USA > Alabama > Reminiscences of public men in Alabama : for thirty years, with an appendix > Part 69
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Mr. Crook spoke, in substance as follows :
Mr. Speaker-The pathetic eulogiums pronounced by gentlemen who have pre- ceded me are truly appropriate, but rather suggestive than exhaustive of the supe- rior virtues, the ennobling attributes, and exalting characteristics which so emi- nently distinguished him, who lived for his country, who died for his country, and in dying left to her an heritage of tears. It is not my purpose to speak at length upon this melancholy and exhaustless theme, but merely to unite in a gen- eral expression of sorrow over the untimely and tragical death of one of Ala -. bama's noblest and worthiest sons. Although dead and lost to us, we, Mr. Speaker, have a pleasing consolation in the assurance, that he has not died "unwept, un- honored and unsung." Sung of poets, honored and loved by every admirer of true chivalry, he is wept by a bereaved mother-our beloved Alabama-and when the future historian shall lift, to wield, the unprejudiced pen of destiny in record- ing the names of our noble dead, methinks he will inscribe, with others, upon the frontis page of immortality the name of James H. Clanton.
Mr. Duskin said, in substance, that, although he differed from Gen. Clanton in politics, and was, therefore, not so intimately associated with him in his life as other gentlemen of the House had been, yet he had known him well enough to re- spect him for his bold advocacy of what he believed to be the right, and to honor him for his many shining virtues. He had not intended to do more than give his hearty indorsement to the remarks of the gentlemen who had preceded him, but this much he would add: The genuine honesty and integrity of Clanton's charac- ter was such that he never suspected dishonesty in others. It, therefore, hap- pened that he questioned the motives of no antagonist, but gave full faith and credit to the sincerity of the convictions of all. But when he found a rascal, he hated him with an implacable hatred, a hatred which knew neither abatement nor forgiveness. So pure was he himself in this respect that he could not look upon the sins of others with the least degree of tolerance. He was a man of whom his friends had just cause to be proud, and to whose memory it was right and proper that some such tribute as that offered by the resolutions of the Committee, should be paid by his bereaved fellow-citizens. Gen. Clanton had loved Alabama, and the speaker, as an Alabamian, claimed the right to share in this tribute to his memory
Mr. Smith, of Sumter, said:
Mr. Speaker-The objects of the resolutions are such as to touch the sympathies and hearts of every true Alabamian.
One of our prominent, and leading citizens has been taken from us, in the very prime of his manhood and usefulness, not by the ordinary dispensation of Provi- dence, but by the hand of a murderer. Gen. Clanton was singularly devoted to Alabama. Whenever her interests or honor were involved, he was ever ready to defend her, without estimating the personal consequences to himself. The points of his character were marked and well defined. Of a quick and susceptible tem- perament, accompanied with an invincible resolution, his attachments, when once formed, were strong; and amongst the strongest attachments of his life was his devotion to the State of Alabama. All great reforms in life seem to be effected at the cost of great sacrifices. This, sir, is an evil day for Alabama; she has been beset by untoward troubles and difficulties, and she found a friend, in one of her best and bravest citizens, whose martyred blood attests his patriotism and devotion to his beloved State.
Gen. Clanton was on a mission of the first importance to the State when he lost
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his life. His name must ever be dear to the State he served so well and faithfully. Although he has gone from our midst, we will ever recur with pleasure to his many noble traits of character ; and every true Alabamian will cherish his memory. Mr. Speaker, the few brief remarks I have made, but feebly indicate the estimation in which Gen. Clanton is held by those whom I have the honor to represent, in part, on this floor.
Mr. Bullock said:
Mr. Speaker-I can not suffer this occasion to pass without expressing the emo- tions awakened in the hearts of those, in common with myself, whom I have the honor to represent on this floor, at the sad event which we so much deplore-the death of Gen. James H. Clanton. If I should here, sir, attempt to do justice to his virtues, I would feel that words would be inadequate to perform that duty. Therefore, it will not be my object to pronounce an eulogium upon his character. As to his faults, I may merely say :
When cold in the grave lies the friend thou hast loved, Be his faults and his foibles forgot by thee then ; And if from his slumbers the veil be removed, Weep o'er them in silence and close it again.
