The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1845-07-31
From the Charleston Courier.
MR.. PoINSETT'S GRAFTON ON THE LIFE
AND CHARACTER OF GENERAL JACK

funeral Grafton, pronounced on Gen. Jackson by
Mr. Poinsett, on the 4th instant by appointment Of
the citizens Of Grecnvle, in this State. A better
appointment could not have been made, and the per
Torrance the orator was worthy Of the occasion
II is marked throughout by the chaste and simple
elegance Of style, and the justice and temperance Of
thought and expression, which are characteristic Of
MIR. Poinsett's written productions and yet, 10
warm but discriminating eulogy, il fully meets ans
requsitions Of his theme. II takes rapid survey
of the eventful career of the illustrous Jackson
from his cradle to his grave--dwelng, with proper
emphasis the remarkable or brilliant incidents %
his imperiled youth, his useful and warrior man
hood, his peaceful old age and ms plous pes
playing in bold relief the salient points oil ms CHAR
acter as a man. soldier, and a statesman-and
justly assigning him place second only TO wash,
ington in the national service ana m the national
heart Mr.. Poinseu was frequently IN the enjoy
ment of personal and intimate intercourse with the
deceased patriot, and his address often assumes
very naturally the charm of personal narrative From
the portions of it which parlake of this character,
we extract the following passages;
81 first met him in the city of Washington, short
ly after my return from South America Living
under the same roof saw him frequently and
Familiarity. was much struck with his commands
ing presence and erect carriage; his marked coun-
tenance, and keen expressive eye--and not less so
with his bland and courteous manner, and the dig
nifty and repose of his general demeanor, sing uary
amounting almost to bursts of eloquence, espec tally
when reused by any allusion to the difficulties
thrown in his way while making preparations fol
the defence ofNew Orleans. Of our late enemy he
spoke with respect, except when hiseye caught the
backened walls Of the Capitol and then he EXPIRE S.
ed his Indignation with his wonted yehemence.
regret that he himself had not commanded on TINT
eventful day. Both nations might have been save d
from lasting disgrace.
SAT his invitation, visited him at the Hermit
=. Il. rs,HF,o ,Sns,,s
man subdued into the knd-hearted father Of FAM
lily, and practising all the social virtues that adorn
and refine life. He was more than hospitable-he
was unremitting in his stentions TO the wants and
comforts Of his guests. He loved to play with
children, and treated his wife with marked defer
ence and afectonate respect, and all around him
with hearty kindness. Indeed, his attachment to
his wife was devoted and romantic. After her
death, l was once shown into his bedroom, to.
which, being indsposed he had retired at an early
hour. | found him seated by the fire.. with his
Bible and his wife's miniature on small table be-
fore him. He alluded to her in the most touching
terms, and spoke of his hope of being again united
TO her in another and better world with great feel
ing and unaffected piety.
"Having no children Of his own, he adopted her
relatives; one of them, to whom he gave his name,
he treated in every respect if he had been his own
son; and his Kindness was extended in an especial
manner TO all who were IN any way connected with
her. The warmth Of his affections and his active
benevoence exhibited in this as in all his rea-
tons Of life His friends and neishbors were never
tired of recounting his charitable acis
In his friendships, he steady, warm, and
sincere, and he possessed in remarkable manner
the gift Of winning the affections of those around
him. All who lived within his circle became at
tached TO him. When applied to by the parents
and friends Of some of the Texan prisoners who
were angushing in chains in Mexico, he addressed
To our minister there long and animated appeal in
their behalf written at a moment when he was suf-
ferng under painful disease; and had the grati6-
cation to find that his namo was powerful to save,
and that his intercession had struck the letters
from tho limbs, and opened the dungeon of the cap
lives. ~
"While was still member Of the House of
Representatives, he took his seat N the United
States Senate, and our intercourse was renewed
His reputation was already spread abroad over
Europe, and foreigners anxious 10 be present.
ed to the hero Of New Orleans. | was frequently
solicited to introduce them, and on such occasions
always felt proud of my countryman. No one left
his presence without having been struck with his
courteous and dignifed manners, and grati6ed by
his intelligent conversations
"Tis first act, on reaching Washington, was to-
reconcile himself to all those with whom he had
ever been in feud. His impetuosl,y had led him
into some personal contests, the recollections of
which were painful to him. His temper was soft
ened by time and religious influences; and ne ex-
been at variance. His reconciliation with his gal
liant adversary, Colonel Benton, was followed by
mutual esteem; and they remained fast friends to
the day of his DEATH II was remarked, that during
the whole period of his service in the Senate, he
never once gave way his natural mpetuosity, but
was uniformly mild and forbearing, rarely taking
part in debate and only when appealed to topics
which his experience could elucidate. On such oc-
casons his language was simple, energetic, and ex-
Presslvc." {.
at was at the period of which have been speak
ing that General jackson, at public festival ut
tered these memorable words: "The federal Union
il must be preserved" They arose in his heart,
and burst spontaneously from his lips, upon hearing
sentiments expressed on that occasion, which, &C
cording to his Interpretation Of them, threatened the
safety Of the Union. With that extraordinary per-
spicuity with which he was so emnehtly gifted, ne
foresaw at that moment the gathering storm, and
sought, by his warning voice, to avertit With his
eagle glance, he embraced all the dreaded results of
the doctrines which rang in his ears. Fle did not
mean to accuse those who maintained and promul-
gated these doctrines, of any intention to dissolve
the Union; but, in his opinion, they could not be
carried out, without endangerng its existence; and
he wished it to be at once understood, that he was
resolved to use all the power confded to him by the
constitution preserve it. In the contest that fol-
lowed, this object kept continually IN view, and
this determination fully manifested But, from fire.
quent and personal communications on the subject,
of that painful controversy, while exhibiting in
flexible frmness of purpose, he manifested, on
every OCCASION the most earnest solicude that the
struggle might terminate peaceably. His letters to
me ut this period, written in remarkably clear and
vigorous style, are instinct with the noblest senti-
ments of humanity and patriotism.
"In 1883 met him in New York, and at his re-
quest accompanied him through Connecticut to Bos-
ton. During the whole course Of this triumphant
progress, he was everywhere received by the peo-
pie with enthusiastic manifestations of love and
respect. Their eagerness to approach him, their
earnest greetings, animated cheers and joyful acca.
nations, exhibited their affectionate admiration
He was at times profoundly moved, and frequently
expressed his gratitude to God for having filled to
overAowing his cup of happiness. 1t is not surpr-
sing that he should have enjoyed such large share
of popular favor for not only had he served his
country in war, and won for her impershable re-
nown in the battle. field, but his administration Of
the government had been singuarly fortunate. His
frmness and decision had elevated the character OF
the nation abroad and had constrained foreign states
a, res,,~ct nd do liz uatire Honorahle pe,.a h.d