Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1857-02-04

rnobs,'' the Colonel sternly replied. ''l
have seen the cannon's hostile flash, have en-
countered the bristling bayonets Of the enemy,
and hold in contempt lawless mob" s'This
is all fine bravado,'' said Hughes. "Barney
and / have no desire to shoot down, or to be
shot down by our fellow citizens. You may
throw your own life away, Colonel, but this
bright world has too many attractions for us to
throw away our lives in defending yours, when
a pleasant ride of half an hour viii save your
life from danger and restore US to our afIec-
tionatc families
1 shall give a'full chapter of the rise, pro-
gress and decline of this emnently bad man,
a soldier, 4 patriot, traitor; perhaps the lat
ter is harsh word.
Passing through Washington on my return
from Richmond, was invited by Col. Isaac
Coles, his secretary, into Mr.. JefIerson's
tum. Mr.. J. was seated in his morning gown,
quite at his ease, (Which l was not,) amusing
himself by tossing his slipper into the air and
catching il on the point Of his toes as it came
down. With his homely visagc, his fine flaxen
hair and stern countenance, he addressed me
81 understand that Col. Burr was an intimate
friend of yours" q was premonishcd by
friend Coles TO expec. lecture.)
l brazoned it out ssYes, SIR" said L; 81
was his aHenuenss. 1 copied many, and di-
rected all his letters. Curious to see how
great man would act when fallen from his high
estate, 1 cultivated his acquaintance with as
siduity."
''This is in exceeding bad taste,' said Mr..
Jefferson; 'sbut you are young man. Youth
and indiscretion are synonyfnes. L did not,
however, invite you to hear lecture, but to
obtain information. l understand that Col.
Burr received great deal of attention in
Richmond
eyes, sir it was lavished upon him in pro-
fusion''
'Pray, sir, did Col Gibbon himself have any
intercourse with him."
ssNone.''
.sDid his family ~
"No.''
''How do you know 20
:sThe hotels were crowded; hospitality was
extended to every stranger; families gave mp
their beds to give a welcome and a resting
place to honSeless wanderers. As my sister
was invited to Major Gibbons domicil, was
there every day-volunteered my services as
purveyor of supplies for the Colonel's house
met no encouragement and got my curricle
loaded everywhere else.''
81 rejoice to hear.it. forgive your youth
full folly; dine with me to-day. want to hear
your adventures. 1 will promise you good
cheer; for in my heart rejoice that you have
saved me from the condemnation of an I'm
righteous act. Notwithstanding that Col. Glib
bon fought like patriot and hero at the bat
tie of Cowpens, was appointed the collector Of
the port of Richmond by General Washing
ton, had resolved this day TO strike his name
from the roll OF his country's service, which 1
concluded he had disgraced 10y permitting his
family to commune with the arch-traitor.-
Come punctualiy at fve.''
went and never enjoyed dinner more.
This feast comes more appropriately under
the head of '.Thomas JefTerson.''
Subsequently poor Burr subject to des-
titution in Paris, where he supported himself
for months by the sale Of his watch, his trinh-
cts, his clothing, and finally was induced to
make minute calculations of the minimum
food Indispensable to sustain life. He ascer-
tanned, by chemical experiments, that the sac
charine of sugars yielded more nutriment at
less cost than any other substance, and that
coffee Drowned, but only half burnt, lasted
longer, and was the cheapest stimulant that
| could reaGimate an exhausted frame.
This was the last of Col. Burr. The world
is familiar with his villainy. His treachery,
infamous exposure of confidential letters ad-
| dressed to him by that confding sex. on whom
he was lavishing his praise, induced by the
mere qualification OF puppy's vanity to desire
10 throw broadcast to the world their letters
of civlity, in answer to his bewitching flatter-
| les, laviShed upon them without stint or mea-
sure. The noble, honest, but, poor Matthew l..
| Davis, his executor, received from him, while
| living, trunks full Of females correspondence,
by which Burr thought to make Davis fortune,
but which was generously returned without fee
or reward, to the grateful recipients.
Lobbying, How an anomaly, was in full force
in those days. Several important bills had
passed the New York Legislature, and some
were so uncharitable as TO insinuate that i'm
| proper means had been resorted TO. Ny friend
| Davis was accused of being engaged in bring
| ing about this successful issue.
! A lady of rank and fashion condescended
| tand ladies rarely condescend to mingle in
anything out of their appropriate sphere, tho
| limits of the domestic circle,) to say hard
things OF my friend Davis, and went SO far as
| to insinuate she could calmly look on and see
/ him hung.
/ Davis went to her door, rung the bell sent
up bis name, and was promptly answered, ssShe
! ,,,ae not and never would be- at home TO Mr.