The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1861-01-12
Nlisrcllollcous.
"A Wonderful Story.

The following wonderful story appeared
several years ago.
The other morning at the breakfast table,
our friend, the Hon. John G. Calhoun, seemed
very much troubled and out Of spirits. You
know he is altogether venerable man with
hard. stern, Scotch Irish face softened in
Its expression around the mouth by sort of
sad smile which wins the hearts of all who
converse with him. His hair is snow white.
He reminds you very much of Old Hickory -
That he is honest, no one doubts but he has
sacrificed to his fataism his brightest hopes
Of political advanccmcnt-has offered up on
the shrine of that necessity which he wor-
ships. all that can excite ambition-even the
Presidency of the United States.
But to my story. The other morning at
the breakfast table. where I, an unobservcd
spectator, happened to be present, Calhoun
was observed to gaze frequently at his right
hand, and brush it with his left in hurried
and nervous manner. lie did this SO often
that it excited attention. At length one of
the persons composing the breakf fast party
his name, think is Toombs, and he is a
member of Congress from Georgia up
on himself to ask the occasion Of Mr.. CAL
houn's disquictude.
Does your hand pain you!' he asked of
Mr.. &.
10 this, Mr.. Calhoun replied, in hurried
! manner.
"Pshaw! It's nothing only dream |
had last night, and which makes me perpet-
ually see large black spot-like an ink
hlotch-upon the back of my right hand -
An optical illusion, I suppose.
Of course these words excited the curiosity
Of the company but no one ventured to beg
the details Of this singular dream, until
Toombs asked quietly:
"What was your dream like?" I'mnot
very superstitious about dreams but some
times they have a great deal of truth in
them"
But this was such peculiarly absurd
dream. said Mr.. Calhoun, again brushing the
back of his right hand; however. if it does
not intrude too much on the time Of our
friends. | will relate it to you"
Or course the company were profuse in
their expressions of anxiety to know all
about the dream. In his singularly sweet
voice, Mr.. Calhoun related it:
AT late hour last night, as was sitting
in my room engaged in writing | was as
tonshed by the entrance ola visitor, who
entered and without word took seat oppo-
site me at a table. This surprised me, as l
had gwen particular orders to the servant that
should on no account oe disturbed. The
manner in which the intruder entered, so
perfectly self possessed taking his seat oppo-
site me, without word as ifmy room and
all within it belonged to him, excited in me
as much surprise as indignation. As
raised my head TO look into his features, over
the top ofmy shaded lamp, discovered that
he was wrapt in thin cloak which ctteclually
concealed his face and features from my
view. AS raised my head he spoke:
What are you writing, Senator from
South Carolina g
did not think of his impertinence at first
but answered him involunariy."
/ am writing plan for the dissolution Of
the American Union, (you know, gentlemen,
that am expected to produce a plan Of
dissolution in the event of certain contingent
cies.)
To this the intruder replied, in the coolest
manner possible: