Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1865-05-27
Jackson and calhoun.

a scene at the Wultc IlOuSd IN 1906
at theledgings of John G.. Calhoun tn.
same night, and a death-bed scene al
the Hermitage, were thus graphically
protrayed by Senator Cowan, of Penn
syfS1nia, in the debate on the Conf'sca;
ton Bill. 1t is very striking picture.
Mr.. PREsmENT@IfC Calhoun had been
executed for his treason in 1888, shere
would have been no rebellion now; and
perhaps he came nearer his execution
than most people are aware. You well
know the conspirators in South Carolina
proceeded to- the commission of the
overt act. T
Calhoun was the chief adviser. Gen.
jackson knew it well, and determined
that the law should be put into execu-
ton against him; not against the mis-
guided men that followed, but against
the chief conspirator. He had resolved
upon his prosecution and trial, and if
convicted, his execution for treason. -
lie said that if he had an Adiutant Gen
eral that would not draw an indict-
ment, he would find one who would.
Things were approaching the crisis.
calhoun became aware of Jackson's de-
termination, and sent Letcher of Ken
lucky to confer with him on the subject
and TO learn his real intentions. He
went to the Presidents house. 1t was
already late at might. The President
received him with his usual courtesy;
but, sir, that mild blue eye, which at
times would fill with tears and overflow
like that of woman, was kindled up
that night with an unwonted fire. He
reasoned with him for while, then
commenced to pace the floor. His in
dignation became fully aroused. At
times he stormed in. passion towering
and sublime, till, rising to its full hight,
his frame dilating and quivering, every
feature glowing with the living fire
within, with that oath that in him never
seemed profane, but the struggle of
great soul to take hold of the Almighty
for the strength of his purpose, he de-
clared to Letcher that if another step
was taken, ''by the Eternal, he would
try Calhoun for treason, and If convict
ed, he would hang him ON gallows as
high as Humans.
Letcher could not misunderstood his
purpose. He saw that he was terribly
in earnest. From that interview he
fastened to- the lodgings of Calhoun.
He he'd retired to his bed. He Knocked
at his bed-chamber and was admitted.
Calhoun received him setting up in bed
with his cloak around him. Letcher
detailed all that occurred, giving the en-
tire conversation between himself and
Jackson, and described the old hero as
he took that oath. - -
There sat Calhoun, drinking in eag-
eriy every word, and, as Letcher pro-
ceeded, lac became pale as death - and
trembied like an aspen leaf. Yes, sir,
Calhoun, great as he was in intellect,
quaked in his bed And for what? Was
1t from fear or cowardice? &h, no. 1t
wassthe consciousnessof guilt. He was
the arch traitor who, like Satan in Para
disc, brought death into the world and
all our Woe" Within one week he came,
into the senate, and voted for every
section of Mr.. Clay's bill, and General
jackson was prevailed upon not to pros
ecute him for his crime.
Ihaye been told, upon authority mp
on which l rely, that during the last
days of General Jackson at the Hermit
age, viii lie he was sinking under the
ravaSes of consumption-that mysteri-
Gus disease, which, while il wastes the
body, leaves, il possible, the mind more
clear and nearer to inspiration-he had
q conversation with his family physician
and friend. AZ - n
While lying upon bed one day, and
speaking of his past administration, lie
inquired: -
''What act in my Administration, in
your opinion, will posterity condemn
with the greatest severity"
The physician replied that he was I'M
able TO s.nswer-that il might be the re-
moval of the deposits.
'Oh, nor said the General.
'"fhen it may be she specie circular, :"
Not at allY'
sWhat is it, then?'
ct can tell you, said he rising mp in
bed, his eyes kindling up, II can tell
you. Posterity will condemn me more
because / was persuaded not to hang
John 9. Calhoun as traitor than for
any other act in my life."
Sir, does not this seem like inspira-
ton now, LII Calhoun, the originator
of this conspiracy to dissolve the Union
and to build up the Southern Confeder-
acy, had been executed for his treason,
we would have no rebellion now.
Female Employment In France. From
an article which has just APP cared in