Columbus sentinel and herald. (Columbus, Ga.) 183?-1841, March 15, 1838, Image 2

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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;