Newspaper Page Text
r
SOUTHERN
RECORDER.
VOL. II.
MILLEDGEVILLE, TUESDAY, APRIL 3, 1021.
PUBLISHED WEEKLY,
(on tuespatb)
BY S. GRAXTIJLYD V It M. OltMF.,
It three dollars, in advance, or four
DOLLAR!) AT THE EXPIRATION OF THE
TEAR.
qy Advertiirmenticonspicuously iusertcjat
flic rmlmnary mlrt.
AMERICAN SKETCHES.
There were numerous events of an interesting
character connected with almost every pe
riod of the late war, but every month furnish-
rs some additional incident, heightened tiy
the plow of romance, though the particular,
he of real life. The following story of the
!*' Young Baekwoodtnum," we doubt not, will
.entertain a numerous portion of our readers.
[From a Kentucky paper.]
During an excursion of pleasure in the
spring of the your I8H, after a pleasant
day’s ride, I found myself on the dills of the
Kentucky river. The talkative ferryman, as
we crossed the stream, pointed to a neat
.country house, at the distance of some luilf
J1 mile on the opposite shore, “ where,” said
he, *• they keep tavern, and you can he ac
commodated. Amused with his simple
garruhty, I bade him farewell, and ascended
hyj* winding path the lowering cliff.
The sky was brilliant with the tints of the
setting sun -beyond the numerous and vari
egated firms which my elevation overlook
ed, the distant hills lost their tops in the blue
inist of Heaven—all nature was hushed to a
solemn stillness, save the hollow echo of the
ferryman's sons—even theimpetuousstreain
as it dashed along la-tween the stupendous
masses of calcareous rock, which presented
an insurmountable harrier on cither side,
seemed fearful of disturbing the general re-
Never have I- been more delighted
pose
with the contemplation of nature; every , , .
idea for a while was lost, save that of the wealth, beauty and i.itt'll^epce,
with famkline Huntingdon, the daughter
of a wealthy merchant in the city of Rich*
niond, where his uncle resided. She had
.just entered her nineteenth year, and to a
niind hii'hly cultivated, possessing every na
tive \ irtue, there was added a degree of fer-
♦ or and elevation of fancy, which occasional
ly seemed bordering on the romantic. Art
less as an infant, divested of envy and sus
pecting none in others, she wat esteemed by
alt who knew her—whilst the continued
sprightlilies*i of her manners, and the brilli
ant coruscations of her wit, gave a zest to the
enjoyment of every circle in which she min
gled ; nor were the attractions of her mind
surpassed by those of her person ; cast in
the finest mould of her sex, grace character
ized every movement, and loveliness sat en
throned upon her fare.
In our young Backwoodsman, herenthusi-
astic mind found a congenial spirit—and for
hours would she listen, enraptured, to his
glowing descriptions of the land of his nativi
ty, and the hardships, privations, and battles
yith which the adventurous pioneers to civil
ization in the western country, had to con
tend. Arthur had been acqqainti d with her
hut a fear months ere he discovered that her
society was essential to his happiness— and
the result of a protracted interview, which
soon took place, rendered him the happiest
of men—in short, emotions of anew kind
were awakened in the breast of atfcfr, and
Heaven was called to witness their derlara
lions of unshaken constancy. That correct
ness of deportment whieh had evercliarac-
turited Emeline, was again manifested by an
early disclosure to her parents, of the en
gagement which she had /orined—hut great
was her surprise and almost insupportable
her grief, upon hearing that they were utter
ly hostile to the connexion—they could illy
brook the idea of marrying their daughter.
