The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1873-11-12
OLUMBIA, S. G.
Wednesday Morning, Nov. II, 1873.
Rich Legacy from tho Past.

| PioeoC1 uo1 ouiJ hmoI1Chu ClliZedb, DuI
all others who seek the protection of its
folds, was splendidly illustrated by ON
incident which occurred during the
residence of Hon. Joel r. Pointsett, as
American Minister, ut the City Of
Mexico. Somo foreigner had in some
way fallen under the ban Of popular
dislike and condemnation. Considering
his life as not snfe, he sought tho quar-
ters of the American Minister for safety
The mob soon gathered in highly in
censcd state, threatening attack on the
premises. When persuasion failed TO
quiet their excitement. Mr.. Pointsett
directed his secretary, the late Hon.
John NJ. Mason, of Virginia, to display
the national ensign. AS This symbol of
national power spread It's stars and
stripes to the breeze, the infnriated
pupulace looked in awe and terror upon
the significant act, gave up their mis-
chievous purpose, and relinQuishsd all
further pursuit OF the person they were
in search Of. They wisely shrunk from
tho issue, which they saw was plainly
rendered, in case they prosecuted their
mad designs any further 1t was u
proud and beautiful incident in Arneri-
eau historv. It demonstrated tho pro-
tective power and noble bencGcence OF
were stained with tho blood Of our own
citizens, Or darkencd mud iissraced by
oppression aud cruelty, exercised against
sovereign States.
A magnificent picture, representing
This splendid historical incident, was
painted by order of South Carolina. In
commemorating it, especial honor was
paid to Mr.. Pointsett, the principal
figure i'll tho composition, rs he had
been tho principal actor in the transnc-
ton. subsequently, it was presented
by the State to another highly houored
| son. General Andrew Jackson. He had
been made tho recipient, also. of n
handsome testimonial from the ladies of
Charleston, in the shape of large sill
yer vase. In his will. he beaueathed
these beautiful tributes to the admira-
ton which his native State felt for him,
in trust, to his adopted son, Andrew
Jackson, Jr., with directions, that
"should our happy country NOT be
blessed with peace-an event not always
to be expected-he will, at the close of
the war, or end Of the conflict, present
each Of said articles Of inestimuble
value to that patriot residing in the
State from which they were presented
who shall be adjudged by his country.
men or the ladies' TO have been the most
valiant in The defence Of Ills country
and our country's rights"
In accordance with the spirit, ii not
letter, Of this bequest, his son, as exc
cutor of tho last will and testament Of
General Jackson, on 81 April, 1858,
transmitted the vase and picture to the
ca q OF Gov. Il. L. w. Aston, to DO
handed to the Palmetto Association.
On the 4th Of May following. Governor
Aston issue,l proclamation, which
autLoritatively carried ont this tlisposi-
tion. Now, therefore," it ran, sin
view of The impossibility of selecting tie
must valiant where III! are brave, in
consideration Of the courage and con
duct Of said regiment, acting rs a unit
on the fields Of Mexico, and IL con,ide-
ration, also. of what is understood to
have been the purpose of the vencrab C
tcs!ator, namely, that .hcsc ines.imnble
memorials OF his own gaillntry at New
Orleans should be restored, through
sore worthy citizen. to his native State,
whence they came, there to remain for.
ever, | do hereby present and convey to
". Is. Stanley, President Of the Pal.
mc;to Association, and to his successors
in Office, the silver vase aud picture,
presented, &c to bc preserved among
the trophies Of the said Palmetto Regi-
ment, for the honor and qualification of
tho surviving members thereof, and in
trust for the last surviving member of
the same."
During the destruction and devasta-
tion of tho civil war. perhaps in the
sack Of Columbia, tho picture, with the