It is more, sir, to give expression to the sentiments of love for his person and admiration of his character, entertained by the people of Alabama, particularly of those of my county, with whose sentiments I am familiar, than to pronounce encomiums upon his virtues, that I address the House. Truly, the people through- out the entire borders of the State weep tears of bitterness and sorrow at his loss; none will mingle those tears more freely over the grave of Alabama's most unself- ish and patriotic son than the people of the county of Greene. They loved, hon- ored and admired him, as a true type of Southern manhood. The beautiful and the fair will do honor to his memory, for he was woman's defender. The thoughts of her doubtless nerved his arm in the fierce conflicts of war, and caused him to make a bulwark of his breast to hurl back the minions of tyranny as they came to devastate the hearthstone where woman was a deity. Nobly he defended the weak and defenseless-nobly, in her darkest hours, he defended the honor, too, of his beloved Alabama.
But it was not as a soldier that Gen. Clanton so eminently deserved and com- manded the love and affection of the people of the State. His chivalric conduct and his exalted patriotism, his unselfish devotion to his country in the late war, has obtained for him a name upon which will rest an imperishable radiance; but in the services which he has rendered the State since the war, in the exclusive and entire devotion of himself to her welfare and prosperity, and in the partially successful effort to relieve her from the political embarrassments in which she was placed by the political events since that time, are really more deserving of the gratitude of the people of Alabama. It was to the accomplishment of these great and noble objects, without regard to personal considerations, that General Clanton so largely contributed, and this should more endear him to the people. It is true, sir, he was willing to pour out his heart's best blood like water on the red fields of war, but it was in the tumult and strife of the political struggles that his con- duct and actions shone so conspicuously. It is on this account that we so much feel his loss. From Tennessee to the Gulf-from the red waters of the Chatta- hoochee to the dark waters of the Bigby-a whole people are in tears, mingling their sorrows over his grave, and decking it with flowers of immortality. Gently rest his noble dust beneath the soil of his State. His virtues will live in the affec- tions of the people of Alabama as long as "the eye can see or the tongue can speak them."
The question then occurring on the adoption of the resolutions reported from the Special Committee by Mr. Lowe, they were unanimously adopted. And there- upon the Speaker announced the adjournment of the House until to-morrow morning, ten o'clock.
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The Representative Chamber was draped in mourning on ac- count of Gen. Clanton's death. It may be added here, that the press throughout the country testified to the heroic qualities and personal merit of the deceased soldier and statesman.
As a part of the memoir of Gen. Clanton, certain official pro- ceedings have been included as a simple act of justice to his mem- ory. The particulars of the killing are thus given by the Knox- ville Free Press and Herald, of September 29, 1871 :
The fearful tragedy of Wednesday evening was the subject of universal com- ment among our citizens yesterday. Men talked with each other of the terrible affray, and regretted its occurrence. Though neither of the actors were residents in our community, and the subject of their quarrel was a personal difference, yet it was felt that the odium of the homicide would be reflected upon Knoxville, and the failure of the authorities to promptly arrest the murderer was a stigma upon the fair fame of our city.
Though the dead man had been a General in the Confederate service, and his slayer a Colonel in the Federal army, men felt relieved to know that politics had nothing to do with the matter, and the tragedy was not a repetition of the scenes of five and six years ago.
Those who had come to our city from Chattanooga to take part in the proceed- ings in the United States Court, in the case of the Alabama & Chattanooga Rail- road, felt relieved when the Coroner's inquest developed the fact, that nothing that had transpired in connection with that, had anything to do with bringing on the fatal difficulty.
ยท Yet, while these various classes of our community found cause to congratulate each other, the bitter fact remains, that the deed was done in open daylight, in the presence of a dozen witnesses, and the perpetrator allowed to escape.
Many different accounts were in circulation Wednesday evening of the manner in which the tragedy occurred, and during the excitement, it was impossible to arrive at a correct version of the affair. During yesterday, however, we made every effort, by hearing the statements of the different witnesses of the tragedy, to arrive at a correct account of the bloody deed, and give the following as being as near the true one as possible to obtain :
When Clanton and Nelson were introduced, on the sidewalk, on the north side of Cumberland, above Gay street, Clanton, after the interchange of a few pleasant greetings, remarked that he "had now got through his law business, and was ready to see the town."
Nelson said : "I can take you where there is something very nice, if you are not afraid."
Clanton said, pleasantly : "Do I look as if I was afraid ?"
Nelson replied : "I do not know whether you are or not."