manifold and resplendent beauties which
surrounded me. As 1 rode along the brink of
the precipice towards the tavern to which 1
had been directed, I discovered at a short
distance,on my right, a small country church,
lo which i intoiuiiUiiiy luiut-a tuy liuot. I
Ivntd *b*» «nnwmnreof a coon-
try church and grave-yard, in tome parti of
Kentucky : In a raps* near the rnad mIc, a
neat wooden building is erected—the under
growth for some distance around cleared
Away—while the majestic trees of the forest
wave their green foliage in sihnee, over the
clay tenemeuti of those who have been
"gathered to their fsthera.” The grays are
-scattered around the church and quite shut
out from the rays of the sun, by the boughs
of the overhanging trees—no costly monu
ment* *« he seen, but occasionally a wil
low or tin evergreen, planted by some kin
dred spirit,awakens a train of emotions which
the finest marble could nuver impart. The
little rural temple which stood before me,
was built of hewn logi, one story in height,
and almost hid by the surrounding forest.—
As I drew nearer, my attention was arrested
hy the commanding, and I may add martial
Hgure of a man, who with downcast looks
was standing near the foot of a recent grave,
over which was scattered n profusion of e-
vergreens. There was a degree of woe de
picted in his manly but sun-burnt face, that
jhave seMom seen exhibited—his long durk
hair bung in graceful curls below his cap of
fur, and the greeu hunting shirt in which he
was clad, was fastened around his robust bo
dy by an Indian belt—his inockasins, allho’
much worn, were of the lienutiful kind ma
nufactured hy the natives of our north-west.
>ty path led near the side of the church
yard, where he was standing with folded
arms, but petrified as it were by grief, lie
appeared as insensible to sutioumluig ob
jects as a statue of marble. My feelings
were deeply interested ill the personage be
fore me, hut unwilling to appear mtr*-,.e,I
passed on to the tavern which was distant
but a few hundred yards, and had no sooner
seated myself in the |K>rtieo, than l observ
ed the object of my atteutioo leave bis posi
tion, and with a slow and manured Hep,
pursued the path which had conducted me
lip to the steep declivity. Just as he was
disappearing from iny view, the landlady
mitered, mid calling her attention to the
«tranga figure that 1 iiail been contemplating,
J enquired if she knew him. “ kes sir. *be
replied, with a deep sigh and serious look.—
s* 1 know him well—he was formerly the
.pride of our neighborhood, and the bnj»pie»t
Tooth who dwelt upon these hills—his his
tory is n ssd one, but if you desire to hear it,
a* soon as supper is over I will relate it to
you.” On our return to the portico, after
having partaken of some refreshment, my
bsndlady. begging me lo excuse her country-
like manner of relating a story, gale the ful-
Ibwing narration.
« The r.amenf the unhappy young man or
Whom you desire me to speak, is Arthur
Fitzrot. His parents,thoughpoor.brloiig-
«d to a highly respectable family in * irgima,
and were among those who early emigrated
f„ this State and made the improvement
where they now reside, about two miles
from the opposite shore. Arthur, the only
child was born soon after their arrival, und
breathed nothing from infancy but the salu
brious air of these mountainous cliffs, and
exercised by the labors of the farm and chase,
bis person attained the size and manly beau-
tvwbich it now exhibits-while his intellec
tual faculties, improved by tile ablest teach
er v w Inch could be procured, gave, at the age
«f twenty, indications of a mind vigorous in
iu perceptions and replete with the noblest
feelings of our nature. At this period he re
ceived from a wealthy miele in Virginia, an
invilati... to spend a couple of “ f
the mountains. Arthur war enraptured w > b
the idea, and upon expressing his wishes to
his parents, who were ever desirous of his
immwvevnc.it, they willingly cenrented.-
Tlie day for his departure soon arrived, and
well in /act do I remember it—the compani
ons of bis childhood, both male and female,
for many miles round, had assembled to any
farewell and witness his departure-and as
be passed around, extending his hand with
an assumed air of cheerfulness, there was not
a dry eyd in the whole circle.
During tbc latter part of the two year*
.V. . " " Jr m .„„,iaio*. in VI-!»
