Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1889-07-21

ing 10 the ACQUISITION of the great West,
knew that no ignoble motive animated
the President in this measure. Endorsing
the views Of the Old Virginia school, OF the
gradual abolition Of slavery, he looked
upon the annexation of Texas with the
breadth Of patriots view. rs matter OF
vital interest TO the whole Union. The
bitterness Of Mr. Clay and the unscrupu-
lous misrepresentation of those times APP
pear TO me at this day asincomprehensible.
Mr.. Tyleris Secretary of State during the
time | occupied the White House with
him was Mr.. Calhoun. Mr.. Webster had
filed the Office until the summer of lSi3,
and was always spoken of by Mr.. Tyler rs
the model Of n Cabinet officer. Mr.. Up
shur followed Mr.. Webster and the melan-
choly issue Of his life. in company with
my reyered father on board the Princeton,
has stamped his massive appearance IN
delibly upon my memory. HIS portrait IN
oil, remarkably well and correctly painted
by his accomplished son-in-law, Major
RinggOld was presented to us by his
family. We valued II greatly, but u went
the way. with q great deal else, during the
late war and was burned MP in Richmond,
where we had stored It. Mr.. Upshur,
thou~n not go well known in public life AZ
Mr.. TYLER, by reason of the-quiet duties Of
his office rs q Circuit Judge of Virginia.
until called into the national Cabinet, was
truly an extraordinary man. He WAS
physically much larger man than Mr..
Webster. though there was a striking
sameness about the brow of each. as If the
brain forced 10 forward. He usually wore
upOu his shoulders handsome cloak,
with tasscls. which lent dignity % his ap-
Vearance. His piquancy in conversation
rendered him favorable with all. and his
death ON the Princeton was heavy blow
90 the nation. He had brought the navy.
while Secretary of that department, to "A
high state OF perfection. Mr.. Calhoun
took Mr.. Upshur's place IN the Cabinet,
occupying It ~ the time of my marriage.
| think of him now. with his glistenlug
eve. his gray hair brushed back. and the
lines in his face marked with the precision
of a Grecian statue. OF one whose repu-
tatiOn as "a statesman Is so universal /
may Justly pause TO say a few words. Mr..
CalhOuns mind was generally occupied
with some important matter OF State,
even in the midst Of gayety, and the times
in which he figured were times of pre-
eminent interest. But when he chose TO
relax few could be more interesting or at
tractiye. We We're always excellent
friends. At my wedding reception at the
Executive Mansion he led me 10 the table
on his arm and helped me 30 cut the great
cake that adorned lt. ] placed the knife
IN and he cut the first slices. In all my
many conversations with him he made
himself particularly engaging. 1t was at
the first large dinner at the White House
that the following incident occurred: Mr..
Calhoun sat at my right hand and our con-
versation had fallen upon the Texas ques-
ton. when query was made ~ 10 the
views of Judge John Mclean, who was
present. and who was one of my varmest
friends. ] SAID that | should make n a
matter of honor with him that he should
vote for Texas. Mr. Calhoun startled me
by replying. There Is no honor IN poll
tics" ] said, I'VE will see" and writing
on a slip of paper. Texas and John
Tyler" sent 10 10 the Judge, who was on
the opposite side of the table with the re-
quest that he should drink the toast with
me. The Judge turned with much gal
lantry in my direction, raised his glass,
bowed. and said. " For your sake