Letcher now flew to M'Duffie, Calhoun's which the politicians of that State were ardent friend, and alarmed him with a preparing to declare their secession from startling picture of the President's wrath. the Union. Mr. Clayton would not yield That night, after he had retired to bed, a jot. Calhoun was the chief of sinners Letcher was aroused by a Senator from Louisiana, who informed him that Jackson would not allow any more delay, and that Calhoun's arrest might take place at any hour. He begged Letcher to warn Calhoun of his danger. He did so. He found the South Carolinian in bed. He told him of the temper and intentions of the President, and the conspirator was much alarmed.

in this matter, and he, of all others, must give the world public and recorded evidence of penitence, whatever his mental reservations might be. "Nothing would be secured," Mr. Clayton said, "unless his vote appeared in favor of the measure."

The Senate met; the bill was taken up; and the nullifiers and their friends, one after another, yielded their objections on various pretences. At length, when all Meanwhile Mr. Clay, and Senator Clay- had acted but Mr. Calhoun, he arose, pale ton, of Delaware, had been in frequent and haggard, for he had had a most terriconsultations on the subject. Clayton had ble struggle. He declared that he had said to Clay, while the bill was lingering then to determine which way he should m the House, These South Carolinians vote, and at the termination of his brief act very badly, but they are good fellows, remarks he gave his voice in the affirmaand it is a pity to let Jackson hang them;" tive with the rest. It was a bitter pill for and advised him to get his compromise bill that proud man to swallow. The alternareferred to a new committee, and so modify tive presented to him was absolute humiliit as to make it acceptable to a majority. ation or a course that would bring him to Clay did so, and Clayton exerted all his the gallows. He chose the former. With influence to avert the calamity which hung that act fell the great conspiracy to break over Calhoun and his friends. He assem- up the government of the United States bled the manufacturers who had hurried in 1832.

to the capital when they heard of the

compromise bill, to see whether they Minister Faulkner and the Emperor Napo

lebn on Secession.

would not yield something for the sake of conciliation and the Union. At a sacri- The following interesting conversation fice of their interests, these loyal men did took place on New Year's day, 1861, beyield, and agreed to withdraw all opposi- tween the Emperor of the French and tion to the bill, and let it pass the Senate, Mr. Faulkner, United States Minister to providing all the nullifiers should vote for the French Government. The conversacertain amendments made by the Lower tion possesses a special interest in view of House, as well as for the bill itself. The the fact that Mr. Faulkner, on his return nullifiers in committee would not yield. The home became himself an avowed and incrisis had arrived. The gallows was fluential secessionist, participating intiplaced before Calhoun. Clayton earnestly mately in the counsels of the leading conremonstrated with him. spirators. After the usual greetings, the Emperor said:

Finally, they concluded to vote as Mr. Clayton demanded, but begged that gen- "What is the latest intelligence you tleman to spare Mr. Calhoun the mortifi- have received from the United States? cation of appearing on the record in favor Not so alarming, I trust, as the papers of a measure against which at that very represent it?" time, and at his instance, troops were being raised in South Carolina, and because of

"Like most nations, Sire," replied Mr. Faulkner, "we have our troubles, which

have lost none of their coloring, as de- but on mounting by the interior staircase scribed in the European press." to the highest window in the steeple. thought they would scarcely have nerve

"The States still form one common government, as heretofore. There is excitement in portions of the Confederacy, and there are indications of extreme

"I hope it is not true that any of the States have separated from the General to undertake it. At last, William O'DonConfederation," added Napoleon. nell and Charles McLaughlin, two young painters in the employ of Richard B. Fosdick, of Fifth avenue, decided to make the attempt. Getting out of the little diamond-shaped window about half way up, they climbed up the lightning rod on the east side of the spire, to the top. Here one of the men fastened the pole securely to the cross, although quite a gale was blowing at the time. The flag thus secured, the daring young man mounted the cross, and, taking off his hat, calmly and gracefully bowed to the immense crowd which were watching his movements from Broadway. As the flag floated freely in the air, they burst into loud and repeated cheers. It was a sight to thrill the nerves of any patriot.

Chas. J. Faulkner

Clerical Prisoners of State.

lision with the Episcopal clergy, that New Orleans was not considered by the General large enough to contain both parties in the controversy.

An event occurred one day during Genmeasures being adopted by one or two eral Butler's career in New Orleans, which States. But we are familiar with the ex-brought that officer into such direct colcitement, as we are with the vigor, which belong to the institutions of a free people. We have already more than once passed through commotions which would have shattered into fragments any other gove ernment on earth; and this fact justifies the inference that the strength of the Union will now be found equal to the strain upon it."

"I sincerely hope it may be so," rejoined the Emperor, "and that you may long continue a united and prosperous people."

On a Sunday morning, early in October, Major Strong entered the office of the General in plain clothes, and said:

"I have'nt been able to go to church since we came to New Orleans. This morning I am going."