tn a young hnckivondsin.in, without Inrtunr
and without e h tvrity. lie was forthwith
forbid the house, and she enjoined to break
off all communication with that man, for
whom alone life now seemed to her worth
iuvtgi>«i4iii<r A rfhtir irvvlb **»r*rnt fir'9iiprp*i-
ful attempts for a personal interview, and
vviih feelings highly lacerated, disappointed
hopes, and mortified pride, returned In the
western country. His arrival was a source
of joy to Ms fond parents, and delight to the
neighborhood, and n twelve month glnh d
away without the occurrence of any event
worthy of narration. Th« remembrance of
the beloved object of his affections dissipat
ed his former gayely—and in vain were his
hooks anil the pleasures of the chase resort-
ed to, as a means of restoring his wonted
cheerfulness. In this gloomy mood, he was
most pleasantly surprised hy (he arrival of
the beauteous Emeline in his own neighbor
hood. One of those unfortunate speculati
ons which go frequently ruin commercial
men, had swept away the wealth of her fa
ther, and induced him to seek an asylum in
the west—but whether his settlement In this
immediate neighborhood arose from his
owning the small tract of land on w hich he
now resides, or the hope of renewing the
engagement between Fitzrny k his daogh
ter, is uncertain. The onmirxion, however,
was immediately renewed, and never per
haps was there a more perfect coiocidence
of thought and feeling, than this hap
py pair exhibited. Often have I seen them
clambering over these rugged cliffs—wan
dering in the shady grovrs, or sitting on the
rocks engaged in reading and conversation—
her fanciful imagination seemed now to re
alize all her former anticipations of love in a
collage, and happiness in the uncultivated
wild* of the west.
The day for the solemnization of the mar
riage had been appointed, and wav distant
hut two weeks, when the unwelcome intel
ligence ofOen. Hull’s disgraceful surrender,
reached Kentucky. The call of the Execu
tive for volunteers, to protect the defence
less fronliers of the north west, had no soon-
r met the ear of youugFilzroy, than his re
solution was formed. That love of country,
and proud spirit of independence which
characterized the natives of the vvest, shonn
forth in him with an increased brilliancy—
his bosom, fired w ith the impulse of a noble
enthusiasm in Ilia cause ofliis country and
suffering humanity, permitted him not * *no-
mriit to hesitate in exchanging the Mimdhli-
meutsnf love for tile lial.ilimeoU of war, or
his anticipated union to a beloved female, Par
the fatigues of the camp. The preparations
for the approaching ceremony at the altar of
Hymen were instantly changed lo those for
a campaign, and in leu daVv-Kilzroy was rea-
ly lor the tented field. I was myself pre
sent at lb* last interview br.(»ein him and
bis intended bride, which took place on the
morning of his departure. Oh! it was an
affecting scene, and one that 7 shall ever re
member. His warlike dresv k martial mien
were finely contrasted w ilh her delicate form
and simplicity of habit. She rose as he en
tered the room, and with a melancholy look
extended her tremhliughand, which he seiz
ed with a convulsive grasp, and pressed to
his lips—“ I gosvve.et girl," said he, “to
avenge Ihe cause of our injured country—to
protect defenceless women and children
from savage barbarity,'and wipe away the
disgrace of an ignnmiuhms surrender—ami
he assured that in Ihe midst of battle, the
recollection of my beloved Emeline shall
nerve this arm vv i.h tenfold vigur—and re
lying upon vour unshaken constancy ar.d
the smiles nf Heaven, I shall fearlessly march
fa victory or death.’’ He gazed for a mo
ment in ailenre upon her beautiful face,
which was bailied in tears—pressed her to
his bosom, and imprinting U|»m her ruby
lips a fervent kiss, tore himself away, and
joined his companions in arm.
