Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1859-01-14

mentl had scarcely returned home, when it was
announced that the hero, the Statesman, and the
patriot, was no more
When heard he announcement, although was
to great extent prepared for It. yet it shocked me-
was forciby reminded of the history of the great
chief ofone Of our southern tribes of Indians. he
had ruled his tribe for many long years; under his
government his people had been prosperous and
happy he grew old, and in his old age he esme 10
this city, accompanied by some five or six Of his
braves. Suddenly attacked by violent disease, he
became conscious Of approaching dissolution. He
reflected upon the past happy condition ofhis tribe
and he felt deep interest IN their future welfare
He called his braves around his dying couch aud
addressed them. Said he, .sYou viii 20 back to
our country, and as you go along the path you will
hear the birds singing and see the flowers blooming
Ny people will come out and ask You. Where Is
Push-met-a hat And you will tell them he is dead,
and they will hear it like the falling Of the mighty
oak In the stiffness Of the forest And SO 1t was
with John A. Quitman. In thatS of his adoption
which he loved so well. the breeze that bore on its
wings the news Of his death vas filed with sadness
and the announcement fell upon her people as it
did upen the whole country like the crash of the
noblest oak Of the forest.
This popularity, like his fame was not confined
to the borders Of his own State Though entertain
ing what are sometimes termed ultra political views,
yet he never failed to command the respect and
TEEN of ALL even those who differed with him how
remembered by every member here On one occa-
sion, when he deemed it proper express his views
on en- important question, at the close Of the hour
allotted TO him by the rule of the House, he had not
concluded his remarks. Unanimous consent was
necessary to allow him to proceed So highly was
he esteemed BY this body, that member either
side Of the House was found to object 1t was
rare compliment; one not often paid; and yet, cir
can say without any hesitation that it was court
esy felt to be due him who was himself ever court
Gus aud kind, on account OF mis- great personal
worth aud his distinguished services TO his country
| Il was just tribute TO him, and honorable in the
highest degree to The body which paidi
Mr. Speaker, John A. Quiman was a man to
| whom eul0gy can add nothiug but on allusion TO
the many virus which adorned his character
| whilst ii can add nothing 10 his solid fame maJ be
useful ia stimulating others to attain by honorable
Uesnsihe high position which he reached. He did
everything well which be undertook TO accomplish
There are few men who have succeeded so well in
so many and different positions. He was an able an
upright judge, successful ami accomplished law
! yer wise statesman, and true hero. His entire
career was continued effort to maintain the true
| principles of State-rights Ho loved the Constitu
ton, because he had studied it. and Understood it,
! His early manhood was connected with the revolu-
! tion which sDatched Texas from Mexican misrule
and consecrsted her to free iom. His valor made
illustrious the war which punished Mexico for an
Insult to the honor of his country. His undyng
which, but for the action Of his own Government,
would have added the gem of the Antilles to be
American constellation,E and freed Cuba from the
thraldom of S Spanish tyrany.
His political career was marked by an uubending
devotion to principles and unremitng discharge Of
the duties which his public ru' Is imposed upon him.
aud by singular inlegiy which distint ushed alike
his political and private life
His entire life was perfect exemplifcation o
the " honest man, the noblest work OF God But
he has gone. No shall we listen 10 his words
of wisdom Tat voice of reason and patriotism,
which was wont to charm The people of his beloved
State is hushed in the solemn stiffness Of the tomb
The eye that once proudly flashed over his coun>
trys fields, is closed forever.
He sleeps his last sleep he has fought his battle
No sound can awake him to glory again"
Let him eest in peace upon the banks of the no.
blest river Of his country; and though proud
monuments may be raised to commemorate his deed,
his name will live and be reversd whilst the love of
liberty shall find a resting place in the human
heart
/" Light he the sod which rests upon his breast
Green he the grass that grows upon his grave
Eternal be the laurels that flourish his tomb"