The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-04-02
THIRTY-FIRST CONGRESS.
FIRST SESSION.
MONDAY, April /, 1850.
S EN- A L E.
Mr.. BUTLER rose and said

the Hon. john CALDWELL CALHouS. He died at
his lodgings, in this city on yesterday morning, Mt
approaching end, and met death with fortitude and
uncommon serenity. He had many admonitions
of its approach and without doubt he had not been
indifferent TO them. With his usual aversion 10
profession he said little for effect the world and
his last hours were an exemplihcaton of his life
and character-truth and simplicity.
Mr.. CALHOUN, for some years past, had been suf-
fering under pulmonary complaint, and under its
effects could not have reckoned long existence
Such was his own conviction. The immediate
cause oil his death was an affection of the heart.
lew hours before he expired, he became sensible of
his situation and when he was unable to speak, his
eye and look evinccd recognition and intelligence
oil what was passing. One of the last directions he
gave was to a dutiful son, who had been attending
him, TO put away some manuscripts which had been
written short time before under his dictation
Mr.. CALHOUN was the least Respondent man
ever knew; and he had in an eminent degree the
self sustaining power OF intellect. His last days
have just said. Mental determination sustained
him, when all others were in despair. We saw him
a few days ago, in the seat near which he 80
long occupied-we saw the struggle of great
mind exerting itself to sustain and overcome the
weakness and infirmities Of a sinking body. Ii was
the exhibition of a wounded eagle, with his eyes
turned to the heavens in which he had scared, but
into which his wings could never carry him again.
Mr.. President, Mr.. CALHOUN has lived in an
eventful period Of republic, and has acted a
distinguished part. surely do not venture too
much when say, that his reputation forms strik-
ing part of glorious history Since 1911, until
this time, he has been responsibility connected with
the Federal Government. AS Representative SEN
ator, cabinet minister, and Vice President, he has
been identified with the greatest events in the POI
ftical history Of our country. And l hope may
be permitted TO say that he has been equal all the
duties which were devolvcd upon him in the many
critical Jonctures in which he was placed. Having
to act a responsible part, he always acted decided
part. Ii would not become me to venture upon the
Judgment which awaits his memory That will be
formed by posterity before the impartial tribunal
Of history Ii may be that he will have had the
iate and will have given to him the judgment that
has been awarded to Chatham
should do the memory Of my friend injustice,
were not to speak of his life in the spirit Of history.
The dignity Of his whole character would rebuke
any tone OF remark which truth and Judgment
would not sanction.
Mr.. CALHOUN a native of South Carolina,
and was born in Abbeville district on the 18th
March, l7S2 He of Irish family. His
father, Patrick Calhoun, was born in Ireland, and
at an early age came to Pennsylvania, thence
moved TO the western part Of Virginia, and after
Braddock s defeat moved TO South Carolina in 1856
Pie and his family gave a name to what is known
as the Calhoun settlement in Abbeville district.
The mother of my colleague Miss Caldwell,
born IN Charlotte county, Virginia. The character
OF his parents had, no doubt, a sensible influence
on the destiny of their distinguished son. His father
had energy and enterprise combined with persc-
verance and great mental determination. His mo-
ther belonged to family of revolutionary heroes.
luton. Their names and achievements not left
10 tradition, but constitute part of the history of
the times
Mr.. CALHOUN was born in the revolution, and in
his childhood felt the influence of its exciting tradi
tons He derived from the paternal stock intellect
and seli-reiance, and from the Caldwells enthusi
asm and impulse. The traditions of the revolu-
ton had sensible influence his temper and
character.
Mr. CALHOUN, in his childhood, had but limited
advantages of what is termed literary tuition.
Ia ia txsAI 4
among sparse population. This population had
but slight connexion with the lower country
of South Carolina, and sustained by emf
grants from Virginia and Pennsylvania. There
was OF course, but limited means of instruction 10
children. They imbibed 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 was put
under the charge Of his brother in law, DIR. wad-
del, In Columbia county, Georgia. Scarcely had he
commenced his literary course before his father and
sister died His brother law, DR.. Waddel, de-
voted himself about this time TO his clerical du-
ties, and was a great deal absent from home
On his second marriage he resumed the duties OF
his academy; and in his nineteenth year Mr.. CAL
HouN put himself under the charge Of this distin-
guished teacher. IL must not be supposed that his
mind before this had been unemployed. He had
ayailed himself of the advantages OF small library
and had been deeply inspired by his reading of his
tory. IL was under such influences that he entered
the academy of his preceptor. His progress was
rapid. He looked forward 10 higher arena with
eagerness and purpose.
He became student in Yale College in 1902 and
graduated two years afterwards with distinction
as young man OF great ability, and with the re-
spect and confidence Of his preceptors and fellows
What they have said and thought of him would
have given any man a high reputation. II is the
pure fountain Of clear reputation. If the stream
has met with distractions, they were such have
only shown its beauty and ma esty.
Alter he had graduated. Mr.. CALHoUs studied
law, and Tor few years practised in the of
oouth Carolina, with reputation that has de-
scended TO the profession. He was then remarkable
Tor some traits that have since characterized him.
lie was clear In his propositions and candid in his
intercourse with his brethren. The truth and JUS
tice of the law inculcated themselves on his mind
and, when armed with these, he was a great advo-
cate.
make prominent part in the history Of his life He
served for some years in the legislature Of his native
state and his great mind made impression on
her statutes some of which have had a great prac-
teal operation on the concerns Of society From
the legislature of his State he was transferred 10
Congress and from this time his career has been
part OF the history OF the federal government
Mr.. CALHOUN came into Congress at time OF deep
and exciting interest-at a crisis Of great maCni.
tude. Il crisis Of peril those who had 70 act
IN It, but OF subsequent glory the actors and the
common history OF the country. The invincibilty
OF Great Britain had become proverbial EXPIRES
sion, and war with her full of terrific issues
Mr.. CALHOUN found himself at once in situation
Of high responsibility one that required more than
speaking qualities and eioquence TO fulfil IL. The
spirit Of the people required direction; the energy
and ardor Of youth were to be employed in affairs
requiring the maturer qualities Of a statesman The
part which Mr.. CALHOUN acted at this time has bee
approved and applauded by contemporaries, anc
now forms part Of the glorious history Of thos,
times.
The names Of CLAY, CALHOUN, CHEvEs anc
LowNnEs, CRuSDY, PORTER, and others, carreS
associations with them that reached the heart of N
nation Their clarion notes penetrated the army
they animated the people, and sustained the adj
ministrstion Of the Government. With such &C
tors, and m such scences-tbe most eventful Of ou
histOry-to say that Mr.. CALHOUN did not play
second part y no common praise. In debate h
was equal with Randolph and In council he com
manded the respect and confidence Of Madison. A
this period Of his life he had the quality Of Theus
tocles--to inspire confdence-which, after all, Il
the highest Of earthly qualities; IL IL a mystica
something, which IL felt, but cannot be ribbed
The events Of the were brilliant and HONORABLE
10 both statesmen and soldiers; and their hstor-
may be read with enthusiasm and delight TIL
war terminated with honor but the measure
which had 10 be taken in transition to peace e.
adjustment were full Of difficulty and embarrass
ment Mr. CALHOUN, with his usual intrepidity
did not hesitate to take responsible part. Unde
the influence Of a broad patriotism, b. acted wit