The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1854-06-09
BENTON Oh Jackson.

Benton, in his book, presents the character OF
| Gtn. jackson in very agreeable light. We sub
Join an extract from his book;
seThe first time | saw Gen. Jackson was at
Nashville, Tennessee, 10 1799; be on the bench a
iud.e of The Superior Court and | a youth OF sew.
cnteen back in tie crowd. He was then remark
able man, and had his ascendan ut all who np-
proac he'd him. not the effect of his high judicial
station, nor Of the senatorial rank which he had
held and resigned, Of military exploits, for he
had not then been to war; bot the effect Of person
al quaities-cordaI and graceful manners, hos
pitable temper, elen alton OF mind, undaunted
spirit, generosity and perfect integrity. In char
ging the jury in the impending case, he committed
slight soecism in language, which grated on my
ear and lodged in my memory, without derogating
in the least from the respect which he inspired
and without awakening the slightest suspicion that
was ever to be engaged in smoothing ms dlctlOn
The first time | spoke with him was some years
after al a then frontier town in Tennessee, when
he was returning from southern visit, which
brought him through the towns and camps OF some
Of the Indian tribes. In pulling oft his overcoat,
| perceived on the white lining of the sleeve Il
dark spot which had lille and motion. brushed
it off, and put my heel upon little thinking
that | was ever to brush away from him game OF
very different kind. He smiled, and began
conversation, in which he very quickly revealed
leading trait Of his character--that Of encourag
ing young men in their laudable pursuits. Get
ting my ne, and learning my intended profess
sion, he manifested a regard for me-said he had
received hospitality at my fathers house in North
Carona-gave me kind invitations to visit him,
and expressed belief that | would do we'll at the
bar-generous words which had the effect Of pro.
noting what they undertook to forete.
Soon after he had further opportunity to show
his generous feelings. was employed in GRIM
mInaI case OF great ma gnnude, where the Oldest
and abest counse! ppeared-Haywood, Grundy,
Whreside, and the trial Of which Gen. Jackson
attended through concern for the fate oil friend.
AS junior counsel, had to precede my elders,
and did my best; and it being OH the side oI his
feelings, he found my effort to be better than it
He compIGmented me greatly, and from that
time our intimacy began.
His temper was placable we'll rrasclble,
and his reconclIiations cordial and sincere. o.
that my own case a singular instance. AZ
ter deadly Gued, became his confidential adyis-
er, offered The highest marks Of his favor,
and received from his dying bed message of
friendship dictated when life departing, and
when he was struggling for breath.
He gentle in his house, and alive to the
tenderest emotion. OF this | can give nm instance
greatly in contrast with his supposed character,
aud worth more than long discourse in showing
" tt that character really was. l arrived AT ms
house one wet chilly evening in February, and
came upon him in the twilight sitting alone by
the fire. a lamb and child between his knees. He
started little, called servant TO remove the two
| tile nnocents to another room and explained to ne
how it was. The child had cried because the
lamb was out in the cold, and he had brought 1t in
TO please the chiId-hs adopted Southern mob two
years old. The lerociouS does not do that
And though jackson had his passions and his vo-
lence, they were for men and cncmies-those who
stood up against hin-and not for women and
children, The weak and helpless.
His hospitality was active and cordial. OF this
! learned characteristic instance in relation to
thc Of tho fa.,omc Daniel Ronlo Tho youna
man had come to Nashville on his fathers bust
ness, to be detained some weeks, and took od-
gines in small tavern. jackson heard Of it;
sought him out, found him, !ook him home to re-
main as long his business detained him liz the
country, saying: ''Your fathers dog should not
stay in tavern where have house" This
was heart. The story told me by the young
nan himself long after, when he State Sen
ator of the General Assembly Of Missouri.