Sunday dispatch. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1845-1854, 1852-04-18

A FIGHTING PREsIDENT.-Mr Wise
related, recently, at Democratic Convention
in Virginia, the following anecdote of enc of
the Presidential candidates =
"There was man in the navy, pet of De-
catur's-the most gallant soul that ever lived
who actually stormed Gibralter. voice
the Gibraltar Of WhiggerY?1 No, the Glib
Talter at the mouth of the Mediterranean The
young man referred to, midshipman in the
navy, went ashore at Gibraltar one day Il
was at time when the British officers were
IN the habit Of insulting Americans wherever
they could be found. While this young man
was at Gibraltar, two British officers commen-
ced traduelng the American character and he
Immediately laid down the gauntlet with the
understanding that the laws of the garrison
were not to be enforced. They met upon the
out-works OF the fort, and this young man
plugged his antagonist The companion of
the British officer Immediately advanced to ar
rest the midshipman as prisoner. Incensed
at the violation of the promise soiemnly made,
ne caught the officer in his arms, and giving
him close hug, threw himself over the para
pet, and thus locked, they rolled over and over
to the bottom, In which effort, he broke his
leg. A sergeant, attached to the fort, pursued
the mldshipman on horseback, but on coming
up to him, the midshipman threw him off and
taking possession of his horse, made his escape
to the boat. Afterwards, he went on board the
British flagship, and challenged the whole
feet. He met three British officers, one after
another, and the result was-if have been
correctly informed regulation was made
that If any British officer should thereafter
fight duel, he would be caShiered the service
This young man was Robert F. Stockton.
OLD Hickory OUTDoNE.-A good story
is told, said to have come from the lips of
General Jackson himself While President,
ne made 1t a rule never to interfere with the
appointments Of the Departments if it was pos
sible TO avoid it. Upon one occasion gentle
man from the South an acquaintance of Old
Hlckory's, came to Washington, accompanied
by his son, for whom he wished to procure a
mldshIpmans commission. He called upon
MahtoD Dlckerson, who was then Secretary of
the Navy, and laid his application before him,
whlchwas promptly rejected by Mr.. Dickerson,
who was blunt, Independent, old fellow, and
generally made his appointments to suit him
self. Finding he could get no satisfaction in
that quarter, he called on the President, made
known his case, and asked Gen Jackson to say
word to the stubborn Secretary, in his behalf.
jackson told him that he did not like to inter
feTe, but upon being strongly pressed, sat down
and wrote letter of recommendation in favor
OF the young man, with which father and SON
departed, satisfied that letter from that quar-
ter would settle the matter at once. They re-
turned to Mr. Dickerson, who took the letter
and read 1t, and being in an i'll humor at the
moment, threw it down on the table angrily,
exclalmlng, Sir, General Jacksons letters of
have d--d little influence
IN this Department !" The indignant South
erner had to give it up, and go home without
accomplishing his purpose.