Columbus sentinel and herald. (Columbus, Ga.) 183?-1841, March 15, 1838, Image 2
STATEMENT.
Washington Citv, D. C. }
February 26 h, 1838. (
The following .is a statement f the facts of
the duel between the Honorable Wni. J.
Graves, of Kentucky, and the Honorable Jo
nathan Cilley. Os Maine, as agreed upon by
Georo-e VV, Jones and Henry A. Wise, the
seconds of the parties, co omitted to writing
between the hours ol 10 1-2 o clock, A. M.,
February 23th, and 12 o’clock, M- this day.
The seconds piojxise, first, to state the cor
respondence which occurred before the chal
lenge, and which was communicated through
others than themselves, neither second having
borne any paper or message, verbal or writ
ten, to or from either of the principals, until
Mr. Wise bore the challenge and Mr. Jones
bore the acceptance. This correspondence,
as it has been placed in the hands of the sec
onds, is as follows, to wit :
Mr. Graves to Mr. Cilley.
House of Representatives, )
• February 20, 1838. (
In the interview which 1 had with you this
morning, when you declined receiving from
me the note of Col. J. VV. Webb, asking
whether you were correctly reported in the
Globe in vvnat you are th->re represented to
have said of him in this House upon the 12th
instant, you will please say whether you did
not remark, in substance, that in declining to
receive the nolo, you hoped l would not con
sider it in any respect disrespectful to me, and
that the ground on which you rested your
declining to receive the note was distinctly
this: That you could not consent to get
yourself into personal difficulties, with con
ductors of public journals, for what vou might
think proper to say in debate upon this floor
in discharge of your duties as a representa
tive of the people ; and that you did not rest
your objection, in our interview, upon any
personal objections to Col. Webb as a gen
tleman.
.. Very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
W. j. GRAVES.
Hon. Jonathan Cilley.
Mr. Cillcy to Mr. Grave?.
r HOUSE OF
February 21, 1838. 5
The note which you just placed in my
hands has. been received. In reply, I have to
state that in your interview with me this
morning, when you proposed to delivpr a
communication from Col. Webb, of the New
York Courier and Enquirer,! declined to re
ceive it, because I chose to be drawn into no
controversy with him. I neither affirmed or
denied any thing in regard to his character;
but when you remarked that this course on
my part might place you in an unpleasant
situation, I stated to you, and now repeat,
that I intended by the refusal no disrespect to
you. Very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
JONA. CILLEY.
Hon. W. J. Graves.
Mr. Graves to Mr. Cilley.
* House of Representatives, )
February 22 1833. f
Sir : Your note of yesterday in reply to
mine of that date is inexplicit, unsatisfactory
and insufficient; among other things in this :
that, in your declining to receive Col. Webb’s
communication, it does not disclaim any ex
ception to him personally as a gentleman. I
have, therefore, to inquire whether you de
clined to receive his communication on the
ground of any personal exception to him as a
gentleman or man of honor ? A categorical
answer is expected.
Verv respectfully,
WM. J. GRAVES.
Hon. J. Cilley.
Mr. Cilley to Mr. Graves.
House of Representatives, >
February 22 1838. f
Sir : Your note of this date has just been
placed in my hands. I regret that mine ol
vesterday was not satisfactory to you, but I
cannot admit the right on your part to pro
pound the question to which you ask a cate
gorical answer, and therefore decline any fur
ther response to it.
Very respectfullv,
JONA. CILLEY.
Hon. W. J. Graves.
Here follows the first paper borne by Mr.
Wise :
Washington Citv Feb 23.1838.
As you have declined accepting a commu
nication which I bore to you from Col. Webb,
and as bv your note of yesterday you have
refused to decline on grounds which would
exonerate me from all responsibility growing
out of the ufl'tir, f am left no other alternative
but to ask that satisfaction which is recog
nised among gentlemen. Mv friend, Hon.
Henry A. Wise, is authorised by me to make
the arrangements suitable to the occasion.
Your obedient servant.
W. J. GRAVES.
Hon. J. Cilley.
Mr. Wise states that he presented the fore
going challenge to Mr. Cilley, in the parlor
at Ilfr. Birth’s hoarding house, a few minutes
before 12 o’clock, M. on Friday, the 23d inst.
In addition to the foregoing correspondence,
the seconds propose to relate only such facts
and circumstances as occurred within their
joint knowledge, nfier their own participation
in the melancholy a flair.
On the evening of the 23d instant, about
the hour of 5 o’clock, P. M.. Mr. Junes, the
second of Mr. Cillev, delivered to Mr. Graves,
in the room of Mr. Wise, and in his pre
sence, the following noie, which was the first
paper borne by Mr. Jones, to wit:
Washing ion City, 23d February, 1635.
Hun. W. J. Graves :
Your note of this morning has heen re
ceived. My friend, Gen. Jones, will “ make
the arrangements suitable to the occasion.”
Your oh’t serv’t,
JONA. CILLEY.
Immediately upon the presentation of the
acceptance of this challenge, Mr. Graves re
tired, leaving Mr. Jones with Mr. Wise, who
submitted to Mr. Wise, the fill lowing pro
positions lor the arrangement of the meeting,
to wit:
Washington, Feb. 23. 1338.
