Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1845-07-04

with civilized and enlightened nations, out Nd
tional Honor!
With respect 10 his administration, it is, per-
haps impossible, at the present moment, TO make
upan impartial opinion, as 10 its effects and BE-
ne6ts Ii is not the time for calm and deliberate
Judgment in relation 10 those troubled scenes
The tendency and effects of some Of his great
measures, posterty, probably will alone be able
TO appreciate. But when The angry passions
shall have been allayed; the judgment unwarped
by excitement and prejudice; the heart no long
er embiltered with disappointment or revenge
nor the mind carried away by the imputaton OF
unworthy motives; when the tendency OF Opin-
ions and measures shall be examined by the
test OF reason and experience, then, and not till
then, will full justice be done TO this great man.
and the distinguished actors in those troubled
scenes Then will the full nature and extent of
the public obligation be felt and acknowledged.
1t is however, honorable TO him and his oppo-
nenls, that, amidst all the contests and collisions
of party, and those storms and strifes which, Tor
so many years, agitaled our country, his integrity
and patriotism remained unsupported and UNI
impeached. Even those who believed his polltl-
cal errors to have been the most numerous and
mischievous, yet acknowledge that they were er-
rors of the mind, actuated by the purest wishes
and pursuing, with undertaking recttude OF lntcn-
ton, the public good.
And all now must admit one thing, and II is his
that al the close OF the eight years OF his admins
lraon, he laid down his high trust in the midst OF
The wealth, prosperity and happiness OF MS conn
iIy, and his own most unbounded popularity
Indeed his popularity seemed 10 be that oil eler-
nal youth-like the sun, its light was always new,
vet always the same.
The question will doubtless be agi,ated by pos
,srity, whether he was the greater general or
hn
tory of his administration and his official papers,
will be inclined TO pronounce in favour oil the
latter; while those who may not have duly consi-
dered Them but more narrowly scanning ms DIM
cuies and sacrifices in war, will be inclined TO de-
eide in favor of the former. The controversy
will therefore only be solved by admitting as all
must do, that he was great in war, and great IN
peace.
We come now, in conclusion. 10 say few
words, OF this venerable man, in retirement, and
of his private and domestic virtues.
In March 81, Gen. Jackson retired from public
life to his residence in Tennessee, followed by The
fervent admiration and gratitude OF devote
country And what liberal and generous MIND
might no, have been deeply moved in seeing me
man, whose whole life had been devoted 10 his
country now abandoning power and dedicallng
himself in retirement to his family and his God!
w
illustration Of the truth, that true greatness, is
perfectly compatible with every thing that is
amiabe and engaging in man
He who had occupied SO important page in
his counlry's history who had possessed popu-
larily and influence, exceeded only by Washing
TONS, who had filled every high station OF dignity
and trust which his country could confer, both
civil and military, became, when in The domestic
circle and around the social hearth, as simple as
child, distinguished BY The suavity oihis depor-
ment, and an intuilive felicity OF making every
around him happy Such was Andrew Jackson,
in private life; and il is there that true greatness
waits 10 be exhibited. In the world, men rise SUI
perior 10 each other; bul il is here that man rises
superior 10 himself The region OF politics, al
BEST is hanetul-and too often, "the soil, The ritcs
like" In his private attachments, he was GO
verned by the same steadiness that sustained his
public conduct His friendships were, therefore,
sincere and fixed If he loved you to-day, he
would love you still more tomorrow, the next
day, and forever, provided you did nothing TO for
fell his regard and good opinion. Although, in
character marked by such strength OF features, The
lineaments Of the softer virtues could scarcely be
expected 10 mix, yet those who knew him best IN
private life, and in the unbendings oil retirement,
knewthe genuine indications of their existence.
and the child-like simplicity and tenderness OF his
nature.
His manners, though naturally disnihed, were
never naughty. There was the same Seneness
without limidity, and decision without presump-
lion. He blended dignity with condescension,
and The greatest, as well as the humblest objects,
received attention. Born with strong passions,
often the concomilanls of genius, he had acquired
great command and ascendency over them; and
among all his personal qualities, courage, both
physical and moral, were allowed to him, in an
eminent degree. II was these only, which, amidst
those formidable asilations OF party which, Torso
many years Of his administration, convnlsed the
A mercan people, could have enabled him, as
they did, 10 remain firm and immovable. In all
ma terS of pecuniary concern, his dealings were
dictated by punctual regard TO his engagements;
and, the same lime, distinguished BY grea! libe-
rality without indulsing in excuses, which bring
on embarrassment.
His honesty can scarcely be said TO have
claimed the ranl, of virtue. Ii required no ei-
fort and could therefore, boast no triumph; and II
may not be deemed unimporlanl 10 remark, that
among all the various calumnies which malice
has endeavored 10 cast upon the fame OF this dis
tingushcl man, the tongue ofslander never whis-
pered the impulalion Of single act OF mercenary
meanness
An infexibIe consistency of principle, equally
proof against casual failure, and The most insur-
mountable ditiicuies-an erectness OF principle
and pride, originating in, and supported by,
conscious talents and integritv-were among his
chief characteristics.
His hospitality was proverbial The friend and
the stranger were received with cordial welcome
al his hospilable mansion, and his benevolence
and kindness TO his neishbors, were acknowledged
with aiIeclionate gratitude. Friend to the poor
for surely, that like virtue was his-he COM
iored and blessed them BY his private liberality
and his public argesses Bear witness, ye mourn
ers around the Hermitage, and you, good people
OF Tennessee.
He was married but once, and had no chill
dren or blood relatives; but the iraterna love
which he bore towards the relations oil his be-
loved wife, was as exemplary as il was sincere,
and the muniiccnt presents for all her relatives
alte the affection and devotion which he bore 10
her (and she was worthy Of it all y and her kim
dred Nor was his muniicence bounded by these
limits The institutions of Freedom and Sci
ence were annually consulted and most generous
ly rewarded.
And who is there, that must not have been
struck with the preservation OF his intellect and
the iurtilude and resignation which he exhibited
TO the last hourl In The scenes which closed his
earthly career his death was in every respect
conformable 10 his life. Never was he more true
10 his great character Even in The moments Of
great bodily pain and approaching dissolution,
when ii might have been expected that mans
every feeling would be concentrated in personal
suffering, his thoughts were occupied BY The aw
iul event impending; and even in these moments
all selfish considerations were put aside, and the
sentiments still uppermosl in his mind, were God
and his Country. And his death was marked BY
the GOODNESS and serenity which are thought 10
belong exclusively 10 health Of body and mind
al ease.
--ssTo live with fame
The Gods allow Ia many; but Ia die,
With equal lutte, is a blessing Heaven
Selects iiom all her choicest boons Of Fate.
And with a sparIng hand, ON few bestow-."
One Part only of his character now remains TO
be noticed and that is, his reverence for Religion.
In all his public documents, God is honored! A
man of Gen Jackson's strong and superior mind
could not but have had the strongest impressions