The Cadiz sentinel. [volume], June 19, 1844, Image 1

About The Cadiz sentinel. [volume] (Cadiz, Ohio) 184?-1851

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VOLUME tXl.
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LITERARY MISCELLANY.
CADIZ, HARRISON COUNTY, OHIO, JUNE 19, 1811.
. ItlY LIFE.
My life is like a dark and troubled river ,
Whose tide is rolling onward to the sea;
Its source, the Infinite, All-being-giver
Its destiny, eternnlly to be!
Each day is like an nngry wave, that dashes
And breaks upon some fondly-cherished hope;
Each night is like a thunder-cloud whose flushes
Make visible the gloom in which I grope.
And months and yenrsbut swell to inundation
The stream, till with a torrent's rage it moves,
Tossing upon its tide of devastation
The shatter'd wrecks of fallen hopes and loves!
O God ! in that unfathom'd, boundless ocean,
To which thepe desolating billows tend,
Will souls find rest from every sad emotion,
And hearts, to every pang, an end?
Then o'er the rapids let me soon bo billowed.
And pass that awful gulf, the end of woes!
My weary soul is longing to he pillowed,
To rest for ever in a calm repose !
Erom the Young Lady's Friend.
THE DUEL.
BV THE EDITOR OF ZION'S HERALD.
The Rev. M whs a veteran itinerant
preacher of the West. He related many inci
dents of his itinerant life. Among them was the
following, which I give in his own words as much
as possible.
About four miles from N 's an extensive
grove, well known as the scent; of several fatal
duels. As 1 passed it one morning on my way
to my appointment in that town, 1 perceived a
horse and vehicle among thelrcos, guarded by it
solitary man, who appeared to be the driver.
My suspicions were iiiimc.diately excited but I
rode on About a mile beyond, I met with ano
ther carriage, containing four persons besides the
Oliver, and hastening on with all speed.
My fears were confirmed and could scarcely
doubt that another scene of blood was about to
be enacted in those quiet solitudes. What was
my duty in the case? I knew too well the to
nacity of those fictions and absurd sentiments of
honor which prevailed in that section of the coun
try, and which give to the duel a character of
strangely exalted chivalry, to suppose that inter
ference could be successful, yet I thought it my
duty to rebuke the sin, if 1 could not prevent it ;
and in the name of the Lord I would do it. 1
immediately wheeled about and returned with
the utmost speed to the grove.
The second carriage had arrived and was fas
tened to a tree. I rode up, attached my horse
near it, and throwing the driver a bit of silver re
quested him to guard him. While treading my
way into the forest, my thoughts were intensely
agitated to know how to present myself most suc
cessfully. ' The occasion admitted of no delay.
I hastened on and soon emerged into an oval
space surrounded on all sidos by dense woods.
At the opposite extremity stood the principles,
their boots drawn over their pantaloons, their
coats, vests and hats off, handkerchiefs tied over
their beads, and tightly belting their waists. A
friend and a sergion were conversing with each
while the seconds were about midway between
them, arranging the dreadful conflict. One of
the pjinci pies, the challenged, appeared not more
than twenty years or ago. His countenance was
singularly expressive of sensibility, but also of
determination. The other had a stout, ruffian
nice bearing a couutenance easy but sinister
and heartless, and he seemed impationt to wreak
his venganco upon his antagonist.
I advanced immediately to the seconds and de
clared at once my character and object. 'Gen
tlemen,' said I, 'excuse my intrusion; I am a min
ister of the Gospel. I know not the merits o
this quarrel, but both my heart and my office re
quire me to bting about a reconciliation between
the parties if possible.
'Sir,' repl ied one of them, 'the utmost has been
done to this eflocf, without success, and this is
no place to make further attempts.
'Under any circumstance, in any place, gen
tlemen,7 1 replied, 'it is appropriate to prevent
murder; and such, in the sight of God, is the
deed you are aiding. It mustnotbe gentlemen,
(n the name of the law which prohibits it in the
name of your friends, the principals in the name
of God, who looks down upon you in this solitary
place, J beseech you to prevent it at once: at
'.east, wash your own hands from the blood of
;hcse men. Retire from the field and refuso to
assist in their mutual murder.'
My emphatic remonstrance had a momentary
effect. They seemed not indisposed to como to
'erms, if I could get the concurrence of the prin
cipals. :
I passed immediately to the oldest of them.
Ilia countenance became more repulsive as I ap
proached him. It was deeply pitted with the
small-pox, and there was upon it the most cold
blooded leer I ever saw on A human face. lie
had given the challenge. I besought him by ev
ery consideration of humanity and morality to re
call it. I referred to tho youth and inexperience
of his antagonist; the conciliatory disposition of
tho seconds; tho feariul consequences to his soul
if he should fall, and the withering remorse which
must follow if he should kill the young man. He
evidently thirsted for the blood of his antagonist
but observing that his friend and the surgiou sec
onded my reasonings, ho replied, with undissem
bled reluctance, that he gave the chajlenge for
sufficient reasons, and that it those reasons were
removed, ho might recall it, but not otherwise.
I passed to tho other. I admonished him of
tho sin he was about to perpetrate. I referred
to his probable domestic relations, and the allu
sion touched his heart. He suddenly wiped a
tear from his eye. 'Yes, sir,' said he, 'there are
. hearts that would break if they know that I was
here.' I referred to my conversation with the
seconds And tho other principal, and remarked
that nothing was now necessary to effect a recon
ciliation but the retraction of the language which
had offended his antagonist. 'Sir,' replied he,
planting his foot firmly on the ground, and assa
iling a look which would have been sublime in
i bettor cause. 'Sir, I have uttered nothing but
'he truth respecting that man, and though 1 sink
into the grave, I will not sanction his villainous
character by a retraction.
I reasoned with increased vehemence, but no
appeal to his reason or his heart could shake his
desperate firmness, and I left him with tears which
I have no doubt he would have shared under oth
er circumstances. What could I do farther?
appealed again to the first principal, but he spur
ned me a cool smile. 1 flew to tho seconds and
entreated them on any terms to adjust the mat
ter and save the shedding of blood. But thev
had already measured the ground, and were rea
dy to place the principals. 'Gentlemen, said I,
'the blood of tins dreadful deed be upon your
own souls. I have acquitted myself of it.' I
then pioceeded from tho area towards my horse.
What were my emotions as I turned away in
despair. MViiat! lhou"iit 1, must the duel pro
ceed.' Is lucre no expedient to prevent it? In
a few minutes one or both of these men may bo
in eternity, accursed forever with blood guiltness!
Can I not pluck them a3 brands from the burn
ing? My spirit was in a tumult of anxiety; in a
moment, and just as the principals were taking
their positions, I was again upon the ground.
Standing on the line between them I exclaimed,
'In the name of Cod 1 adjure you to stop this
murderous work. It must not, it cannot proceed.'
'Knock him down,' cried tho eldest duelist,
with a fearful imprecation. 'Sir, exclaimed tho
younger, t appreciate your motives but 1 demand
of you to interfere no more with our arrange
ments. 1 he seconds seized me by tho arms
and ccmpellod me to retire. But I warned them
at every stop. Never before did I feel so deep
ly the value and hazard of the soul. My remarks
were without effect, except on one of the friends
of the younger principal. This is a horrible
place,' said he, 'I cannot endure it,' and ho turn
ed away with me from the scene.
'Now for it, cried one of the seconds, as they
elcirned. 'Take your place." Shudderingly I
lasleued my pace to escape the result.
'One two and the next sound was lost
the explosion of tho pistols! 'Oh God,' shrieked
voice of agony! I turned around. I he young
er principal with his hand to hi3 lace, skricket,
again, quivered, and fell to the ground! I rush
ed to him. With one hand he clung to the earth
tho fingers penetrating the sod, while with the
thcr, he grasped his left jaw, which was shut
tered with a horrid wound. I turned with faint
ness from the sight. Ti he charge had pissed
through the left side of his mouth crossing iho
teeth, severing the jugular vein passing out at
the back part of the head, laying open entirely
one side of the face and nock. In this ghastly
wound had he hxed his grasp with a tenacity
which could not be moved. Ulceding profusely,
and convulsed with agony, ho lay lor scvera
minutes the most frightful spectacle I had ever
witnessed. Tho countenance of the spectators
expressed a conscious relief when it was announ
ced bv the surgeon that death had ended the
scene. Meanwhile the murderer and his party
had Jolt the ground.
uno oi the company was despatched on my
horse to communicate the dreacllul intelligence
to the family. The dead young man was clen-
sed of his blood, and born immediately to his car
nage. I accompanied it. It stopped beforo a
small but elegant house. 1 lie driver ran to the
door and rapped. An elderly lady opened it,
with Irantic agitation, at the instant when we
were lifting the ghastly remains from the carri
age, she gazed lor a moment as it thunder
struck, and fell fainting in the doorway. A ser
vant took her into the parlor, and, as we passed
with the corpse into a rear room, 1 observed her
extended on a sofa, pale as her hapless son.
