Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1880-06-11
Old Hickory's Last Days.

DR.. J. J. Norman contributes paper
on Andrew jackson, taken from his "Man-
uscript Volume Of Memoranda of Noted
Men," in which he relates the following
instance Of the generous, while determined
nature Of Old Hickory:
AN anecdote related to me of General
Jackson by the late venerable James Cal
well, Of the White Sulphur Springs. and
which occurred only few days before the
death of Jackson, is so characteristic of
his well known indomitable will that l
deem it worth insertion here.
..Mr. Calwell at the close of season at
the springs, determined to accompany his
friend, Col. Henry Singleton, to his home
in South Carolina; and as they were both
warm friends of Henry Clay. they agreed
to pay him visit at Ashland on their
way. Having done SO they proceeded on
their journey south, and at Nashville they
met with the Hon. Bailey Peyton, who was
previously well known to both Of them
Here they. heard that Gen. Jackson was
lying at the Hermitage very i'll with drop
sy of the chest, and was not expected to
live many days Bailey Peyton and Gen
jackson had long lived in the same neigh
borhood, anu for many years were very in
innate friends; but after Jackson's cleo
stion to the Presidency, Peyton. being an
ardent Wing, opposed his administration.
on the floor of Congress, with great ener-
gy, and Jackson thought his course toward
him personally unkind. Consequently
they became very unfriendly toward each
other; SO much so that there had not been
the slightest recognition between them for
a number of years.
"Mr. Calwell and Col. Singleton, al
though differing entirely with Gen. Jack.
son politically, determined to pay him a
visit of respect and coincidence in his then
extreme condition; and Bailey Peyton pro-
posed to accompany them.
"Mr. Calwell told me that on their arrl-
val at the Hermitage they were invited
into the parlor, and soon after into the
sick chamber of the General. He was "
ing upon bed, propped up half erect,
breathing with great difficulty and labor.
Mr.. G.. and Col. s. approached his bed,
while Bailey Peyton stood back. The
General was very feeble, and could only
utter words slowly and at short intervals.
After few moments delay at the bedside
and having extended the usual words of
coincidence on such occasions, they bid him
adieu and turned away.
General Jackson Immediately closed his
ax,oc xub;lo h;o hands thar 1,o oY1o rracart
ing, lay cut upon the bed clothes. AS they
moved away. Bailey Peyton approached
the bed; Jackson's eyes. continuing closed
after he had reached the bed. Peyton. af-
ter moments pause, laid his hand softly,
on one of Jackson's hands, and said,
''General Jackson. / wish you well, sir"
at which the General Immediately open
ed his eyes with manifest animation, and
looking at Peyton while he turned his hand
over and grasped Peyton's hand that was
resting upon it, said with emphasis,
"Do you, Peytonp then wish you well!'
And this was all of the new, the long de-
ferred. and the last recognition by these
distinguished men. Peyton Immediately
withdrew, evidently deeply affected. With
General jackson this was principle, pas
sion if you please, strongly marked in
death.
Through life he had never been known
to yield to an opponent or an enemy; and
now, almost in the article of death, and
but day or two before he died, the same
indomitable resolution possessed him. Not
before his opponent. or supposed enemy,
made friendly advance by softly laying
his hand upon his and uttering the friendly
words, 81 wish you WE'LL" did he make the
slightest intimation to a recognition or a
reconciliation. Was not this a feeling
strong in death and strongly manifest
of that indomitable will which was the
basis of General Jackson's greatness and
of his triumphant success in every pc.
sition in which he was placedy