The tuigiral events of the C2d of January,
which crimsoned the banks of the river Rai
sin with Ihe blood of Kentucky's noblest
sons, were announced to Emeline the morn
ing after the receipt of a I. tt.T which Eitzroy
had written her from Fort Defiance. With
a glow of fervent patriotism, he had depict
ed his bright hope of that halo of glory which
he fancied would he his, should he gallantly
fall In defence of his country, and with Ihe
most tniichiug pathos did he dwell upon th
till brighter hope of an honorable return to
«*V*j»s-s>%£!l!X3i'E£ ”t»'r«* -a th. »«„ .(
I need riot attempt to paint her emotions
when the awful intelligence was communi
cated—for a month she suffered every pang
vv hicll th* most terrible suspense could in
flict, until one of the companions of her un
fortunate friend arrived in Ihe neighborhood,
from whom she learned that the company
to which he and Fitzrny belonged, was one
of those under the command of the gallant
Madison, that maintained its position with
determined intrepidity until the older of
Winchester, the commanding lieneral, lo
surrender themselves prisoners of war, was
received—that some time previous to the
capitulation, a musket ball struck Fitzroy in
tile left ancle, from which tile blood flowed
profusely—but he refused to leave his post,
and tying Ids handkerchief closely round the
wounded part, continued lighting most vali
antly until the cessation of arms. When
the prisoner* were marched lor Malden,
Fitzroy, although faint with the loss ol blood,
j justly fearing Ihe ioeensed savage.,, resolved
upon accompanying his companions, k bad
proceeded with their assistance about three
miles, vvlicn Ihe pain arising from his wound
became so excessive that he was compelled
to stop, and sealing himself on a log by the
mail side his fellow prisoners left him, appa-
riNilly awaiting his fate with manly compo
sure. According lo his own statement since
his rrlurn, he had remained in tins situation
hut hail'an hour, when lie was taken prison
er hy a Fotlavvataniiu chief called Ihe Lillie
Owl, lo whom he offered a considerable re
ward, provided he should be conducted to
Malden. The chief, however, pleased with
his fine appearance, immediately resolrcd
upon retaining him, refused .the proflerrd
reward and marched him hark to the battle
ground, where they remained until evening,
when they set off in company, will) several
Indians, and h iving proceeded a conjileol
miles north, encamped for I he night—the
thief perceiving the pain and eihauslure of
Lis prisoner, procured him some loud, ami
iii .de an application of roots lo his wound,
which gave him imimdiate relief. On the
follow mg morning they lenewud their inairb,
sod sf .A- s few d-v- trsvoHiUfe' ,rrivrd op
the shore of Lake Michigan, vv
mained several Weeks, suflermg every priva
tion which the rigors of a northern winter
and me scarcity ot mud eoulvl inflict.
Fil/.roy’s wound, in the mean time, was
nearly cured by the Indian specifics that
were administered—-hot another misfortune
awaited. Little Owl, his piaster, who had
treah d him with every degree of kindness,
was taken sick and dud—his prisoner was
ela med hy two Indians of the same tritve,
ami hy them sold to a Kickapoo chief, win.
happened to be in company, and from whom
he w as de-lined to receive every species of
cruelly that savagirharbarity could inflict—
lie was immediately inadi dwith plunder and
marched to the head waters of Fox river, a
•Iream that empties in’o WinehagO Lake,
at the head of Green Bay—i» the neighbor
hood of which he remained constantly guard-
ej until the Spring of 1814, when i.n unsuc
cessful attempt Jo escape diew down upon
him the flenvl like ire of iiis rander—and al
ter a solemn debate among the chiefs of his
tribe, il was resolved that he should he burnt
to death—the fllnvvivl pile was seen erected,
hy placing a quantity of dry Wood around
a young elm that stood on a high bluff bank
niche river, near iheir encampment. Ac
cording to custom, previous to the sacrifice
of their victim, a war dance was held over
Ihe prisoner, which lasted half an hour, re
plc-te with horrors that no pen can describe,
k doubly uppaling when accompanying the
awful solemnities of u dying hour. \Viih
exultation Fitzroy was no.v led to the stake,
and ns they were about to confine- his hands,
conscious that Ihe last moment for resist-
ancu had arrived, and that do consequences
could result, from his attempt, more dread
ful than tl.e smoking pile which aw ailed him,
he sprung from the midst of those w ho were
tying him, rushnd to the brink of the preci
pice, leaped down on a projecting rock and
from thence into the water, to the astonish
ment of (lie Indiana, who stood I or an instant
amazed at Ills daring intrepidity. His mas
ter perceiving that he had descended unhurt,
mid was swimming for Ihe upposila slime,
raised Ihe war-whoop, and descending by
the tame projecting rock, pursued his pu-
soner, who had hy this lime g;.::icd l 1- :. p
pnsile shore. Fitzrny observing that in ad
dition to his muster, many warriors were de
scending the hlnffs some distance below, and