We placed the corpse on a table, with the stif
fened hand still grasping the wound, when a
young laity, neatly attired in wnite, and with a
face delicately beautiful rushed frantically into
the room and threw her arms around it, weeping
with uncontrolablc emotion, and exclaiming with
an agony of feeling, 'My biother! my dear broth
er! Uan it be U, can it bef lhe attendants
tore her away. I shall never forget the look of
utter wretchedness she wore as they led her away
her eyes dissolved in tears, and her bosom
stained with her brother's blood.
The unfortunate young man was of New En
gland origin, lie settled in the town of N ,
where his business had prospered so well that he
had invited his mother and sister to reside with
him. His home, endeared with gentleness and
love, and every temporal comlort, was a scene o
unalloyed happiness, but in an evil hour ho had
yielded to a local and absurd prejudice a sen
timent of honor falsely so called, which his cdu
cation should have taught him to despise. He
was less excusable than his malicious murderer,
for ho had more light and belter sentiments
This one step had ruined him and his happy fam-
Iv. Ho was interred the next day with tho re
gretsof the whole community.
His poor mother never left the house until she
was carried to her grave, to be laid by the side
of her son. She died after a delerious fever of
two weeks duration, throughout which she ceas
ed not to implore tho attendants, with tears to
preserve her hapless son from the hands of the
assassins, who she imagined, kept him concealed
for thoir murderous purpose. His sister still lives
but poor and broken hearted. Her beauty and
energies have been wasted by sorrow; and she
s dependant on others for her daily bread.
I have hoard some uncertain reports of his an
tagonist, tho most probable of which is, that he
died three years after, of Iho yellow fever, at
New Orleans, raging with tho horrors of remorse
Such was the local estimation of this bloody deed,
that scarcely an effort was made to bring him to
justice. Alas, lor the mlluence ot tashionablc
opinion! It can silence by its dictatos the laws
of man and God can exalt murder to the glory
of chivalry.
Boston, Mass., Oct. 1843. , .
Eyes.- -Nothing can bo moro certain than that
the black cyo indicates loquaciousness. Is not
tho sky black before it thunders f and is.it not
blue when it is tranquil? But who would; b sal
isfied with a sky forever the same sleepy blue?
And who would dwell in a f cnniate where the
heavens were always black with tempest? There
fore we incline to tho hazlo or grey eye, which
lightens in anger, or melts in good humor. When
a pair of theso grey ones fasten upon us, we feel
indescribablo emotions! We feolaswo suppose
those flea do in warm weather who turn over on
their backa and spin round like whirligigs, in a
kind of flyecstacy!
From the N. Y. Journal of Commerce,
Mrs. Oen. Gaines.-KV Komiutic Story.
The history of Mrs. Gaines were it unfolded
would be seen to possess something of the roman
tic. For a long time her parentage was con
ccaled from her. In early life she was brought
from New Orleans to the middle states, and for
many years lived in the family of a Col. Davis,
near Wilmington , Del., passing under the name
of Myria Davis, as a niece or perhaps a daughter
ot mis man, who was believed to have possess
ion olsome portion of her property. As her mind
unfolded with the growth of her person, Myria
tuiuruny became inquisitive on thesubiect of he
bneago, expectations, &c., but obtained little sat
istachon trom her eputed father oz uncle. Davis,
however, sent her to tho best schools that she
might receive a finished education, where she
In. ,,,,, I t 1 .1 c . '. . .
i.uiuc;u x'leucu, uruwiug, Oic. Arriving at the
age oi womannood, with a sprightly mind, a good
peison, ana a veiry tranK, altectiouate and conn-
ding disposition, Myria became an object of inte
est to the other sex, who are not insensible to
the charms of the more tender portion of our race
I robably the air of mystery that surrounded her,
uiu not uimiuisii that interest.
I hero was one young man in particular, that
was smitten with her charms, Mr. Whitney, son
of Gen. Whitney, of your state, a lawyer by
profession, an amiablo and excellent youth, and
in the estimation of Miss Davis, to be preferred
before all others to a place in her affections. To
his proposals ior a union, Miss Davis assented
with a frankness which presented a strong con
trast to the feelings of her uncle. Hewasevi
cloudy opposed to it, without it is believed as
signing a satisfactory reason. Lvery obstacle
however, thrown in the path of the lovers serve d
only to strengthen their mutual attachment
Miss D. fled from the house of her uncle, took re
fugo in a seclusion which he in vain endeavored
to penetrate, and awaited with a maiden's modes
ty, and a lover s anxiety, the arrival of her be
trothed forlovors will exchange pledges, though
it ue through stone walls or over tempestuous
waves, made a grand mistake in meeting anoth
er gentleman by tho name of Whitney, who hap
penod to arrive at a certain place iu a train of
cars, in which at tho same hour she expected
the real Whitney; but at length when the course
of true love had run with roughness to which
their young hearts had been strangers, they
were happ.lv and triumphantly married
Mr. and Mrs. Whitney went to New Orleans,
the seat ot some millions worth of property which
she claimed as her own, and which she contends
is fraudulently withheld from her. Mr. Whitney
there investigated the matter with untirin" vigil
anco, met with usual obstinate resistance in such
cases, and was, I believe, even thrown into pris-
on. He was not destined cither to recover the
property or to continue in lilo with his beloved
bride. Mrs. Whitney became a widow, a vouth-
ui widow, and a sincere mourner. In this state
of womanhood, she was approached by the gal
lant old General, who sympathized so deeply
with her sorrows as to offer to take that place in
her heart which had been occupied by her de
parted. Whetfior those substantial charms in
expectancy had any hand in vanquishing the
heart of the old gentleman, it would be presump
tion in any one to determine, without looking in
to the interior of his mind, and inspecting his
motives, iho hank-hearted girl, however, was
understood to have assured tho brave soldier, in
accepting his hand, that one condition must be
reserved. Site was always to have tho privilege
of eulogising tho character, loving the memory,
and descanting on the virtues of hci first husband.
ad libitum. Who would refuse such a boon?
Of late years the General and his lady have been
engaged in travelling as the ministers of peace
t - i n . . . . ..
uiu gooa win to man, at limes in prosecuting
an immense fortune. The
law's delay has for a long time held the result
abeyance. But if justice be done, there
EuRon. A man should never be ashamed to
own ho has boon in the wrong, which is but say
ing, in other words, that lie is wiser to day than
he was yesterday. Pope, .
little doubt that Mrs. Gaines will wiu tho cause,
and come into possession of that property which
I sincerely believe has been unjustly denied
her.
Mrs. G. is a lady of many fine qualities. Hap-
pily, among the list of her virtues is to be found
perseverance, and ever buoyant hope which have
carried her safely thus far. Should she even fail
of her object, fortitude will not forsake her. Re
signation will then be expected to adorn the
mind which has hitherto been equal to every
emergency.
Tho U. S. Supremo Court have decided the
famous case of Gen. Gaines and his wife in their
favor. 1 his makes Gen. Games worth about
$15,000,000 of property in New Orleans the
richest man in this country.
TEAKS.
As the evidences of a deep, intense feclin
of either joy or remorse, pain or pity, gratitude
or penitence, noiinng can so surely open the
heart and hand of humanity, as tho tear which
will out, and cannot bo suppressed. Bloomfmld
makes old Richard shed such a tear:
"And as he spoke, nbiground drop
i'ell trickling on his sleeve.
there's some peonlo who have 'em nlwavn rn.idu
laid on, and can pull out the plug whenever they
-. i ney are nving water-pots, but never re
viving anything that comes under their influence
GATHERINGS AND GOSS1PINGS.
Asnn
pper up of unconsidered trifles."
men and poor. It is impossible that society
can long subsist, and suffer many of its members
io Jive in idleness, and enjoy all tho case an
pleasure they can invent, without having at th
Siime time great multitudes of people that, to
make good this defect, will condescend to be
quite the reverse, and by use and patience irjure
their bodies to work for others and themselves
besides. Mandcville.
i' bee uovebsmext. Republics furnish th'
werid with a greater number of brave and excel.
lent characters than kingdoms; the reason is,
uiat in republics virtue is honored and promoted
in monarchies and kingdoms it incurs suspicion
inmruavei.
Of punishment. There are dreadful punish
ments enacted against thieves; but it wero much
better to make such good provisions, by whie
"'j '" luiyui ue pui iu amciuod how to live
and so to be preserved from the fatal necessity
of stealing and dying for it. Moore.
