Sioux City register. [volume] (Sioux City, Iowa) 1858-1871, 1862-06-07
A STRIKING PIC rURE.
A scene arthe White House in 1888


A scene apthe White House in ls33-at
the lodgings of John C. Calhoun, the sams
night, and death bed scene at the Herm.
ltage-are thus graphically portrayed by
the Senator from Pennsylvania, Mr.. Cow
an, i'll the debate on the ConGscation bill
Mr.. President. if Calhoun had been ex.
ecuted for his treason in 1888. there would
have been no rebellion now ; ani perhaps
be came nearer his execution than most
people are aware. You we'll know the CON
spirators in South Carolina proceeded then
even to the commission Of the overt act
Calhoun was their chief adviser. General
Jackson knew it well, and determined that
the law should be put into execution
against him; not against the poor ms.
guided men who followed, but against tho
chief conspirator. He had resolved on his
prosecution and trial, aud, if convicted, his
execution for treason. He said that IL he
had an Attorney General that would not
draw an indictment, he would find one
that could. Things were approaching the
crisis. Calhoun became aware Of Jack.
sons determination, and sent Le.cher, of
Kentucky, to confer with him on the sub.
iect, and to learn his real intentions He
went to the Presidents House. 1t was
then already late at night. The President
received him with his usual courtesy; but,
sir, that mild blue eye, which at times
would eli and overflow with tears like that
of a woman, was kindled that night with
unwonted fire. He reasoned with him for
awhile, then paced the floor. His indig-
nation was reused. At times he stormed
in passion towering and sublime, till rising
to his full height, his frame dilating and
quivering, every feature glowing with the
fires within-with that oath which in him
never seemed profane, but the struggle of
great soul to take hold on the Almighty
for the strength Of his purpose, he declared
to Lp,chcr that if another step was taken.
By the Eternal he would try Calhoun for
treason, and, if convicted, hang him on a
gallows high as Hamans Letcher could
not misunderstood his purpose. lie saw
that he was terribly in earnest. From that
interview he ha.tened to the lodgings Of
Calhoun. He had retired TO his bed He
knocked at his bed cham Der AMI was ad.
mitted. Calhoun received him sitting up
in his bed VITA bis cloak around him
Letcher detailed all that occurred, giving
entire the conversation between him and
! General Jackson, and describing the old
hero as he took that oath There sat Cal.
houn drinking in eagerly every word, and
as Letcher proceeded be became pale as
death and shiyered like an aspen leaf
Yes, sir, Calhoun, great as he was in in
tellect, quaking in his bed! And for
what? Was it from fear? from cowar.
dice? All no! 1t was the consciousness
of his guilt He was the arbitrator who,
like Satan in Paradise, brou,h: death
into the world and gil our woe" Within
one week he came into the Senate, and
voted for every section, section by section,
of Mr. Clay's bill, and General jackson
Was prevailed upon not to prosecute him
for his crime.
have been told upon authority upon
which | rely, that during the las. days Of
Gen. Jackson at the Hermitage, as be was
slowly sinking under the ravages of con-
sumption--lh mysterious disease which,
while it wastes the body, leaves, if posi-.
bic, the mind more clear and more near to
inspiretion-he had a most remarkable
conversation with his family physician
and friend While lying upon his bed one
day, and speaking of his past administra-
ton, he inquired. What act in my ad-
ministration in your opinion, will posperi.
ty condemn with the greatest severity 7"
The physician replied that be was unable
to answer; it might be the removal Of the
deposits. "Oh, no." said the General
Then it may bo the specie circular"
"Not at ALL "What was it then ~ q
can tell you,' says he, rising i'll his bed,
his eye kindling up, | can tell you; pos.
terity will condemn me more because
was pesuaded not to try and hang John
c. Calhoun as a traitor than for any other
act of my lie.'
Sir does this not seem to be aspiration
now. II Calhoun, the originator of this
conspiracy to dissolve the Union and to
bald up tho Southern Confederacy, had
hsen executed for his treason then, we
should have had no rebellion now.