The Madisonian. [volume], April 09, 1841, Image 3

About The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845

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Washington city.
FRIDAY, APRIL 9, 1841.
In THO?B THINUS WHICH ami imutui. UtT THUS
?? UNIT*?IH NON-BMBNTUUI, UUITY j AND IN ALI
ruiNua cMauty.?Auguatin.
Wc are authorized to nay, that under the pres
sure of the public business, increased by recent
events, as well as by the approach of an Extra
Session of Congress, the President finds it in
dispensable to make some arrangement for the
employment of his time. He proposes, there
fore, to see his fellow-citizens, who may wish to
call on him, from ten to twelve o'clock, every
day in the week, except Sunday.
THE VUNEHAL.
If, one month ago, the Inauguration oi Presi
dent Harrison, was a scene which he, as the
principal actor, might justly have deemed wor
thy of the highest human ambition, the ceremo
nies of Wednesday were a tribute to his memo
ry of far superior value. In the former, the mo
tives of some may have been suspected?in the
latter, the multitude in their solemn and silent
movements, and in their tearful eyes, expressed
a feeling, so deep and holy and peculiar, that
even hypocrisy could not affect it. To the one,
the multitude came cheering the advent to pow
er, and to participate, if possible, in the glories
of the rising sun?in the other, the multitude
came to follow to the tomb the corpse of a
man, no longer possessing authority, but as un
available to them as the dust under their feet.?
To the one, they came with gorgeous banners
and exulting voices?with music and with danc
ing?to the other, they came dressed in the ha
biliments of mourning, with banners furled?
with muffled drums, and every insignia of grief.
At the one, they crowned a head with the
highest civic wreath?at the other, they cast
Mowers upon a sepulchre. At the first, they saw
the height of human grandeur and earthly glo
ry?at the last, they were witnesses of the in
stability and the vanity of the power and great
ness of man, and the insufficiency of all earthly
hopes. They furnished the proof however that
no ordinary man had comeand departed. If the
people vindicated justice and virtue in the eleva
tion of General Harrison, they proved their sin
cerity by their tears at his tomb.
The day assigned for the funeral was as aus
picious as could have been desired. At sun-rise
a federal salute of 26 guns, fired at the several
military stations in the vicinity of Washington,
announced the beginning of the solemn ceremo
nies at hand, As the day advanced the streets
began to fill with the people and strangers, most
of them wearing some badge of mourning. The
stores and places of business were closed, and
festoons of crape and black muslin were sus
pended on the buildings throughout the main
avenue. On one or two of the Engine houses
the mourning dress was so tastefully arranged
as to attract particular notice; and, in two places,
we observed, the last words of the lamented
President, printed in large letters, on a white
ground, with deep margins of black. " Sib, 1
WISH YGC TO UN0ER8TAND THE TRt'E PRINCIPLES
ok the Government. I wish them carrieo
out. I ask nothing more." The whole avenue
presented a scene of gloom such as we had
never before conceived of. Emotions of sorrow
which seemed to affect so many, through the
natural sympathies of our nature, reached all.
Early in the forenoon the military companies,
associations, and delegations from the vicinity,
began to congregate in front of the President's
house, whither the marshals of the day had
early repaired. At 11 o'clock the doors of the
Executive mansion were opened for the admis
sion of Heads of Departments, Foreign Minis
ters, the Ex-Cabinet, ladies, and all those desig
nated in the published programme "from civic
procession, down to auditors and commissioners,
inclusive." The corpse was placed in the cen
tre of the East Room, and the mourners and
members of the Cabinet, and a great number of
other persons, took a last look of the departed
hero, before the rooms became full. At about
11 o'clock the clergy of the District, of all de
nominations, entered, and soon after, the rela
tives of the family, President Tyler, and the
Cabinet, and several members of the Ex-Cabi
net, the pall-bearers, the foreign ministers, and
their secretaries, in splendid uniform, and offi
cers of the Government, members of Congress,
and others, forming a large, numerous, and dis
tinguished circle, mostly seated around the body
of the deceased. The Rev. Mr. Hawley, ofSt.
John's Church, performed the religious services(
according to the usage of the Episcopal church,
in which Gen. Harrison had been accustomed to
worship, beginning with, " I am the resurrection
and the life," &c. In the course of a few re
marks made by Mr. Hawley, he noticed one or
two things which, he said, were interesting to
the Christian a< well as to the Patriot. The
day after his inauguration he called at a book
store, on the avenue, and purchased a bible and
prayer book, which he placed in his bed-room,
where he had since kept them for daily use.
His practice was to read them, and to engage in
prayer before retiring in the evening, and when
he rose in the morning. He had expressed his
regret, before his death, that he had not become
;i regular member (communicant) of the church.
He attributed to the dccea ed a very excellent
chancier. His death was resigned and peace
ful.
After the remarks and a prayer by the Rev_
Clergyman, the corpse was removed by a body
of marines froin the east room, and placed on
the funeral car outside. By this time the Execu
tive mansion had become well filled with peo
ple, the avenues in front were crowded with the
military companies, associations, Ac.
At. 12 o'clock the minute guns re-commenced
their firing from the north of the President's
square, and other places, the bells began to toll,
and the procession began to move, in the order
directed by the programme of the Adjutant
General published in our last paper.
The military escort at the head of the proces
sion formed a most imposing sight. Their ban
ners were furled, and dressed in mourning, their
drums were muffled, and the music accompany
ing them exchanged their martial notes for so
lemn and plaintive airs.
The U. S. Marines, in front, marched with
remarkable order and regularity.
They were followed by the volunteer compa
nie?, from Baltimore, Annapolis and Washing
(on, all of whom appeared in a manner to at
tract the admiration of the multitude of behold
en. The single fact that six companies were
preaent from Baltimore, none of which, we be
lieve, visited the Inauguration, will serve to show
the depth of the general feeling. The Balti
more companies were as follows:
1. General Association of Officers.
2. Eutaw Infantry. Capt. Keyser. Dress?
blue.
3. National Guards. Capt. Prestman. Green
coat and grey pantaloons.
4. Maryland Cadets. Capt. Newman. Dress?
blue.
5. First Baltimore Invincibles. Bed coats.
0. Independent Greys. Capt. J. O. Law.
There were also a detachment of the York
Billemen, Captain Hay, and of the Washington
Blues, Captain Baruitz, from York, Pennsylva
nia, and, also the Annapolis Greys.
From the Disirict, we observed several fine
companies:
L The National Light Infantry, Captain
France.
2. The Potomac Dragoons, Capt. Mason.
3. Washington Blues, Capt. Middleton.
4. Columbia Artillery, Capt. Buckingham.
The Division of United States Light Artille
ry, from Fort McHenry, Capt. Binggold, made
a noble appearance.
We observed also the District fire companies
in uniform.aud banners, and in moarning, with
Dr. Magruder for their maruhal. Their appear
ance was unique and striking. We subjoin a
list of them:
1. Perseverance Fire Company.
2. Franklin do
3. Northern Liberties do
4. Western Star do
5. Union do
6. Vigilant do
7. Columbia do
8. Anacostia do
9. Island do
10. Apprentices do
Then followed a considerable number of offi
cers of the Army and Navy of the United States
on foot, with their various uniforms.
Then Major General Macomb, commander
in-chief of the U. S. A., with his aids-de-camp,
all on horseback, formed the rear of the military
escort, thus reversing the order of inarch, which
is customary, by posting the youngest in rank
first, and the highest, last.
The Clergy of the District, and of the vicinity
formed a numerous and interesting group; all
denominations being included, and nearly all be
ing dressed in black gowns.
Immediately after the Physicians followed
THE FUNERAL CAH,
bearing the corpse, and drawn by six beautiful
white horses, attended by black grooms, dressed
in white, with black sashes, and white turbans
entwined with black crape.
The car was an oblong platform, 12 feet long,
by 7 wide, covered with black velvet, and eleva
ted five feet from the ground on substantial
wheels.
On the platform was'a raised dais 8 feet long
by 4 broad. From the cornice of the platform the
velvet fell outside the wheels, to within a few
inches of the ground. Black crape festoons,
were pendant from rosettes at the corners of the
car, midway down its four sides, and were loop
ed in the centre of each side by large funeral
wreathes of crape. The architrave and base of
the curtains also in crape.
The pall was of rich black velvet, lined with
white silk, and bordered by deep black fringes,
and bullion tassels at its corners.
Over the pall, on the coffin, lay the 3Word of
justice, and of Slate, crossed, surmounted by
the scroll of the Constitution, over which was
thrown a funeral wreath of yew and cypress.?
Affectionate friends had also strewn flowers
upon it.
The body was enclosed in two lead coflins,
encased in mahogany, which covered the whole
with the exceptiou of the face, over which was
placed a thick plate glass, tightly sealed.
On the coffin was a silver plate inscribed,
William Henhy Hahrison, President of the
United States,?Born 9th February, 1773.?
Died 4th April, 1841."
