Burlington hawk-eye. [volume] (Burlington, Iowa) 1845-185?, 1849-03-15
From the Baltimore American.
Interesting Sketch.

From the Baltimore American.
Interesting Sketch.
Mr. STEPHENS is one OF the most re-
markable men Of the day. His history
abounds with incidents which, while they
illustrate the struggles which unaided ge-
MUS must encounter in its efforts for dis
tinction and usefulness, at the same time
demonstrate the certain success which
ever attends true merit and unyielding
perseverance. The above sketch by him
self, Of an incident in his early life, pre-
SCENTS in striking light the depriva,ions
Of his boyhood. The rudiments of his
education were acquired at what they call
in Georgia an old field school. At an
early age, he was transferred to the Acad-
envy, and by the aid of some benevolent
friends who had been attracted by his re-
markable development Of talent OF the
highest order, he was enabled to enter
Franklin College, where he graduated
with honor. fully realizing the highest ex-
pectations Of those who now watched his
career with growing interest. 1t was ex-
pected that he would devote himself to the
ministry; but it was ultimately determine
ed otherwise. Young Stephens aimed at
independence for himself and family
He entered law office, and in short
time, before he was yet out Of his minori-
ty, was admitted to practice in the courts,
by special act ofthe Legislature Of Geor-
gia. A few years found him in the first
rank Of his profession, and one Of his first
uses Of his good fortune was to return.
with interest, the favor he had received
when in adversely. An ardent Wing, he
was elected to represent his county in the
State Legislature, in both branches of
which he served with great ability. In
the year lS43 there was vacancy to be
filled in the Congressional delegation, and
the Wing party. as usual, were called
upon to nominate their candidate. Owing
to the signal defeat of the party in the
general election, which had taken place
the previous year, there was an evident
reluctance on the part Of the prominent
men Of the party to enter the canvass, and
it was doubtless owing to this fact that Mr.
Stephens was elected as the candidate
Little hope was entertained Of his election,
owing to the large Democratic majority
which was known to exist in the upper
section Of the State, called the Cherokee
country, and his friends consoled them
selves in advance with the reflection that
it could not hurt new man to be beaten
for Congress. s,& -
But Mr. Stephens determined not to be
beaten, il it was in his power to prevent
such disaster. He Immediately set off
alone, for the Cherokee country, canvass
ing every county, and addressed the peo-
pie at every Court House. His oppo-
nents, taking the alarm from the accounts
which reached them Of the success Of his
effnrts. hastened npon his track Ono &c
ter another Of their most popular speakers
encountered him, only 10 be discounted,
and to retire. overwhelmed with mortifica-
ton at his triumph. The people followed
him with enthusiasm-men, women, and
children thronged to hear sthe little wire
grass boy" as they called him, and lost
their devotion to democracy, as they list
ened TO his convincing arguments and inn
FASHIONED appeals. Manya laughable an
ecdotes are told Of his meetings with the
hardy mountaineers Of upper Georgia
On one occasion, an oldl"dy, who had come
great distance TO hear him, and had listen
ed to the well directed eloqnence Of the
boy, as she supposed, until she could re-
strain her admiration no longer, sprang
from her seat, and exclaimed, "Gracious
goodness me! if | could only have boy
like that. I'd be willing to die right now!"
On another occasion, the democrats, see
ing that their speaker was getting the
worst Of the conflict, endeavored TO break
up the meeting, and several of them, with
canes in their hands, advanced towards
the stand where Mr. Stephens was then
speaking. "Stop!' shouted an old noun
taineer who had been standing by, resting
on his double-ba rreled buck gun, looking
up with a broad grin into the speakers
face, and giving emphasis to his words by
significant winks, mods, and jerk. Of the
head,-"Stop!" said he, at the same time
spresenting his gun at the crowd, Don't
one Of you lay yer finger on the boy. I'm
as good a dimmycrate as any Of ye, but
won't see 70 foul play. He's tellin you
nothing s. h4 truth, and if one Of You
dares tost0dch him, III lei old Betsy loose
among you. aslieks r'n you can say Jack Ro-
binSolll laeion was soon qnieted,
a11 ID with his speech
: : :;
The fe8Slf was The triumphant election Of
Mr. Stephens to Congress, and Mr. Craw-
ford as Governor Of the State. Since that
time, Mr. Stephens has represented his
district with ability, and has, perhaps, ex-
erted a greater influence, both in and out
Of Congress, than any other man in the
House, to preserve the harmony and unity
ofths national Wing party, and to promote
IFS success. qs- .r.s.a n a.or i
Mr. Stephens is man Of slight frame
and feeble constitution, Of very youthful
appearance, with a voice clear, musical,
and child-like. His influence with his
constituency is almost unbounded, based,
as il is, upon their confidence in his en-
larged patriotism, sound Judgment, and u,,-
| impeachalle integrity in all the relations