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

hlie was sitting alone In the parlor
ofa Washington Hotel, one morning early
in Dec. 1919, several gentlemen entered,
busily Engaged in talking as they walked
slowly forward. The most prominent figure
In the group, one upon whom the regards
OF the others seemed to centre, was per>
son of medium height, of thin, rather an
gular form, with slight stoop of the shoul.
deri. His head was covered with a mass
of white hair, brushed squarely back from
the temples, and above low broad fore
head. The complexion was of the fairness
which indicates scdentary life, the nose and
chin were prominent and we'll defined, the
mouth rather wide with rather thin lips,
expressing great suavity and kindlness.
which is not often the case with a 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 evil
IDENTIFY about three score and ten years ofage
The eyes alone would have made the face
remarkable, in man Of his age, so bright
and clear were they, so flashing with
quick, keen intelligence. He was dressed
in full suit of spotless black; the necktie
which was of heavy black silk, being,
neatly tied in a compact bow. A small por.
tlon OF snowy linen appeared at the tcs-
om, at the wrists, and in a high broad
sharp>pointed standing collar, such as was
then worn. His manner, though suave,
and polished. was simple and unpretendius,
and tempered with quiet dignity
Such was John G. Calhoun, in personal
appearance, as baw 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 lone. Being intro
duced to him, ho spoke to me few polite
words ofgreetins, aud 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
Going down to breakfast TIE G.s. in..ni. :.
after our domestication in the old Capitol
and being diffideut, hid myself in one Of
tho deep windows of the parlor, behind the
heavy red damask curtains, intending there
10 await the summons to breakfast. Not
far of MIR. Calhoun sat, cnnversing with
one or two other gentlemen. When the
dining room doors were thrown open and
breakfast was announced, mu.h to my
surprise, never having fancied 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 Windows
curtains, and kindly came to my relief.
Taking me into the dining-room, he seated
mo at the table, near large stove, and say>
ing, "you had botter sit there all the wins
tor, this seat is warm and comforta-
bic" he sat down beside me, and talked
quietly during tho meal, putting me com-
pletely at my ease. Years after. in recall>
ing this little incident, could not but recog>
nize the delicate consideration for the feel
ings Of all around him, and the mate kinds
ness Of heart evinced by this otherwise
Insignificant act.
Day after day senators and representatives.
gathered round Mr. Calhoun in earnest con-
sultation. At this time party feeling ran
high, between "Free Soilers." and "Pro-Sla-
very" men. A fierce struggle ragged through.
out tho session, between those two great
parties, and the groups who gathered round
Mr.. Calhoun, many Of them men of ability
liste ned to his conversation with an air of
rapt and reverent attention, such as is rare.
ly accorded by men to one of their fellows.
Mr.. Calhoun, on his part, accorded to all
in return, gentle, dignifed courtesy, un-
marked by shade of arrogance or assump-
tioD. And while talking with the greatest
earnestness, his manner and tones were al
ways quiet and subdued though his utter.
ance and gestures were somewhat quick
and energetic, aud his bright, keen clear
eyes, (light brown, if recollect Alright, ~
gave emphasis to all he said as they flashed
in turn upon his auditors.
Only one incident occurred in connection
with Mr.. Calhoun. during the whole winter
which had an amusing side to it. A young
NJ. ID. from N. G. came to stay short while