Liberty. Liberty is, to the collective bodv
what health is to every individual bodv. With
out health, no pleasure can be tasted bv man
wunoui nueny, no happiness can be enjoyed by
society . i m wer.
Ignorance. It is impossible to make neonl
understand their ignorance, for it requires know
ledge to perceive it; and therefore he that can
percoive it, hath it not. Bishop Taylor.
Of Abuses. There is a time when men will
a (TV . I 1.1- -. .
noi suuer oaa tilings, because their ancestors
have suffered worse. There is a time when the
hoary head of inveterate abuse will neither draw
revenge, nor obtain protection. Burke.
Tho London Ago has the subjoined poetical
smith nn I -! i mnj In TT., C'..-
"So Dulvvermust travel in Dickens' track,
And the great western world must explore;
Descending to be a mere bookseller's hack,
And scribhlo his wanderings o'or.
1 hen look out for thundor, from " down oast " to Tex
as,
You horde of non-paying debtors
it by promises broken and " stocks you can vex us
iic njjuy you an on in ms letters.
" Woodman, .Spare that Tree."--A fellow
named Woodman lately married a vouu" ladv
named Tree, and the third day after tho weddin"
the brutal scamp whipped her.
The London Punch says, Henry' the Eight's
tibuai way oi axing tor a new wile, was by choc
ping the old one's head off.
The police of Baltimore have succeeded in
arresting a gang of notorious burglars, who have
been prowling about committing their depreda
tions in that city.
v... : ii .
" ii v is muii; luason it) suppose that l ie whirrs
of tho great convention wero crazy? Richmond
at nr.
Because they tried to make a Batik out of
Clay, we suppose.
"Alligator," "Wildcat," " Tiger Tail," dis
nguishod "Native Americans." are on their
way to Washington.
Count D'Otranto, son of the celebrated French
rouche, is now m St. Louis, preparing for
expedition to tho Rocky Mountains.
The fat Buckeye girl is amusing the rhiladcl-
phians at one of the museums of that cilv
lliey wonder there how, being so fat, sho has
contrived to escape the lard-oil speculators.
1 ne city of Boston pays over one-third the
whole State tax. Lowell stands next.
The receipts of Ole Bull's first concert in Bos-
an
A witness which he could not stop,
Aim one an ncarts Deiieve."
The conflict between simultaneous feelmcs of
joy ana griet is wen tut olt in two lines by Sir
waiter scott:
"She looked down to blush, and she looked up to sigh,
With a smile on her lips, and a tear in Iter eye."
This is a picture of what Shakspcare calls an
April face, one that exhibits sunshine and show
er at the satno time.
The fear which is shed unseen, in solitude.
by him who is in need, and destitute of relative
or friend, and feels the chill of neglect, tho ab
sence of all responsive sympathy, is perhaps the
most bitter tear of any. It is the tear of ono who
is isolated, and wretched in his loneliness.
" It is not that my lot is low.
Which bid this silent tear to flow;
It is not grief which makes me moan,
It is that I am nil alone."
A grief "too deep for tears" has been described
by poets:
-"Tears do not speak all the anguish of grief;
'Tis deeper when pam stops the springs of the eye;
When the heart is conlined and deprived of relief,
In the sweet bnlm of nature, the tear or the sigh,"
The advice of "Don't cry about it," is cold, and
oven irritating to the afflicted, when no means
of lessening tho affliction itself is ordered. So,
also, - , .... -
"'Ti madness a fond mother to dissuade
From tears, while on his hearse her son is laid;
But when grief's deluge can no higher swell,
( Declining sorrow you'll with ouie repel."
"No rule without exception," is a rule that ap
plies even to tears; for, as Sum Weller says,
ton, on the i!3d ult., were only eighteen hundred
dollars
Good Spukk. An old lady refuses to support
mo wing candidate tor vice rresident,sho
says sho never did like hyson she always takes
souchong.
General Buyer, who was driven out of Hayti,
is making arrangements to proceed to Jamaica.
probably to be near the theatre of operations in
Uayti.
i. gang ot iounierieiters, some fifteen or
twenty, have been arrested iu tho interior of Illi
nois. The counterfeits found in their possess
ion were principally halt eagles.
A child was lately burned fo death in New
York having been left alone, by the mother, in
a tvicker cradle near tho hre.
