Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1850-12-05
Col. Richard NJ. Johnson.

Col. Richard vi. Johnson.
The following the proceedings of the Conutitu-
tiona Convention of this State on Monday the 25th
nst in reference the death of this distinguished
patriot and statesman:
MIR. THORNTON. / rise for the purpose of asking
suspension of the order of business to enable to
lay before the Convention preamble and set of resou
tions expressive of the of this Convention in rela
ton to the death of the late COL Richard NJ johnson
1t will be remembered that this matter suggested
to the Convention Friday last bv my friend from
Wayne, (Mr. Rariden) but who, since that time at the
suggestion of another friend, from Ohio (Col. Pepper)
has In consideration of the relation bore Col johnson,
as having been engaged in the service with him
officer in his regiment deferred to the performance of
that melancholy and interesting duty. Whilst discaim-
ing any wish to seek any prominence this occasion,
did not feel at liberty to decline the call thus made upon
me by those two friends and in accordance with their
suggestion, have prepared preamble and set of
lutons, which herewith submit.
In presenting these resolutions will not attempt
anything like eulogy the deceased This is tht
tune, nor is it fitting occasion to do Besides, Mr..
President, feel not only my inability TO do justice
to the merits Of the distinguished dead but furth
ermore feel if ubtruding myselfupon forbidden
ground-that should be undertaking the performance
of task which could be much more ably and appropr
ately performed by others. 1t is well known that Col
johnson and myself though ever warm personal friends
were opposed in politics. He, as member Of the Dem
oeratc party and of its prominent leaders for
long series of years circumstance which confers
upon his political friends the right to take into their ex-
elusive charge and keeping, the and guardianship
of his political fame and reputation shall leave to his
friends the performance of that duty. All shall essay
will be TO award to the memory of esteemed friend
and fellow-solder that tribute which is Justly due it
as such. In the beautiful and expressive language of
Mark Antony, may well say, 81 come to bury Cesar,
not to praise him"
! The relation between Col johnson and myself COM
menced in the year 1872 Col. Johnson was at that
te and had been for some years. an active member
the House of Representative in Congress- from one of
the districts in Kentucky War had Just been declared
by the United States against Great Britain, and the
Colonel, a member of that body, had given to the
declaration warm and jealous support, and ndi
cation of his devotion to the cause had procured from
the General Government authority TO raise regiment
of mounted to serve for six months. 1t to
consist of companies OF hundred each to be
under officers of its selection The Colonel having
left the Halls of Congress attend raising aud equip
ping said regiment then resident oil Bourbon coun
ty, Kv for the first time became acquainted with him,
having been introduced him by his father, the
able Robert Johnson and his BROTHER Col James john
son, with both of whom at the time associated
members of the Legislature of Kentucky, they being
from Scott and from Bourbon. The Colonel selected
me as one Of his intended officers, giving authority to
raise company constitute a part of his regiment.
This the spring of 1913, and directed
be ready for service by the middle Of June the first Of
July In pursuance of the authority conferred, pro-
ceeded to raise the company and succeeded In SO doing
and prepared ourselves to be ready TO march by the
time designated An unexpected event transpred how
ever which rendered il necessary for march much
sooner than was expected The disaster of the 9th of
May 1913 which resulted the defeat OF COL Dudley
regiment Fort Meigs induced Col johnson to call
US Immediately, and accordingly we were ordered to
rendezvous the Great Crossings, Scott county, KY,
on the Goth of May, 1S13 order to TO relieve Fort
Meigs, which infested by the British and Indians
In consequence Of this only about onehal Of the
engaged could without great sacrifices that OF
the year leave home. The result was, companies had
to be consolidated and my half company attached
to that of Capt. Combs This rendered it necessary
for him and myself draw lots for the command of the
company, which he having won was commissioned Cap
tain, and myself First Lieutenant. We went into the
service accordingly, and continued in 1T for the six
months during which time we trayersed considerable
part of Ohio and northern Indiana. ! was with Col.
johnson at the celebrated battle OF the Thames, and
charged along side of him in the onset upon the Indians
although VIC soon became separated and did not
him again until after the battle He was IN
his tent having been wounded in several places, was
bleeding it were, at every pore, and though suffering
intensely from his wounds, he bore II without
murmur and with unexampled fortitudc and patience
1t is unnecessary for to advert to the manner IN
which the Colonel bore himself that perous occa
sion. There is higher and better testimony than mine
In the eloquent language of his commander the lament
ed Harrison His icounds prored has cds the
post of danger" His conduct on that occasion, as
well every other when put to the test establishes
his reputation as of the most daring courage.
Mr.. President have said that Col. johnson and my
self belonged different parties 1t is due to truth to
say that there time when we belonged to the same
political party and remained so for years During the
war of 1872 we both advocates of it. There
then a party whom we called Federalists though not
a very apt name, which opposed to gong to wal
with Great Britain, insisting that had cause o
grievance against her. whilst contended that the nu
merous outrages inflicted upon in the imprisonment
of seae of instgatng the savages TO murder our
helpless women and chilpren was Just cause OF war
To sustain this the Colonel and myself had yielded
our most hearty support both in the councils of
trv and in the field We continued to be of the same
party and when Colonel johnson was so bitterly assa
cd and prosecuted for his vote favor OF the celebrated
"Compensation Bill )" l. at his call, left my own District
and went into his and gave him all the support that wa.
within nv humble He succeeded but was harc
race and nothing but his saved him from defeat
In 1924 both warmly supported Mr. Clay for the Presi
dcncv but in 1928 for the first time parted, he sup
nortng Gen. Jackson and / Mr.. Adams. In 1886
when the alternative was presented to me either tt
vote for Mr.. Van Buren, with whom Col. johnson was
associated on the same ticket or for my old beloved
General the hero Of Tippecanoe, unhesatngy chose
the latter Again. in ls4O when the same parties were
presented made similar choice How far either Of US
was right or wrong m the course took rs TO that
matter should not be made here matter Of inquiry
As a representative in Congress Col. Johnson wa:
persevernc and indefafcable in the discharge Of h
public duties Henev tagged in his efforts to
ry out any measure he undertook This was most emi
nenty tested by his long continued and unceasng efforts
wine from the cscutcheon Of country that odous relic
barbarous age, imprisonment for debt. His exeron
were happily for the great Of humanity successful
and entities him to the thanks Of every friend Of opprcse
humanity throughout the civilized world His ceiebra
ted Sunday Mail report too, as indicating consummat
ability and containing sound political doctrines stands un
rivaled as State paper.
1t is not pretended however, that Col johnson pos
sessed talents Of brilliant order. He was not one
: those who aimed to shine political star Hi
were Of the plain practical and useful character Whe
taking RETROSPECT Of his public hfe few Of publ
men have left behind them many enduring evidence
- In