, 1858-09-10
Az. Inhn A. OniIman.

The news OF the deceaSe OF thlS dlSllnB-
uished gentleman cannot fail to be received
with universal regret. The prominent pos
ition which he has occupied before the
country for the past twelve years, justifes
something more than a passing notice Of
his career.
The General was late member Of Con-
gress from Mississippi In Mississippi,
and throughout the South, Gen. Quitman
had host Of admirers, and in his native
State, New York; his death caused a
goaeral feeling Of regret. He was bold,
brave, high-miuded man, and always frank
and fearless in the expression of his views,
Ia politics, no was what is known as an
ultra Southern States Rights man, and de-
Tended the institution of Slavery with a zeal
and an ardOr which caused him 10 be re-
garded as one of its truest champions.
At the time of his death, General Quit
man was about sixty years Of age. At an
early age he emgrated to the South, and
became Mississippi planter. He support
ed General Jackson for President, but after
wards abandoned him, and for time was
known as a State Rights Wing. He, how
ever, subsequently rejoined the Democratic
party. g.
Upon the occurrence Of the war with
Mexico, Mr.. Quitman not only volunteered
his services, but was active and efficient
in raising men, and President Polk appoint
ed him a Major General. He proceeded
to Mexico aud performed distinguished
pert in nearly oil the hard fought battles
which preceded the capture Of the city Of
Mexico. After the entry Of the American
troops into the capital, General Qultman
was appointed Governor, and discharged
the duties Of the post with frmness and
prudence. Upon the conclusion Of the,
peace he returned to his home in Miss
issippi, and devoted himself to bis plane
tation and to forwarding railroad en-
terprise for the benefit Of the district
In 1855, he was elected tn Congress by o
very large majority, and though political
opponen, Speaker Banks placed him at
the head Of the Committee on Military
Afairs-a position for which be was emil
nenty qualified, and the duties Of which he
discharghed with zeal and eminent ability,
Last fall Gen. Quitmsn was reelected
to Congress without opposition. and was
again made Chairman OF the Committee on
Military Affairs. The support which he
gave to the Kansas Nebraska bill, and bis
cOuFselin the discussions on the Lecomptonl
Constitution, during the late session Of Con
gress, are too well known TO make mention
here He voted against the English Com-s
promise, on the ground that 1t was q sub
terfuge which avoided the issue.
Daring the Cuban agitation, some years,
ago, great efforts were made TO secure Gen.
Quitman to lead an expedition TO assist The
disaGected Cubans in gaining their inde-
pendence, and the negotiations were carried
10 an almost successful issue. DinicultioS,
however, arose, which spoiled the plans Of
the Cuban leaders, and Gen. Quitman re-
tired from his connection with Them. s1Ihr
the explanations and controversies that
followed, some fault was found with him.
bat subsequent events showed his wisdom
in abandoning an enterprise that, under
the circumstances, could not have succeed
ed. ..'.-e .7.'.... :. ~. I, -
Gen QuitmahS had, like other men, his
defects Of Judgement bat he vas sincere
and earnest in the advocacy Of hia views.
He won friends by bis frank manner and.
chivalrous bearing; and though not fluent.
as an orator, he always COMMANDED the
attention Of his audience. hag ~ ~