested painfully upon it. Throughout my whole
life, never performed an official act which viewed
as violation of the constitution of my country
and can now go down to the grave in peace, with
the perfect consciousness that have not broken,
any period of my life, the constitution or laws Of
my country"
Thus spoke the old hero, his countennnce bright
ened by emotions which it is impossible for us tt
describe. We turned to look at Douglass. III,
was speechess. He could not reply; but convul
sively shaking the aged veterans hand, he ant
left the room. Certainly General Jackson had paid
him the highest compliment he could have bestowed
on any individual.
Our readers will doubtless recollect the speech re
fered to- Judge Douglass, in that speech, for tn,
first time, advanced the doctrine Of sefpreservator
las law that demanded as an act of duty the pro
mitigation of martial law at New Orleans. TIL,
aground he assumes, is, that selfpreseryation is
law, above all others, which runs through all ou
consitutons, our laws, institutions; that as it il
the first law of nature, it is the first law in soca
Tor civilized life; and that the act of declaring MARTA
law at New Orleans when that act was necessary 1,
save the country, was legal act-an act of self
preservation.
These are indeed interesting "reminiscences 70
Misunderstanding high honor and credit on Judg
Douglass; and we take as much pride pleasure il
recording them. They brought TO our recol
lection yesterday, by seeing Judge D. among us.