Nashville patriot. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1858-1860, 1858-07-23


to decry private integrity as condition OF
success in public life. but the example of
General Quitman illustrates the efficiency of
virtuous endeavor Though never reputed
an accomplished lawyer, he realized the high
est rewards and honors of the profession.
But jmperfectly instructed in the science of
war. he vet achieved glorious distinction at
the head of armies. With no pretension to
the rare gifts and profound philosophy of the
statesman he nevertheless occupied promi-
npnt position and welded considerable in
fiuence in the councils Of the country. And
all this eminence he attained without recourse
to the arts of intrigue or the expedients of
the demagogue. What more profiigate
genius accomplish, either for individual repu-
tation or the good of the Commonwealth?
The public are familiar with the chief incl
dents of General Quitman's career That he
was born in New York. of Presbyterian pa
rentage, his father being clergyman in this
denomination; that he emigrated to Misss-
sippi in early life; that he soon rose to emf
hence at the bar. and acquired great wealth
by his professional labors; that he was eleva-
ted to the Bench and acquitted himself with
credit as Chancellor; that he filed various
Offices IN the government of the State. from
member of the Legislature to Chief Magis-
trate of the Commonwealth; that he was ap-
pointed Major General in the American Army,
aud won renown in the conquest of Mexico;
that he was the leader of the Secession party
in Mississippi, and was unsuccessful their
candidate for Governor; that he afterwards
recover his popularity, and was elected a
Representative in Congress; that he was COM
plmenttd with the embarrassing of the Mill
tary Committee by Black Republican Spea-
ker; that he was arrested. tried and acquit-
T. d upon a charge of organizing an expedi-
/. E. l., Il 4
subsequently supported for the Vice Presiden-
cy in two Democratic Conventions, and wanttd
but few votes of a nomination at Cincinnati;
that he opposed the Conference Bill for the
pacification of Kansas, and was the predestin-
ed leader of Southern Rights organization
in lSG0;-that Gen. Quitman's Lille was dis
tingushed by these interesting passages is
sufficiently well known to dispense with the
necessity of circumstantial narrative.
One event, however, in General QUITMAN's
history demands a more satisfactory elucida-
ton. We allude to his connection with the
exp ditiOn against Cuba. If we were at
liberty. we might adduce the evidence of au-
thentic papers. which were exhibited to the
writer in the confidence of friendly inter
course with the deceased soldier, to prove that
he acted in that matter from the highest mo-
tives of patriotism and with the most scrupu-
lous regard to the laws of the country. Doe
uments in the possession of Gen. QUITMAN'S
family will reveal. moreover, the slight Cir
cum-tance by which he lost the glory of an
neXing Cuba TO the American Confederacy,
when the event appeared to be absolutely
assure 10y imminent and organized insurrec-
ton in the island, and by adequate prepare
ton for an irresistible attack from this coun-
try. But this and other incidents in his
career we leave to the illustration of his bio
graphyr, who will do justice to his rare civic
virtues and to his splendid exploits in the
field. For ourselves we intend, in this in
adequate notice, simply to attest our admira-
ton of his character and our regret for his
lOss.-Rich. South.
In reference to Gen. QUITMAN's connection
with the Cuban fllibustcrs. the New York
Herald has the following remarks:
After the death of General Worth, the
revolutionary party i'll Cuba entered into
correspondence with him with view to the
!, adcrship of their movement. Their offers
were not at that time accepted, though he
continued to lend his counsel to the efforts
for the liberation OF Cuba. In the spring of
1850 Il ridiculous United States warrant was
issued against General Quilman for an alleged
violation of the neutrality laws and COM
plIcIty with General Lopez in his Cuban eX-
petition. He Instantly resigned his office of
Governor Of Mississippi, and repaired TO New
Orleans, but the prosecution was abandoned.
notwithstanding his demand for trial.
In 1858 he finally agreed to accept the lead
ership of the movement for a revolution in
Cuba, and under his guidance large sums of
money were contributed by the Cuban patri-
OTIS and large force organized to descend
upon that island and form nucleus for the
revolutionary forces. Iu 1855 General Quit
man was arrested in New Orleans, by order
of Judge John A. Campbell on most un-
warrantable and unfounded preteXt. The
Grand Jury had refused 10 indict him. but
the Judge, without any precedent whatever
ordered that General QuItman. Mr.. ThraSher
and Mr.. Saunders, should give bonds to keep
the peace for nine months towards the crown
of Spain. On their refusal to do this he is
sued the order for their arrest on the Sd day
81 July, 1919. and immediately LETT the city.
The hllibustcr excitement wasstrong at this
time, and crowds collected around the hotel
where the prisoners were held by the Sheriff.
and declared that if they were taken to prison
they would raZe it to the ground. The eX-
element was very great, and it was General
Quitmans intention to have resisted the
tyrannical order of Judge Campbell by writ
of habeas corpus; but the next day was
the national holiday, and the Judge III aban-
dUnng the city had left no discretionary
power to meet the circumstances and avoid
collision with the pUpulace, large number
OF the peaceaDly disposed citizens called upon
General Quitman aud urged him TO give the
bonds required and save the city from IA
tumult. On this occasion his love of order
prevailed over his sense of right, and the
bonds were given.
Causes which have not been made public
led TO the abandonment of the enterprise and
the return 10y General Quitman to the Cuban
Junta of the authority which bad been con-
tcrred upon him. In a council of the Ameri-
can leaders in this undertaking, after IA full
review of the facts and discussion of the pro-
bable future results of the failure upon the
cause and the men engaged in it, il was de-
ternlned To maintain silence under whAtever
accusation might be made against them. An
exposure Of individual acts which had rem
dered the abandonment necessary could pro-
duce no good, while the acts of individuals I
should not be laid in general charges against
The citizens of either country. Throughout
the whole of these operations Gen. QuIIman
preserved his high character for integrity ana
honesty OF purpose, and notwithstanding the
UNJUST accusations that have been made
against him, it is known that he was large
pecuniary loser by the enterprise"