" Squire," said Mr. F., entering the office of a
well known magistrate, " I have an account 1
wish settled; will you attend to it forme?"
"Certainly, sir what is it?" "It's my cash
account thirty collars short--wish vou'd col
lect tho balance lor me'
A letter from Grcnvillo, South Carolina, dated
the Z alt., states that Judge baric died sudden
ly of a stroke of paralya;s in that village, on the
morning ot that day
The exports from New Orleans, says the Cres
cent City, has, during tho quarter ending 31st
:uarcn, amounted to more than SrJ,U0U,000
and more than double those of any previous quar
ter.
The Protestant Episcopal Convention, for the
Diocese of Tennessee, was in sossion at Nash
ville on tho 25 ult.
The Pcnuc Lands. The sales of tho public
lands auring the last calendar year, amounted to
l,t)jy,u71 . acres, and produced more than $2,-
000,000, exceeding the proceeds of sales for the
previous year, more than six hundred thousand
dollars.
Fishy!- The host of the Star Hotel, Philadel
phia, has received from the west a huge catfish
weighing 170 lbs., which was sent on to him by
a committee ot tnends trom Cincinnati
Gone to Grass. A few days since a cow full
from a precipice on tho top of tho Blue Hill, op-
posuo iorthtimbcrland, 1'onn., into tho river.
The declivity is almost three hundred feet in
height, craggy, and almost perpendicular.
Large Cargo. Tho British shin Greenock
cleared at Mobile on Saturday for Liverpool,
wun a cargo ot 4000 bales oi cotton, which, the
Herald says, is the largest cargo ever cleared
from that port. - Its weight is estimated at 1,011,-
0J1 lbs., and its value at $133,103.
What is a Gentleman ? The Richmond Star
answers by producing JohnW. Bear! Insane!
THE SENTINEL.
Cadiz, June 19, 1811.
LETTER OF GOVEllXOR POLK,
IN FAVOR OF THE
RE-ANNEXATION OF TEXAS.
We publish befcw the letter of James K. Polk, the
Democratic candidate for President, on the Texas
question, in reply to a Committee appointed by a large
number of citizens of Cincinnati, opposed to the An
nexation of Texas. The letter is short, but very clear
and expressive. Wo presume there is but one opinion
among Democrats relative to Annexation. We be
lieve every Democrat with whom we have conversed
has expressed himself in favor of the measure; buj
while some are for immediate annexation, others agree
with Mr. Van Buren that annexation at this time would
be premature. We are certain that nothing is gained
by the postponement of the settlement of great interna-1
uonal questions. Tho Maine boundary has been defi
ned, by a Treaty recently made, but our territory has
NUMBER 13.
The Letter of a Patriot.
We last woek briefly alluded to the letter of
Mr. Van BIrex, written to the Democracy of
the city of New York. We now take great plea
sure in laying that letter before our readers at
length, and we are quite confident that it will be
read with that attention which the Democracy of
the country have ever given to the opinions of
the illustrious Patriot of Kinderhook. There is
not a sentence in lhe letter that can be distorted
into any thing like disappointed ambition ; but it
breathes throughout the noble sentiments of a
pure heart and clear head. The last paragraph,
in which allusion is made to the " lion-hearted
Democracy of the city and county of New York,"
is an eloquent and just tribute to a body of men
who never quail when the hour of trial arrives.
i t of
to
been shamefully presented to a nation that has ever bee
our natural enemy. Our title to Oregon is as clear a:
our title to the State of Ohio, and yet the subjects
Great Britain have been occupying it for years, unob
structed, and stealing (yes, that's the word, slcalin
thousands upon thousands of dollars wort Ii of furs; and
yet our Government, instead of taking "possession at
once, as a man would take possession of his farm
when occupied by an intruder, talks about negalialin
font! 'lis shameful 'tis disgraceful! Let us eottl
these questions of territory and boundary at once-
1 Tl ' .
piuuu uuu oi nucrry spreau ner protecting wincrs
from the St. Lawrence to the Rio del Norte, from the
Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean let every intruding land
pirate of Great Britain be kicked from our shores let
our own people occupy our soil, and let our laws protee
them in the enjoyment of their rights.
But wo are keeping our readers from Mr. Polk's
letter :
COLVMBIA, TkNNE33EE.
April 23d, 18U.
