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.

aii otueLS WHO SEEK Cne prOteCClon OF It's
folds, was splendidly illustrated by an
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 sufe, he sought tho quar-
ters of the American Minister for safety.
The mob soon gathered in highly in
ccnscd state, threatening attack on the
premises. When persuasion failed to
qniet their excitement Mr.. Pointsett
directed his secretary, the late Hon.
John NJ. Mason. of Virginia, to display
the national ensign. AS this symbuI of
national power aprcad its stars and
stripes to the breeze, the inlnriated
populace looked in awe and terror upon
tho significant act, gave up their mis-
chievous purpose, and relinquished 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 aud beautiful incident in Aineri-
can history. II demonstrated tho pro-
tective power aud noble benelicence Of
the national standard, before its folds
were stained with the blood Of our own
citizens, or durkencd and ,lisgraccd by
oppression aud cruelty, exercised against
sovereign States.
A magnificent picture, representing
this splendid historical incident, was
painted by order Of South Carulinu. In
com memorating it, especial honor was
paid to Mr.. Pointsett, the principal
figure i'll the composition, as 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 beuueathed
these beautiful tributes to the almra-
tion which his native State felt for him,
IN trust, to his adopted son, Andrew
Jackson, Jr., with directions, that
'shouid 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 inestimable
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, us exc
cutor of the last will and testament Of
General Jackson, on 81 April. 1853.
transmitted the vase and picture to the
CD OF Gov. Il. L. w. Aston, to bo
handed to tho Palmetto Association.
On the 4th Of May following, Governor
Aston issued proclamation, which
authoritatively carried ont this ,liaposi-
ton. Now, therefore," it ran, sin
view of the impossibilisy Of selecting tie
NEST valiant where al! are brave, in
consideration Of the courage and con
duet Of said regiment, acting rs unit
on the fields of Mexico and in ooa,ide-
ration, also, oi what is understood to
have been the purpose of the vencrabl e
tcs.asor, namely, that these inrs.imeb!e
memorials Of his owa gail.ntry at New
Oflsans shonll be restored, through
soIe worthy citizen, 10 his native State,
whence they came, there TO rculain for.
ever, do hereby present and convey to
W. Il. Stanley, President Of the Pal
mctto Association, and to his successors
III Office, the silver vase aud picture,
presented, DC to bc preserved among
the trophies Of tic said Palmetto Regi-
ment, for tho honor and qualification of
tho surviving members thereof, and in
trust for the Inst surviving member of
the same."
During the destruction and de-asta-
tion of the civil war, perhaps in the
sack OF Columbia, the picture, with the
/ <~lz