Sir :■ Mr. Cilley proposes to meet Mr. j
Graves at such place as may be agreed upon
between us, to-morrow, at 12 o’clock, M.—
The weapons to be used on the occasion j
shall be rifles ; the parties placed side to side,
at eighty yards distance from each other; to ‘
hold'’ttie rifles horizontally at arm’s length, |
downwards; the rifles to be cocked, and trig- |
gers set; the words to be, “ Gentlemen, are
you ready?” After which,neither answering
“ No,” the words shall be, in regular succes
sion, Fire—one, two, three, four.” Neither
party shall fire before the word “ fire,” nor
ufter the word “ four.” The positions of the i
parties at the ends of the line to he deter
mined by lot. The second of the party losing !
the position shall have the giving of the worth
The dress to he ordinary winter clothing, and 1
subject Ja the examination of both parties. 1
Kadi party may have on the ground, besides ‘
her second, a surgeon and two other friends, j
The seconds, for the execution of their re- i
spec-five trusts, are allowed to have a pair of
pistols each on the ground, but no other per- I
son shall have any weapon. The rifles to he
loaded in the presence of the seconds. Should
Mr. Graves not he able to procure a rifle by
the time prescribed, time shall be allowed for
that purpose.
Your verv oliedient servant.
GEO. W. JONES.
Hon. Henry A. W ibe. * |
A bolt l 0 o’clock P. M. a? Mr. Jones’ room,
at Dawson’s, Mr. Wise returned to him the >
following answer, to wit :
Washington. I'cb'y 2 j 1, IC3S.1 C 3S. j
: Tr.e terms arranging the meeting’
between Mr. Graves and ilr. Cilley, which
you presented to me this evening, though
unusual and objectionable, are accepted; with
the understanding that the rifles are to lie
loaded with a .single ball, am! that neither I
parly is to raise fus weapon from the down- j
ward horizontal position until the word tr flre.”
I will inform you, sir, by the hour of H
o'clock A. M. to-morrow, whether Mr. Graves ;
has been able to procure a rifle, and conse- j
quently whether he will require a postpone- |
ment of the time of meeting.
Your very obedient servant,
HENRY A. WISE.
Hon. Geo. W. Jones.
About 8 o’clock A. M. on the 24th inst. j
Mr. Jones left at Mr. Wise’s the following
note, to wit :
Washington Citv, D. C. >
February 24, 1828. $
Sir : I will receive, at Dr. Reilly’s, on F
street, any communication you may see pro
per to make me, until 11 o’clock A. M. to-day.
Respectfully,
Your obedient servant.
GEO. W. JONES.
Hon. H. A. Wise.
Dr. Reily's, F street, ?
Feb. 24th, 1838. 10 o’clock A. M. f
Sir : I have called at this place, in con
formity with your note of this morning, to in
form you that Mr. Graves has not as yet
been able to procure a rifle and put it in or- ;
der, and cannot be ready by 12o’clock, M.
to-day. He is desirous, however, to have j
the meeting to-day, if possible, and I will in- I
form you by half past 12 o’clock, M. to-day i
what time to procure and prepare a weapon
he will require.
Very respectfullv, &c.
11. A. WISE.
Hon. George W. Jones.
Afterwards, Mr. Jones left at Mr. Wise’s
room the following noie, to wit :
Washington, 10£ A. M. )
February 24:h, 1838. J
Sir : Your note dated at 10 o’clock to
day is received.
In reply, I have the pleasure to inform you
that I have in my possession an excellent i
rifle, in good order, which is at the service of
Mr. Graves. Very respectfullv, &c.
GEO. W. JONES.
Hon. H. A. Wise.
Afterwards Mr. Jones sent to Mr. Wise’s
room the following note, to wit:
W ashington, Feb. 24, 1838. 11 A. M.
Sir : Through the poliieness of my friend,
Dr. Duncan, I now tender to you, for the use
of Mr. Graves, the rifle referred to in my note
of 10 1-2, A. M. tills morning.
Respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
GEO. W. JONES.
Hon. H. A. W ise.
And with this note a rifle and powder flask,
and balls, were left at Mr. Wise’s room.
After the reception of this note from Mr.
Jones, Mr. Wise called on him, at Dr. Reil
ly’s, and informed Mr. Jones that Mr. Graves
had procured a rifle other than that left at his
room by Dr. Duncan, and would he ready
for the meeting at 3 o’clock, p. r-i. It was
then agreed that the parties should meet at
the Anacosta bridge, on the road to Marlbo
rough, in Maryland, between the hours of
half past 1 and 2 o’clock, p. m. and if either
got there first he should wait for the other,
and that they would thence proceed out of
the District. Accordingly, the parties met at
the bridge, Mr. Cilley and his party arriving
there first, and all proceeded, about 2 o’clock,
p. m. to the place of meeting. On arriving
at the place, Mr. Jones and Mr. Wise imme
diately proceeded to mark oft’ the ground.
They then decided the choice of positions.
Mr. Wise won the position, and consequently
Mr. Jones had the giving of the word. At
this time Mr. Jones was informed by Mr.
Wise that two gentlemen (Mr. Calhoon of
Kentucky and Mr. Hawes of Kentucky) were
at some distance off, spectators, but they
should not approach upon the ground. Mr.
Jones repliecl that he objected to their coming
on the ground, as it was against the articles
of the meeting, but he entertained for them
the highest respect. Mr. Wise also informed
Mr. Jones that, contrary to the terms, he had
hrought on the ground two rifles; that if he
(Mr. Jones) required him to do so, he would
immediately send one of them away. Upon
Mr. Jones finding that the rifle was unloaded,
he consented that it should remain in one of
the carriages. There were, it is proper to
remark, several persons on the ground, (be
sides the hack-drivers and the two gentlemen
before mentioned at a distance,) who were
there without the authority or consent of
either party or their friends, as far as is known
either to Mr. Jones or Mr. Wise, and one of
these persons was supposed to be the owner
of the field. Shortly after the hour of three
o’clock, p. m. the rifles we-e loaded in the
presence of the seconds; the parties were
called togetiier; they were fully instructed by
Mr. Jones as to their position, and the words
twice repeated to them, as they would be, and
were, delivered to them, in the exchange of
shots. After this they were ordered to their
respective positions, the seconds assumed
their places, and the friends accompanying
the seconds were disposed along the line of
fire to observe that each obeyed the terms of
meeting. Mr. Jones gave the word distinctly,
audibly, and in regular succession, and the
parties exchanged shots without violating in
the least a single instruction. They both
missed. After which, Mr. Wise called upon
the friends generally to assemble and hear
what was to lie said. Upon the assembling
of the friends, Mr. Jones inquired of Mr.
