Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1862-05-19
Jacks on and Calhoun.

A scene at the white house in lS33-at the
lodgings Of John G. Calhoun, the same night,
and death bed scene at the Hermitage were
thus graphically portrayed by senator Cowan,
of Pennsylvania, in the debate on the confs-
cation bill.
MIR. president, if Calhoun had been execu-
ted for his treason in 1888, there would have
been no rebellion now; and perhaps he came
nearer his execution than most people are
aware. You well know the conspirators in
South Carolina proceeded then even to the
commission Of the overt act Calhoun was
their chief adviser Gen. jackson knew it
well, and determined that the law should be
put into execution against him; not against
the poor misguided men who followed. but
against the chief conspirator. He had resov-
ed on his prosecution and trial, and if con-
victed, his execution for treason He said
that if he had an attorney general that would
not draw an indictment, he would find one
that could. Things were approaching the cri-
SIS. Calhoun became aware of Jackson's de-
termination, and sent Letcher, of Kentucky,
to confer with him on the subject, and learn
his real intentions. He went to the presidents
house 1t was then already LATE AT nimhf
The president received him with his usual
courtesy; but, sir, that mild blue eye which at
times would overflow and fill with tears like
that Of a woman, was kindled up that night
with unwonted fire He reasoned with him
for while, then paced the floor His indig
nation became fully aroused. At times he
stormed in passion towering and sublime till
rising to his full height, his frame dilatng and
quivering, every feature glowing with the liv
ing fire within-with that oath which in him
never seemed profane, but tue struggle Of a
great soul to take hold on the Almighty for
the strength Of his purpose, he declared to
Letcher that if another step was taken, by the
Eternal, he would try Calhoun for treason, and
if convicted, hang him on gallows high as
Humans. LetCher could not misunderstood
his purpose. He saw that he was terribly in
earnest. From that interview he FASTENED to
the lodgings Of Calhoun. He had retired to,
his bed. He knocked at his bed chamber and
was admitted. Calhoun received him sitting
up in his bed with his cloak around him.
Letcher detailed all that occurred, giving the
entire conversation between him and General
jackson, and describing the old hero as he
took that oath There sat Calhoun drinking
in eagerly every word, and as Letcher pro-
ceeded he became pale as death and shivered
like an aspen leaf. Yes, sir, Calhoun, great
as he was in intellect, qualling in his bed @!
And for what? Was it from fear? from cow
ardice? All no! 1t was the consciousness of
guilt. He was the arch-traitor, who like sa-
tan in paradise, brought ''death into the world
and all our Woe" Within one week he came
into the senate, and voted for every section,
OF Mr.. Clay's bill, and Gen. jackson was pre-
vailed upon not to prosecute him for his
crime.
| have been told upon authority upon which
l rely, that during the last days Of Gen. Jack
son at the Hermitage, as he was slowly sink
ing under the rayages Of consumption-that
mysterious disease which, while it wastes the
body, leaves, if possible the mind more clear
and more near to inspiration-he had con-
versation with his family physician and friend.
While lying upon his bed one day, and speak
ing of his past administration, he inquired
''What act in my administration, in your OPP
inion, will pOsterity condemn with the great
est severityE The physician replied that he
was unable to answer; it might be the remov-
al of the deposits. ''Oh, no" said the gene
raj. "Ihen it may be the specie circular
.'Not at all" .What is it then?" 81 car
tell YOU" said he, raising in his bed, his eve
kindEng up 81 can tell you; posterity will
condemn me more because | was persuaded
not to try and hang John c. Calhoun as a trait
or than for any other act ofmy life"
Sir, does this not seem to be inspiration
now? If Calhoun, the originator of this con
spiracy to dissolve the Union, and to build NJ
the southern confederacy, had been executed
for his treason then, we should have had NJ
rebellion now.