The Madisonian., 1850-05-02

acter OF his parents had, no doubt,
sensible influence on the destiny ofthelr
distinguished son. His father had ems
ergy and enterprise, combined with
perseverance and great mental detert
mination. HIS mother belonged to. a
family of the revolutionary heroes
Two of her brothers were distinguish
ed in the revolution, Their Eames and
achievements are not left to tradition,
but constitute a part Of the history Of
the times.
Mr.. Calhoun, was born in the revolu-
ton, and in his childhood felt the in>
fluence Of its exciting traditions. He
derived from the paternal stock intel-
lect and selfreIiance, and from the
Caldwells enthusiasm and impulse
The traditions Of the revolution had a
sensible influence on his temper and
character.
Mr.. Calhoun, in his childhood, had
but limited advantage of what is terms
ed literary tuition. His parents lived
In newly settled country, and among
scarse population. This population
had but slight connection with the
lower country Of South Carolina, and
were sustained by emigrants from Vir-
ginia and Pennsylvania. There was,
Of course, but limited means Of instruc~
tion to children. They imbibed most
Of their lessons from the conversation
of their parents. Mr.. Calhoun has al
ways expressed himself deeply sensible
of that influence. AT the age Of thr>
teen he was pnt under the charge ofhis
| brother in-law, DR.. Waddel, in Colum>
bia county, Georgia. Scarcely had he
commenced his literary course before
his father and siste, died. His brother
ln.law Dr. Waddel, devoted himself a.
bout this time to his clerical duties, and
was a great deal absent from home:
I On the second marriage he resumed
the duties of his academy; and in his
nineteenth year Mr., Calhoun put hum
self under the charge of this dlstin-
guished teacher. 1t must not be sup
posed that his mind before this had been
unemployed. He had availed himself
Of the advantages Of small library,
and had been deeply inspired by his
reading of history. 1t was under such
influence that he entered the academy
ofhis pleceplor. His progress was ra-
pld. He looked forward to higher
arena with eagerness and purpose.
He became student in \ ale College
in 1902, and graduated two years after
wards with distinction as young man
Of great ability, and with the respect
and confidence Of his precertor and
fellows. What they have said and
! thought Of him would have given any
man high reputation. 1t is the pure
fountain of a clear reputation. If the
f stream. has met with Instructions, they
: were such as have only shown its beau
$ ty and majesty.
After he had graduated, Mr.. Calhoun
, studied law, and after few years prac'
t tised in the courts of South Carolina.
p with a reputation that has descended
: 10 the profession. He wassthen re
e markable for some traits that have
s since characterized him. He was clea
e in his propositions and candid in hi
S intercourse with his brethren. Th'
truth and justice of the law inculcateC
d themselves on his mind, and when arm
:, ed with these, he was great advocate
Hts forensic care er was, however
/ too limited to make prominent part ii
& the history Of his life. He served 70
e many years in the legislatureo { his ma
y tive State; and his great mind made al
al impression on her statutes, some o
l. which have had great practical uper
i. alton on the concerns Of society. Frou
10 the legislature ofhis own State he wa
y transferred to congress; and from thi
e time his career has been a part OF tn
al history Of the federal government,
dl Mr.. Calhoun came into Congress q
y time Of deep and exciting interest
70 at crisis of great magnitude It wa
d a crisis Of peril to those who had TO ac
le in 1t, but ofsubsequent glory to the acI
a. ors and the common history Of tn
of country. The invincibility Of Grea
'e Britain had become a proverbial OK
nj preston, and war with her was tu
To- Of terrific issue. Mr.. Calhoun foun
himself at once in a situation Of hig
ID responsibility one that required NOR
fe than speaking qualities and eloqqepSc'
Of to fulfil it. The spirit Of the Peopl
y required direction the energy and al
6; doro youth wore to be employed !
affairs requiring the maturer qaalitie
IL ofa statesman. The part WHICH Nj
le Calhoun acted at this time has been ap
is proved and applauded by contempora
e. ries, and now forms part ofthe glor
n Gus history Of those times.
IN The names relay, Calhoun, Chevei
| IL 81 E ~ 81