Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1856-02-13
MlSCE LII A N Y.
q singular Story.

a Singular Story.
The following singular story was published
several wears ago, and we now republish it as be-
ing peculiarly fitted for the consideration of those
who would inflict fatal stab upon our institutions
pard's paper, The Quaker City, communicates
the following curious account OF a recent remark
able dream Of MIR. Cahouu's. We have not much
faith in supernatural appearance. but if nything
could lead the ghost of the Father of his Coun-
try" to revisit the realms beneath the moon, 1t
would be the thought that his. beloved country
was in danger of dlsunion, which would be but
another name to civil war. We give the story
for what it is worth:
WASHINGTON, Jan. IL.
Mr.. Edi.or:--The other morning at the freak
fast table, our friend Hon. Jno. G. CalhaAh
seemed very much troubled and out of Spirits
You know he is altogether venerable man, with
a hard. stern, Scoich-Irish face, softened in its
expression around the mouth by sort of sad
smile. which wins ihe hearts of all who converse
with him. His hair is snow white. lie is tall,
thin and angular. He reminds you very much OF
Old Hickory. That ho is honest, no one doubts
he has sacrificed To his fatalism his brightest
hopes of political advancement-has offered up
ON the Shrine of that necessity which he wor-
ships all that eau excite ambiton-even the
Presidency Of the United States.
But TO my story: The other morning at the
breakfast table, where |, an unubserved spectator,
happeneJ to be present, Calhoun was observed to
Gaze frequently at his right hand, and brush 1t
with his left in hurried and nervous manner
He did this so often that it excited attention.
Al length one of thepersons composing the break
4 4 thi MI -, he hoIS a
member of Congress from Georgia, took upon
himself to ask .he occasion of Mr. Calhoun's
disquietude.
.'Does your hand pain you 2" he asked.
To thus Mr.. Calhoun replied, in rather a
Hurried manner: '.Pshaw! it is nothing! Only
dream which had last night, and which makes
me SEE perpe,ually large, black spot-llke an
lux bIotch-upou the back Of right hand. An
optical delusion, suppose"
OF course these words excited the curiosity OF
the COMPANY, hut 20 one sentured TO beg the
details OF this singular dream, until Toonbs asked
9uiely:
"What was your dream like? | am not very
superslilous about dreams, but sometimes they
have goud deal uf truth in them."
'.Dut this was such peculiarl yahsurd dream, -
said Mr.. Calhoun, again bIushing the back of his
right hand --"hOwever, il II does not too much
intrude upon the time of our friends, will relate
it to you"
Ofcourse the company were profuse in their
expressions of anxiety to know all about the
dream. In his sngularly sweet voice Mr..
Calhoun related IL:
cat late hour last night, as was sitting in
nv room engaged in writing, was astonished by
the entrance OF visitor, who entered without a
word and took a seat opposite me at my table, =
This surprised me, as | have given particular
orders TO a servant that should on no account be
disturbed. The manner in which the intruder
entered. so sefpossessed taking his seat opposite
me. without word, as though my room and all
within it belonged to him, excited in me as much
surprise as Indignation. As raised my head to
look into his features, over the top of my shaded
lamp, discovered that ne was wrapped in thin
cloak. which eifectually concealed his face and
features from my view. As raised my head he
spoke
s.What are you writing, Senator from South
Carolina 2"
.sl did not think of his mpertinence at first but
answered him voluntarly-l am writing plan
for the dissolution of the American Union, (you
know, gentlemen. that am expected to produce
plan of dissolution in the event Of certain contln-
gencies.'O
10 this the intruder replied, in the coolest
manner possible:
".Senator from South Carolina, will you allow
me to look at your hand your right hand g
..EIe rose, the cloak fell, and beheld his face.
Gentlemen, the sight of that face struck me like
a thunder clap. 1t was the face of a dead man.
whom extraordinary events had called back to life.
The features were those of General George Wash
inrtou; ; yes. gentlemen, the intruder was none
other than George Washington. He was dressed
in the Revolutionary costume, such as you see
preserved in the Patent office"
Here Mr.. Calhoun paused, apparently much
ns itated. His agitation, ssed not tell you, was
shared by the company. Toombs at length broke
the embarrassing pause ''Well, We !, what
was the issue of this scene?" Mr.. Calhoun re-
sumed
''rhis Intruder, as have said, rose and asked
to look at my right hand As though | had not
the power 10 resist it. extended it. The truth
is, felt strange chill pervade me at his touch;
he grasped it. aad held it near the light, thus at
fordiag me full time to examine every feature OF
his face |; was the face of Washington, gentle
nea, shuddered as | Oehsld the horribly dead
,lipe look Of liat yisage After holding my hand
for moment he looked at me steadily, and said
IN quiet way
".Aad with this right hand, Senator from South
Carolina, YOU would sign your name to paper,
lsclarinr the Union dissolved p
=. answered ia the affirmative. Yes, said |,
II certain contingency arises / will sign my
name 10 ,he.D Declaration Of Dissolution But at
hat moment Diack blqich appeared on the back
If nv haud-aa inky biotch, which seem to SEQ
ven nov. What is that' cried |, alarmed,
lno y no, why at the blotch upon my hand.
That said he. drupping my hand. shat is
he riark oy when Benedict Arnold is known in
.he next " rid
..fIe sad no more, gentlemen. but drew from
oanea,h h,s cloak an object which he placed on
the taoc--placed it upnn the very paper on which
WIS writing. 'fnat object, gentlemen, was
skeleton,
s.9'here.' said he, 'there are the bones OF Isaac
Hayne. who was hung in Charleston by the Brit
sh. He gave his'lile in order to establish the
Union When you put your name to declara-
jon Of dissolution, why you may as well have The