Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1860-07-27
From the Reading Gazette and Democrat.
Gem. Jackson and Judge HSONSi.es
Am Interesting Incident

From the Reading Gazette and Democrat.
Gem. jackson and Judge Douglas
An Interesting Incident
In December, 1913 Judge Douglas made
his first appearance in Congress. For sew
eral years preceding there had been strug-
gle over q bill proposing to refund to Gen.
jackson the fine Of one thousand dollars,
imposed upon him by Judge Hall, Of New
Orleans during the defence of that city
Some Of the best minds in Congress mad
considered the question, and it had been as
was thought, thoroaghly discussed. The
bill had never become law 1t was con-
tended by the old hero's enemies that his
declaration of martial Ian was violation
Of the Constitution His friends, while net
denying this: excused 1t On the ground of
necessity. Tho friends of the bill support
ed il as a measure Of gratitude boon due
by grateful country to her patriotic. and
successful defender 0n this grtund it was
mainly supported On the 9TH of January
Judge Douglas obtained the floor. He was
then unknown to Congress his was, new
face and strange voice in those halls He
did not follow the beaten path in his advo-
cacy of the bill. He at once took high and
strong ground in defence of Gen. Jackson's
conduct He denied tie legality of Judge
Halls judgment. The position was bold
one the speaker attracted attention, and as
he warmed with his subject he soon OBJ
tained the ear of the House His speech
was success it established his character as
a lawyer and debater. From that time to
the present day he has never been COMPEL
ed to address empty benches, or an jmpa-
tieht, inattentive audience. The bill passed
the House and subsequently, the Senate.
After the adjournment of Congress, Mes
srs. Polk and Clay having been nominated
for the Presidency, monster Democratic
Convention was held at Nashville, Tennes-
see, to which delegations and distinguished
men from all the Western States we're invi-
ted. A large delegation from Illinois, in
gliding Mr.. Douglas, went to Nashville
The attendance was immense. The ac-
counts describe it as a monster gathering
forty acres were scarcely able to afford stand
ing room for the vast assemblage of men
ard women. Some of the most brilliant Or
ators of the day were there, and for severa
days addressed tie multitude. Many had
come from q great distance, not only to at
tend the convention, but also to see the
great man who had for 50 long period and
$50 prominently occupied the hearts Of his
countrymen. They could not leave without
the long wished for pleasure of seeing An.
drew jackson. The moment the speaking
had closed, the immense throng turned theil
steps towards the Hermitage. A witness
says: .. 49,
Il remember we'll the vast procession,
the countless multitude, as it came surgine
down the main road leading to the home O
Jackson. AS the people entered the ave
nue. leading from the high road to the plair
but capacious dwelling, the old patriot
though feeble from age, reused himself once
mere to receive the sincere and unbought
homage Of his grateful and oonfding coun
trymen. He took seat on sofa in the
large hall opposite to the porch and entrance
The multitude filled every standing pointir
front of the mansion Afectionate friends
surrounded him; the throng asked but fol-
the privilege of seeing and taking him by
the hand once more. They approached hin
ia files, shook hands with him, and the,
passed on through the hall. Thousands
passed thus before the old hero-atlast GU
friend, Judge Douglas, of Illinois,: ap
preached. | remember well how: pale h
looked. and how small and plain he seemed
beside the hundreds of robust and gallan
specimens of Tennessee manhood. Cover
nor Clement c.. Clay, of Alabama, Sena
tor of the United States, had been for some
time acting as the medium Of introduction
to strangers. The scene that ensued wa
one never to be forgotten"
One of the Illinois delegation Who accom-.
panied Judge Dou glas was VIM. Walters
Esq, editor Of the Illinois State Register
the most influential, as we'll as the ahlest
conducted paper in the State. Mr.. Walters
was with Judge Douglas at tie time Of his
introduction to General Jackson, and On his
return to Springfield, few days thereafter,
he published the following description of
what took place: IT.
Everything that relates to Andrew Jack
son, the Hero of New Orleans, and the friend
Of, his country, is of deep interest to the A
merican people, and although the incident
we are about to relate is in itself Of no great
interest, it becomes SO TO US, in consequence
of those connected with it. At the Nash
vile Convention, in August last, we visit
ed the Hermitage, only twelve miles dis
tant, in company With Judge Doug las and
some others of our fellow citizens.
The Hermitage was crowded with people
from almost every State, who had been in
vited thither by the venerable patriot on tle
day succeeding the convention. Governor
Clay, Of Alabama, was near General jackson
who was himself sitting on sofa in the hall,
and as each person entered, the Governor
introduced him to the hero, and he passed
along. When Judge Douglas was introduce
ed, General jackson raised his still brilliant
eye, and gazed for moment on the eounte-
nance of the Judge, still retaining his hand
care you the MIR. Douglas, Of Illinois, who
delivered speech last session on the subject
of the fine imposed on me fer declaring mar-
tial law at New Orleans?" asked General
Jackson. ...
II have delivered a speech in tie HOUSE
of Representatives upon that subject" was
the modest reply of the friend.
"Then STOP said General JACKSON "sit
down here hesid9 RE. I desire to return