aware that nothing hut immedlale flight
could sarn him, set off with Ihe utmost cc
lerity. Ilis incensed master ascended the
apposite hank before he was hid try the thick
et, and -hunting to his companions to follow,
pursued with all the fleetress k sagacity of a
Llood-houud. At the end ofhnlfam.le the
chief, from hiasuperiur swiftness.seized Fit/,
royhy theshoiihler.who immediately wheel
ed, :,ud a most des|H-rale. struggle ensued.—
Lurked in each others arms they fell to the
ground, and twice was the satngK u|t|miliiost
ar.d in the act of drawing his scalping knife,
when a vigorous effort gave his prisoner the
ascendency—and grasping his knife, which a
moment before Ihreatrncd his own existence,
he plunged it into the heart of his savage an
tagonist—the crimson l.tood gusto d foith in
torrents—an awful scream succeeded—his
muscles relaxed in the agonies of detvtli, and
Kitirey found himself diseugagrd from the
hold of Ilia dying chief. . Aware that a mo
ment's delay would prove fatal, as the yellol
Ihe remaining savages w as distinctly heard,
he drew fiom Ihe bell of ihe fallen foe his
tomahawk, amt again fieil vviih re.loul.led
energy. Availing himself of llie knowledge
which ho had gained of the country during
his captivity, he directed his course .towards
Ouisconsiii, which at its great eastern head
approaches within a few miles of thu waters
ul'Fox river, hut did not reach it until day
light next morning—After it few hours - bop
he crossed the stream, and proceeded down
on the op|Miaite shore, for the fort of Prai-
rie-du-C’hien, which he knew was located al
the junction or the Ouisconsiu with tlx- Mis
sissippi. On the 14th day from that on
which he made his escape, hr trod vviih an
mulling step and grateful heart the toil of
Kentiu-ky. The t'aligues of the capq.—the
Moody tragedy of Ihe River Raism—die
cruelly of the savages stid tlteir dreadful fu
neral rife, were ail now forgoten ; while the
fond anticipation ofa return to civilited life
—to t ha home and caresses of his parents,
and above all, to Hie outstretched arms and
palpitating bosom ofa lowly female, whuM
every aspiration was breathed for his hap
piness, and upon whose love and fidelity la-
had ever implicitly relied, retained undivid
ed possession of bis soul. Flushed with the
idea of dissipating her anxious uncertainly
as to his fate, and elate with a confident
hope of a speedy union to the engaging ob
ject of his wishes, lie dreamed not of disap
pointment, nor for a moment believed that
the lowering hand of fate would da-h from
his lips, untasted, the nectarcmu howl. It
was imder the influence of sueli emotions
lhat last sabbath day afternoon he approach
ed the dwelling of iiis dear Emeline’* father
—he sprang Horn his horse, entered Ihe
druir unperreived, and stood before the fam
ily for a moment unrecognized. Ills pene
trating eve, however, had scarcely glanced
around, ere he read from their mournful
countenances the heart-rending tale The
idol of his affections was gone—Ihe unre
lenting hand of death find carried to the
cold tomb his friend, his companion, Ills
wife :—an uninterrupted waste ofjoylesa ex
istence was spread before him, vvilhout the
intervention of a single enlivening ray to
cheer his gloomy path. Overwhelmed with
disappointment and grief, he sunk into a
cheir, and was unable for some time to give
utterance ta a single word ; his rnontenance
assumed the wo-hegooe aspect which it uutv
bears ; at th* close of each daj since his re
turn, has lie sought consolation in weeping
over the dark and narrow house which con
tains the mortal part of his lovely friend.
Had Emeline hern certain of Ihe fall of
Fitzroy in the midst of battle, by the arms
ofa magnanimous foe, her grief perhaps
might have been assuaged ; but the dread
ful uncertainty of his fate—the screams of
the mangled warriors—the yell of the ruth
less barbarians, and the crackling flames of
llm nouae which formed the funeral pile of
thr wounded prisoners, stiuck upon her
mind with redoubled horror, and as if conn-
No. 8.
duous attention to business, have acquir
ed that experience and familiar acquaint
ance with p.irltameiiluiy forms, which is
essentially necessary to giv« full effect
to their utelulaee*. However highly
gifted their succession* may be, it is im
possible that they cun for many years
(ill up the chasm thus created. When
h member disciplined in legislation, fa-
miliar with its forms, confident and easy
in his place, relinquishes his seut, it is
the experienced pilot, knowing the rock*
and hidden shoals, who abnndons. the
ship to a landsman, active and gallant,
but careless, because unknowing of dan
ger.
Of those who hare filled well t’aeir
places no one has tilled his better than
Air. Sanford, of Netv-York. A very
intelligent mind has given a direction to
iiis industry and his attention tn butieess,
which has rendered his exertions very
effective .and useful. The smoothness
of legislation has never in him been in
terrupted by the slightest uerimony in
debate. He lint held himself wholly a-
loof from the asperities of party.
