Democrat and sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1853-1866, 1856-05-21
From tho Louisville Courier.
Gen. William Walker.


sWe perceive in many of our exchanges.
within the last few days. an extract from a
late number of Blackwood's Edinburg hiaa.
azine." On Nicaragua, in which it is stated
that General Walker, whose position in its
affairs has drawn all eyes upon him. is about
forty years of age. and is native of Alaba.
ma and giving some details as to bis early
NE ana education. which are sometimes osr-
rect and sometimes otherwise.
Inc writer OF this article has known Will
lam w aiker from his childhood. and has it.
therefore, within his power to correct several
errors which prevailed with regard to him
ln the nrst place, then, he is a native of tho
cry OF Nashville. Tennessee, his father being
., VI, oco'ch birth. coming, we believe, from
glasgow or its vicinity his mother. who was
sister of John Norvell. at one period a
Senator IN Congress from Michigan. being
native of Kentucky William, the eldest of
their children, is about thirty three or four
years OF age, Is of rather diminutive stature.
with whitish hair. fair complexion, much
stained on the cheeks aud about the ewes with
freckles, grey eyes, and countenauce, on the
whole, rather tame and unprepossessing
tiis voice Is low, and decidedly nasal, being
what the children call sing-song his manners
are uncommonly quiet and reserved, if not
awkward; but when in company with init
mate friends, or when interested in any sub
Ject' he wakes up, and his whole appearance
greatly changes
tacIturn and studious. He was particularly
proficient in mathematics and the exact sci
ences. and on his graduation at the Universe
ty OF Nashville, he went to Edinburz, where
he went through the School of Medicine. and
afterwards attended lectures on that science in
Paris, and then travelled over considerable
portion OF middle End southern Europe. On
his return to Nashville he found that neither
ms health nor his temperament fitted him for
the life of physician, and he came to this
city with the intention Of studying law and
obtained admittance to the Bar lie pursued
his studies for some time, and was admitted
TO practice, but never, we think. made anv
very strenuous attempt to advance in the pro-
fession. Shortly afterwards, he became con-
nected with the Crescent" and devoted
himself with great earnestness and zeal to ed
itorial labors. The experiment did not, how
ever prove so fortunate as he had expected.
and he therefore gave 1t up, and followed the
example of many other adventurous and am
bltious spirits by going to California Tn that
State he was also, for while connected with
the Press, and at the period of the descent
upon Sonora, which he made with handful
of followers, he was. if We have not been mis-
informed, again trying his luck at the Bar
However lll-advised and unfortunate that ad-
venture may be regarded by many, all will
agree that so far as its history has transpired
W alker displayed indomitable nerve and he
roism in the midst of the sternest difficulties
Under his calm and unreserved exterior.
Walker conceals the rarest determination and
most unhinehing personal courage. He is.
we are inclined to think, slightly fanatical in
his views, when interested or resolved upon
matter, and probably never thinks of conces-
sloGs TO any person, or under any circum-
stances lie Is also strictly just and impair
tial IN his course, aud little given to making
distinctions in his treatment of those who Of
fend against discipline. In proof of this we
heard the other day from most reliable
source, that his own brother, who held a COM
mission, having been guilty of an iinprudence
which disqualified him for duty at the moment
he ordered that he should be reduced to the
ranks and his commission forfeited, nor would
he recede from this position, although strong
ly urged to clemency by many of his leading
and most trusted officers.
The most serious error which Walker has
committed since he landed in Nicaragua, and
one which has unquestionably compromised
HIM to considerable degree in the eyes of
many who are willing and desirous to aid in
any steps which have for their object the set
tlement of the affairs in Central America in
such manner as will tend to the establishment
of order, and the prevention of European in
trigue against the interests of this country.
has been the very Objectionable character Of
several individuals upon whom be has confer
red reasonable and conspicuous Positions
There was no excuse, for instance, for send
ing such man as p. Ii. French as Minister
to this country, nor for conferring high mill
tary rank upon Schlessinger He is now,
however, happily rid of both, and among the
many brave and Intelligent men who are flock
ing to join his standard, he will no doubt find
better material of which to make both Colo
nels and Plenipotentiaries. That he will
maintain his position against the motley host
of mongrel natives and adventurous Europe
ans with whom he will have to contend, there
can be no reasonable doubt. His great dan
ger would BE from an invasion by French or
English forces, but that can scarcely occur
before he viii be also prepared to resist it by
the large accession of strength which he will
receive by immigration from this country
Plans of the BIack Republicans