Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1850-04-05
THE WILMINGTON JOURNAL.
7V7T.MINGToN, n. C., FRIDAY, APRIL $, 1850.
Dcath OF MIR. Calhoun.


whole country. Mr.. CALHOUN breathed his last at
Washington City, at quarter past seven O'Clock, on
the morning of Sunday the 31st utimO. in the pres
ence of his son. Dr. ]. C. CALHOUN, Mr.. VENABLE, of
this State, and Messrs ORR and WALLACE of South
Carolina Mr. C. was born on the 18th of March,
1882, and, consequently, was only few days over
68 years of age at the time of his death.
To say that great man has fallen-that bright
and shining light has been extnguished-would be
but to reccho the universal voice of the press and of
the country South Carolina and the nation at large
have sustained loss which cannot be repaired, and
his death has left blank in the public councils
which NAV not soon be filled Although differences
Of opinion have existed and do still exist in regard
to the propriey of his the soundness of
pocv the purity of his motives has never been ques
tioned nor the excellence of his private character de-
MED. As man and as citizen he has always stood
without stain and above reproach and his most
bitter opponents willing to admit the briilancy
of his talents and the genuine goodness of his heart
His death was announced in the Senate by Mr. But
sLER and in the House by Mr.. HOLMES. From the
speech of Mr.. BUTLER, copy the following sketch
of his life =
Mr.. CALHOUN was native of South Carolina and
was born in Abbeville district, the 18th March,
4I7S2 He was of an Irish family. His father, Pa
ttrick Calhoun born in Ireland, and at an early
age came to Pennsylvania, thence moved to the Wes
tern part of Virginia and after Braddocks defeat mo-
WE'D to South Carolina, in 1856. He and his family
gave a name to what is known as the Calhoun settle
ment in Abbeville district. The mother OF my col
Ieague was Miss Caldwell born in Charlotte coun-
|ty Virginia The character of his parents had no
dOubt sensible influence the destiny OF their dis
ftinguished son. His father had energy and enter
prise combined with perseverance and great mental
determination His mother belonged to family of
Revolutionary heroes Two of her brothers were dis
ltinguished ia the revolution. Their names ana a
achievements are not left to tradition but constitute
a part of the history of the times.
Mr. CALHOUN was born in the revolution, and in
This childhood felt the influence of its exciting trad-
ltions He derived from the paternal stock intellect
and self-reliance and from the CALDwELLs enthusi-
asm and impulse. The traditions of the revolution
had a sensible influence on his temper and charac-
ter.
Mr.. CALHOUN. in his childhood, had but limited
advantages of what is termed literary tuition. His
parents lived in newly-setted country, and among
la sparse population. This population had but a
ght connection with the lower country of South
Carolina and were sustained by emigrants from Vir
ginia and Pennsylvania. There was of course but
mited means of instruction to children. They i'm
&bbed most of their lessons from the conversation OF
their parents Mr. CALHOUN has always expressed
himself deeply sensible of that influence. At the
age of thirteen he put under the charge OF his
brother-in-law, DIR. WADDEI4 in Columbia county,
sGeorgia. Scarcely had he commenced his literary
course before his father and sister died His brother
in-law, Dr. WADDEL, devoted himself about this time
to his clerical duties, and great deal absent
from home
On his second marriage he resumed the duties of
his academy andin his ninetecth year Mr.. CALHOUN
put himself under the charge of this distinguished
teacher. 1t must not be supposed that his mind be-
fore this had been unemployed. He had awaited
himself of the advantages of small library, and had
been deeply inspired by his reading of history. It
under such influences that he entered the aeade
lmy of his preceptor. His progress was rapid. He
looked forward TO higher with eagerness anc
PURPOSE.
r He became student in Yale College in 1902, and
graduated two years afterwards with distinctiOnas
a young man of great ability, and with the respect
and confidence of his preceptors and fellows. What
they have said and thought of him would have given
X any high reputation. 1t is the pure fountain
Il of clear reputation If the stream has met with
constructions, they such have only shown It's
beauty and majesty.
After he had graduated, Mr.. CALHOUN studied
law, and for few years practiced in the courts Of
South Carolina with reputation that has descen
ded to the profession He was then remarkable fol
some traits that have since characterized him. HI
clear in his propositions and candid in his inter
4 gcourse with his brethren The truth and justice o
athe law inculcated themselves his mind, and
#when armed with these, he great advocate.
His forensic was, however, too limited t
Smake prominent part in the history of his life. HI
Sservcd for years in the legislature of his NATIVE
a State and his great mind made impression on he
Cooperation the concerns of society. From the leg
&slature of his State he transferred to Con
Sgress and from this time his career has been par
Eof the history of the federal government,
Mr. CALHOUN came into Congress at time of dee
Band exciting nereStat crisis of great magnitudt
1t was crisis of peril to those who had to act in i
Ebut of subsequent glory to the actors and the con
Fmon history of the country. The invincibility
&Great Britain had become prOverbial expression
Eand a war with her full of terrific issues. NJ
@CALHoUN found himself at once in q situation of hig
#respOnslbility-one that required more than speal
Elng qualities and clOquence to fulfil it. The spirit
stho people required direction the energy and ardt
EOf youth were to be employed in affairs requiring tn
Ematurer qualities of n statesman The part whic
HMr. CALHOUN acted at this time has been approve
sand applauded by contemporaries, and now forms
part of the glorious history of those times.
The names of CLAY, CALHOUN, CHEEvEs, al
LowEDEs, GRUNDY PORTER, and others, carried a
'sociations with them that reached the heart Of t
nation Their clarion notes penetrated the army
sthey animated the people, and sustained the admin
istratiOn of the government. With such actors an
i'm such scenes-the most eventful of our history
say that Mr.. CALHOUN did not play second part
mo common praise. In debate he was equal vii
Randolph, and in council he commanded the respe
ID and confidence of Madison. At this period of
E life, he had the quality of Themstocles-tO tnspi
confidence after ALL is the highest of earth
qualities it is mystical something which is fe
were brilliant and honorable to both statesmen al
M. sOdieEs3 aud their history may be read with enth
siasm and Delight The war terminated with homo
but the measures which had to be taken in a trans
ton to a peace establishment were full of Difficult
III and embarrassment. Mr.. CALHOUN, with his usu
RI intrepidity, did not hesitate to take responsb
Fl part Under the influence of broad patriotism
~ Ill