The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1863-09-04
John G.. Calhoun's Dream.

Mr.. Calhoun about the time of the Sec
tional agitation which preceded the COM
promise measure of 1850, was drawing up
plan for the dissolution of the Union, when
late at light, being ry much exhausted, he
fell asleep and and had the following singular
and at present very significant dream, which
was related by himself the next morning.
and was soon after published in an annony
nous pamphlet, from which we copy:
At late hour last night as | was sitting
in my room writing, was surprised at the
very uncelemonious entrance Of visitor,
who came in and took a seat opposite re.-
was more annoyed as | had given strict
orders to the servants that i should on no
account be disturbed. The manner in which
he entered-perfectly possessed; taking
seat opposite me-without a word, 10 salu-
tation, no apology, as though nv room and
all within it belonged to him, excited IN me
as much surprise as indignation. As raised
my head to look at him over the top of my
shaded lamp, discovered that he was wrap
ped in thin cloak which completely hid his
features from my view; and, as raised my
head, he spoke; What are you writing,
Senator from South Carolina did not think
of his imper,inenc. at first but answered him
very involuntarily-I am drawing up plan
for the dissolution of the American Union: To
this the intruder replied in the coolest man.
ner possible, Senator from South Carolina,
will you allow me to look at Your right hand
He arose, and as he did so, the cloak fell,
and | beheld-Great God, gentlemen, be-
held the form of George Washington. As
though had no power to resist, | extended
my right hand. felt strange chill pervade
me at his touch-he grasped it and held it
near the lish., thus afording me full time to
examine every feature of his face, and par
ticulaily of his person. 1t was the face OF
Washington, and he was dressed IN the uni
form of the revolution. After holding my
hand for moment, looking steadily at me.
he said in quiet way And with this right
hand, senator from South Carolina, you
would sign Your name to paper declaring
the Union dissolved YES" said |, Z" if
certain contingency advises, will" Just at
that moment black blotch appeared on the
back of my hand: seem to see it even
now What is that | cried in alarm. "why
is that spot on my hand ?" That, said he
dropping my hand. -" is the mark by which
nentdict Arnold is known in the spirit
world" lie said no more. but drew from
beneath his coax an object which ne placed
upon the table on the very paper on which
| had been writing. The object. gentlemen
was a skeleton. There," said he with en-
phasis, " there are the bones OF Isaac Haynes.
who was hung by the British in Charleston
and when YOU sign Your name 20 Il declare
ton Of dissolution, You may as well have
the bones of Isaac tiayne, before You. He
was South Caro:iuiaa, and so are you; he
gave his lie to establish the Union, but no
hlotch was on his hand With these words
he left the room, started from the contact
with the dead mans bones and aWoke
Many instances are recorded. where great
events have been toreshadowed by dreams.
May We not infer that CharIeston-the proud
and ari>tocratic city, Is about to experience
desolation which was fiily represented BY the
skeleton OF Isaac HAYNES