Republican vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1857, 1856-05-17
General William Walker,

We perceive in many of our exchanges,
within the last few days, an extract from
a late number of Black ood's Edinburgh
Magazine. or Nicaragua, in which il is
stated that Gen. Walker, whose position in
its affairs has drawn all eyes upon him, is
about forty years Of age, and is d native of
Alabama, and giving some details as TO his
early life and education, which are some
L tines correct and sometimes otherwise.
The writer of This article has known
| William Walker from his childhood, aid
has il, therefore, % correct several errors
which prevail with regard to him. In the
first place, then, he is native Of the CITY
| of Nashville, Tennessee, his father being
Of Scotch birth, coming, we believe, from
GLASGOW or its vicinity his mother, who
was sister Of John NorvelI, at one period
a Senator in Congress from Michigan, be-
ing native Of Kentucky. William, the
eldest of their children, is about thirty
three or four years of age, is Of rather d.
minutive stature, with wiitish hair, fair
complexion, much stained on the cheeks
and about the eyes, with freckles, grey
eyes, and conference, on the whole.
rather same and unprepossessing. His
voice is low and decidedly nasal being
what the children call sing-song his man
neFs are uncommonly quiet and reserved,
IF not awkward but when in company
with intimate friends, Or interested in any
subject, lie wakes up and his whole ap-
pearanee greatly changes.
Al school and college Waller was most
taciturn and studious, He was particular
| ly proficient in mathematics and the exact
sciences, and on his graduation at the Uni
versity Of Nashville, he went to Edinburg,
where he went through the school of Med.
.cjne, aud afterwards attended lectures on
that science at Paris. and then travelled
over considerable portion of Middle and
Southern Europe. On bis return to Nash
vile lie found that neither his health Eor
his temperament fitted him fer the life of
a physician ant he came TO this city with
the intention Of studying law and obtain
ing admittance TO The Bar. He pursued
his studies for some time, and was admit-
ted to practice. but never we think, made
any very strenuous attempt 10 advance in
the profession, Shortly afterwards he be.
came connected with the Crescent, and de.
voted himself with great earnestress and
zeal 10 editorial labois. Fhe experiment
did not, however prove SO fortunate as he
had expected, and he therefore gave it up,
land followed the example of many other
adventurous and ambitious spirits, by going
TO California. III that state he was also for
a while connected wit The Press, and at
the PERIOD of the descent upon Sonora.
which he made with 8 handfuld of follow
ers he was, if we have not been njsin-
folmrd. again trS ing his luck at the Bar.
However i'll advised and unfortunate that
adventure may be regarded By olany, all
will agree that SO far as lis history has
t;ranspiTed, Walker displayed indomitable
nerve and heroism IN the midst of the ster-
nest difficulties.
Under his calm and reserved exterior
Walker coneeals the rarest determination
and most unhinchng personal courage
He is, we are inclined 10 think, slightly
tanaical in his views, when interested or
resolved upon matter, and probably new
er thinks OF concessions to any person, or
under any circumstances. He is also strict.
| ly just and impartial in his course, and lit
tie given TO making distinctions in his treat
ment OF those who Offend against disctp-
line. In proof Of this, we heard the 9th.
Ter day, from a most reliable source, that
his own brother. who held commission,
having been guilty OF an imprudence which
disqualified him Tor duty at the moment
he ordered that he should be reduced to
the ranks and his commission forfeited.
nor would he recede from his position, al
though strongly urged to clemency by
many Of his leading and most trusted off,
GERS.
The most serious error which Walker
has committed since he landed in Nicara.
qua. AMI one which hes unquesionably
him to'a considerable degree
in the eyes Of many who are willing and
DESTROYS 10 aid in amy steps which have for
their Object the settlement of affairs in
Central America in such manner as will
tend to the establishment OF order and pre-
Vention of European intrigue against the
interests Of this country, has been the very
objectionable character of several ndivld-
ais upon whom he has conferred response
Bic ana conspicuous positions. There was
no excuse, for instance, for sending such
man as Parker H. French as Minister to
this country, nor tor conferring high mill
try rank upon SchlessingeE--Ne,o Orleans
Det!a.