Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1853-11-17

Col. Benton's history of the life and times Of
Andrew Jackson, now in publication, will prove
valuable accession to the historical works Of
the country. Full justice will be done to the
craftsmanship, the patriotism and the greatness
of noble man.
COL Benton gives the following interesting
and eloquent description of the retirement of
Gen. Jackson from the high Office of President
of the United States. and his departure for the
quiet retreat of the Hermitage -
The second and last term of General Jack
sons presidency expired on the Sd of March,
1887. The next day, at IL. he appeared with
his successor, Mr.. Van Buren,, on the elevated
and spacious eastern portico of the capitol, as
one of the citizens who came to witness the in
auguration of the new President, and no way
distinguished from them, except by his place
on the left hand of the President elect. The
day was beautiful-cIear sky. balmy vernal
sun, tranquil atmosphere; and the assemblage
immense. On foot, in the large area in front
of the steps, orderly without troops, and close
ly wedged together their faces turned to The
portico, presenting to the beholders from all
the eastern windows the appearance of field
paved with human faces-this vast crowd re-
manned rivited to their places. and profoundly
silent, until the ceremony OF Inauguration W as
over. 1t was the stiffness and silence of Tever-
ence and affection, and there was no room for
mistake as to whom this mute and impressive
homage was rendered. For once, the rising
was eclipsed by the setting sun. Though Gis-
robed of power, and retiring to the shades of
private life, 1t was evident that the great ex-
President was the absorbing object of this in
tense regard. At the moment that he began
to descend the broad steps to the portico, to
take his seat in the open carriage which was to
bear him away, the deep, depressed feeling of
the dense mass broke forth, acclamations and
cheers bursting from the heart and filling the
air-such as power never commanded, nor man
in power ever received. 1t was the affection.
gratitude and admiration of the living age, sa-
luting for the last time great man. 1t was
the acclaim of posterity, breaking through the
bosom of contemporaries. 1t was the anticipa-
ton Of futurity- unpxrchasable homage TO the
hero patriot who all his life, and in the circum-
stances Of his life, in peace and in war; and glo-
rious in each, had been the friend to his coun-
try, devoted to her, regardless of self. Uncov-
cred and bowling. with a look Of unaffected hu-
mility and thankfulness, he acknowledged in
mute signs his deep sensibility to this affecting
overflow of popular feeling. l was looking
down from a side window, and felt an emotion
which had never passed through me before. I
had seen the Inauguration of many Presidents,
and their going away, and their days of state
vested with power, and surrounded by the
splendor of the first magstracy of great re-
public. But they all appeared to me as pag-
/ eants, brief to the view. unreal to the touch
and soon to vanish. But here there seemed to
be a reality-a real scene-a man and the peo-
pIe,-he laying down power and Withdrawing
through the portals of everlasting fame they
sounding in his ear the everlasting plaudits Of
unborn generations. Two days after, saw the
| patriot ex- President in the car which bore him
off to his desired secluson-I saw him depart
With that look o! quiet enjoyment which be
spoke the inward satisfaction ofthe soul at ex
changing the cares of office for the repose o
home. History, poetry, oralory, marble anC
brass will hand downthe military exploits O
Jackson this work will commemorate tn
events Of his civil administration, not less glo
rious than his military achievements, great a
they we're; and this brief notice Of his last ap
pearance at the American capitol is intended
to preserve some faint memory of a scene, tht
grandeur of which was so impressive to the be
! holder, and the solace of which must have beer
so grateful to the heart of the departing patriot
| Eight years afterwards he died at the Her
mitage, in the full possession of all his facul
ties, and strong to the last in the ruling passion
Of his soul-love of country.