Wise whether his friend (Mr. Graves) was
satisfied? Mr. Wise immediately said, in
substance: “Mr. Jones, these gentlemen
have come here without any animosity to
wards each other; they are fighting merely
upon a point of honor; cannot Mr. Cilley
assign some reason fir not receiving at Mr.
Graves’s hands Col. Webb’s communication,
or make some disclaimer which will relieve
Mr. Graves from his position?” Mr. Jones
replied rnr substance: “ Whilst the challenge
is impending, Mr. Cillev can make no expla
nations.” Mr. Wise said, in substance:
J “ Th * exchange of shots suspends the chal-
lenge, and the challenge is suspended for the
purpose of explanation.” Mr. Jones there-
I upon said he would see Mr. Cilley, and did
go to him. He returned, and asked Mr. Wise I
1 again : “Mr. Wise, do I understand aright j
: that the challenge is suspended ?” Mr. Wise !
I answered : “It is.” Mr. Jones was then;
about to proceed, when Mr. Wise suggested j
that it was best, perhaps, to give the expla-1
nation or reason in writing. Mr. Jones then j
said, in substance : “ Mr. Wise, if you re- j
quire me to put what I have to say in writing, t
I shall require you to put what you have said, |
! and may say, in writing.” Mr. Wise replied:
I “ Well, let us hear the explanation liefore
hand, as it may not be necessary to put it in
I writing'” Mr. Jones then proceeded, as he
now thinks, substantially to snv : “lam au
; thorised, by my friend Mi. Cillev, to sav, that
jin declining to receive the note from Mr.
| Graves, purporting to he from Col. W ehh, he
! meant no disrespect to Mr. Graves, because ;
he entertained for him then, as he now does.;
the highest respect and the most kind feel- ■
mgs; hut that he declined to receive the note, j
because he choose not to he drawn into any •
controversy with Col. Webb.” Mr. Wise l
: thinks th s answer of Mr. Jones was in sub- ;
i stan *e, as follows : ‘ | am authorised bv
; my friend, Mr. Cillev, to sav. that in declining I
j to receive the note from Mr. Graves, purport- j
, mg to lie lrnm Col. Webb, he meant no dis-’
! res PPct to Mr. Graves, because he entertain
ed tor lum then, as he does now, the highest
I respect and tho most kind feelinos ; hut my
j refuses to disclaim disresnect for Col.
\W.h, heenuir lie does not cWse to he :
drawn into an expression of opinion as to
him.” Such is the substantial difference now
between the two seconds, as to this answer of
Mr. Jones. The friends on each side, with
! the seconds, tlien retired from each other to
j consult upon this explanation. Alter consul
tation, Mr. Wise returned to Mr. Jones, and ‘
said : “ Mr. Jones, this answer leaves Mr. |
Graves precisely in the position in which be i
jsto-id when the challenge was sent.” Much
Conversation tlien ensued between the sec
onds and their friends, but no nearer ap
proach to reconciliation being made, the chal
lenge was renewed, and another shot was ex
changed in a manner perfectly fair and hon
orable to all parties. After this, the seconds
i and the friends again assembled, and the
challenge was again withdrawn, and very si
milar conversations to that after the first ex
change of shots again ensued. Mr. Jones
then remarked: “Mr. Wise, my friend, in
coming to the ground, and exchanging shots
with Mr. Graves, has shown to the world, that
in declining to receive the note of Col. Webb,
lie did not do so because he dreaded a contro
versy. He has shown himself a brave man,
and disposed to render satisfaction to Mr.
Graves. Ido think that he has done so, and
that the matter should end here.” To this
Mr Wise replied in substance : “ Mr. Jones,
Mr. Cilley has already expressed his respect
for Mr. Graves in the icritten correspondence,
and Mr. Graves does not require of Mr. Cil
ley a certificate of character for Col. Webb;
ihe considers himself hound not only to pre
serve the respect due to himself, but to de
j fend the honor of bis friend, C<\l. Webb.”
■ These words of Mr. Wise, Mr. Jones recol
lects, and Mr. Wise thinks he added the
words: “ Mr. Graves only insists that he has
not borne the note of a man who is not a man
of honor, and not a gentlemen.” After much
more conversation, and ineffectual attempts
to adjust the matter, the challenge was again
renewed ; and whilst the friends were again
loading the rifles for the third exchange of
shots, Mr. Jones and Mr. Wise walked apart
and each proposed to the other anxiously to
settle the a flair. Mr. Wise asked Mr. Jones
“ If Mr. Clllev could not assign the reason for
I declining to receive Ihe note of Col. Webb,
that he (Mr. Cillev) did not hold himself ac
countable to Col. Webb for words spokpn in
debate?” Mr. Jones replied that Mr. Cillev
would not assign that reason, because he did
not wish to be understood as expressing the
opinion whether he was or was not account
able for words spoken in dpbate.” Mr. Wise
then, according to his recollection, asked Mr.
Jones whether “ Mr. Cillev would not say,
that in declining to receive the note of Col.
Webb, he meant no disrespect to Mr. Graves
either directly or indirectly? To which Mr.
Jones replied affirmatively, adding, “Mr. Cil
lev entertains the highest respect for Mr.
Graves, but declined to receive the note, be
cause he chose to be drawn into no contro
versy with Col, Webb.” After further expla
natory conversation, the parties thenexchan
jged the third shot, fairly and honorably, as in
; every instance. Immediately previous to the
last exchange of shots, Mr. Wise said to Mr.