He crossed the street and took a front seat in the Episcopal church of Dr. Goodrich, opposite the mansion of General Twiggs. He joined in the exercises with Such a Sight as Thrills the Nerves. the earnestness which was natural to his The vestry of Grace Church, Episcopal, devout mind, until the clergyman reached in New York, was desirous that an Ameri- that part of the service where the prayer can flag should wave from the very apex for the President of the United States of the spire of that magnificent structure, occurs. That prayer was omitted, and the height being two hundred and sixty the minister invited the congregation to feet from the ground. Several persons spend a few moments in silent prayer. offered to undertake the dangerous feat, The young officer had not previously heard

of this mode of evading, at once, the re- is the result of your nine years' preaching; quirements of the church and the orders if your people will commit perjury so of the commanding General. He rose in freely, the sooner you leave your pulpit his place and said: the better."

"Stop, sir. It is my duty to bring these exercises to a close. I came here for the purpose, and the sole purpose, of worshipping God; but inasmuch as your minister has seen fit to omit invoking a blessing, as our church service requires, upon the President of the United States, I propose to close the services. This house will be shut within ten minutes."

After further conversation, Dr. Leacock asked:

"Well, General, are you going to shut up the churches?"

"No, sir, I am more likely to shut up the ministers."

The clergymen showing no disposition to yield, General Butler ended the interview by stating his ultimatum: "Read The clergyman, astounded, began, to the prayer for the President, omit the silent act of devotion, or leave New Or"This is no time for discussion, sir," leans prisoners of state for Fort Lafaysaid the Major.

remonstrate.

ette."

They chose the latter-Dr. Leacock, Dr. Goodrich and Mr. Fulton-and were duly shipped on board one of the trans

The minister was speechless and indignant. The ladies flashed wrath upon the officer, who stood motionless with folded arms. The men scowled at him. The ports. minister soon pronounced the benediction, the congregation dispersed, and Major Curiosity of Rebel Soldiers to hear President Strong retired to report the circumstances

at head-quarters.

Lincoln's Message.

A few days after the publication of the

This brought the matter to a crisis. President's message and Amnesty ProclaGeneral Butler sent for the Episcopal mation, the fact of its promulgation having clergymen, Dr. Leacock, Dr. Goodrich, been made known to the rebel pickets Dr. Fulton, and others, who were all ac- of the Army of the Potomac, they mancustomed to omit the prayer for the Presi-[ifested great curiosity to hear it, and one dent, and pray in silence for the triumph of the Union soldiers consenting to read it of treason. The General patiently and courteously argued the point with them at great length, quoting Bible, rubricks and history, with his wonted fluency. They replied that, in omitting the prayer, they were only obeying the orders of the Right Reverend Major-General Polk, their ecclesiastical superior The General denied the authority of that military prelate to change the liturgy, and contended that the omission of the prayer, in the peculiar circumstances of the time and place, was an overt act of treason.

to them, quite a considerable party collected on the opposite bank to listen. While it was being read the utmost silence and attention were observed by the listening rebels; and after it was finished one of them called out, "We'll go back to camp and tell the boys about it." Papers had been frequently exchanged by the pickets, but about this time the rebels told our men that their officers did not like them to get our papers, as "there was nothing encouraging in them."

Slidell's Consolation.

"But, General," said Dr. Leacock, “your insisting upon the taking of the oath of In one of the great imperial soirees at allegiance is causing half of my church Biarritz, one of the courtiers of the Em. members to perjure themselves." pire, seeing the emissary Slidell alone "Well," replied the General, "if that crossing one of the reception parlors, ex

claimed: "Ah, Mr. Slidell! you may show | rather more precious than flocks of slaves, yourself as much as you please; you will "alone in his glory."

never be recognized." "I beg your pardon," said the Southern diplomat, "I have been recognized long since for a patriot; a few more Southern victories and I will be called the representative of a great nation. As to you, Sir, I acknowledge, you are too well known to need recognition; and this is what consoles me for not being recognized!" Bah!

Handsome Rebuke from an Alabamian.

A highly instructive as well as amusing incident took place in a business house on one of the principal streets of Nashville, Tennessee, while a colored regiment was marching along to the music of the national airs. Several gentlemen were looking on the parade, among them a wealthy planter of Alabama, the owner of a large number of slaves. One of the group stepped out to the door, looking on for a few minutes, and then indignantly turning on his heel, addressed himself to the grave Alabamian, to the following purport:

"Well, I'll be d-if that is not a burning disgrace, which no decent white man can tolerate. Isn't that nigger regiment too great an insult?"

John Minor Botts between Two Fires.

While the Third Indiana cavalry were engaged in one of the bloody skirmishes which fell to their lot in Virginia, Major McClure, seeing a hale-looking, oldish gentleman in a doorway by the roadside, hailed him, and inquired: "Which way did the rebel cavalry, that a moment since passed here, go?" "Sir," was the reply, “I am under parole to the Confederate Government to tell nothing I see. But, Sir, my name is John Minor Botts-as devoted a Union man as the world can find. I put no 'ifs' nor 'buts' in the case.”

