Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1860-05-09
GEN. SAM DALE.

from the press, under the editorship of Hon.
j. +. ID. Claibourne, of Mississippi. 1t is
most interesting work, full of startling incl
dents, with running commentary on men
and things of the day in which the partizan
lived.
Below we give his impression of men and
things about Washington-such as existed
there in his day and generation.
About this time l resolved to visit Wash
Ington City, to attend to my claim for a
large amount due me for corn and other
supplies, furnished to the troops in the SER
vice of the United States at various times,
and on the expedition to Fort Dale, in But
ler county. On arriving put up at Browns
hotel, and next day went to the quarters of
the Alabama delegation. The third day,
Col. William R. King, of the Senate, brought
me word that President Jackson desired to
see me. ssTell Dale,' said he to Col King.
&c that if l had as little to do as he has,
should have seen him before now.' The
General was walking in the lawn in front
OF his mansion as we approached. He adj
vanced and grasped me warmly by the hand =
sc No introduction is needed ~ said the Col
onel.
oh, no,'' said the General, shaking my
hand again, ssI shall never forget Sam Dale.''
/ We walked up into the reception room,
and was introduced to Col. Benton and five
or six other distinguished men. They were
all very civil, and invited me TO visit them.
lDey were taking =" NdLIlHcdilOn,'> the en-
crossing subject at that period, and the
President turning to me, said, s' Gen. Dale,
| if this thing goes on country will be
like bag of meal with both ends open.
Pick it up in the middle or otherwise, and it
will run out. / must tie the bag and save
the country The company now took leave,
but when | rose to retire with Col. King,
the General detained me, and directed his
servant to refuse all visitors until one
| o'clock. He talked over our campaigns,
and then of the business that brought me to
| Washington. He then said, Sc Sam, you have
| been true to your country, but you have made
one mistake in life you are now old and soli-
tary. and without bosom friend or family to
comfort you. God called mine away. But all
L have achieved-fame, power, everything
L would exchange if she could be restored to
| me for moment. -
| The iron man trembled with emotion, and
for some time covered his face with his hands,
and tears dropped on his knee. was deeply
| affected myself. He took two or three turns
across the room, and then abruptly said
ss Dale, they are trying me here; you witness
it but, by the God OF heaven, will upheld
the laws.''
/ understood him TO be referring to nulif-
cation again, his mind having evidently recur-
red to it, and expressed the hope that things
would go right
&c They shall go right sr,'' he exclaimed
assionatey, shiverng his pipe upon the table.
| tie CaltncQ uOWn ditef tHlS, anu showed me
his collection of pipes, many of most costly
and curious kind sent to him from every
| quarter, his propensity for smoking being
| we'll known. These" said he, sc will do to
look at. l still smoke my corn-cob, Sam, as
you and L have often done toge ther; it is the
| sweetest and best pipe"
| When / rose to take leave, he pressed me
to accept room there. 6 can talk to you
at night; in the day am beset.'' declined
on the plea of business, but dined with him
| several times, always-nO matter what dig
nitaries were present-sitting at his right
hand. He ate very sparingly, only taking
single glass of wine, though his table was
magnificent. When parted for the last
| time, he said :-ss Ny friend, farewell we
shall each other no more-let us meet in
heayen.''
/ / could only answer him with tears, for l
felt that we should meet no more on earth.
The Alabama delegation each invited me
to a formal dinner, and introduced me very
! generally to the members. Mr.. Calhoun
was particularly kind. 1t was from him
that l first received the assurance that the
notification trouble would be settled. He
was man of simple manners, very plain in
| his attire, of the most moral habits, intel
I lectual something of an enthusiast. and, if
| personally ambitious, equally ambitious for
the glory of his country. His style of
speaking was pecular-fuent, often .yehe-
| ment, but wholly without ornament; he
rarely used a figure of speech; his gestures
were few and simple, but he spoke with his
eyes-they were full of concentrated fire, and
| looked you through he was earnest IN every
thing. He found his way very soon to my
heart, and l then and now deeply regret the
dissensions sowed by intriguers between him
and Gen. Jackson.
When L visited Colonel Benton, at O'Clock
in the evening, was conducted to him in a
| room where he was surrounded by his children
| md fhair school. hooks He teaching them
/ himself. That very day he had presented an
elaborate report to the Senate, the result of
laborious research, and had pronounced pow
/ erful speech-yet, there he was, with french
and Spanish grammars, globes, and slate and
pencil, instructing his children in the rudi-
ments. He employed no teacher. The next
morning 1 was strolling, at sunrise, in the
| Capitol grounds, when, whom should l see,
but the Colonel and his little ones Shaking
me by the hand, he said, s These are my pick
| aninnies, General-my only treasures.
bring them every morning among the flowers,
| sir is teaches them to love God-love, sir. !"
l was struck with the sentiment, and with the
| labor this great man performed and yet he
never seemed to be fatgued. He was not
/ man of conciliatory manner, and seemed to be
4 always braced for an attack. He spoke with
| a sort of snarl-a protracted sneer upon his
/ face-but with great emphasis and vigor. His
manner towards his opponents, and especially
| his looks, were absolutely insulting; but it was
| we'll known that he was ready to stand up to
| whatever be said or did. 1. was wonderful
| how he and Mr.. Clay avoided personal COLI
| sion; they hated each other mortally at one
j period; they spoke very harsh and cutting
| things in debate both were proud, ambitious,
| obstinate and imperative both were fearless
| of consequences, and though habitually iras-
| chile and impetuous, perfectly collected in mo-
/ ments of emergency.
/ I a. 4 IL, ofty