Jones, “If this matter is not terminated this
shot, and is not settled. I will propose to shor
ten the distance.” To which Mr. Jones re
plied, “ After this shot, without effect, I will
entertain the proposition.”
After Mr. Cilley fell, Mr. Wise, for Mr.
Graves, expressed a desire to Mr. Jones to
see Mr. Cillev. Mr. Jones replied “Mv
friend w dead,” and went on to Mr. Graves,
and told him that there was no objection to
his request to see Mr. Cilley. When Mr.
Jones approached Mr. Graves and informed
him that his request should be granted, Mr.
Graves enquired “How is he ?” The reply
was, “My friend is dead, sir.” Mr. Graves
I then went, to his carriage. Mr. Wise in
quired of Mr. Jones, before leaving the
ground, whether be could render any ser
vice, and tendered all the aid in his power.
Mr. Wise and Mr. Jones concur that there
were three shots exchanged.
Such is the naked truth statement of all
the material facts and circumstances attend
ing this unfortunate affair of honor, which we
make in justice to our friends, lo ourselves,
to all concerned, to the living and to the dead;
and it is made for the only purpose of allay
ing excitement in the public mind, and to
pievent any and all further controversy upon
a subject which is already full enough of woe.
We have fully and substantially ft-;ted where
in we agree and disagree. We cordially
agree, at all events, in bearing unqualified
testimony to the fair and honorable manner
in which this duel was conducted. We en
deavored to discharge our duties according to
that code under which the parties met, regu
lated by magnanimous principles, and the
laws of humanity. Neither of us has taken
the least exception to the course of the other;
and we sincerely hope that here all contro
versy whatever may cease. We esperial'y
desire our respective friends to make no pub
lication on the subject. None can regret the
termination of the affair more lhan ourselves,
and we hope again that the last of it will be
the signatures of our names to this paper,
which we now affix.
GEORGE W. JONES,
HENRY A. WISE.
From the Richmond Enquirer.
Washington, 24ih Feb., 1838.
To the Editor t
It is impossible tlial Mr. Clay eati he now
what he once was. The fame which he has
achieved, must have heen won bvqualities of
;t far higher order, titan those which he now
exhibits. This is niv conviction, from the o
pinion I have always entertained, that no man
can rise from an humble station to high po
litical distinction under institutions such as
: ours, without eminent merit. It was said by
! a distinguished author, that it requires genius
jto write a primer; how much more then is
demanded to attain high political eminence
in a republic. It was not m v good fortune
to hear Mr. Clay in his palmy days, and I
am, therefore, at a loss to account for his
great reputation, unless upon the supposition
which ( have expressed. It is not pleasant
jto dwell upon such a change The specta
j He of noble faculties in decay, is always a hu
| miliating one. It teaches us “ what shadows
we are and what shadows we pursue.”—
There are some minds indeed, so happily con
stituted, as to preserve their faculties elastic
and unimpaired, to the utmost verge of exis
j tence. I know nothing so pleasing as to see
i vigor of intellect and freshness of feeling, de
’ tying the inroad of years and the ravages of
; time. It is proof of a happy temperament,
-and the best evidence of a pure life.
The foregoing remarks have been sttgges-
I ted by Mr. Clay’s speech of Monday last, a
| day discreetly chosen, that the sound of the |
! trumpet might have time to collect an over- !
flowing auditory. I believe Mr. Clay general- :
ly speaks on Monday. There is a sort of
dramatic management in these things, which
good people at a distance little suspect. A
thin house is discouraging to the most confi
dent actor. Recollecting the melancholy ca
tastrophe of his attempt to treat lite financial
question,Mr. Clay wisely renounced the effort,
and selected topics much better adapted to
his peculiar talents—Vehement declamation
| and personal denunciation, relieved hv an al
j ternation of burlesque and pathos, (query, ha
i thus ? ) —These constitute the forte of the Sen
j ator from Kentucky, and in these he indulged
to his hearts content, and to the almost total
; exclusion of the specific suhjpct under consid
eration. His speech was from beginning to
end the railing of a political termagant. As
Mr. Clay is so fond of attacking others, and
with unsparing violence, he and his friends
must not complain, if the dart is sometimes
hurled back upon tiie aggressor. There is
nothing which.l despise so much as that ab
ject servility, which would withdraw certain
1 men from the jurisdiction of political censor
ship. It is the meanest trait of the American
character. Such immunity might be claimed
for a Washington, after death out not for the
stfaining sflauiator, in the political arenea.
Let any one lake up.the leading journals of
England or France, and he will be struck by
! the bold freedom with which the merits of
i their most distinguished men are canvassed.
Thei'S is no holiday phrase, no servile fastidi
ousness of language. To return to the speech
of Mr. CJav, it was just such a one as I ex
pected from him after ihe catastrophe ol the
of the called session. Passionate declamation
ad captandum appeals, egotistical episodes,:
fierce denunciation, through all the variations’
of which the theme is susceptible. As to fi
nance, there was nothing of Cocker in it. In
vain would you look for the high political
philosophy of Calhoun ; the strong intellectu
al grasp of Websler; the clear, accurate,
mental vision of Wright. It was a rambling,
disjointed, remorseless, phillippic, uttered with
an imposing tone, a defying air, and a then- i
trical pomp of manner. There is something
physical even about Mr. Clay’s not lofty, but
energetic intellect. ‘Of the earth, earthy’ it
partakes rather of matter than of spirit.—
Though its grasp be strong, and its efforts
vigorous, vet its perceptions are not delicate,
nor its flight soaring. With all his apparent
recklessness,Mr. Clav is a shrewd experienced
man of the world. H*‘ knows how to address
men, and to interest them bv topics personal j
to himself and toothers. He is the greatest
political actor of the day. I do not employ
the word in an offensive sense, but as implying
a thorough knowledge of the stage effects,
and ad captandum contrivances of what is
called oratory. On this occasion, his attack
on Mr. Calhoun, who had g : ven him no pro
vocation, was gratuionslv offensive. He bit
terly assailed the feelings, the motives, the
character of ihe Senator from South Caroli
na, as if stung to frenzy bv the unapproacha
ble superiority ofhis majestic speech. It was
no clumsy device <o transfer the attack from
the arguments to the person of his triumph
ant rival. Dissenting as wide as yourself
from some of the opinions of Mr. Calhoun, I
am nevertheless, ever ready to render justice
to the loftiness of his intellecr, the scholastic
simplicity ofhis habits, and ihe unsullied pu
rity ofhis life. The letter writers will tell you
of course that, this speech of Mr. Clav, was
eloquent, sublime, irresistible, scathing, over
whelming, unsurpassed. See. Btc. But these
phrases. which are paid for were probably set
down before it was delivered. People who
are cool enough to attempt to palm of Mr.