Mr. l/ANwof Connecticut is a veteran
in legislation. He w*>, m time* of par
ty feeling, a hold and ardent federalist.—
lint he has always been a most active
and industrious legislator. Few men
have been more efficient in the Senate
chamber than this gentleman. He has
vigor ol mind, willingness to exert it, uud
perseverance to give it effect.
Mr. Roberts of Rennsylvauia yielded
to hut few iu usefulness and activity. A
long course of public service, connect
ed with an unrenuHiug attention to pub
lic bittiness, hat rendered him a very
valuable state*mun. The duties of]
to uphold, and promising that cither
himself or one^>f his sons shall in future
reside in his European dominion*.
The Kiug of Spain has appointed a
royal commission, with full power* to
proceed into the provinces, for tbc pur
pose of examining the condition of the
inhabitants, and the a'ate of the intenor
establishment* for the ndmiiiistratioa of
justice, and general society of the peo
ple. The provision* of (he decree are
very satisfactory, and we hope that they
are likely to accomplish the beneficial
object in view.
We learn from the frontier* of Rirtia,
that many Russian nod Polish Jews/and
especially from Galltcis, embatked dur
ing the course of last year at Odessa fir
Rule.line. TheculonyofTiiisrus,which
Jewish emigrants have founded in the
Holy Land, becomes gradually peopled
hy the arrival of individuals of (heir ca
tion from different countries. Most of
these emigrants ara persuaded that when
the Messtuh shall come down, they wjll
be nearest to the place w here be will
appear.
Tito I’hsasant, Capt. Kelly, lately
captured on the coast of .Africa a small
Portuguese schooner (II tons,) called
Ihe Nova Felcidads, with 71 slaves on
board, 31 of w hom were women, crow
ded into a space eight feet 4 inches long,
four feet f> inches broad, and two feet 7
inches high. They were all ihackh-d
together with irons, uud when released
could hardly stand on their legs from
cramp and starvation I
In the reign of 31 kings, anJ in a pe
riod of C94 years, the Britirh nation
spent J96 millions, hsiog somewhat inur*
tjran one million a year, and owed 137
Chairman of the Committee of Claims, 1 millions. In the single reico'of bis lot*
ttiiivx-u VMI fhffflFSrvW n^fp>vre>or« -
here they re-1 *d her ns the unhappy victim of ei.oiumiim ! vcr > *«!»"«•• frequently very vex- | majesty, during a period of coly 69 years.
grief. Month niter month rolled away with-
out bringing any intelligence of the ultnnnte
line ol !■ ttzrov ; the return of each of his
companions was gladly hailed und every
newspaper rend with avidity, in hope that
some light might he Sited ujiun the subject,
hut nil in vain. Little doubt remained but
what he had been either tomahawked by
the road sitlc when lie was left by his com
panions, or marched hack to tho hat.le
ground, and inhumanly burnt with the
Wounded prisoners, for whose protection
from xtivage barbarity, the faith ofa British
Qener d w as solemnly pledged. Each suc
ceeding day now gradually diminished thu
fond but fearful cherished hope, which E-
mcliue hud hitherto entertained, of his be
ing itill held a captive among the Indiana,
Ril'd tho probability of his escape and return;
the glow of youthful health (led from her
cheak—her sprightly eye was bath*! in
tears—her bosom best nigh, but not with
joy—it was the throb of fearful apprehen
sion and Hie dread foreboding that another
hour might toll iu her ear, the unhallowed
death of her lover. In vain were the sym
pathy and condolence of parents—io \aii
was the magic of hooks and of travelling—
and equally vain were her own exertions to
rise superior to disappointment and sorrow,
and bury in the tomb of oblivion, Ihe sad re
colhr.tion of the lovrrtd tie of friendship
and love; The calamity was too great—
she sunk into a statu of melancholy wretch
edness, in which she lingered until a few days
previous to the return of her long lamented
friend ; and at the close other uioital career,
with a Grin reliance upon ln-r llod, she calm
ly hade adieu to tho fleeting joys arid over
occurring sorrows of this life, and sti etching
firth her hands towards the purlals of Ilea
ven, die gladly welcomed death as the har
binger of endless happiness.
