Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1848-09-27
COMMANDER MACKENZIE.

The following brief but eloquent article is from
the New York Courier of the 18th:
We learned with deep regret yesterday of the
sudden death OF ALEXANDER SLIDELL MAcKEN-
ZIE, Commander in tho United States Navy
This distinguished officer had but recently re-
turned from active service in the Gulf of Mexico
where-whether serving in the trenches at Vera
Cruz, or commanding on board his ship-the u. S.
steamer .Hississippi-he manifested ever the same
GOODNESS of conduct devotedness of patriotism. and
skill in his profession
Capt Mackenzie's character was one in which
The sense duty of and ofhe obligations Of his station
was paramount, under all circumstances, TO any sell
hsh considerations calculations
lie was of humane and gentle disposition, united
to great resolutions of purpose. His mind was
carefully cultivated and his whole course and con
duct in life were directed by an ever present and
deep sense of religion
In the most trying circumstance of his life the
mutlny of the Somers, he evnced the sternness OF
justice which has given to the first Brutus an en-
during name.
He acted there as the guardian alike OF the honor
OF his flag and Of the numerous lives entrusted TO
his care-both put in jeopardy by the meditated
crime. He shut his heart to the claims of mercy
that the highest demands of justice and an out
ragged service might be vindicaied.
1T was a fearful responsibility which he met man
fully with bleeding but resolute heart
The circumstances of his death we know ONLY
by repOrt-that while riding on horseback near his
residence on the North River, just above larry
W"u, nc icii '" a.. s-@''~I - ;','-~~I;~'~1y
pired from some affection of the heart
As literary man Capt Mackenzie has placed
his name among our best WITHSTAND in his own
profession he was known as one Of lis most Jealous
ardent, and best instructed officers.
He will be mOurned by his country, which he
loved with deep filial affection; by his brother of
ficers, who knew his worth; but most of all by his
friends and his immediate family, TO whom his loss
is indeed irreparable.
! DEFISIrioN OF NoTHrNG.-At The Donegal as
sizes, the following humorous cross examination of
a witness occasioned much merrimcn in the court
| "Nlr Doherty-'What business do you follow?'
| Il am school-maser.' Did you turn off your
scholars, or did they turn you OFF, 4 do not wish
| to answer irrelevant questions (Laughter.) 'Are
you great favorite with your pupils p Are
truth am | /; a much greater favorite than you are
with the public where were you, sir, this
mighty This night = said the witness; there is
a learned man. for yOu-this night is not come
YETI i suppose you mean that night? (Here
the witness looked at the Judge and winked his
eye, as If In trlumph.) Il presume the schoolmas
Ter was abroad that night doing nothing p inquired
the attorney. Define nothing said witness
Mr. Doherty did not comply. Well said thu
learned schoolmaster, Il will define tit is foot
less stocking, without leg (RJars Of laughte
in which the Judge joned.) You may go down
sir Faith, well believe you're tired enough o
me, but 1t IS my profession TO cnglten the public
and il You have any more questions to ask, | viii
answer them