The daily Wabash express. (Terre-Haute, Ind.) 1857-1867, 1862-05-22
A striking Picture.

A scene ~ the " bite nouse N lcSo-al
the lodgings Of John c. Calhoun. the same
night. and death bed scene At the Hermit
AGES thus graphically portrayed by the
Senator from Pennsylvania. MIR. Cowan, In
the debate on the Confscation Bill
Mr. President. II Calhoun had been execu-
ted for bis treason in 1888 there would have
been 10 rebellion now; and perhaps he came
searer his execution than most people are
aware. You will know the conspirators In
South Carolina proceeded then even 70 the
csnmission Of the overt act Calhoun was
their chief adviser. Gen. Jackson knew 10
we'll. 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 re.
solved on his prosecution ars rial, and II
convicted his execpsiJn for treason. lie
:. "A that n he h.s an Attorney General that
.o.ll not draw an indictment. he would
find one that could. Things were approach
ing the crisis. Calhoun became aware OF
Jacksons determination, and sent Letcher,
Of Kentucky, TO confer with him on the sub
iect. and 20 learn his real intentions. he
went 20 the Presidents House. IL was
then already late at night The President
received him with his usual courtesy: but
sir. that mild blue eve which at times would
fll and overflow with tears like that of a
woman, Was kindled that night with unvon-
ted fire. He reasoned with him for a while.
then paced his floor. HE indignation was
roused. At times he stermed IN passion
towering aud sublime, till rising 10 his full
height, his frame dilafing and quivering.
every feature glowing with the the living
6res within-with that oath which IN him
never seemed profane. but the struggle OF a
great soul 10 take hold on the Almighty for
the strength Of his purpose. he declared TO
Letcher that IL another step was taken, by
the Eternal be would try Calhoun for trea-
son, and, IL convicted. hang him on a gal
lows high . Haman's Letcher could not
misunderstood his purpose lie saw that he
was terribly in earnest From that inter
view he fastened TO the lodgings Of Calhoun.
He had retired 10 his bed lie knocked at
his bed chamber and was admitted. Cal
houn received him sitting up in his bed with
his cloak around him. letcher detailed all
thai occurred. giving entire the converse
ton between him and General Jackson. and
describing the old hero az lac took that oath.
There sat Calhoun drinking in eagerly every
word. and as Letcher proceeded no became
| pale a. death and shivered like an aspen
leaf Yes, sir. Calhoun. great as he WAS IN
intellect. Quaking In his bed And for what
| Was il from fcarg From cowardices Al
no. Ii vas the consciousness OF his guilt
| he was the arch traitor who. ike Satan IN
| Paradise. brought death into the world and
| all our woe" Within one week he cams
| into the senate. and voted for every sec
lion, section by section, Of Mr.. Gays bill
and General Jackson was prevailed nron
not 20 prosecute INN for has crime.
| have been told. upon authority upon
which rely. that during the last DAYS oil
General Jackson At the Hermitage. ss hs
Vas slow.y shaking under the ravsges Of con.
sumpsion-that mysterious disease which
While IL wastes the body, leaves, II possible
the mind more clear and more near 20 inspi
rxtion-he had most remarkable converse
ton vifh his family physician and friend
While lying upon his bed one day. ans
sp~aklag OF bis psi adninistration. he in
quired "wha, act In my administration. IL
your opinion. ~ill pos,erity condemn with th'
greatest severity The physician replies
that be vas unable 10 answer. Il might b
the removal Of tho deposits "Oh no. ssp
the General. Then IL may he the spech
circular" Not At all. :" What vas
theaf'' IL can tell yOu. said be. rising
his bed. his eve kindlng up. II can tsl
you. posierity -iil condemn me more becsus
| was persuaded not 10 try and hang job
&. Calhoun - traitor than any other act O
his life
Sir. does this not seem 20 be inspiration
no~f If Calhoun. the originator OF thi
conspiracy 70 Dissolve the Union and 10 bal
up the Southern Confederscy. hsd been ere
caied for be treason then. .e shouid hsv
hsd 10 rebellioa nov.