Southern recorder. (Milledgeville, Ga.) 1820-1872, April 03, 1821, Image 1

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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**