The Hillsborough recorder. [volume] (Hillsborough, N.C.) 1820-1879, 1858-04-28

81 shall know where to find the gentleman =
to which Colonel Benton responded" shall
be found in the right place--on the side q
my country and the Umon." The resolu-
tons never came to a vote, but they were
sent to the Legislature Of every slave state,
were adopted BY some Of them, and became
the basis Of after conflict and party organiza-
ton. II was determined by their author to
make them grounds of instructions to Sena-
tors in Congress, and for this purpose they
hands Of Democrats in the Legislature un-
friendly to Col. Benton's reelection. With
out exciting inquiry, and under the sanction
Of leading members Of the party whose tealty
was not then suspected, they were passed IN
both branches and sent to Washington.
| Col. Benton no sooner received the In
structions than he denounced them as not
being expressive of the sense Of the people,
as containing disunion doctrines, and as de-
signed to produce an eventual separation Of
the states. He announced that he would APP
peal from the Legislature to the people, and
Immediately after the adjournment OF Con-
gress returned to Missouri for that purpose.
He began the canvass Of the state, and pro-
secuted il in every section in series OF
speeches, which for bitterness Of denupcia-
ton. strength Of exposition, and caustic wit,
have scarcely their equals in the English Ian.
guage.
Col. Benton supported Mr.. Buchanan in
opposition to his own son-in-law, Col. FREE
mont. The reason assigned by him was .
confidence that Mr.. Buchanan, il elected,
would restore the principles Of the Jackson
,, Administration. and the apprehension that
the success of Col. Fremont wonld engendei
sectional parties fatal to the permanence o.
the Union. He soon after saw occasion t.
change both opinions, and although in retire.
!. ment, he zealously opposed the Administra'
J ton Of Buchanan, and inclined to unite with
. the opposition that presented itself in tht
E Republican party. After his defeat in 1850
Col. Benton devoted his time again to iitera
nv pursuits. Even before that time he hat
begun his "Thirtv Years view" oithe work
e ing Of the Government. This was completed
and published in New York in 1854.
: No sooner was that off his hands than h
engaged in the still more laborious task o
! condensing, revising, and abridging the de
! bates Of Congress from the foundation OF tn
! government to the present time. In thi
!. work, although at the advanced age Of e
! his daily iabors are almost incredible, am
: such as few men in the prime Of manly lif
: could support. This was accomplished i
: great part BY means Of a robust constitution
temperate habits, regular EXCISE, and dali
a resort to the cold bath. His health was still
I as perfect, his mind as unimpaired, and hi
: interest in passing events as absorbing a
ever. lie also wrote in an interval OF leisur
e review Of the decision of the Suprem
y Court in the bred Scott case, which has at
J. Ii acted great attention. With strong. in
e dustrious intellect, a dominating character
. and quick appreciation Of men, Col. Bento
D has exercised prominent influence upon ma
{ tional affairs.
= In Missouri his power was at one tim
boundess, and throughout the West b
: moulded public opinion to his will for man
. wears. While adhering TO strict party lines
: he was able TO effect almost everything b
y attempted, aud oftrn standing forth alone h
: drew his party with him against the policy {
I Presidents aud Cabinets. In his last attemI
/ Of this kind, however. he failed. and wa
s forced to relinquish Office as consequence
Z but this browning struggle was a testimon
= TO his independence aud sense of duty tina
: will contribute no less to his fame with pos
i terity than the honors which he receive
!. through party allegiance. Col. BENTON wa
: married, after becoming Senator, TO Eliza
! beth, daughter Of Col. Jas. Mcdowell. {
Rockbridge county, Va. His surviyin
q children are four daughters-Mrs. Wn
y Carey Jones, Mrs. Ann Benton Fremont
!, Mrs. Sarah Benton Jacob, and Madame Susa
J. Benton Boileau, now at Calcutta, wife Of III
. French Consul General. Mrs. Benton die
g in 1854, having been struck with paraly SIS !
d 1884, and from the time Of that calamity he
i husband was never knogn TO go to any plac
!. Of festiyity or amusement.
u