Semi-weekly Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, South-Carolina) 1851-1852, 1851-05-16
From the Mercury.
JONAH COLLINS

JO.NAE1 SCLLtASS
Was the name of wealthy rice planter,
who resided Oh the Santee, during the last
century. lie was good natured and hospta.
bic, but remarkable for his eccentrieities, and
the pertinacity with which he cherished his ell
mitv to persons who had wounded his pride or
done him an injury. Among the few who had
unfortunately offended him, was gentleman
of the name of W, who had married his
only daughter contrary to his wishes. lhls
man he never forgave, though he allowed HIM
to speak to him, and complied with any OF his
reasonable requests, but to whom he never
dciyned to make any reply when he spoke.
OF the number of persons who had parta-
ken of his hospitality, was a Northeastern
Cavtain of schooner, who had traded up the
river mt n time when two smart negro fellows
disappeared in an inconceivable manner. The
old gentleman had his suspicious, but said
nothing, till one day, on going to Charleston,
he observed in newspaper, the arrva! OF the
Northeaster, in the stream, with cargo OF
"eegant Sheep" Now, said he, is the time to
play that fellow n trick, and on board OF the
schooner he went, and examined the Sheep
praised them, and at last, selecting the finest
looking RAM, priced him. After some little
difficulty made by the Cartaia, who said that
was his bel.ram-his finest sheep and worth
more than any other and the reply of Mr..
COLLINS, who said that as the Captain meant
to sell them all, and as taey werejall destined
to be slaughtered, he would not any longer,
stand more in need Of one than another; they
barg.ined on the price. Now, said COLLINS,
after he had paid for the Ram, suppose he be-
longs to me. and can do what please with
him, Certainly, said the Captain, he is your
Sheep. In all instant he picked up his Ram
overheard he flung him. The Ram had scarce
" touched the water with tremendous splash,
when overheard the rest of the sheep sprany
with plump, plum, plump and the Captain aud
his mate all in astonshment and confusion,
running from Que side of the vessel to the other,
endeavorns to stop them, lost more than hall
of the nu,nher; while old COLLINS seized the
opportunity, during the confusion, to return to
the City, followed by the Sheep, which, glad
to escape from the tyraut, found it nearest and
safest land for them.
THE MORAL. ..-a-,'
The Captain, mate and vessel, represent the
would-he Consolidated Government, and the
Sheep the sovereign States, each with Will ana
ability to act for its own preservation and pro,
lection, when left uncontrolled; aud here, in
the vessel, they were, as thought by the Gov
ernnent, completely within its power and rea.
dy for slaughter, whenever purchaser should
comply with its terms. But, fortunately for
them, there was a conservative principle with
in, which the tyrant acknowledged as long as
it suited his purpose, ut no longer and that
was the old daunlless bell-Ram, which only
required the assistance OF an Almighty power
influencing the viii Of the people, to make
him exercise all his faculties. The half of the
Sheep which escaped slaughter, are the slave
holding States, who, foresecing the danger o.
despotic power, were so wise as to take the
leap, and follow their leader; and the remain
der left in the vessel, are the slaveholdng
States, destined to be rnled at first, by mob
ocrasy, and finally, by regal authority.
OLD TINES.