Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1859-01-19
REMARKS OF GEN. BoNHiM on THE DEATH
OF GEN. QyIINAN.

REAaRkS UF GEN. BUNHlM UN lliE DEATH
OF GEN. QgIINAN:
Mr.. BoSllAM-M S peaker, it is fit that
South Carolina should drop tear on the grave
of General Quitman. lie was, for years, the
trusted friend and correspondent of her own
Calhoun, and no one out of her borders 1as
moro nearly the exponent Of her political prin.
cples, or had more the affections Of her peopls.
They admired him whilst living, and dead be
will never be forgotten.
1t was first my fortune to meet him on tho
eve of his leading his brilliant division into thu
valley Of Mexico. was struck with bis manly
form and hi. proud and determined bearing,
as he passed before his troops, along whose
lines rang deafening cheers for their gallant led-
der. lie was then in the pride and glory Of
manhood, and nobler specimen of genuine
manhness have seldom looked upon. But, sir,
when again met him, at the beginning Of the
last session of Congress, after the lapse Of hut
nine years, how different his appearance! Tho
powerful form Of the gallant chieftain was bent
by disease, and tue heart Of friendship could be
but startled at the change.
In every part which lie WAS callod upon to
play on the active theatre Of liu, he never fell
below the highest mark Of public expectation,
and often went beyond. On the bench, lie was
a pure, able, and upright judge. In the coun-
clls of the Confederacy, ho impressed all With
his wisdom and sterling integrity. If there was
any one trait in his character moro prominent
than all Others, it was his love Of the truth
that honesty which makes sman the noblest
work of God.m
Hewas wise in the council of war, bold in
conception, cool in action, in the charge dread
full as the Storm" His dashing passage along
the aqueduct from Chapultepec to the Garcia
OF Belen-carrying two fortiicationI in rapid
succession, the latter before the very mouths Of
the cannon Of the citadel-has seldom, if ever,
been surpassed in boldncss Of conception or
brilliancy Of execution. AS n commander, he
was beloved by his troops; and no man ever
possessed, in q more eminent degree, the re-
spect and confidence of those with whom no
acted, in peace or in war, how divergent soever
their views. Conscientously faithful in the
performance Of every public duty, he displayed,
as Chairman of the Committee on Military AT
fairs, during the last session of Congress- de-
gree Of attention and energy which none but a
robust frame could sustain, and which, doubt
less, contributed to speed the heeting sands Of
life. His style Of oratory was not ornate; it
was concise, clear, cosent. lie disdained mere
ornament, and went direct to his Object. Hence
he never spoke that he cid not command the
ear of the House, and that, too, without weary.
ing the attention. 1t is within the memory Of
US all that during the last session he was, by
unanimous consent, urged to so beyond his
hour. Into the abode of private grief will
not intrude. Let us hope that the "Diyinity
which shapes our ends" will apply the balm to
that wound which, for His own wise purpose,
He has inflicted w.. $780,. ..,...,,'
Sir, not only for South Caroliaasat large do L.
pay this heartfelt tribute, speak most espe-
cially for that portion Of her citizens-the rem
nant of that regiment which he so gallantly and
successfully led in tho glorions victories ON
Ohspultepeo's Heights, and at the Belen Gate,
Less than two years since, in this Hall, be took
part in paying the last honors to one Of their
most cherished and gallant companions in arme.
On the 4th of May last, he joined this remnant,
at meeting Of their association, Of which ha
was an honored member, as their anniversary
orator. Little did they then think they would
so soon hear Of the death of their beloved COM
mander. Who can know what the morrow will
bring forth2
Our lives are rivers, gliding FREQ
To that unfathomed, boundless sea,
The .iIent grave!
Ththcr all earthly pomp and boast
Roll, to be swallowed up and lost
In one dark wave"
Their wall went forth through all tie hnd at
the sad tidings of lis DEATH but here, too, they
ask to lay chaplet Oh his honored grave.
On the banks Of the mighty Father of Wa
ters sleeps the patriot, warrior, statesman. Over
his grave will weep the willow, aud the Cypress
and pine sing their gentle dlrge, The marble
shaft will lift high It's head in memory Of his
virtuous deeds but in the hearts of his coun-
trymeR is always erected his most grateful and
enduring monument.