Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1858-10-20

A REN1N1scENcE-The editor If the Savannah
News, noticing the confession Of Strong, lunatlc
recently arrested in Washington, that he at one time
intended to kill the President relates the attempt to
assassinate Gen. jackson. The writer was recent,
and says:
The above calls to our mind thrilling scene which
witnessed the eastern portco OF the capitol IN
the winter of 1884, when an attempt was made by
an insane man, by the name of Lawrence, to assas.
sinate General jackson. 1t was on the occasion OF
the funeral of Hon. Warren R. Davis Of South Caro-.
lima. The funeral procession, in which were the
President and heads of departments, foreign minis
tiers, Senators and Representatives, was passing IRON
the Hall of Representatives to the eastern port'co-
Gen. jackson, leaning on the arm OF lion. Lew
Woodbury., then Secretary OF State, was near the
head of the procession, Immediately in the rear OF
the mourners, among whom were several ladies of
Mr.. Davis family. When the mourners had reached
the portco and Just the President passed out OF
the green door leading to it, Lawrence stepped from
behind one of the columns Of the portico, where he
had concealed himself and instantly, without word,
presented large horse pistol within three feet OF the
Presidents breast, and exploded the cap Quick as
thought, Gen. Jackson raised his hickory cane and
aimed blow the assassin head but, missing him,
Lawrence snapped the second pistol before he was
seized and borne down to the ground by those near
him. Gen. jackson, without retreatng an inch, had
raised his cane for second blow when it was seized
by those Immediately round him, who, protecting
him from further assault with their persons urged
him retire into the rotunda which he vehemently
refused to 40 On being informed that it was prob
ably conspiracy, and that there might be more
than assassin he still refused to be led from the
portico, and expressed his determination to MAINTAIN
his position where he stood.
The scene presented was most exciting. Ladies
fainting and screamng-the crowd, composed OF the
distinguished men of the country, hurricdy gather
ing around the President surprise depicted in every
conference.-the rush of the would be assassin and
the exertions of those who had taken him in custody
to prevent him from being to pieces by the ex-
cited muttude-the babel of voices-altogether a
most novel ahd impressive spectacle The sergeant
alarms having removed the prisoner order was soon
restored and the funeral obse9ues were concluded.
On investigation it was found that Lawrence was
an insane man, who had been seen lurking about the
capitol for several days. According to his ow story,
he was laborng under the strange haucination that
he the rghtful heir to the crown Of Great Brit
ain, and that his object in killing Gen. Jackson was
that he might obtain command Of the United States
army and navy, with which he intended to enforce
his ght to the British throne. 1t is singular that
Lawrence, like Strong, was carpenter by trade.
The pistols used the occasion were large horse
pistols, which were found to be heavily loaded The
weather at the time foggy and damp, and the
pistols having been loaded for several days and kept
in his carpenters chest, while he awaiting ia
vorable opportunity for the accomplishment Of his
purpose, the powder in the tubes had absorbed suf
clent moisture to prevent ignition from the caps
To that circumstance alone, under Providence the
country owed the preservation Of the life Of Prcsi
dent Jackson.
very disgraceful affair grew out of the event
which we have just described, duplicating distn-
gushed Senator of that day, who was however, hon
oraby acquitted by the Senate committee, appointed
at his instance to investigate the charges against
him,