John Bell as a great man, are capable of anv
thing.—Their admiration is preconcerted;
their enthusiasm, obligatory.
“ Is it not humiliating to see the floor of the
Senate become an arena for the infuriated
gladiation of presidential aspirants. General
Jackson when he became a candidate for the
Chief Magistracy, with the high feeling of a
gentleman, resigned his senatorial seat, and
awaited in calm retirement the voice of the
people. Let me tell Mr. Clay, that the first
honor in the gift of the nation, is not to be
won by desperate assault. “ The Kingdom
of Heaven suffereth violence,” but the Presi
dency of these United States is not to be car
ried by storm. Through what causes did the
present incumbent reach bis exalted station,
but, as you so opportunely cite, from Mr.
Forsyth, his good sense and admirable tem
per? The American people appreciate and
esteem such qualities. The clear sense, and
calm sagacity, which they have inherited from
their English ancestors, and which, perhaps,
more than any other causes, have made the
Anglo Saxon race so pre-eminent in the va
rious pursuits of life, render them, as a bo<ly,
averse to violence and exaggeration, The
impassioned vehemence of Gen. Jackson,
was admired only as a charateristic of the old
soldier, who had “ rendered ihe State much
service in the tented field.” It is melancholy
to see years stealing vigor from the frame,
yet without bringing moderation to the pas
sions, or dignity to the bearing. Increasing
violence is a sure indication of diminishing
force. The monuments of physical and in
tellectual strength, bequeathed to us by the
great artists of antiquity, are characterised by
a mild dignity; a certain grandeur of repose.
It is melancholy, too, to see age striving with
the petulance of childhood, and a woman’s
passion, for honors which can do little more
than gild the tomb; to witness such intempe
rate ambition for the first seat at a banquet,
over which, the arrow of death, like the sword
of Damocles, hangs ever imminent.
“ Mr. Allen, the young Senotor from Ohio
made his regular debut on Tuesday, and a
very distinguished one it was. On the ques
tion now before the country, you will deem
his views rather ultra, yet sincerely adopted
and ably sustained. He and Mr. Pierce of
New Hampshire, have barely passed the con
stitutional age, and both give promise, or ra
ther proofs, of high excellence. The latter is
of a noted old republican family in his State,
and is worthy of his parentage. His late
speech on the abolition queslion, merits the
obligations of the South.
“ In all its movements, let the great Repub
lican party of the Union never forget the
imminent danger of divided councils. Should
its divisions, by accident, bring the Federal
party into temporary power, the fruits of long
years of combat will be lost forever. A sim
ple majority in Congress, with a Federal
President, will suffice to fasten upon us, for
the life of a generation, nay, forever, the
drottded incubus of a National Bank. It will
hold up its chartered immunity against all re-!
monstrance. Such an Institution is, in itself, j
a perjury upon the Constitution. Mr. Clay ;
once denounced, with hitter scorn, as a “ va- j
grant power,” the right to establish it, which
is sought through so many clauses of the :
Federal compact. A great National Bank i
will be corrupting to our habits, desolating to !
our prosperity, disastrous to our liberties.—
The experience of England is beginning to
repudiate such an institution, even with an
immense funding and complicated financial
system. It is unwise, too, in the extreme, to
make the pros|ieiity of a whole country de
pend upon a single establishment, even sup- ;
posing perfect honesty in its fallible and irre
sponsible managers. A single mistake, then,’
becomes of extensively fatal consequence.— j
The whole system,to its widest circumference, i
sympathises with the central disturbance.— j
The principal of artificial regulation, in com
merce and finance, has been exploded by all
the great writers on Political Economy” It
is behind the age. Such regulation is confu- |
sion ; such restraint paralyzing. But if it be
injurious to the whole country, besides being j
a fraud upon its institutions, how much more !
fatal is it to the South? The absorption ol i
; capital and centralization of business, effected !
j by this Federal instrument, it has been de
! monst rated, is the principal cause of the com
mercial decadence of the Southern States.—
Before the Revolution, and for some time al- !
terwards, the commerce of that portion of the
Union which supplies the products of mer
cantile interchange, was proud and prosper
ous. What is it now ? Ask your dwindling |
towns and desolate harbors. The system of.
which a great Federal Bank is the root and
fruit has made the grass to grow on vour
marts, arid the ship to rot at your wharves, :
How, then, I ask, can any Southern man be
so recreant lo the interests of his country, as
to abet, through personal preferences or par
ty ties, a faction bent upon the establishment
of an institution so pernicious? That man:
is an enemy to the South, and to Liberty, j
who can adopt a course so parricidal. There
is, too, another consideration, which should j
never be lost sight of. Although the good •
sense and the good feeling of our Republican
friends at the North, have hithero repressed
the Abolition crusade, we cannot be blind to
the fact, that it has made great progress with
1 large ‘flashes of the people, and annpime-es the
□lost formidable designs. \\ c should, then,’
1 without exasperation, but with equal moder
i ation and firmness, await the course of those
events, with which the womb of time is big.
