Staunton vindicator and general advertiser. (Staunton, Augusta County, Va.) 1858-1860, 1858-05-15
COL. BENTON. /

"REMINISCENCES OF HIS LIFE.
The death Of Col Benton makes all the
incidents Of his life valuable My formet
residence in the city of Washington bro't
me into intimate acquaintance with friends
and the carly history Of Col. Benton, and
from the minutes taken at that time from
those who knew him and his history we'll
| send you few incidents which may be
new and interesting:
CAUSE OF THE QUARREL WITn GEN. jACkstN.
Few understand the cause of the quarrel
between Gen. jackson and Col. Benton. -
They had been fast friends for years, and
the General owed much to the friendship
of Col. Benton. In all the vicissitudes of
bis early carcer-in the opposition he en-
countercd-hc found in Col Benton a firm
ally and an able defender For some rea-
son, Gen. Jackson was not fayorite with
President Madison. And in all the ef-
forts Of jackson to do service in his coun-
try's behalf, in the war Of 1912, he was
thwarted and defeated by the Adninistra-
ton. 1t was with great difficulty that Gen
jackson had regiment or command -
And to his position on the 9Th day Of JAN
uary at New Orleans he was indebted by a
previous election to the majority Of one bal
lot. And Col. Benton, in speech not
long since made on the battle Of New Or
leans, stated that the victory was won
when Jackson was elected to bis command.
Previous to the battle Of New Orleans,
Gen. jackson had raised a rsginentin Ten
nessce. 1t was composed Of young and ar
dent patriots personal friends of it's COM
mander-who we're ready to follow him
anywhere end stand BY him against all
odds. The members Of the regiment were
poor, and their commander was poor as
they. lie marched them to Nashville, in
tending from that point to move down to
New Orleans. When he reached Nash
vile he was met BY peremptory order
from the Secretary Of War, commanding
him 70 dfsband his regiment and send i
home. 1t was hard case. The troops
were poor, i'll clothed and i'll fed. It was
cold Feather. The poor fellows had nc
moneg, and had not means to remain and
none to return home. The troops had left
home with their commander, whom they
loved They had enlisted at the call Of
their country, to die. if it need be, in her
behalf Their commander resolved that
they should not suffer, and he pledged all
ne rad III this voru-obtaining credit
made provision on his own account for their
departure-an dismissed them with tears
and thanks. It was now the purpose Of
Gen. Jackson to induce the government to
assume this debt, and refund what had been
advanced on behalf of his soldiers. He
found al able ard capable man to make the
appeal in the person Of Col. Benton. lie
agreed to 60 on to Washington, report the
matter to the President, and induce him to
approve the acts Of Jackson 4 journey
from Tennessee to the city Of Washington
in 1914 was quite different affair from
what it is in 1857 The way was long
it led through waste, bowling wilderness
Beasts Of prey, and men worse than these
put the travellers life in peril-the roads
were bad-the journey was long, arduous
perilous. But it was undertaken with
cheerful alacrity BY Col. Benton, on behalf
Of his dear friend, and it was successfully
accomplished
While Cot. Benton was on his way home
from Washington, he heard that a quarrel
had broken out between his brother at
Nashville and resident in Tennessee
known as the "Nailor,' whose real name
was Carol. In the quarrel, Gen. Jackson
had taken sides, and vas the friend and ad-
wiser Of Carrot in the quarrel A duel was
not fought, but in the personal encounter
that took place, Mr.. Benton was danger
ously wounded By bullet from pistol
and vas for time in great peril. Such
was the news that greeted Col. Benton when
he came home from his peri1ous journey -
His brother dangerously wounded his
fficrd for whom he lad done and suffered
50 much, the ally and advisor of his broth
er's foe. He was hot with rage. He fell
indignant at the course pursued by Gen.
Jackson, and did not hesitate to charge
Jackson with ingratitude. They separa,
ted.
THE RECONCILIATION.
The eamity was long and complete. The
Bank question came up. Col Benton was
in the Senate. He made speech on the
question. He defended the course Of the
President as President, while he held tc
his wrongs as a man. The speech was ar
able one. Mr.. Benton was to be marked
man in the contest dawning. The Presi-
dent nccaed Col. Benton. he sent for the
Senator to cali at the White House. & re-
Cancellation took place, and their friendship
was broken only by death.
1f3KD sioSE7 QUESTION
During the excitement growing out o.
the bank, Gen. jackson was charged witt
high crimes, and it was asserted that wher
tie bank was destroyed Ire would salGe' the
high handed measure Of having a currency
Of his own in defiance Of Congress. Col
Benton remarked that he thought the new
currency woald be three pieces to the dol
lar" The Colonel even intimated that the
currency was then out and he had some o.
the coin in his pocket. 10 tic astonish
mcnt Of the company Col. Benton took ou
of his pocket silver half-dollar and two
silver quarters Of dollar, and asked the
crowd if those three pieces did not make
one dollar with this currency" said
che Senator, ethe President will sustain the
Administration.