Political Dialogue in Camp.

In the rear of General Grant's headquarters at City Point was the camp of Head-quarters Cavalry Escort. While passing through said camp on a certain occasion, a visitor overheard the following dialogue-politico, coming from a group of soldiers lounging under a shelter of pine boughs:

Says A.-"I tell you that a majority don't elect the President.”

Says B.-"I know better; it does elect,

The Alabamian jumped to his feet, and and there ain't nothing else can elect." replied, while his eyes flashed fire:

A.-"Well, it ain't so in our State, any

B.-"Well, if the majority don't elect, I should like to know who does?" A." Well, I'll tell you who does elect: it's the Pleurisy.”

B.-"The what-i-sy? What the is that?"

"Sir, there is not a negro in that regi-how." ment who is not a better man than a rebel to this Government, and for whom I have not a thousand times more respect than I have for a traitor to his country. I think that the best possible use the Government can make of negroes is to take them and make them fight against the rebels. No traitor is too good to be killed by a negro, no weapon too severe to use against the wretches who are endeavoring to overthrow the Government. Now, Sir, swallow that, whether you like it or not."

A." Well, I don't know exactly, but I know it ain't the majority."

A. was right. He only got the pleurisy for plurality; that's all.

Money Couldn't Buy his Vote. Up in Morris County, New Jersey, lives old Uncle Pete, who always votes the ticket that bids the highest. A few even

The rebel stepped off in utter amazement, without uttering a syllable in reply, leaving the sturdy Alabamian, who cherished the jewel of patriotism as something ings before the presidential election of 1864.

some Republicans went to his house to out- his letter of presentation accompanying the bid some Democrats who had been there. gift, the editor said :-"I have taken occaBut Uncle Pete informed them he had sion to present you this pen-holder, as a sold his vote three days before to the Dem- relic whose associations are linked most ocrats for ten dollars. He was told that if closely to the movement of which you are he would carry his ticket and the ten dollars the head. Let it lie upon your desk for use back to the one who gave them, and vote in your official duties. In the 'eternal fitthe Republican ticket, they would give him ness of things,' let that be its appropriate twenty dollars, which offer Uncle Pete im- place. It links 1780 with 1861. Through mediately accepted. Just as the party had it, West Point speaks to Montgomery left the house they heard a couple of men And if we may believe that spirits do coming up whom they knew to be Dem- ever return and haunt this mundane Being convinced they were on sphere, we may reckon with what delight way to Uncle Pete's, they hid them- Benedict Arnold's immortal part will follow selves till the second party had passed into this fragment of his paternal roof-tree to the house, and went back to listen. The the hands in which is being consummated Democrats had hardly become seated when the work which he began.” Uncle Pete said:

ocrats.

their

Slidell.

"Gentlemen, you called upon me the Scene at Fort Warren: Exit of Mason and other day, and offered ten dollars if I would vote the McLellan ticket. I am poor and took your money and the ticket. Here are both; take them back-I never sell my vote!"

They tried to induce him to stick to his first promise to them, but it was no go; for Uncle Pete said.

On the receipt, at Fort Warren, Boston, of the news that Messrs. Mason and Slidell were to be surrendered to the British Government, there was general dissatisfaction among both officers and men, and expressions very much against their personal safety were freely indulged in; but upon reading the very cool and logical deduction of the Secretary of State, especially the latter part of his reply, where the insignificance of the worth of the custody of the Commissioners in this country is asserted, and the fact that were it essential to the welfare or the safety of the Government they would be retained at all haz

"There is no use to talk, gentlemen. I am a Lincoln man, and have been for over ten years!" And getting a little warmed up at the thought of the twenty dollars, he continued, "No, gentlemen, there is no use trying to change my mind, as I always vote unflinchingly on principle, and money can't buy my vote. I am a Lincoln man, and have been a Lincoln man all my ards, a general acquiescence was as freely life!" manifested.

The Democrats left in disappointment, the Lincoln men of course feeling sure of Uncle Pete's vote;-unless a higher bid came before election!

Northern Present to Jefferson Davis.

On the morning of their departure, the battalion was called out as usual, at 8:45, for dress parade, and were kept upon the parade-ground, manoeuvring slightly, till after the rebels left. The guards were strengthened to prevent any from going The editor of one of the newspapers upon the parapets, either soldiers or prispublished in Norwich, Connecticut, sent oners, and thus they left as quietly as a Jefferson Davis, the "President" of the then dog could-perhaps with not so much no"Six Nations," a pen-holder made from a tice as a noble specimen of the Newfoundafter of the house in which his forerun- land ordinarily attracts. As they passed ner, Benedict Arnold, was born. In closing down to the wharf, they were accompanied