Let us cultivate the best feelings with our
Northern confederates, and do nothing to ag
gravate the evil of which we complain. But
prudence, at the same time, demands that we
should studiously avoid all entangling en
! gagements, whether political or financial,
which might trammel the freedom of action,
: should it ever become necessary, which God
forbid!
With great respect,
Your friend and servant.”
SENTINEL & HERALD.
COLUMBUS, MARCH 15, 18S8.
The following persons have kindly con
sented to act as Agents for the Sentinel and
Herald:
Col. C. Parker, Collodensville, Monroe Cos.
Peter Cone Esq. Eden, Effingham Cos.
Rev. Reuben E. Brown, Perry P. O. Hous
ton Cos.
Thos. H. Key, Esq. Drayton, Dooly Cos.
Col. Thos. J. Holmes, Bvron, Baker Cos.
Stephen D. Crane, Esq. Dablonega, Lump
i kin Cos.
Col. John Dill, Fort Gaines, Go.
John C. Mangham, Greenville, Ga.
E. J. Wood & Cos. St. Joseph, Flor.
Nourse, Brooks St Cos. Apalachicola.
J. S. Yarbrough, Lumpkin, Stewart Cos.
Jas. Buchanan, Cuthbert, Randolph Cos.
Cotton. —The quantity brought to market
during the past week has been very small,
and fine lots have gone off slugishly at 8c. —
Purchasers have been shipping briskly for a
few days past, and the ware-houses begin to
| look vacant.
TO CORRESPONDENTS.
Several Communications on file, are un-i
----| voidably crowded out this week. The article
[on the culture of silk we shall take pleasure
|in publishing. “ Common Sense” is respect
j fully declined, as its tendency would be to
elicit a reply, and a discussion of the merits
; and demerits of the “ Thompsonian System”
I would not furnish the kind of reading matter
with which we wish to fill our columns. —
“ Throw physic to the dogs.”
THE CONDITION OF THE COUNTRY
Never was worse from the day on which
Washington took into his hand the sceptre of
Liberty, down through all the changing scenes
of anew and growing republic to the present
hour. The whole country has been convui”
sed, and is now almost paralyzed. The gen
eral hue and cry is for relief. The eye of the
statesman looks, but in vain, for a single ray
of hope to glimmer on the darkened path of
his country’s prosperity; the financier has
exhausted all his resources in casting about
for some inode of deliverance from the pres
sure which weighs down and cripples the
monied and commercial operations of the
times; but the gloom still thickens; hope
smiles not on the surrounding darkness, and
wisdom becomes faint and wearied in her
efforts to extricate herself from the meshes
[of folly! Scheme after scheme has been de
j vised and set on foot, and each new system
i lias received support from the best talents of
! the country, but all have alike failed, and the
[ probability is that the present Congress will
j not adopt any definite system for the general
regulation of the currency. The question
then arises, “ What is to be done?” and 1 his
question is interesting and momentous. Could
there be any thing like concert of action
amongst those whose duty it is to legislate for
the people, there might be some hope of suc
sess in at least one system, among the many
which have been propounded; but our lead
ing politicians are most sadly divided, and
parties in Congress unfortunately so stand,
as that neither possesses sufficient power to
carry a measure, whilst by management and
intrigue amongst (he three distinct sects, al
most any bill can be defeated. Mr. Clay has
his party, Mr. Calhoun his party, and Mr.
Rives his party : each leader rides his hobby
with a fixed and stubborn determination not
to be dismounted, while their followers, catch
ing the scent, rush madly away upon the
chase, forgetting the good of the people, and
looking only to the success of some favorite
; measure. The truth is, that whatever is now
done, or attempted to be done, in Congress,
in the way of legislation, is managed with an
eye single to the next Presidency, and the
people are left to take care of themselves!
The whigs are moving upon the question of
a National Bank, and by withholding their
J countenance from any other system, hope to
I drive the country into the support of Mr.
| Clay, the candidate of the National Bank
j party. The Sub-Treasury system is the
legitimate offspring of the administration, and
; as such is cherished and supported with pa
! ternal fondness; while the Conservttive frag
ment which was broken off from the admi
nistration party, with Mr. Rives at its head,
is foolishly and madly contendirg for the pet
bank system, the most unsound and irrespon
sible of all the rest. Here then is the condi-
I tion of the country: a general suspension on
| Che part of the banks—an unexampled scar
, city of money amongst the people —hard
| times and worse approaching, while a few
ambitious politicians are squandering the time
I which should be sacred to their constituents,
battling for the Presidential chair! The
people should look to their own interests.—
‘Clay, Webster, Calhoun and Rives are look
ing to the Presidency, and the balance of the
! people’s representatives are looking to fat
i offices, and shooting one another in order to j
lessen the number of rival candidates. The
whigs are determined that Mr. Clay shall be
the next President—the democratic Union
party have resolved on re-electing Mr. Van
Buren; here, then, the whole matter rests.
Other aspirants may “hang their harps on |
I the willows.” Mr. Clay is making a bold j
push for the Presidency, and so anxious is he
to overthrow the present administration, that i
i he is liable, at least, to throw himself into the j
1 arms of the North for support, and thus tram
! pie on the best and dearest interests of the
South.