Her emaciated body, beautiful eveu in
death, Low. ivposc.s in tranquil sileoeu iu
yonder clay tenement, which is daily deck
od hy sympathising friends, with evergreci
and w ild flowers from 111* adjaeent dill, and
over which her disconsolate Liver has just
been (louring forth his sight and laments-
tio-s,
O! short lie bis sufferings, and light the
clay which presses her delicate fovni.
atious, nave ocen discharged by tmn in Itlie nation spent me vest cum pi 2337
a manner highly satisfactory to the 3e- | million*, being three times the value of
no,M Tni FtTIOSsL ISTILLIOISCER.
Aii American who has never been
unmindful of thu course of public men
and public measures in Iiis country, was
present at the adjournment of Congress
on thu last Saturday evening. This e-
vent was well calculated to press upon
Ihe memory the occurrences ol the Inst
two year* ; and more especially to bring
in review hefuie the mind the nets which
directly sprung from the labors of the
legislature. But this subject belongs to
no idle pen. 'i he task is too sever* far
mine, 'i he acts of Ihe past Congress
are before the mighty tribunal of the peo
ple, and making tho deductions, which
(he infirmities of man require, 1 believe
that this tribunal will make the award
due to the wise and good.
It was, however, the spectacle present-
ed tiy the separation from each other and
from the public councils, of those mem
bers who hnve permanently retired from
Congress, that awakened in me feelings
strongly mingled with regret. While
we rejoice t<i ree that our distinguished
statesmen can, without an effort, reject
the ladder of ambitious elevation, when-
ever their country’* call, or the sweet-
ness of domestic comfort, require their
retirement, itill it ie most deeply lo he
deplured, that any circumstances should
compel them to retire from their public
stations in the meridian of thpir useful
ness. At the close of the late Congress,
several gentlemen hgve left public life,
who particularly force upon us thee*
recollections; men wbo, by Uwir assi,-
nate, while his active mind extruded its
investigation* to all the business that caiue
before the body.
The changes in the House of Repre
sentatives do not strike the attention wuth
less force. The retirement of Mr. Clav
will he felt by all—hy hi* enemies, if he
has them, not lei* than by hi* friend*—
but certainly by hi* country. He is *n
extraordinary man, aud a most distin
guished statesman. It ism vain to ex
pect that any man will aoon fill that
space in the Houss of Kepreientntivcs
which he occupied.
Mr. Abdxrson of Kentucky has aban
doned his seat in -Congress, after a few
yeun of assiduous and honorable public
service. His fine intelligence and uaes-
sinning deportment always rendered him
acceptable to the House. The course
of this gentleman has given evidence
how far public business can be facilitated
by uniting hlandnes* nod forbearance to
industry and good sense.
The talents und parliamentary bold
ness of Mr. Cobb rendered him a valua
ble member. Although 1 may not assent
io some ofliis schemes of economy, yet
the character of this gentleman’s mind,
combining good sense with a keen-sight-
ed vigilance and willingness for intellec
tual labor, make* his departure from
Congress as-eal loss.
These gentlemen bare all acquired a
fitness fur business which nothing hut
time and assiduity can give. It may be
safely affirmed, that their successors,
however eminent may be iheir talents,
cannot in less than four or live years oc
cupy the station in public usefulness
which these gentlemen have held. Fro-
hably at uo une period have so inuny
who ere emphatically “ business wen”
left the national legislature. There is
no apprehension to be entertained that
there ever will b* any want of uhl* aud
eloquent men in Congress ; but it is be
lieved That the parliamentary history of
this country shows that men uniting hap
pily good sense wilh a faculfy and dispo
sition fur the deldil of business have been
much more scarce. It is vsry much to
he wished, Ihr the good of our commou
conutry, that moo of fine talents could
he more deeply impressed than they
now seem to be, with the necessity of
giv ing to their talents a torn for business.
No theatre iu the woiM can give higher
evidence of the cerMiuly vviih which
talent* unaided by labor will he defeat
ed hy Ihe uumu of both, than the Con
gress of the United States.
AN AMERICAN.
