The Alleghanian. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1859-1865, 1863-04-30
jackson and Calhoun. ,


at the lodgings OF John G. Calhoun the
SAME night, and death bed sceae at the
Hermitage, were thus eraphicaflv Dor
trayed by Senator Cowan, OF Pennsylvania.
in the debate on the ConEseation BILL
Ii is very striking picture:
Mr.. PRESIDENT If Calhoun had
been executed for his treason in 1888.
there would have been no rebellion now
and perhaps he came nearer his execution
than most people are aware. You we'll
know the consp;rators in South Carolina
proceeded to the commission of the overt
act. $3.50
Calhoun was the chief adviser. Gen.
Jackson knew it well, aud determined
that the law should be put into execution
against him, not against the poor nsgui-
ded men that followed, but against the
chief conspirator. He had resolved on
his prosecution and trial, and If convicted,
his execution for treason. lie said that
IT he had an Attorney General that would
not draw an indictment, he would find
oneAhat would Things were approach
ing a crisis Calhoun became aware o.
Jacksons determination, and sent.Letcher
of Kentucky to eoufer. with him on the
subject, and to learn his real Intentions.
He went 20 the Presidents house. 1t
was already late at night The President
received him with his usual courtesy but,
sir, that mild blue eye, whish at times
would fill and overflow like that of a
woman, was kindled up that night with
unwonted fire. He reasoned with him
for a while, then paced the floor His
indignation became fully aroused AT
times he stormed IN passion towering and
sublime, till, rising to is full height, his
frame dilating and quivering, every fea-
ture glowing with the living fire within,
with that oath which IN him never seemed
profane, but the struggle of a great soul
to take hold OF the Almighty for the
strength of his purpose, he declared to
Letcher that II another step was taken, isby
the Eternal" he would try Calhoun Tor
treason, and if convicted, he would hang
him on galiows as high as Hanan's
Letcher could not misunderstood his
purpose. He saw that he was terribly in
earnest. From that interview he hasten
ed to the lodgings of Calhoun. He had
bed chamber and was admitted. &, Calhoun
received him sitting up in bed, with his
cloak around him. Letcher detailed all
tiisAl OSNu-ICu, SifiuS TIC CHIiIc cOuNcfsI-
ton between him and Jackson, and
described the old hero as he took that
oath.
There sat Calhoun, drinking ia eagerly
every word, and as Letchcr proceeded he
became pale as death, and trembled like
an aspen leaf Yes, sir, Calhoun, great
as he was in intellect, quaked in iis bed
| And for what Was it from fear or
cowardice? All, no. II was the con
sciousncss of guilt. He was the arch
traitor, who, like Satan in Paradise,
drought death into the world and all our
woe" Within one week he came into
the Senate and voted for every section OF
Mr.. Ciay's bill, and General Jackson was
prevailed upon not to prosecute him for
! his crime. ieli8h
/. l have been told, upon authority upon
/ which | rely, that during the last days Of
/ General Jackson at the Hermitage, while
he was slowly sinking under the rayages
| of consu nption-that mysterious disease,
which, while it wastes the body, leaves, if
( possible, the mind more clear and nearer
I to ihspiration-he hal a conversation
with his family physician and friend.
| While lying upon his bed one day, and
speaking of his past Administration, he
inquired
What act in my Administration, in
your opinion, viii postcrity condemn with
| the greatest severity -
The.physician replied that he was una
bic 20 answer--that il might be the
| removal of the deposits. # g
"Ol, no y said the General
'Then it may be the specie circular -
Not at all :"
'sWhat is it, then ~
81 can tell you," said he, rising up in
his bed, his eyes kindling up /: II can
tell you. Posterity viii condemn me
more because | was persuaded not to hang
John G. Calhoun as q traitor thau for any
other act of my lito.'
I Sir, does not this seem inspiration now ?
Ii Calhoun, the originator of this conspir-
acy TO disso.ye the Union, and to build
up the Southern Confederacy, had been
exeepted ior his treason, we would have
had no rebellion now. sH