No intelligent man will accuse Mr. ClaVj
directly, of being an abolitionist; for ourselves
we do not believe that he entertains that dan
gerous doctrine. He is too well versed, and
j too sound in his constitutional views, to lend
the bias and strength of his great mind to
principles so unjust and destructive. But
what position docs he now occupy before the
people ? From whence deep lie expect sup- 1
’ port th‘ his canvas* for the Presidency ? Cer
tainly from the whig party. And where is
the strong-hold of that party? Most assu
redly in the North ; and who will pretend for
one moment to doubt, that aboliti >n is the
prevailing doctrine north of Mason and Dix
on’s line! If, then, he consents to he run by
a party, holding certain favorite and cherished
doctrines, is it not fair to conclude that, if
elected, he will shape his administration to
please and favor the views and interests of
the party by whose influence he has been
elevated ?
Mr. Clay is also the champion of the Na
tional Bank party. And waiving for the pre
sent the argument which might demonstrate
the dangerous tendency of a great monopoli
zing, overshadowing institution, it is quite
sufficient for us of the South to know ami be
convinced, that Mr. Clay is the advocate ol
abolition in the District of Columbia, and that
of course, if placed in power by the northern
whigs, that measure would inevitably be
brought about, which would prove an enter
ing- wedge to a dissolution of the Union ; for
what southerner will agree to >ield his con
stitutional rights, and beggar himself, to gra
tify prejudice and fanaticism! Amid all the
confusion and distraction then, which exists
in the commercial and monied departments
of the country, and which bear so heavily on
the South, s K e must look to if, that she give
not her support to a man, for her chief ruler,
who stands committed against her pecuniary
interests and domestic happiness.
THE OLD SONG WITH VARIATIONS.
Another smoking dinner has been swallow
ed by the whigs of Baltimore, alias the her
maphroditish Clay and Webster followers, at
which a number of illustrious New York feds
were the highly honored and happy guests.
A volley of regular toasts were drank, and
most eloquent s|>eeches delivered by some
dozen truckling politicians, among whom were
J. P. Kennedy, the author of “ Horse Shoe
Robinson,” and a toast entitled “Harry of the
West,” given at the great whig festival in
New York. On this occasion he gave “ Da
niel of the North.” We presume ihe whigs
intend to have two Presidents, one from the
North and the other from the West. What
then will become of the South ? She will
have to elect our old comic friend Sol Smith ,
who, in his favorite character of Matmeorm,
might pray abolitionism out of Congress;
while “Harry of the West” should breathe
his pious aspirations against the Sub-treasury
scheme.
The whigs are a fine set of fellows; —like
the Irishman’s tiger, they “ live altogether by
a ting and drinking jist,” and throw in their
prayers for the benefit of the graceless demo
crats!
CONVENTION.
The counties generally are holding meet
ings, and appointing delegates to the Union
Convention, to ho held at Milledgeville, on the
first Monday in May next; and we are of
opinion that our own county should be stir
ring in this matter, as in all things “ delays
are dangerous.” We therefore notify our
Union friends throughout the county, that a
meeting will be held at the Court House on
the first Monday in April next, at 11 o’clock,
A. M. for the purpose of appointing delegates
to the Congressional Convention. A full and
punctual attendance is desired. The names
of the following gentlemen have been sugges
ted : Alfred Iverson, Alexander McDougald
Jno. L. Harp, who will doubtless prove accep
table to the party. We most heartily concur
in their nomination.
RACES OVER THE WESTERN COURSE,
SPRING MEETING, 1838.
Thursday, 3 mile heats—purse S7OO, was
taken by Mr. G. Edmonson’s g. h. Turnbull,
bv Phenomenon ; dam by (Thomas’) An
drew, 5 years old. Friday, 4 mile heats—
purse SIOOO, was won by Messrs. Iverson
and Bonner’s sorrel coll Count Zaldivar, by
Andrew, dam by Timoleon, 2 years old, at
two heats, beating Mr. Edmonson’s g. h.
Kite, by Bullock’s Muckle John, dam hv Sir
Archie, 4 years old-time Bm. 15$. 8. Bs.
The track was in very bad order, it having
rained very bard the night before. This was
considered an extraordinary performance for
a two year old colt, and won for him the loud
huzzas of a large crowd, who looked on with
intense anxiety and pleasure. Judge Iverson
sold one half of his blooded stock, trainer and
riders, &c. the morning before this race, to
Col. S. R. Bonner, in which sale Count Zal
divar was estimated at $3,000. We under
stand that, after the 4 mile race, $5,000 was
offered and refused for him. He is a colt o.
extraordinary promise, and, without an acci-
dent, will in a year or two rival the speed and
bottom of bis famed sire. Saturday, mile
heats, best 3 in s—purses—purse S4OO, was won hy
Mr. Edmonson ’s g. h. Turnbull, pedigree ns
above, beating Colonel Crowell’s imported
br. f. Florida Hepburn, 2 years old, by
Tramp, dam by Whisker. A closely con
tested and beautiful race. The filly won the
first and second heats, and lost the third heat
and race by bad riding, being only beat about
a neck. Turnbull’s age and great strength
gave him decidedly the advantage in bro
ken heats, and secured him the victory on the
present occasion. He is a very fine horse,
and it takes a lip top nag to beat him at any
distance. The following is the order and time
! of the heats :
Turnbull, 2 2 111
Florida Hepburn, - - - 1 1 2 2 dr.
Time—l 53, 1 54, 1 58, 2 1.
The sport was fine notwithstanding the
| small display of hoises, ami the whole wen’
| off’ in rrood style. We understand it is the
! intention of the spirited proprietors to have
j another meeting about the first of May, at
; which time a much larger number of horses
are expected, and great sport anticipated.
Clear the track — Trifle enters: The last
i Spirit of the Times says that this celehrated
j race nag is in training for the enauing Spring
Races.
The Fatal Duel . —The press throughout
the country cries aloud and spares not, against
the means used to take the life of Mr. Ciilev.