The Pall Bearers marched two abreast on
each side of the car, and consisted of the follow
ing gentlemen, representing each State and ter
ritory in the Union:
For Maine?B. Cutts, Esq.
New Hampshire?Hon. Jacob B. Moore.
Massachusetts?Hon. C. Cushing.
Bliode Island?M. St. C. Clarke, Esq.
Connecticut?W. B. Lloyd, Esq.
Vermont?Hon. Hiland Hall.
New York?Gen. John Granger.
New Jersey?Hon. Geo. C. Washington.
Pennsylvania?M. Welling, Esq.
Delaware?Hon. A. Naudain.
Maryland?D. Hoffman, Esq.
Virginia?Major Camp.
North Carolina?Hon. E. D. White.
South Carolina?John Carter, Esq.
Georgia?Gen. D. L. Clinch.
Kentucky?Thos. Crittenden, Esq.
Tennessee?Col. Rogers.
Louisiana?Mr. Durald.
Mississippi?Maj. Anderson Miller.
Alabama?Dr. Perrine.
Arkansas?A. W. Lyon, Esq.
Ohio?Mr. Graham.
Indiana?Gen. It. Hanna.
Illinois?D. Q. Gurnsey, Esq.
Missouri?Major Russell.
Michigan?Gen. Howard.
Wiskonsan?Hon. J. D. Doty.
Iowa?Hon. W. B. Carter.
Florida?Hon. C. Downing.
District of Columbia?R. Smith, Esq.
Gov. James Barbour, of Virginia, and Gov.
Sprigg, of Maryland, were, by order of the Se
cretary of State, invited as pall bearers, but
owing to the indisposition of the former, and the
failure of the invitation to reach the latter,
neither attended.
Such of the family and relatives of the de
ceased, as were here, followed in carriages. Im
mediately after them, we observed Presioent
Tyler, in a carriage with the Secretary of
State; then the several other Heads of Depart
ments, and the venerable Mr. J. (A. Adams.?
Several members of the Jndiciary Department
followed, and then all the Ministers of Foreign
Governments, now present, or their Secretaries
The carriage of the Russian Minister was no
ticed by the brightness of its livery.
The following gentlemen, members of the
late Cabinet, were invited to attend the funeral,
and t ppi ared accordingly in the procession, viz.
Hon. John Forsyth, Hon. J. R. Poinsett, Hon.
J. K. Paulding, Hon. H. D. Gilpin.
MIMBEM or OQNQftasa.
We observed the following members of Con
gress in the fUuerul profession :
Senators.?Mr. Tallmadoe, of N. Y.j Mr.
Benton, of Mo.; Mr. Merrick, of Md.; Mr.
Prentihij, of Vt.; Mr. Walker, of Mi.; Mr.
Cutiirert, of Ga.
Keihehentat'ive*.?Mr. Adamm, of Ms.; Mr.
Saltoimtall, of Mi.; Gov. White, of La.;
Mr. Cuhhinu, of Ms.; Gen. Carter, of Tenn.;
Mr. Suerroo William*, of Ky.; Mr. Johnhon.
of Md.; Mr. Doty, of Wmkonran ; Mr. Peck,
of N. Y.j Col. Downing, of Florida; and Mr,
Kemiile, of N. Y.
The Maryland Legislature appeared in or
ganization, with their several officers with
their maces, &.e. (This patriotic body did not
arrive in time to go into the President's Mansion,
but the moment their arrival was known, a Mar
shal was despatched to assign them a position in
the procession.)
The heads of Bureaux, and their clerks, ap
peared also, forming a very considerable body
in point of numbers. There were also a number
of the officers and soldiers who served under the
command of General Harriso.i during the last
war, whose names we did not learn. There
were also the corporate authorities of the several
cities of the District.' The Enosinian Society
of Columbian College, together with the Medi
cal Department and Preparatory School. The
Columbia Typographical Association. The
Society of "Odd Fellows," with the handsome
banner of "Alexandria Lodge, No. 8." The
Catholic Total Abstinence Society, with its
auxiliaries, with medals and banners. There
may have been other associations whose names
we did not learn* The concourse of citi
zens and strangers from Baltimore, and ihe sur
rounding country, was large and respectable. All
moved in perfect order, harmony and decorum,
evincing at every step the solemn sadness of the
occasion, and betraying the sinserest affection
for the memory of their late illustrious Chief
Magistrate.
Minute guns were firing, and the bells tolling
during the whole progress of the Procession.
The windows and doors of the dwellings along
the darkened avenues, w^-re crowded with the
faces of ladies and children, all appearing to par
ticipate in the general sorrow. This metropolis
has nevei witnessed a scene so solemn and im
posing.
The procession extended nearly two miles,
reaching from the Capitol to the President's
House, in sections of 8 to 30.
The Military formed into lines on the square
opposite the Congressional Burying Ground,
and only a portion of the procession entered the
yard. We observed at the tomb, beside the fa
mily, President Tyler and the Cabinet, the Fo
reign Ministers, Ex-President Adams, and seve
ral of the late Cabinet. After the service, con
tinued in the Episcopal form, by ltev. Mr. Haw
ley, the corpse was deposited in the Public
Tomb, where it was followed for a moment by
Colonels Todd and Chambers, the relatives,
President Tyler, the members of the Cabinet,
Mr. Adams, Mr. Forsyth, and others. These
last rites being over, the scene was closed by the
firing of cannon, and several vollies of musketry.
The immense throng then quietly dispersed, and
a Federal Salute announced the setting of the
sun, and the closing ceremony of the day. We
heard of no indecorum?no serious incident.
GENERAL HARRISON'S FAMILY.
Mn*t ninriTfly do we mingle our condolences
with this bereaved family. We know well, as
all must, that the blow that has' lighted down
upon them from the hand of the Almighty, is
heavy and severe. But it must be one exceed
ing consolation to them, that a nation weeps
with them, and that a nation will revere the
character, and cherish the memory, of one they
loved so much and so worthily.
The following relatives of Gen. Harrison were
present in the city on the day of the funeral, viz:
Mrs. Jane Harrison, of Ohio, [son's widow J and
two sons.
Mrs. Taylor, of Va., .[niece] a daughter and two
sons.
Pike Harrison, [grandson] son of J. C. S. Har
rison and grandson of Gen. Pike.
Mr. D. O. Coupeland, of Ohio, [nephew.]
Mr. Benjamin Harrison, of Berkeley, [nephew.]
Henry Harrison, [grand-nephew] son of the
preceding, who has acted as confidential
Secretary of the President.
Dr. John Minge, cf Charles city, Va., [nephew]
We may also add the name of Mrs. Findlay, of
Ohio, who adopted Mrs. Jane Harrison as a
daughter, and who almost invariably occu
pied the right hand of the President at his
table.
The following are the surviving relations who
were absent.
Mrs. Harrison, the General's bereaved wife.
John Scott Harrison, the only living son.
Mrs. Judge Short, eldest daughter.
Mrs. Dr. Thornton, daughter.
Mrs. Taylor, daughter. All these are living at
or near North Bend.
Mr. Taylor and his wife and family were ex
pected to become members of the President's
family for the whole term of his service.
The following are the names of the deceased
members of the family:
Lucy Harrison, a daughter, married Judge Este.
J. C. S. Harrison, a son, married Miss Pike.
Both dead.
William H. Harrison, jr., married Miss Jane
Irwin. His widow presided at the Presi
dent's (able, and her personal graces have
commended her to the affections of all who
have had the pleasure to know her.
Dr. Benjamin Harrison, a son. Died the last
summer.
Carter B. Harrison, a son, who was .i lawyer of
fine talents, and accompanied General Har
rison to Columbia. Died two years ago. All
of the sons left children.
In the night of Thursday before General Har
rison's death, he repeated the following verse
from Isaiah to one of his relations, at his side,
remarking that it had made an impression on his
mind, which he had never been able to efface,
nor fully to comprehend:
lxainh chap. 11 and verse*.
" He calleth to me out of Seir, Watchman, what of
the night 1 Watchman, what of the night V'
The watchman said, the morning comcth, and also
the night: if yc will inquire, inquire ye: return, come.'
President Tyler w*a accompanied to the city by
two of hi? son*.
THE NEW PRESIDENT.
John Tyler. now President of (he Mailed
State* arrived in thi, cay OU Tueaday morning
? 5 *nd took lodging-, at Brown's
Hotel.
At 1 i o'clock the same day, the Head* of De
partments (except,,,- the Secretary of the Navy,
who is absent,) waited upon Mr. Tyler, to pay
him their respects, personally and otiieially.
The Intelligencer say.: He s.gmfied hi. deep feel
ing of the ,,ub|,c calamity sustained l.y the death of
1 resident Hawuo*, ud e.pre^l bi. profound sen
?ItMtlty to the heavy responsibilities so suddenly de
volved upon himself. Ha spoke of the present state
o t nngs with great concern and seriousness, and
made known hi. wishes that the several Heads of
Uepailment* would continue to till the place* which
they now restively occupy, and his confidence that
t ey would aflord all the aid in their power to enable
to carry on the adminirtration o: ihe Government
successfully.
The Phksidknt then took and subscribed the fol
lowing oath of office
I do solemnly swea, that I will faithfully execute
.-.K fr"'d,nt of lhe United States, and will,
>K>e*t o^u,y sbilily nreserve, protect, and defend
the Constitution of the United States
April b, 1841, JOHN TYLER.
Dibtmict o?- Columbia, 1
City and County of Ha.hington. J "
Chief Judge of the Circuit
Court of the District of Columbia, certify that the
J nwjied John Tti.ki; [H-rsonally appeared be
fore me this day, and, although he deems himself
qualified to perform the duties and eiercisethe powers
mhI office of Prisident on the death of William
Henky Harbison, late President of the United Slates
without any other oath than that which he has taken
ss Vice I lesident, yet, as doubts may arise, and for
greater caution, took and subscribed the foregoing oath
a '6 ^ ? W CRANCH.
April b, 1841.
JOHN TYLEK, PRESIDENT OF THE U. S.
As, by the Providence of God, Mr. Tyler is
now elevated to the highest political honor with
in the reach of an American citizen, his life,
history, and character, have become highly in
teresting subjects of inquiry.
I* or the satisfaction of our readers we will at
tempt to furnish a general outline of President
Tyler's history, which must necessarily be im
perfect, from our want of dates and particulars.
Mr. 1 yleh was born in Virginia, about the
year 1786 or '87. He is therefore near 54 or 55
years of age. His father was an American pa
triot of the revolution, serving as an officer in the
cause of his country, during the whole period of
the war. He was then judge of the Superior
Courts of Va., and afterwards Governor of that
State about the year 1S08. He was remarkable
for his honesty and independence, and for the
purity of his character. He belonged to the old
Republican family of that State.
John Tyler (now President) was graduated
with honor at William and Mary College, in
\ irginia. Soon after he reached the age of 21
he was chosen a delegate to the Legislature of
the State. After haviug served several years in
that body, he was elected a Representative in
Congress. After a service, we think, of four
years in the House of Representatives, he be
came again a member of the Virginia Legisla
ture, and was soon chosen governor of the
State.
VV hile Governor. Gen. Lafayette was on his
visit lo this country, and Gov. Tyler welcomed
him to the Old Dominion, in one of the most
classic and eloquent addresses, delivered on
similar occasions, in the Union.
At the expiration of his constitutional term as
Governor, Mr. Tyler was elected to the U. S.
Senate, to serve from the 4th of March, 1827, in
the place of the late John Randolph, of Roanoke,
whom he beat.
While a member of the Senate, viz: in 1828,
he advocated the election of Gen. Jackson to
the Presidency, and for some time thereafter was
a supporter of his Administration.
Having served out his term in the Senate of
the United States, he was re-elected to that ele
vated station in the winter of '32 -'33, and con
tinued there until he received instructions from
the Virginia Legislature, which he could not
obey, and he then resigned his seat. This end
ed his Senatorial career. While in the Senate,
he was chosen, in the absence of the Vice Pre
sident, on more than one occasion, if we mis
take not, "President of the Senate." As chair
man of the Committee on the District, the citi
zens there have found him a kind and firm friend.
He was alterwards again elected, we believe,
a member of the Virginia Legislature, where he
served two sessions.
He was unanimously noirinated by the Na
tional Convention at Harrisburg, (Dec. 1839) a
candidate for the Vice Presidency of the United
States, on the ticket with Gen. Harrison, and
was elected to that high oflice by an over
whelming vote.
Mr. Tyler, has always been urbane and cour
teous in his manners?moderate and self-con
trolable in his passions?and possesses an ntuia
ble and benevolent heart. To purity of inten
tion, he also unites that spirit of independence,
which distinguished his father.
" Tyi.ek the Statesman honest and true,"
is a line familiar to those who have been accus
tomed to hear the Tippecanoe songs of the coun
try. In political faith, he is a Jelfersonian, Madi
sonian Republican, and has always preferred
moderation rather than partaken ofultraism. To
his hands are the ?? powers and duties " of the
office of Chief Magistrate of this mighty na
tion, now committed. That he will exercise and
discharge them with honor to himself, and glory
to the country is our fervent wish, and confident
hope. His known honesty and faithfulness is a
guaranty that, if public affairs are not adminis
tered in a manner to receive popular applause
and support, it will not be his fault.
The cannon fired at the Navy Yard on the day of
the funeral, were charged on Satuiday week for re
ceiving the President at the Yard, which he conlem
plated visiting.
