The Idaho world. [volume] (Idaho City, Idaho Territory) 1864-1918, 1873-12-18
From the Savannah News.
TWO CELEBRATED AMERICANS.
THE RHErrs AND THE ApAMsEs.

While the fatal termination of the
late duel between Barnwell Rhett
Jr., and Judge Cooley is sad, it revives
other memories-some more painful
still, yet some very pleasant-whicf
concern the famous Rhett family
First, one cannot help recurring to the
lamentable fate of the accomplished
Tabor, who fell in duel with McGrath
He was editor of the Charleston Mer.
curry. An editorial appeared in the pa.
per rejecting on Judge MaGrath, an
older brother of the combatant. 1t
was written by Edmond Rhett, broth
er of Barnwell Rhett, Jr. He acknowl-
edged himself the author, and signifed
his willingness to respond to any hos
tile message; but McGrath demanded
satisfaction of Tabor only. He ac-
cepted the challenge and was killed
upon the field Tabor was first cousin
to Rhett. He ranked among the first,
if not the very first, of the intel
lectual young men of South Caro-
lima. He gave promise of a glori-
Gus future in the world of letters and
politics, and was universally admired
as we'll as loved. His early and vio-
lent death caused a general lamenta-
ton, and to this day it is to all who adj
miro genius linked with virtue. most
painful memory.
There is still another tragedy associa-
ted with the name Of Rhett. During
the war, and for causes not remembered.
Ransom Calhoun fell in a duel at the
hands of Alfred Rhett, another one Of
the Rhett brothers. These reminiscent
ces of the Rhett brothers bring to mind
their distinguished father, Robert Barn
we'll Rhett, ST., who at one time had
national fame. He was Democratic
leader in the United States House of
Representatives during the furious days
of the abolition excitement. It was
surprising to friend as we'll as foe, that
beneath such placid exterior there
should be such firmness of purpose,
steadiness of nerve and fiery eloquence.
His style was always terse, incisivc
and fluent, and sometimes truly elo-
quent. Sincerity in all he said was
stamped upon his brow, and this, sup
ported by an earnestness of manner.
carried conviction to hearers. and dis.
may to adversaries.
This famous gentleman has so lone
been in retirement, that when the late
duel suggested his name we could not
say positively if he was yet among the
living. On inquiry we are told that no
is yet residing in his beloved but on.
pressed South Carolina, confirmed in
valid. In that retirement we feel sure
he retains the confidence and sympathy
If his admiring countrymen. What
though he and his cause have both
allied? The memory of a truth, though
is sweeter than the present
enjoyment of a reward, which follows
n accompanies falsehood.
There is tradition connected with
he birth and career of this distin-
pushed gentleman. At the time when
le was in the U. s. House Of Repre-
entativea, the champion of the South
m cause, John Quincy Adams, was
lis ablest and most conspicuous antag- :
mist. We had often heard that these
lifted men were descended from COM 9
ION ancestry, and that there conse-
uently coursed through their veins a
inbred blood. We deemed the report d
lere idle rumor, but subsequent inquiry i,
atisfed Us Of its truth. It is curious y
lece Of American family history, wor- 3
y Of publication, and is briefly this: a
Thomas and James Smith, brothers, t,
ere Englshmen, who followed the t.
rtnnes Of Cromwell. They were u
eminent as political writer's on that 8,