Weekly Trinity journal., 1857-11-14

Gen. william Walker.

book called 'Qainland (; or. Varieties in
American Life has just been issued by James
Sterling, all Euglishman who has travelled liz
tie In America. Among other things, it furnish
es the following singular portrait of Gen. Walker
which can be taken for what it is worth
came down the Mississippi with gentleman
from Nashville who had been at school with Gen
eral Walker, and who confirmed, in the strongest
manner, the accounts Of his reserve at school
Indeed he said Walker was the puniest, quietest
mlksop OF boy he had ever known; SO much
80 as to be an object of derision to bis schoofel
lows who called him honey. missy and other
cont"mptuous names. Walker never Joined the
other boys in any athletic games the only hing
by which be distinguished himself was that he
always knew his lesson better than any boy in
school and the moment school was over be ran
home to his mother. In his leisure moments his
favorite pastme was reading the Bible. Indeed
there is little doubt that Walker possesses one
Of those peculiarly organized. imaginative minds
which seize all objects in a strong and original
manner. and to which at one time or another,
theology is sure to be a source OF irresistible At
traction. Walker. first of ALL studied divinity,
and it was. probably only in consequence OF the
doubts and perplexitics that often disturb the
studies Of our Young theologians, that he aban
doned that study for medicine This too, for
some reason, he gave up after time, and took
to law. which you know is in This country syn
onymous with taking to politics. In New Or
leans he connected himself with the press but
here in addition to law and physic. he also bad
an episode of love which, though not mentioned
in the public accounts of his career, had, he
levc, great effect on his fortunes and character,
and the story of which had from source In
which can put every confidence. AT New Or
leans he became acquainted with young girl.
very beautiful and Intellectual but deaf and
,,,L Woir. a frat At tod il
young girl by sympathy for her melancholy pri-
walton, but tcnderer feelings arose, and on
her part the young lady became passionately
attached to Walker. Indeed, not being aware of
the usual restraints which the cOnventionalities
of society impose upon females under such cir
cumstances, she even displayed her affection in a
more open manner than was pleasing to her
friends. This led TO some restraint and misuh.
derstanding and enlargement; and the poor,
beautiful but speechless girl. thinking herself de-
serted sickencd and died. From that moment
Walker was u changed man. lie went TO Cali
forna, fought n duel. aud then joined band of
desperadocs Thenceforth the sickly, studious
milksop was the stern and daring adventurer-
The story sounds romantic. confess; hut II Is the
only intcllgbr clue have yet received TO the
strange revolution which is admitted to have tR
ken place in this mans character 1t must have
required some great mental shock 10 transform
the sickly. yellow haired hddic,' of Nashville,
to the stern Nicaraguan fllbnster Why should
/. not he blasted love and the vision Of his bro
ken hearted deal mute dead for love of him p
To an imagination such Ms his must be, vision
like this may well become permanent aud pow
erfu reality. casting its dark hue over his whole
career and character. One thing in Walker do
admire | mean his silence. For | agree with
CARLYLE that silence is great In an age of
babbcrs, II is much to find man that can hold
his tongue.