Mar Yi.and Hanks.?Those banks in Maryland '
which were liable lo a penalty of 12 per cent for the
non-payment of s|>ecie on their notes, have been re
leased from the penalty until the year lN4!i, by a law
which has just passed the Legislature.
The Banks of Virginia suspended specie payments
on Tuesday last.
A Special Election is to Ik- held in the Carlisle
I district, Pennsylvania, on the 4th of May, for a repre- \
I tentative in Congress, to supply the vacancy occa- j
i Hioned by thedeath of the Hc>n William S. Ramsay.
Oraham't Lady'* ami (imtleman'n Magazine.?
| This beautiful monthly, produced by the consolidation '
<>f Burton's Magazine and the Casket, has been hand- j
ed in bv the son of Mr Hamilton. the agent, for April. 1
The Lady'a Companion for April received from the I
| same.
GENERAL. HARRISON SAVED THE
COUNTRY IN HIS LIFE, AND UNITES
IT IN HIS DEATH.
W e ilo not think it uecessary to undertake to
prove the truth ol this first position, and if the
second be true also, what a blessing may yet
come out of this afflictive and astoundiug be
reavement ? We will give some reasons for this
hope ! Never was a nation's sorrow like our
sorrow, in this event. It will subdue all minds.
If will melt the soul of the nation into tender
ness. Consequently, this immense and wide
spread feeling will ally the hearts of the people
to the memory of the Man, and carry along with
it a respect for his principles. This is the natu
ral operation of men's minds under such circum
stances. I he American People retptcled Ge
neral Harrison before. Go into their hearts
now, and you will find that they love him,
though dead, and becautr he is dead. They
had no test of their love before. Now it comes
home to them, and the action of their grief stirs
up side by side with the veneration they feel,
the sentiment of undying affection. Separate
from such regard, the principles of the man who
can. It cannot be done. They are sealed in
the heart.
We have arrived at a crisis, as a nation, in re-1
gard to those great measures most indispensable
to our relief, which impels us forward in
one direction, and only one. There is no
alternative. It lies not within the scope of
man's invention to devise one. And that
path is the drift into which the nation has been
forced within a twelve month past, with the
name of Hahrihon before it. All events, in the
mean time, have contributed to accelerate this
movement, togive force to those opinions, and to
bring down on the true interests of the nation
the full blaze of the sun-light of experience.?
1 hey who doubted six or three months ago, or
even one month, are vastly wiser now, than at
either of these periods, recent as they are. The
nation is absolutely ruined, if no redeeming
measures can be found. Many of those who
have opposed them, and who may yet oppose
them for the sake of consistency, would come
round, if they knew it were necessary to carry
them. And we fully believe, that the time is
not remote, that it is very near, lushing upon us,
when there will be a greater unity and vigor of
opinion in the Government, in Congress, and
among the people, for redeeming and healing
measures, than has for a long time characterized
the history of the country.
And the illumined path of the lamented Har
hison will reflect its light on all faces, and at no
point of his career does so much effulgence
beam upon the nation, as when he steps from
the stage of action here, and bi queathes to us
his name, his character, and his principles. He
has gone down to the grave ripe in wisdom,
spotless in reputation, orthodox in his theo
ry and views of our Government, known and
read of the people, and as we trust?peace to
his soul?in peace with his God. ' He will be
seen lingering on that verge, so recently trodden
by his footsteps, pointing the nation One Way.
He cannot speak again, and there is no more
advice.
ho that witnessed that funeral train but
Wednesday, winding its way up Capitol Hill,
while its rear was still hanging on the angle at
the Treasury building, did not see that the heart
of the nation followed him? Who that cast
his eye on that unbroken connexion of mourn
ing festoons, which stretched along the Avenue
nn the front nf iu walls, and who that observed
the solemn stillness of the scene, the suspension
of all other cares and thoughts, did not feel that
the pulse of the republic was beating, with sor
row ? The same sentiments that were felt here,
will be felt everywhere ; the wave of affliction I
that begun in this city, will roll over the land, I
and immerse all hearts in its tide.
Tell us, then, if it will not have to do with j
opinion? Who can cast poison in this puri
fying ocean, that shall kill those who drink
ol it ? It was the hand of God that bereaved
us and that same almighty agency has estab
lished immutable laws in our hearts and minds,
which, in given circumstances, lead invariably to
known results.
THE HECATOMB.