Gentlemen Your letter of the 30th ultimo
which you have done me the no nor to address
me, reached my residence during my absence
trom home, and was not received until yesterday
Accompanying your letter,' you transmit to me as
you state, " a copy of the proceedings ol a ver
"large meeting of the citizens of Cincinnat
" assembled without distinction of party, on tiie
"uth instant, to express their settled opposition
to the annexation ot lexa3 to the United
States." You request from me "an explici
expression ot opinion upon this question of an
'nexation." Having at no time entertained any
opinions upon public subjects tvhich 1 was unwi
mg to avow, it gives me pleasure to comply
with your request. 1 have no hesitation in cle
ci.iiiug tiiat 1 am m favor ot the immediate re
annexation of Texas to tho territory and Gov
eminent ot the United toiates. I entertain no
doubt as to the power or the expediency of the
re-annexation. lhe proof is clear and safsfac
ory to my mind, that iexas constituted a par
he United States, the title to which I regard
lavo been a3 indisputable as that to any other
portion ot our territory. . At the tune the ncjo
nation was opened with a view to regain the
Floridas, and the settlement of oilier questions
ana pending that negotiation, the Spanish Gov
ernmcnt itself was satisfied of the validity of our
title, and was rcadv to recognise a line as far
west of the Sabine, as the true western bounda
ry of Louisiana, as defined by the treaty of 1803
with France, under which Louisiana was acnui-
cd. Th;s negotiation, which had been first
opened at Madrid, was broken oil and transfer
ee! to Washington, where it was resumed, and
esulted in the treaty of Florida, bv which the
oabinc was hxed upon, as tho western boundary
of Louisiana. From the ratification of tho trea
ty of 1803 with France, until the treaty of 1810
with apain, the territory now constituting the
Republic of Texas, belonged to the United
States. In 1819 the Florida treaty was conclu
ded at Washington, by Mr. John Quincy Adams
(then secretary ot State) on the part of the
united States, and JJon Louis do Unis, on the
part ot Spain; and by Ciat treaty tins territory
tying west ol tho sabine, and constituting Tex
as, was ceded by tho United Stales to Spain.
That the Ilio del Norte or some more western
boundary than the Sabine could have been ob
tained, had it been insisted on by the American
Secretary of Slate, and that without, increasing
tho consideration paid for tho Floridas, I have
not a doubt. In my judgment, tho country west
f the Sabine, and now Texas, was most un
wisely ceded away. It is part of the great val
ley of the Mississippi, directly connected by its
navigablo waters with the Mississippi river, and
aving ono been a pail of the Union, it should
never have been dismembered for it. Tho Gov-
rnmcnt and people of Texas, it is understood.
not only give their consent, but are anxiously
desirous to be re-united to the United States
If Iho application of Texas for a re-union into
our confederacy shall bo rejected by the United
statos, there ts imminent clanger that she will bo
como a depency, if not a colony of Great Bri
tain an event which no American patriot, anx
ious for tho safety and prosperity of his country
could permit to occur, without the most strenu
ous resistance. Let Texas bo ro-annexed, and
tho authority and laws of tho United States be
established and maintained within her limits, as
also m tho Oregon territory, and let tho fixed
policy ot our uovcrnment be, not to permit
Great Britain or any other foreign power to plant
a colony or hold dominion over any portion of
the people or territory ol either. 1 hese are my
opinions, and without deeming it necessary to
extend this letter, by assigning many reasons
which infiuenco me in the conclusions to which
I come, I regret to bo compelled to differ so
widely trom tho views expressed by yourselves,
and tho meeting ot the citizens of Cincinnati
whom you represent. Differing howerei. with
you and with them as I do, it was duo to frank
ness, that I should be thus explicit in the decla
ration ot my opinions.
I am with great respect,
Your obedient servant,
JAMES K. POLK
To Messrs.
S. P. Chase,
Thomas Ileaton,
T. Finkbrine, . '
G. Bailey, jr.,
Samuel Lewis,
Committee, &lc,,'
Cincinnati, Ohio.
Tho London Times slates that trade In France
is in a deplorable condition.
Lisden'wold, June 3d, 1844.
Ge:vtlkme:v I had the honor to receive bv
the hands of Mr. Gansvoort Melville your com
munication requesting me, in behalf of a conven
veution of delega tes from tho several Wards of
the city and county of New York, to preside at
a Mass Meeting of the Democracy to bo held on
the 4th instant, to respond to the nominations of
the Baltimore Convention.
