, 1863-01-24

A scene at the White House in 1888, at
the lodgings of John c. Calhoun the same
night, and death-bed scene at the Her
mitage, were thus graphically portrayed by
Senator Cowan, Of Pennsylvania, in the de-
bate on the Confscation Bill. 1t 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
tAe conspirators in South Carolina proceed
ed to the commission Of the overt act, and
Calhoun was chief adviser, Cen jackson
knew it we'll, and determined that the law
should be put into execution against him;
not against the poor misguided men that
follow ed, but against the chief conspirator.
He had resolved on his prosecution and
trial, and if convicted, his execution for
treason. He said that if he had an Attor-
rey General that would not draw an in
dictment, he would find one that would.
Things were approaching the crisis. Cal
houn became aware of Jackson's determi-
nation, and sent Letcher, of Kentucky, to
confer with him on the subject, and to learn
his real intentions. He went to the Presi-
dents 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 overflow and fill
up with tears like that of woman, was
kindled up with unwonted fire. He rea-
soned with him for awhile, then paced the
floor. His indignation became fully arous-
ed. AT times he stormed in passi IN tow
ering and sublime. till, rising to its full
height, his frame dilating and quivering,
every feature glowing with living fire with
in, with that oath which in him never
seemed profane, but the struggle of great
soul to take hold of the Almighty for
strength of his purpose, he declared to
Letcher that if another step was taken, by
the Eternal he would try Calhoun for
treason, and if convicted, he would hang
him on a gallows as high as Haman's.
Letcher could not misunderstood his pur-
pose. He saw he was terribly in earnest
From that interview he hastened to the
lodgings of Calhoun. He had retired to
his bed. He knocked at his bed chamber.
and was admitted. Calhoun received him,
sitting up in bed, with his cloak around
him. Letcher detailed all that occurred,
giving entire the conversation between him
and jackson, and described the old hero as
he took hat oath.
There sat Calhoun, drinking in eagerly
every word and as Letcher proceeded, he
became pale as death, and trembled like an
aspen leaf. Yes, sir; Calhoun, great as
he was in intellect, quaked in his led
And for what? Was it from fear or cow
ardice? All, no 1t was the conscious
ness of guilt. He was the arch traitor,
who, like Satan in Paradise, brought death
into the world and all our woe. Within
one week he came into the Senate, and vo-
ted for every section in Mr.. Clays bill, and
Mr.. 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
Gen. Jackson at the Hermitage, while he
was slowly sinking under the ravages of
consump mption-that mysterious disease that,
while it wastes the body, leaves. if posi-
bic, the mind more clear, and nearer to in
spiration-he had a conversation with his
family physician and frend
While lying upon his bed one day, and
speaking Of his past administration, he in
quiled:
"What act in my administration, in your
opinion, will posterity condemn with the
greatest severity"