The Opelousas journal. [volume] (Opelousas, La.) 1868-1878, 1869-04-10
OF General Jackson.

| CeS OI the - OlQ nero VI Cuo ucIulltdScs
from the pen of Col. 7. B. Thorpe
(Tom Owen, the Bee Hunter,) secentl.
appeared in t1S New York Times -
General Jackson not only stood b
| his friends, but he was slow to believ
anything against those in Whom he pu
confidence. One of the most honorct
and oldest citizens now residing il
Washington informed us that just afte
his arrival i'll that city, then a youn!
man, Mr.. Woodbury., then Secretary o
the STreastky under Gen. jackson
said to him that he was on his way to tho
"White House," to inform the genera
that one of his especial appointees was {
defaulter. AR Woodbury. said further
that the general was slow to believe
anything against his friends, and that he
expected that he, the general, would say
Or do something unpleasant when he
heard the statement. Mr.. Woodbury.
then took our informant along on the
pretence of introducing him to the
President, but really to divide the expec.
ted fire that would be involved by the
real business of the contemplated inter
| view. The general was found in his
favorite room, with his feet against the
mautel. enjoying the heat of hickory
wood fire, and the solace of his favorite
corn cob pipe. Mr.. Woodbury., after a
few unimportant remarks. at last stated
the object of his visit. The moment the
general cornprehended Mr. Woodsury's
statement he brought his feet to the floor
with crash, sprang up, and, almost
livid with anger, said that he believed
the charges made against his old friend
we're false He added: "This man
fought by my side in the Florida war;
l know he was brave, and believe he is
an honest man." Mr.. Woodbury., who
retreated to avoid the first effects of the
explosion, now stepped forward and said
that be had been unusually careful to
inform himself, and that he was forced
to believe that the charges were true.
He then added, as if to mollity the gen.
eral, Il would like to have you, Mr..
President, nominate some one for the
place." Il will nominate no one," said
the general, interupting Mr.. Woodbury..
at the same time choking to keep down
his feelings. Put in the vacant place
whom you please, but mark Inc, Mr..
Woodbury., I shall examine into
this case myself, and if my friend has
been wronged, I will grind the guilty
parties into the earth, just as do this
pipe," as he threw the old corn cob on
the floor, and ground it under the heel
of his boot. Mr.. Woodbury. gave his
young friend signal, and the two hasti-
ly retreated On reaching the open air,
Mr.. Woodbury. said," Thank God, that
duty is performed. l hope
l shall never have to perform another
one of the kind"
It useless to say of man governed by
principles so noble where his personal
relations are concern j, that his public
life could be failure at least it could
not be failure undeS a popular form Of
government. But this feature of strong
personality was still further illustrated
by prominent .actt of Gen. Jackson's
Soon after he was inau-
gulated he appointAd a then obscure
young man, named Gwinn, subsequently |
distinguished as United States Senator
Gwinn, to the best paying Office in his
yift, viz, United Ststes Marshal of Miss
ssippi. The Senate Jas politically oppos-
ID to the general, and it rejected the
The general sent it in a
second time, and again it was rejected.
Nothing. up to tbs era, exceeded the
party Indignation and abuse that was
,howered upon the general for bis viola
ion of usage ga nd the Constitution"
~ such an unparalleled outrage of reno
ninating person to the Senate who
lad been rejected; But Gen. jackson
zept Gwinn in office until his successor
vas confirmed, and thus fought the battle
With the Senate, keeping the country in
lot water and taxing his party for defence.
This continued for four long years.
With General Jackson's second term
anne a Senate, politically favorable and
5winn was now nominated for the third
ime, and was confirmed, and thus ended
he strife.
Hon. Alexander Barrow, United
states Senator. who was a sort of god
;hild ofGen. Jackson's, 8, informed US that,
fter many years of estraDgement on &C.
ount of political differences, he paid a
ast visit to "the HERMITAGE" He
ound the once stalwart "Old Hickory"
|oubled almost with age and suffering.
lr. Barrow said he was agreeably sur
rised that the general made no illusions
o the disagreements Of times past, but as
trength would permit talked only kindly
"Old times As Mr.. Barrow was
bout to leave, he said, General, as
ou have alluded to the past, ifit is prop
r and right, tell me why you kept
trough your first presidential term