" Thiii hecatomb of victimn who were atrurk down
[ duting General Harrison'* illneaa, many of whiwe
lamilirx are now turned out in a aort of orphanai;e on
the world, must hnve been made in the apiril of heathen
timea, when aacrifirea of unfortunate priaonera !>v cus
tom attended the fall of an illmtlrioua chief." Globe.
This passage refers to some halfdozen changes
more or less, made in all the Departments in the
course of last week?a sad "hecatomb of vic
tims," indeed, if we contemplate the compara
tive energy, promptitude, and wholesale opera
tions of General Jackson. During the first week
of his first term, Isaac Hill, who has lately fallen
a " victim, brought to General Jackson 28 or
.18 names we forget which?of Postmasters in
New Hampshire, every one of which was strick
en from the Blue Book, at the bidding of this
worthy, in one half hour! Not one exception
made, no inquiry instituted, no reason given,
but, "he is not our man." Another gentleman
from Indiana brought in his pocket a list of 36
names, all of which shared the same fate, in a
like unceremonious way. And so it went through
the land, when " Old Hickory" took the brooin,
and they have had it pretty much to themselves
ever since.
" Surely, it " must have been done in the
spirit of heathen times, when the sacrifices of
unfortunate prisoners, by custom attended the
fall," in this case the rise, "of an illustrious
chief."
If the present Administration are ambitious to
rival these examples, there is a wide scope before
them, and they must "bear a hand" with an
energy, of which, as yet, we have had but a slen
der earnest. General Jackson took off their
heads by scores, and would have despised the
slow and small work of which the Globe has the
impudence to complain.
The Globe, we presume, though somewhat
tender for present distresses, falling immediately
under its eye, has no tears for the "orphans"
made so long ago, and but little commisseration
for the decimation of the "Old Chief." It is
the lawyer's bull that has gored the farmer's ox.
It is pleasant, however, to observe, that times
j nave improved, and that there is more conscience
[ in these days. "Hceatombs of victims" though
there be, they are not so frightful as in former
years. Besides, like the old woman's eels, the
people have got used to being skinned.
j It may, perhaps, be consoling to our friends on
the olfeer (id* ?o consider, that If olllcea art
worth b?viDg, ihey have enjoyed it a pretty long
term, and unless tbey insist on having* life lease,
to the great scandal of the democratic principle
of rotation, it it uo wore than fair to have tome
such very moderate changes as are now being
made. Even if they all go out, we are unable
to see how a democratic nation is so much scan
dalized as it would be if they were all kept 10.
We are a little inclined, just now to the pr.ueiple
of rotation on a reasonable scale, esptria ) a*>
our predecessors have not been altogether imi.ia
culate.
? Xrtn York correspondence.
New Yohk, April 7, 1841.
The NationsI calamity of which tidings were borne
to our eats on Monday morning still engrosses nil
thoughts and all hearts in our city. The regret olthe
Opposition is hartlly lea* general than our own. < >ur
Courts all adjourned over on Monday, to Thursday or
Monday neit; and it is worthy of remark that the
first motion made in the U 8. Court, by Oookm Hoff
man as District Attorney was for paying this mark of
respect to the memory of the venerated soldier and sagu
by whom he was appointed, and that the motion was
seconded by B. F. Butler.
Our city authorities, in concert with those of Brook
lyn, the military, Slc., to-day pay such funeral ho
nors to the late President as can be >hown at such
brief notice. At 13 o'clock, the hanks and nearly
every place of business were closed, the bells tolled
solemnly till '2, and a salute of minute gun* u"
nounced that the lemaina of the President were pas
sing to their long home. 1 have never known tho
city more sombre than to-day. The skies are deeply
shrouded, and a drizzling rain deepens the general
gloom. The places of public amusement are closed
and will not open this evening. To-morrow, in pur
suance of general orders from Albany, the military
will tire half-hour guns from the Batt^jf from sun
rise to sunset. -
f Gov. Skwahd announced the National bereavement
to the Legislatuie in a brief and feeling Message on
its receipt there, Tuesday morning. He s|>eaks ol the
death of the President as "a trial through which the
Constitution has never yet passed." The two Houses
a|i|>oinled committees to suggest a proper manifesta
tion of the general regret, and then immediately ad
journed.
A grand civic and military procession, in honor of
the illustrious deceased, will take place in this city on
Saturday. The heart uf the city is in it, and it will be
a noble demonstration of sympathy.
1 trust no one abroad inistak* s the icy bearing and
flippant disparagement of the "Evening Post' for an
expression of the sentiment of its party on this oc
casion. Such a supposition does gross injustice to
that party. I believe it has even lost subscribers
among i'.s friends from disapprobation of its course, as
I am sure the "Journal of Commerce" has. 1 think
those who have stopped the latter paper have acted
precipitately. The Journal never professed any ad
miration of Gen. Harrison?it is deadly in its hostility
to the Whig party?and 1 should have detested the
hypocrisy of dressing it in mourning.
