The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1858-07-20
GEN. JACKSON IN A METHODIST
CONFERENCE.

Tt was in the autumn Of 1887, and after the
venerable man had returned from Washington to
the Hermitage. He had laid aside all the cares Of
life and, devoting his thoughts to religious mat
ters was patiently awaiting the summons to re Join
his sainted Rachel in the better land. The Metho
dist Conference was in Session at Nashville, and
some hundred and fifty ministers were in atten-
dance. Some of them were men of eminence,
ability and learning, and some Of them of less pre-
tensions; but the body was not only respectable,
but it welded moral powor second to no other
body of men in the State. Jackson was personal
" acquainted with some Of the members, and had
always admired the zeal and usefulness Of the tine
rant ministers in that church, but he had never
been present at the session of Conference, and
desired much to attend one Accordingly, a
time set for his visit, and the venerable sage
and hero entered the Conference leaning upon the
arm of the Hon H. R. w Hill, of Louisiana
Mr. Hill introduced the great man to the Bishop
and the Conference, and the narrator remarks:
CATER such a bow of recognition as only Jack
son could make, he turned to the Bishop in the
chair, and said, Reverend and venerable sir, allow
me to say to you, hail this as of the most
sublimely impressive and spirit-stirring occasions
of my whole life. 1t has given me more intensely
affecting view of the WISDOM strength and adapt
cdness of your noble selfsacricinS apostolic itne
rancy, than [ ever before conceived, high as has
ever been my opinion of your cheap, simple labori
organization. Permit me- sir, to say to you and
this army Of Christs ambassadors he
cast his piercing blue eyes over the Conference,
they caught the recognizing glance of the Rev.
Cornelius Evans. The Speech was forgotten.
Captain Evans rose from his seat. Gen Jackson
pressed towards him; instantly the old soldiers
were in each others embrace weeping for joy and
the whole Conference flooded with tears.
evans was one of the bold and hardy noun
taineers who came with Jackson to the wilds of
Alabama, to fight the Indians after the terrible
slaughter at Fort Minis. He was Captain of
company from the WAR Trace Fork of the Cum
berland River as brave spirit as the General,
and was wounded at the memorable battle OF Tai
ledega, and sent home, as it was believed, to die.
Twenty-four years had passed away, during which
the General supposed the intrepid Captain
dead. But he had lived in the mountains Of Ten
nessee, poor and unknown till, late in life having
torsaken the path of sin, the Son of Mary had
made him Soldier of the Cross
"Twenty-four years had made great change in
the General as we'll as the Captain. Both had ex-
changed the delusive pleasures of sin for the rcli
gion of the people of God; and the General was
now staid and exemplary Presbyterian, and the
Captain useful and Jealous itinerant Methodist
preacher. Both of them had laid aside the follies
and ambitions of this lif had left the things that
were behind, and were pressing hard for a.higher
and brighter prize than earth can give. They who
had successfully fought the enemies Of their coun-
try, were now fighting the good fight of faith i'll
view of the crown of eternal life.
''All were sorry to miss the glorious old heros
well begun speech, but glad to the meeting of
the two war-worn soldiers, and hear their fearful
and glad recognition after so long a separation.
jackson never forgot the features Of Of his
valiant soldiers, or failed to recognize the face of
an old friend.
'At the close of the Conference Evans went
from Nashville to the Hermitage where he spent
several days; and from that time forward he rode
upon finer horse. and wore finer clothes than the
soldier preacher from War Trace had been accus-
toned previously TO wear"
Who read this incident, Bro. F., (savs Rev
j. e. johnson, to whom we are indebted for this
lncldent) without feeling warmer attachment to
the noble old hero, and higher admiration for his
virtues! The scene presented when those venora-
bic and true-hearted men rushed into each others
arms, which an angel might look with
pleasure, and one would have given much to
witness. 1t was a scene well calculated to move
every heart in the house, and draw tears from eve
~ eye; it was befttng earth in her unfallen state
Before this. the two old and faithful brethren
have renewed their acquaintanccship, and put on
their coronets above, where friendship shall mature
In the light of purer SKY, and wars and diseords
Will be known no more