The Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, S.C.) 1836-1851, 1850-04-05
DEATH OF MIR. CALHOUN.

Calhoun i'll the following feeling and apl r'rrla-
te manne. He was followed by Messrs. Clay,
Webster, Rusk and Clemens. We will give
the remarks of the two former in onr next.
Mr.. PREs1pEsr: rise to discharge most
mourntul duty, and one which devolVes III II
considerations well calculated to arrest the at.
tention of this body. 1t is to announce the
death of my late colleague, the Honorable JOHN
CALDWELL CALHOUN. He died at his lodg.
ings in this city on yesterday morning, at hall
after seven o'clock. He was conscious OF his
approaching end, and met death with fortitude
and uncommon serenity. He had many admo-
nitions of its approach, and doubtless had not
been Indifferent to them With his usual repug-
nance to professions, he said little for effect on
the world; and his last hours were an eXempll.
fcation of his life and character-truth and
simplicity. For some years past MIR. Calhoun
has been suffering under pulmonary COM
plaint, and under its effects could mol have reck'
oned on any but short existence; such was
his own conviction. The immediate cause OF
his death was an affection of the heart A few
hours before he expired, he became sensible OF
his situation, and when he was unable to speak,
his eve and look evinced recognition and intel
ligence of what was passing. One of the last
directions he gave, was to dutlful son, WHO
had been attending him, to put away some man
uscripts which had been written short time
before under his direction. Mr.. Calhoun was
the least despondent man ever knew. he
had in an eminent degree the self-sustaining
power of intellect. The last place, and his last
Of Suhnf
Just said. Mental determination sustained nun,
while all others were in despair. we saw MN
a few days ago in a seat near me, and whlcn ne
had so long occupied; we saw the struggle OF
great mind, cxerting itself to sustain and over
come the weakness and infrmities OF feeble
body. 1t was the exhibition of wounded ca
gle, with his eyes turned towards 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
our Republic, and has acted distinguished
part / surely do not venture too much when
say that his reputation forms striking part
of glorious history. Since 1911 until this
time, he has been responsibly connected with
the Federal Government, as Representative,
Senator, Cabinet Minister and Vice President.
He has been identified with the greatest events
in the political history of our country, and
hope may be permitted to say that he has been
equal to all the duties which were devolved up
on him. In the many critical juuctnres in which
he was placed, having to act responsible part,
he always acted decided part. 1t would not
become me, as his friend, to venture on the
Judgment which awaits his memory, that will
be performed by posterity. Before the impair.
tial tribunal of History, it may be that he will
have had the fate, and will have given to him
the Judgment, that has been awarded to Chat
ham, would do the memory of my friend in.
justice, 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 was a native of South Carolina,
and was born in Abbevile District, on the 18th
March, 1882. He was of Irish family. His
father, Patrick Calhoun, was born in Ireland,
and at an early age came to Pennsylvania, and
thence to the Western part of Virginia, and af.
ter Braddock's defeat moved tO.South Carolina.
In 1855 he and his family gave name to what
is known as the Calhoun Settlement, in Abbe-
vile District The mother of my Colleague
was Miss Caldwell, born in Charlotte county,
Virginia. The character Of his parents had no
doubt sensible influence OIL the destiny of their
distinguished son. His father had energy and
enterprise, combined with perseverance and
great mental determination. His mother be-
longcd to family of Revolutionary heroes;
two of her brothers were distinguished in the
war;. their names and achievements are not left
to tradition but constitute part'of the history of
the times Mr. Calhoun was bern in the Rev.
olution, and in his childhood felt the influence
ofits exciting traditions. He derived from the
paternal stock, intellect and selEreliance; and
from the Caldwells, enthusiasm and impulse
The traditions of the Revolution had 4 sensible
influence on his temper and character. Mr.. Cal
houn, in his childhood, had but limited advan
tages OF what is termed literary tuition. His
parents lived in a newly settled country, and
among sparse population. This population
had little intercourse with the lower country of
Carolina, and was sustained by enigrants from
Virginia and Pennsylvania. There was Of
course but limited means of instruction for chill
dren, and theyimbibcd most oftheir lessons from
conversation with their parents. Mr.. Calhoun
has always expressed himself deeply sensible to
that influence.
At the age Of thirteen he was put under the
charge of his brother.in.law, DIR. Waddell, in
Columbia county, Georgia. Scarcely had he
commenced his literary course, before his father
and sister died. His brothcr.in.law, DR.. Wad-