Weekly national intelligencer., 1857-10-10
A GRACEFUL ACT.

The reader will learn from the subjoined CORE
spondence that the President of the United States,
with hberality and prpmptitude which do him
great honor, has given most appropriate and gene
rous expression to his own sentiments and those of
the nation at large, in grateful admiration of the
gallantry and humanity displayed by Capt. JOHN
SON, of the Norwegian barque Ellen," on the
occasion of the late catastrophe which befell the
steamer Central America-a catastrophe which,
though it may be destined ever to occupy painful
pre-eminence in the annals of marine disaster, is
yet not without its sweet uses of adversity" in
the sublime example afforded of sailor-ke devotion
to duty on the part of some who perished, and of
equally sailorike devotion to humanity on the part
of those who, under circumstances of great peril,
rendered efficient aid to the suffering. Capt JOHN
SON was especially made the honored instrument,
under Providence, of saving many lives in that
most distressing casualty and the tribute which
his conduct has called forth from the PRESIDENT
has the merit at once of gracefulness in the donor
and of worthiness in the recipient. But, while
Mr.. BUCHANAN, in obedience to his honorable i'm
pulses, has more than fulfilled the obligations which
might be deemed incumbent on him, whether per-
sonally or officially, we hope that the country,
through its Representatives in Congress, will not
hold itself exonerated by the generosity of the Pre-
sident from the pleasing duty and privilege of
awarding to Capt JOHNSON and his American as
sociate in generous and humane daring such
national testimonial as shall properly express the
public gratitude for the services rendered by them
and their crews on that melancholy occasion
DEPARTMENT OF STATE,
Washington, September 80, 1857.
Collector of the Customs, Norfolk, Va
SIR: transmit pocket chronometer and chain,
which the President has directed to be presented to
Capt A. Johnson of the Norwegian barque Ellen"
slight testimonial of his appreciation of his services in
rescung under the most trying circumstances many
of the survivors from the wreck of the Central America
will thank you to deliver these articles Capt John
son, and express to him the Presidents high of
his gallant energetic and successful exerons upon the
occasion referred to-
am, sir your obedient servant,
LEWIS CAss.
CUSTOM HOUSE. NORFOLK,
Collectors Office, October s. 1857.
DEAR SIR: have been deputed by the honorable Sc
cretary of State at Washington to present to you
pocket chronomeer and chain, in the of the Pre-
sden of the United States, slight testimonial of
his appreciation of your services in rescuing under
trying circumstances, many of the survivors from the
wreck of the steamer Central America
The President desires to convey to you the express
sion of his heartfelt Acknowledgements for your gallant
energetic, and successful exertons upon the occasion
referred to-; and may be permitted to add that, in
doing he enuncates the universal sentiment of the
people of this country of whom he is the honored chief
The gift emanating from such source, and from such
suscepbiities alike distinguishes him who bestows and
him who receives.
Wishing that prosperous gales may hereafter attend
your voyage through lf and that it may terminate in
unrufied and happy haven, request you dear sir,
to believe me, with sentiments of sincere regard, your
obedient servant, S. 7. SAWYER,
Collector of the Customs.
To Capt. A. JOHNSON,
hnrn Nnr