Upon retiring from the Presidency I thought
it would best comport with the respect that was
due to that high station and to those by whose
favor I had been raised to it, to restrict my parti
cipation in tho political contests of the day to -the
faithful exercise of tho right of suffrage, with
unreserved expressions of my opinions upon pub
lic questions to those who deemod the latter of
sufficient importance to call for them. The
adoption of this rule was at the time publiclv
announced to my political friends, and has ever
since been scrupulously observed. Subsequent
events have only confirmed the propriety of its
continuance and permanent observance. It is
therefore with unfeigned regret that I find my
self constrained by circumstances, which I can
not and ought not to disregard, to decline the
request to preside at a meeting of a portion of
my fellow citizens, than whom no men possess
stronger claims to my respect, my confidence
and my esteem.
Lut let no ono for a moment suppose that, in
thus yielding to the proprieties of my position,
I am in the slightest degree influenced by
lukevvarmness, much less hostility to the suc
cess of the Nominations to which it is the pur
pose of those you represent to respond. Far,
very far is that from being the truo state of my
ngs. i nave Known juessrs. roiu ana Dallas
iong and intimately. I have had froquent op
portunities for personal observations of Iheir
conduct in the discharge of high and responsible
public duties. The 1-ttter has, by my appoint
ment, represented the country abroad with cred
it and usefulness. They are both gentlemen
possessed of h;gh character, of unquestioned and
unquestionable patriotism rjnd integrity, able to
discharge the duties of tho stations for which
they have been respectively nominated with ad
vantage to the country and honor to themselves.
Concurring with them iu the main in tho politi
cal principles by which their public lives have
been hitherto distinguished, I am sincerely desi
rous for their success. 1 am by no means un
apprised of the occurrences remotely connected
with these nominations which have caused pain
and mortification in the breasts of many sincere
friends throughout tho Union, who have honored
me by tfreir continued and disinterested friend-
np.
But I am very sure that I can relv on their
past fidelity and honor for a ready concurrence
in the saving principles of our political creed.
that no personal or private feelings should ever
nduce us to withhold our support from nomina
ions. the success of which would be conducive
the permanent interests of the country.
Those, therefore, who think as I do, that its fu-
ure welfare is m a great degree dependent unon
the success of those groat principles in the ad
ministration of the Federal Government, which
we have hitherto espoused, and in the respect to
which the two great parties of the country have
for years been divided, cannot, I am sure, fail to
merge all minor considerations, m sincere and
tndisguisod efforts to promote the success of the
candidates of the democratic party. , .
Having now said all that tho occasion calls for,
m regard to the general objects of the meeting,
1 must be indulged in a few parting words to the
lion-hearted Democracy of the city and county
of New York. Never before has a public man .
been honored by the support of truer, firmer, or
more disinterested friends than thov have been
me. In prosperity I have scarcely known
here to find them; in adversity they havo been
ith mo always. Through evil and good report.
I havo found the masses of the New York Demo- '
cracy the same unobtrusive, but inshrinking
friends. The happiest, by far the happiest day
in my whole political career was that on which,
on my return from Washington, they met mo on
the Battery, in the midst of a storm of wind and
rain, which would have kept fair weather friends
at homo, end extended tome, a private citizen
like themselves, their hard hands, and opened
their honest hearts in a welcomo a cordial as
man ever received from man. They need no
assurances to satisfy them that I shall be forever
thankful for their unsurpassed devotion to my
welfare they know that I can never cease to
cherish with grateful rocollections the honored ,
relation of Representative and Constituent which
has existed between us for so long a period, in
such varied forms and which is now forever closed.
I have the honor, gentlemen, to be very
Respectfully, yonr friend and obed't serv't,
M. VAN BUREN.
To Gansvoort Melville, Richard B. Conolly,
A. Walker, and Wm. AlcAluriay, Lsqs., Conn
rnittuo.
Tub Whig Pauty. " They have no honest
principles to keep thorn together, their only cet
mcnt is a sympathy of hatred of every man of
purer principles than themselves." J. Q. Adamt,
How pregnant with truth the remark of Mr,
Jeffehson: " In proportion as a republioan re-
maim faithful to Kit profession he is loaded with
Federal abuse in propori'tan to reettancy, he i
greeted with its praises." ' ' '
The barn of Mr. Fisher, near EmmSusburg
Md., was struck by lightning on Sunday evening
last and consumed ; and two horses thorein were
killed.