The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1850-11-27
THE SPIRIT OF DEMO, RArY
JAS. r. NORRIS, PROPRIETOR.
wooDsFIELD, OHIO, NOV. a7, 1850.
Cox R. M Johnson is no More!

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the Union: -
LOUISVILLE. Nov 2O.-Col. Richard
NJ. Johnson, formerly Vice President Of
the United States. died at Frankfort. yes
tcrday morning, at nine o'clock, alter a
briet illness "
The death of Col. Johnson is an event
of interest to the whole American people.
No public man of our country has been
more before the public eye, or more dis
tnguished for services in war and peace,
than the deceased. Born in Kentucky,
and having the interesting fact attached
to his person of being the first male child
born Of the pioneers of that noble region.
his affections were warmly fixed upon the
West as his native land. while his patriotic
aspirations embraced the whole Union.
He was not sectional either III feelings or
services to his fellow citizens.
He was educated in his native state
and grew up among her hardy sons as a
cultivator of the soil. Early marked for
his energy OF character and earnestness
Of purpose, he was always selected by the
partiality and confidence OF his fellow cit.
liens to represent them in the legislature
OF his native state and the halls OF the fed
eral Congress. A large portion OF his lite
has been spent in this city, as member
OF the House of Representatives and OF
the Senate. When Mr.. Van Buren, was
elected President. Col. Johnson filed the
second office Now that he has departed
and neither motive Of flattery nor interest
can influence his biographer, we may
speak freely Of his public life, as it was
spent in the eyes of all men. From the
testimony, therefore. Of hundreds who
were eye witnesses Of his conduct. we ieel
authorized in saying that Col. Johnson.
during his congressional life, rendered
more personal services to the masses, in
+. the business transactions Of the govern
ment in this city. than any other man.
No labor in the cause Of the people-es.
| pecally TOR the soldier who had periled
his life for his country. and his widow aud
orphans-could fatigue him. No hours
were held too guarded by etiquette or pri-
vate comfort for the admission Of the peti
toner who sought his assistance. When
appearing before Congress or the depart
fnents OF the government. his perseverance
and courteous manners were always ire
sistible; and often. when the bes, business
men would fail of success. the appearance
OF Col Johnson. advocating the cause of
the suffering claimant tor the justice Of
his country. would thaw the official ice,
and carry everything before him. He
was not controlled by party or personal
ties in SUCH matters. He served and aided
the suffering OF all parties and circles.
The lovers OF military merit, however,
regard COL Johnson s service in the army
as the most brilliant part Of his history.
We confess it warns our blood and ex-
CITES our highest admiration when we look
back to his achievements at the head OF
his famous johnson Mounted Regi.
ment" II was hardy band of thous
and backwoods marksmen, fearless horse
men. prompt Tor battle whenever and by
whomsoever offered. and whose military
service was closed by an achievement not
excelled by any OF the glorious acts of
that war. The battle of the Thames is
known to ALL Its details are in every log
cabin in the Far West All have in their
minds eye thr movements of the Mount
ed Regiment" from the time that the
trumpet call Of their leader summoned
them to his standard. till. in the closing
scene Of the arduous campaign. they were
placed in order Of battle in front OF the
allied forces Of Proctor and Tecumseh,
Col. Johnson assigned to his brother the
command oil the second battalion. 10 be
led in an impetuous charge against the
British line, whilst he reserved to himself
the stern and deadly conflict with the In.
dian force. led on by the greatest native
warrior this continent has ever seen. In
that conflict he led the van oi his troops
in person into the hottest fire, himself re-
ceiving five balls and his horse sixteen,
until-having in single combat received
the fire of the great recunseh, and in re-
turn slain him by his own reserved fire
he was borne from the scene of strife to
the rear, the blood flowing from his blanket
in streams, and every moment expected
to be his last. TO the surprise of the ar.
my he survived. long to enjoy the grati-
tude Of his countrymen.
We will not refer to the almost immune
rable testimonials Of affection which
grateful country has bestowed upon him..
He was. indeed. still in the public service,
as member of the Kentucky legislature,
when death summoned him from scene
where he had filled no common place.
May he resti in peace. and have that mon
ument most priced by the patriot erected
to his memory--the regret and affecilonate
remembrance ofhis rountrymen = Wash
ington Union.
G5-A communication on the subject Of