Union County star and Lewisburg chronicle. [volume] (Lewisburg, Pa.) 1859-1864, 1862-07-04
A Striking Picture.

l scene Ia tae u hI'e ii "u-e IN 1000,
al The lpisipgs of Jahu C. Caihoun the
.ame night, aud death bed scene at the
Hermitage. are thus graphically portrayed
~ the Seuator from Penusy!vlnil, Mr.
CowAY, in the debate Oh the Couisca,iUn
bl!:l
Mr.. President, il Calhoun had been cx.
ecutei for bis 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 corspirators in South Carolina pre-
cee1ed then even to the com mission of the
overt act. Calhoun was their chief at-
wiser Gen. Jackson knew it well, aud
determined that the law should be put in
execution against him not against the
poor misguided men who followed, but
sgainst the chief conspirator. He bad
resolved on bis prosecution and trial, and,
if convicted, his execution for treason.
lie said that If be had an attorney gen.
er.l that would no, draw an indictment,
be would fnd one that could. Things
were approaching the crisis. Calhoun
became aware Of Jackson's determination,
and sent Letcher, Of Kentucky, to con-
fer with him on the subject, and
to learn his real Intentions. lie went
20 tho Presidents house. 1t was then
late at night. The President received him
with his usual courtesy; but, sir, that
mild blue eye, which at times would MI
and overflow with tears ike that Of wo-
man, was kindled that night with unwont
ed FIRE. lie reasoned with him for a
while, then paced the floor. His indis-
nation was reused. At times be stormed
in passion towering and sublime, TIL,
rising to bis full height, his frame dllating
aud quivering, every feature glowing with
the living fires within-with that oath
which in hin never seemed profame, but
the struggle of a great soul to take hold
On the Almighty for the strength of his
purpose-he declared to LctchCr that if
another step vas taken, BY the Eternal
be would try Calhoun for treason, aud, If
convicted, hang him on gallows high as
Hsmau's.
Le'cher could not misunderstood Lis
purpose. he saw that be was terribly IN !
earnest. From that interview, he FASTENED
TO the Lodgings Of Calhoun. He had re-
tired to his bed. lie knocked at bis bed
chamber, aud was admitted. Calhoun
racciscd him sit,irg up in bis bed, With
bis cloak around him. Le,ehor detailed
all that occurred, giving eItiFe the conver-
cation between him aud Gen. Jackson,
and describing the old hero as be took
that oath. There sat Calhoun, drinking
in eagerly every word, and as Letcher
proceeded be became pale as death, aud
shirered like an aspen leaf. Yes, sir,
Calhoun, great as he was 10 intellect,
ouaklnr in his bed Aud for what
Was il from fear, from cowardice All,
r., I,was the consciousness Of his guilt.
He vas the arch traitor who, Ike Satan
IN Paradise, brought ''deaih into the
world and all our woe Within one
week BE came into the Senate, aud voted
for every section, section by section, Of
Mr. Claws bill. and Gen. Jackson was
prevailed upon not to prosecute him for
his crime.
| have been told, upon authority upon
which | rely, that during the last days of
Jackson at the Hermitage, as be was
slowly sinking under the ravages of con-
sump;ion-that mysterious disease, which,
while it wastes the body, leaves, if posi-
BE, the mind more clear and more near
to inspira,ion-he had mos, remarkable
coavsrsation with his family physician and
friend. While lying on his bed, one day,
and speaking Of the past administration,
be inquired: "What act in my admins
,ration, in your opinion, will posterity
condemn with the greatest severity :"
The physician replied that he was unable
to ausscr-it might be the removal Of the
deposits. "Oh, no. said the General.
"Then it may be the specie circular"
sNot at all" What was u, then 2" 81
can tell you," said be rising in his bed,
his eye kudled Up, 81 can tell you: pos
teri,y cW coadepla me more because 7 tcas
7.ersuudei not to try and hang J.im C.
CiN2un as traitor, than any other ac,
Of my iye."
Sir, does not this seem to be Inspiration,
now? If Calhoun, the originator Of this
conspiracy TO dissolve the UDion and to
bai.d up the Southern Coufederaey, bad
been executed for Lis treason, then, We
should have bad no rebellion, ugS.
MEMPHIS, June 23.-The Memphis
Trade Committee report Northern ship