Delaware State journal and statesman., 1862-12-16
Lankann and Calhoun.

scene at the White House in 1888, at the
lodgings Of John G.. Calhoun the same night,
and II death bed scene at the Hermitage, were
thus graphically portrayed by Senator, Cowan,
ol Pennsylvania, in the debate on the Oon6sce e.
tion Bill. 1t is very striking picbnre-
MIR. President ;-If Calhoun had been exc
cuted for his treason in 1888 there would have
been no rebellion now and perhaps he came
nearer his execution than most people are aware
Vou well know the eonspirators in South Caro-
lima proceeded to the commission of the overt
net.
Calhoun was the chief adviser General jack
SOIL knew Il we'll aud determined that the law
should be put in execution against him not
against the poor misguided men that followed,
hut against the chieI couspirator. lie had re-
solved on his prosecution and trial, aud II con-
vc'ed, his execution for treason lie said that
u he had an Attorney General that would not
draw AN indictment, he would hnd one that
weuld. Things were approaching the crisis.
Calhoun became aware of JacksOn'a determine
tiou, and sent Le,cher of Kentucky to confer with
him on the subject, and to learn his real nten
tions. lie went to the Presidents house Ii was
arenly late Mt night The President received
him with his usual courtesy; hut sir, that mild
blue eye, which at times would fill with tears
and overflow like that Of II woman, wns kindled
up that night with unwonted fire lie reasoned
with him for while then paced the floor. His
indignation became fully aroused AT times he
stnrmed in passion towering aud sublime, till
rising to lis full height, Ills frame lilatng aud
quivcring, every feature glowing with the living
lire within, with that oath which in him never
seemed profane, hut the struggle Of great soul
To take hold Of the Almighty for the strength OF
Lis purpose he declared to Letchrr that If anoih
er step was taken, "hy the Eternal" he would
try Calhoun for treason, aud Vt convicted, he
would hang him ON gallOws az high as lla-
mans,
L'tcher could not misunderstood his purpose
lie saw thut he was terribly in earnest. From
that interview he hastened to the lodgings OF
Calhoun. lie had retired to his bed. lie knock
ed nj lis bed chamber and was admitted. Cal
houn received him sitting up in bed, with his
CLOAK around him. Letcher detailed all that PC
CURED, giving the entire conversation between
hun anl jackson, aud described the old hero as
he took that oath.
There sat Calhoun, drinking in etrgerly every
word, aud as Letcher proceeded, he became
pne as death, and tremhlel like an aspen leaf
Yes sir, Calhoun. great ~ lie was in intellect
quaked in li4 he'd Aud for what Was it fl, m
lear or cowArlce ? All, no. II WAS the con
sciousncss OF guilt lie was the arch traitor,
who, like Satan in Paradise, ''hroupht death into
the world nnl all our wo,." Within one week he
came intu the Senate, and voted for every section
al MIR Clay b,ll, aud Gen. Jackson was prevail
ad ulOn not 10 prosecute him for his crime.
have been told, upon authority upon which
| lrely, thnt lurug the last days OF Gen jackson
at the Hermitage, whilc he was slowly sinking
under the ravagss Of umpton-that my
tcrious disease, which, while it wastes the body,
caves, If possible, the mind more clear, and
nealer to inspralion-~hc had n conversation with
lis family physician mai friend
While lying Hp.n his bed enc day, aud speak
ing Of his past Administration, he inquirel
"Wha, act in my Administration, in your
oplon, will postGity cou icmn with the greatest
severity %
The physician replied that he was unable 10
aRswer-that it might he the removal Of the de B.
posits.
"Oh, = said the General.
"lhen it may be the spec crcular?'
mot at all :"
"What is it, them"
81 eau tell YOU said he, rising up in his bed
his eyes kindmg up al can tell you Posterity
will condemn me more because | was persuaded
not to hang John O. Calhoun as IL traitor than
for any other act If my lic."
Sir, does not this seem inspiration now If
Calhoun, the originator of this conspiracy to dis
solve the Union, and to build up the southern
C0ntederacy, had been executed for his treason
we would have had no rebellion now.