(In the general sentiments of th* above
article, we entirely coincide. The classifi
cation of useful members is some w bat exclu
sive, und might la- readily enlarged, and per
haps differently graduated. But tho cooi-
miiniention, as a whole, is entitled to much
respect for its matter, whatever may he tbe
object ortbc writer, who is wholly unknown
to uj.j—Jiditort .Yat. Int.
From tcii London papers.
The King of Portugal bus returned u
wise and patriotic answer to the commu
nication made, in an early stage of the
Portuguese revolution, at the revolt at
(jporto, and tbe convocation of tbe Carte*
by the regency. He p rudest tiy acqui
esce* in the measures adopted l>y the re*
genev, and grant* an amnesty to'all con
the kiugdom, and it owe* nearly KKlO
millions of public debt, » hicb ie a greater
sum than tbe value of all the lend in
England, if every acta were sold at ~b
year*’ purchase on the annual rent.
The equipment of the new expedition
for the Arctic region* is going im with
(be greatest celerity, end, a* in the for
mer, uo ecpeuce is spared in furnishing
comfort*, both io food and clothing, fob
th* intrepid navigator*. Tbe Fury,
L’apt. Perry, it now in Deptford dock
doubling, cad b*ing rendered ee f«rt and
st rung is wood and iron will admit. The
HecU, Capt. Lyon, elresdy in that state,
but will nevertheless be docked to be
thoroughly examined, and to have such
repair* as may be necessary. Both ships
arc full mauned with the cbeiceit and
best scaiucn, and so great wits tbe ardor
» ed that more than dentil* tbe nuos-
vslunteera offered their service*
than could be accepted.
Some French vessel* are te sail in the-
spring on a voyage of discovery in the
Polar seas.
Tbe Pari* paper* of Wednesday the
17th Jan. cootaio the exposition of th*
finaucial state of France, as presented in
tbe sitliug of Tuesday hy the Finance
Ministers to the Chamber of Deputies,
embracing a view ef the receipts uud ex
penditure cf tbe current year. The
diminution of taxes, ae promised by the
kiug in bis speech st tbs .'.pcr.i^g of the
session, is to be effected from tbe 1st of
July next, in the land-tax, end will amount
to the sum of 37,351,13fifr. This di
minution in the land-tax will, bowerer,
be compensated in some slight degree
by a small increase ie the duties upon
articles of daily consumption. The gem,
oral result of tbe expositien it, that
Tbs recvtiplf for ths year are «■
limited to amt. lo th* sum ot Ptt.Of 1 ,T4Vw.
Th# sxpsndilure ta t*M»t7,374fr.
Ilxcmi of Rsvsuu*
a.eoMrifr
which tbe I
This is an sices* after paying th* in
terest of tbe public debts, sad applying
to the uses ef (he sinking fond tbe sums set
opart for that purposa ivy th* act of tire
legislature. It is impossible not to foal
(bat France possesses at present a mere
flourishing tUde of finance then any na
tion in tbe world. To bar alone tbe for
midable " transition from a state of war
to a state of peace” boa not been attemV
cd by calutaitiei.
Robinson in bis Memoirs oftho Mexi
can revolution, states, lhat at the ftetiou
of St. Juan de lo* Liauos, the Spaniards
fired dollars from their artillery, having
exhausted their grape shot. 'Thu* was
really pacing ia specie. In one of the
action* of tbe Peninsula, Lord Welling*
tou bad to retreat in baste, and being
much encumbered with boxes *f dollars,
be ordered them to be ' broken, nod tho.
money scattered on tbe road. Th* sol
diers fell out of Iheir rank* to make n
collection, and many were taken prison
er* by the French, who advanced ateadi
ly without regarding the glittering bait
-g-!t •* admitted that the English soldier*
are fine on the advance, but disgraceful
oa the retreat—nothing but confusion,
riot and intemperance. The Freon**,
on the contrary, retreat with a* mu..
ceroed in the revolt, stipulating merely * f ^f r “ ** 1 *3 r ft <fr*nce, end they h*nx>
for the maintenance oft he kind v dimitr.l?*** F**.?^*** °* *
nlenance ofthe kingly dirnity, on n ie*rent-rw»-*
Portuguese ere wrotl diapoaqg *** tbat ofG *‘h ssiy
v r •
n
■
isn or 1 i saw**