The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1861-05-10
Old Hickory on NullificatiOn.

The following account Of an interview at
the White House, which we find quoted in
Parton's" Life of Gen. Jackson will be
read with interest just now, as giving a
glimpse behind the scenes at a period of
our history which bears close analogy to
the present. The country expects that MIR.
Lincoln now will be as determined as Old
Hickory was in 1886. At the height of
the notification excitement, Gen. Sam.
Dale, of Mississippi, an old friend of
Jacksons called on him at the Presidential
mansion, and the manner in which the
engrossing topic repeatedly breaks out in
the course of conversation in other matters
shows that it was uppermost in the old
hero's mind. "By the God of heaven" be
exclaimed, 6" l will uphold the laws" And
in repeating the determination, be flung
down his pipe by way of emphasis, shivering
it into fragments. After the first shaking
of hands, the narrative OF the visit pro-
ceeds as follows:
1--WE walked into bis reception room, and
l was introduced to Colonel Benton and
five or six other distinguished men. TLey
were all very civil, and invited me to visit
them. They were talking over 'nuli6ca.
ton, the engrossing subject at that period,
and the President turning to me, said,
General Dale, If this thing goes on, our
country will be like bag Of meal aUith both
ends open. Pick 1t up in the middle or end
acise, and 1t aOiN run out. l MUST TIE THE
BAG, AND SAVE THE COUNTRY The compa-
ny now took leave, but when rose to retire
with Colonel King, the General detained
me, ordered up some whiskey, and desired
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, Sam, you
have been true to your country, but you
have made one mistake in your life. You
are now old and solitary, and without
bosom friend or family to comfort you.
God called mine away. But all l have
achieved-fame, power, everything -would
l 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 bis knee. l
was deeply affected myself. He took two
or three turns across the room, aud then
abruptly said, Dale, they are trying me here;
you will ac,tness 1t; but BY THE GOD OF
HEAVEN, L WILL UPHOLD THE Laws!
81 understood him to be referring to null
:ification again, his mind evidently having
REQUIRED to it, and expressed the hope that
things would 60 right.
"Ihey SHALL go right, sir, he exclaimed,
passionately, shivering his pipe upon the
table.
ale Gained down after this, and showed
me his collection of pipes, many of most
costly and curious kind, sent to him from
every quarter, his propensity for smoking
being well known. These said he, will
do to look at. still smoke my corn cob,
Sam, as you and l have often done together;
it is the sweetest and best pipe
"When rose to take leave, be pressed
me to accept room there. Il can talk to
you at night; in the day l am beset."
declined on the plea of business, but dined
with him several times, always, no matter
what dignitaries were present, sitting at his
right hand. He ate very sparingly, only
taking single glass of wine, though bis ta-
BILE was magnificent. When we parted for
the last time, be said, My friend, farewell /;
we shall see each other no more; let us meet
in heaven
81 could only answer him with tears,
for l felt that we should meet no more on
earth"