The weekly Union times. [volume] (Union C.H., South Carolina) 1871-1894, 1884-01-04
SOME SLIGHT "REMINISCENCES OF
JOHN CALHOUN.


of Washington Hotel, one morning early
in Dec. 1919, several gentlemen cutcred,
busily. engaged in talking as they walked
slowly forward The most prominent figure
In the group, one upon wAom the regards
Of the others seemed to centre, was Il pcr>
son of medium height, of thin, rather an
gular FORM with slight stoop Of the shoul-
der;. His head was covered with mass
of white hair, brushed squarcly back from
the temples, aud above low broad fore
head. The complexion was of the fairness
which indicates sedentary life, the nose and
chin were prominent and well defined, the
mouth rather wide with rather thin lips,
expressing great suavity and kindliness,
which Is not often the case with n mouth
of that type. The eyebrows, which were
rather heavy and nearly in straight line,
rose slightly at the outer end, and shaded a
pair OF eyes, which were singularly clear
and brilliant, although the owner was cvi
IDENTIFY about three score and ten years ofage.
The eyes alone would have made the face
remarkable, in a man of his age, so bright
and clear were they, So flashing with
quick, keen Intelligence. lie was dressed
in full suit of spotless black; the nccktie
which was of heavy black silk, being,
neatly tied in compact bow. \ small por-
tion of snowy linen appeared at the tcs-
om, at the wrists, and in high broad
sharp>pointcd standing collar such as was
then worn. His manner, though suave,
aud polished, was simple and unrrctendiut,
and tempered with quiet dignity.
Such was John G. Calhoun, in personal
appearance, as Saw him at the beginning
of the last session of Congress in which he
ever sat. Before the close of the session
his work on earth was iono. Being intro
duced to him, ho spoke to me a few polite
words ofgrcetins Z, and soon after the group
broke up.
A few days later we found ourselves
domiciled for the winter, in the old Capitol
building, (Which was then kept as board.
ing house, with Mr.. Calhoun and other
Senators aud Representatives from the South
Goin: DOWN to hr"Htf"s' t., e.: .l..ni.
after our domestication in the old Capitol
and being difiidcnt, hid myself in one Of
the deep windows of the parlor, behind the
heavy red damask curtains, intending there
TO await tho summons to break fast Not
far off MIR. Calhoun sat, convcrsing with
one or two other gentlemen. When the
dining room doors were thrown opcn and
breakfast was announced, mu h to my
surprise, never having fancicd that SO great
man could see SO insignificant au iudi-
vidual as myself, Mr.. Calhoun came to the
window and pushing the curtains aside said,
come Miss" "lot us 60 to breakfast" He
had evidently noted the timidity which had
induced the retreat behind the red win dow>
curtains, and kindly came to my relief
Taking me into the dining-room, he seated
me at the table, near large stove, and say
ing, "you had bottcr sit there all the wins
ter, this seat is warm and comforta-
ble," he sat down beside me, and talked
quietly during the neal, putting me CONS
pictcly at my ease. Years after, in recalls
ing this little incident, could not but recog>
nizc the delicate consideration for the feel
ings Of all around him, and the mate kinds
ness of heart cvinced by this otherwise
insignificant act.
Day after day senators and representatives
gathered rCund Mr. Calhoun in earnest con-
sultation. At this time party feeling ran
high, between Free SOllcrs." and "Pro.Sla-
very men. A fierce struggle ragged through.
out the session, between these two great
parties, and the groups who gathered round
MIR. Calhoun, many Of them men of ability,
listened to his conversation with an air uf
rapt and rcvcrcnt attention, such as is rare.
ly accorded 10y men to one of their fellows.
Mr. Calhoun, on his part, accorded to all
in return, gentle. dgniGcd courtesy, un-
marked by shade Of arrogance or assump.
tlop. And while talking with the greatest
carncstnc:s, his manner and tones were al
ways quiet and subducd though his utter.
ancc and gestures were somewhat quick
and energetic, and his bright keen clear
eyes, (light brown, if rccolcct Alright }
gave emphasis to AL he said as they flashed
in turn upon his auditors
Only one incident occurred in connection
with Mr.. Calhoun, during the whole winter,
L., Il, l.