The weight of responsibility seems to rest on
Mr. Wise of Virginia. The affair should
certainly have been stopped after the first
fire.
Washington Irving. —This distinguished
literary gentleman is the democratic candidate
for the Mayoralty of the city of New York.
AIRS. LEIGH'S FEMALE SCHOOL.
It has come within our knowledge that the
Academy at this time under the superinten
dence of Mrs. Leigh, is a school of great me
rit, as developed both in the Superior qualifh
cations of the instructor, and the rapid advan
ces of the instructed. At a recent public ex
amination, held at this Seminary, the most
satisfactory proofs were given of the menta
improvement of Mrs. Leigh’s scholars. As
we are informed—for we had not the pleasure
of being present at the examination —the class
in Natural Philosophy acquitted themselves
with great credit, evincing, by their illustra
tions with diagrams, a clear understanding of
their subject; Chemistry and History, togeth
er with Geography and Astronomy, were a
like interesting; the exhibition throughou
gave proof of the superior attainments of the
young ladies, and the almost unequalled skill
of their teacher.
The ornamental branches of education are
also taught irt superior style, at this Seminary;
young ladies may be fully accomplished in the
French language as well as in Music, Draw
ing and Painting; Mrs. Leigh being herself
a finished teacher in these several branches of
polite education.
In a town which has but just emerged
from the wilderness, and upon which the light
of civilization and education is how shedding
its first bright beams, it is cheering to witness
the springing up of Seminaries of learning,-
and to know that thetr'progress is commensu
rate with the spirit o’ the age.
With pride and pleasure, we thus publicly
no:ice this institution, whose province it is to
“teach the young idea how to shoot,” and
cordially recommend it to the confidence and
support of parents and guardians generally.
We regret to learn that the engagements
of Mr. J. H. Miflin, (the accomplished artist
now at Augusta, Ga.) will prevent his expect
ed and promised visit to our city, this spring.
Many of our citizens, we learn, had engaged
his able and faithful pencil. We learn, how
ever, that it is the intention of Mr. M. to visit
Columbus next fall and remain with us during
the winter, by which arrangement he will
have time to do justice to his patrons. Well,
“ what can’t be cured, must be endured/’
FOREIGN NEWS)
The packet ship Albany arrived at New
York from Liverpool, with dates to the 16th
of January. Accounts from Canada had
reached London, which had given rise to great
military preparations. It is stated that there
are 7,000 troops, rank and file, under orders
for Canada. The “ Datuly Corps” of Great
Britain are coming over, said to be the most
beautiful corps in the world, the officers being
all of high families and the men picked ; (they
will get a second picking in this country if
they don’t look sharp.) Hume and Roebuck,
at the head of the violent radical's, were rising
great efforts on behalf of the Canadians, ex
citing sympathy by identifying the ease of
Canada with that of Ireland. The London
press generally, spoke favorably of the course
pursued by our Government in relation to the
affairs of Canada, and we judge there is but
little danger of a serious difficulty between the
two countries, notwithstanding the mad pr
ceedings of a rabble, who seem bent on mis
chief at all hazards.
The Express Slip from the N. Y. Evening
Herald of the 9th inst. reports the packet
ship Independence below, with Liverpool dates
up to the 24th January. The news had not
reached the city when that slip was printed.
EXPRESS NEWS.
•Vet o York dates to the 9th inst. —The
great meeting of the Merchants, held in the
Exchange on the Bth passed off” without any
action in relation to the Banks calculated to
afford relief to the community :—the empori
um city is in a sea of difficulties from which
we discover no immediate hope ofdclivcrance.
Stocks have declined—U. S. Bank 115 1-2.
Specie is flowing from Europe; a large quan
tity came by the Samson, from London, and
heavy amounts will be brought into the coun
try by the movement of British troops to this
continent. Specie bad fallen 1 a 1 1-2 per
cent.
Cotton had been sold for shipment at the
following rates: for ordinary Bc, middling
8 l-2c, middling fair 9 a 9 l-2c, showing a
decline of l-4c.
For the Sentinel and Herald.
UNION CONGRESS ONAL TK KET.
A number of tickets have been suggested
through your paper, as well as in different
prints throughout the State ; all of which, in
my humble opinion, have been somewhat faul
ty. In relation to our present Representa
tives, it is well understood that five of their
number will decline a re-election, and it is
quite uncertain whether the other three wifi
receive a nomination in the convention; it
would therefore, be more advisable to. start
an entire new ticket. Witliool aiming to dis
parage the talents of the present representa
tion,! would suggest that a stronger ticket
could certainly be selected from the ranks of
the Union party: and who will deny, thatir*
these “ times that try men’s souls,” individvi
als, of the strongest persona! popularity at
home, should be be brought forward, in order
to make sure the election of our entire tickets
and men of the best talents and most unflin
ching party principles, should be sent to Con
gress, that Georgia may at least be ably and
firmly represented, when the great battle of
Bank or no Bank shall be fought. The fill
lowing ticket, it is thought, will combine a
strength of ability and popularity, which will
insure the party against defeat at the next
election. The opposition have entered their
“ best bloods”-—their “ speediest nags” and
they will run for all the heats; every inch of
the ground will be contested; let us then,
beat their “ crack ones,” and the greater will
be the triumph.
Here is the ticket that can win the field :
Robert W. Pooler, of Chatham.
Gen. Ciias. H. Nelson, of Cherokee.
Nath’i., L. Hutchins, “ Gwinnett.
Chas. J. McDonald, “ Bibb.
Jno. W. Burney, “ Jasper.
Alfred Iverson, “ Muscogee.
Francis Cone, “ Greene.
Josiah H. Patterson, “ Early.
Rout. M. Echols, “ Walton.
There is a host ot talent in the above named
ticket, and Georgia might well be proud of
such a representation in Congress.
HENRY;