An open and manly opponent may shed a generous
tear over our President's grave, but it should never bo
poisoned by the crocodile effusions of treacherous en
mity.
Our Young Men's General Meeting, which was to
have been held this evening, will be turned into a no
party one to express the regrets ot our citizens and im
mediately adjourn.
I have little heart to speak of our Charter Election
next Tuesday. ' Sufficient for the day is the evil
thereof.'
Our friends in Connecticut have nobly done their
duty. Their State Ticket is elected entire by soi^o
6,OOt) majority ; all their six Members of Congress by
Districts, and an increased majority in each branch ot
the Legislature. And this, be it remarked, though
the disheartening tidings of the President s death
spread over two-thirds of the State while the election
was proceeding. Will not Viroinu and th? West
do likewise 7
Yours, Harold.
$)h(latoelphfa Correspondence.
Philadelphia, April 7, 1841.
The death of Gen. Harrison produced a deep sen
sation in this community, which has not yet subsided.
All seemed to feel as if they had lost an old friend.?
The sudden transition from the pageantry and tri
umph of the Inauguration, to the silence of death,
presents a most impressive admonition o! the vanity
of teA)|K>ral fame, and of the mutability of life. The
public services and pure character of Gen. Harrison,
conjoined with his moderation of temper, and respect
for the feelings of others, gained him the esteem of his
friends and the confidence of his political opponents.
No one doubted the sincerity or strength of his patri
otism, and all respected him for his private virtuts ?
A profound sorrow pervades us all for the loss of so
good a.man.
The Councils of the city have directed |heir cham
bers to be dressed in black, and have invited Bishop
Onderdonk to deliver a funeral sermon. During the
last throe days the flags of the shipping, the public offi
ces, and of the headquarters of both political parties^
half been hung at halfinast. The military companies
paraded on Monday with cra|>ed standards and muf
fled drums, and to-d?y, during the hours of the fune
ral at Washington, the shops will remain closed, and
the bells of all the churches be tolled. Cr
Our readers may be curious to see in what terms the ,
editor of the Richmond Enquirer, who treated General
Harrison with cruel injustice while living, speaks of
him now that he is dead :
From the Enquirer of TuetJaij.
DEATH
or THE PRESIDENT OF THE t'NITED HTATEH.
A new and extraordinary event has come to darken
the annals of our country The struggle is over, and
William Henry Harrison, in the tWth year of his age,
sleeps wilh his fsthers 1 Although this venerable msn,
the President of the United States bjr a great majority,
was not our choice, yet we respect him tor his military
services?we respect him for his love of country?we
esteem him for his kind heart and his social qualities
His sudden loss comes unon the nation as a/i event,
full of regret, full of profound themes for moralizing
uiwn the instability of all human fortunes, and the
worthlesstiess of the objects of human ambition As
so often quoted fromBurke,itshowsus"whatshadows
we are, and what shadows we pursue " But twelve
months ago, suppose it had been predicted amidst Un
contests of sn excited campaign, this man will ?'<?
elected to one of the highest offices in the world and
in one short month after his Inauguration, he will ?e
gathered unto his fathers'-what heart would not
ha.e shrunk within itself, at the idea ol passing so
rapidly from a private life to the Presidential chair, and
from that eminent station to the silent tomb 'nhonor
of the Chief Magistrate of our common country thus
elevated by the voice of the people, and thus suddenly
struck down in the midst of hi. .ym,*thiz.ng country
men we have shrouded our columns in mourning.
Ii is'indeed a sudden, most uneipected, and extra
orJmarv even, The'???federated republic of the
United States ha. n-w l*en in operation for W years
during which time it has seen nine President-elect
ed in succession?most of them old men?five of them
serving eight years each?snd yet not one of them
has died during his Presidency, except the last He
Ims been in office but one short month, from the 4th
of March to the 4lh of April, when he breathed his
last, atnid his payers for the success of the Irne |>rin
ciples of lb* Constitution The four Virginia Pre
sidents who were living in Virginia, (all serving out
their eight years) survived till the end of theii terms,
but now sre all no more. Three of the others are
still living. ?
It is more wonderful, indeed, that more of them
have not perished in office, than thst Gen. Harrison
should he the first to die. The regret at his desth
comes, perhaps, with a more awful force, on account
of its singularity.