Gen. Clanton replied : "I am not afraid of anything or any man."
Nelson again repeated, "I do not know whether you are or not," in a manner which Clanton seemed to think insulting, and he retorted :
"If you think I am, try me; name your friend, time and place-any time or any place."
Nelson, very excitedly, said : "This time and place is as good as any."
This conversation took place on the sidewalk, in the presence of six or eight gentlemen, both parties talking rather loudly. Nelson had his hand in his right side pants' pocket.
After Nelson made the last remark, above quoted, Clanton stepped out into the street. Facing toward the sidewalk, he said to Mr. Fort: "Step off the ground for your friend."
In the meantime, Nelson ran into the St. Nicholas Saloon, and tried to borrow a pistol from a gentleman then in there. He had nothing of the sort, and said so. Nelson then said to another gentleman: "I want my gun-where is it?" He was informed that he could not get his gun-it was in the office of one of the
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stores on Gay street, the rear of which opens into an enclosed yard, used in com- mon by several. Nelson dashed away from the gentleman, however, got into the store, and demanded again that his gun be brought to him. He was told that he could not get it, but seeing it in one corner, where it had probably been standing for some time, he seized it and rushed out the back door. As he went out, efforts were made by two men to stop him, but being of superior strength and filled with passion, he shoved them off, and ran out of the store. Such is the statement of the gentlemen themselves. In the yard, he was caught by a young man, who at- tempted to stop him, but Nelson clubbed his gun on him, and drove him. He then ran through the saloon and out on Cumberland street.
From the statements of three witnesses, we gather that, when Nelson stepped out on the pavement, he was partly hid by several beer kegs, an awning post, and a lamp post. He took deliberate aim, resting his gun against the awning post. At that moment, Clanton seems to have seen him. As we stated before, Clanton had been facing the sidewalk, with his hands up in front of him. When he saw Nelson, he turned around to face him, put his hand back to draw his pistol, and at that moment, Nelson fired. It is now believed that this load struck Clanton on the right shoulder, breaking his arm, for when he drew his pistol, he was seen to put his left hand under his right, as if to hold it up, and was gradually sinking down, when his pistol went off, the bullet striking the curbstone about fifteen feet ahead. Nelson then fired a second shot, the slugs of which lodged in the plaster of the Lamar House, from where fifteen were afterward dug out. Clanton sank down dead, and was removed, as described in our yesterday's issue.
Nelson, after firing the second shot, ran back through the saloon, went through a store, and came out on Gay street; went up Gay to Church street, in a fast walk, turned up Church, and started to run. Several parties who saw him say he was carrying a pistol in his hand.
Nelson then went to his father's house, on West Cumberland street, told what he had done, and seemed much excited. His father advised him to submit to the authorities, and take the consequence of his own conduct, rather than become a fugitive from justice. He remained at his father's house about fifteen minutes, and it was not known to his father that he had left the place, until he was told that some one had brought him a horse, and that he had gone out on the Kingston road.
The fugitive stopped at several places along the road and told what he had done. He stopped at Concord, and talked with parties there, told what he had done, and, it is said, got on the down passenger train, the same on which the re- mains of Gen. Clanton were carried South, and went on, but where, it is not known. This last statement, however, though believed, lacks confirmation.
Up to six o'clock last evening, we heard of no extraordinary effort to arrest Nelson.
In explanation of the serious turn so sadly given to a seemingly trivial conver- sation, this very plausible suggestion has been made by persons well acquainted with the character of Gen. Clanton, and the circumstances surrounding him : Gen. Clanton had had several difficulties with the adherents of the Stantons since his connection with the Alabama and Chattanooga Railroad, and he had been go- ing armed in anticipation of further trouble. During the forenoon of Wednesday, he had made a very caustic speech in the Federal Court against the Stanton party, handling them without gloves. He had reason to apprehend an attack from some of the party. Col. Fort, who introduced Col. Nelson to him, was one of the at- torneys on the Stanton side of the case, though friendly with Clanton. It is thought that when Nelson showed signs of irritability, the idea must have en- tered Clanton's mind that it was a maneuvre to inveigle him into a difficulty, and, being brave under all circumstances, he determined to meet the issue then and there. It is believed that he must have thought (however erroneously) that the Stanton business was at the bottom of the difficulty.
THE CORONER'S INQUEST .- The Coroner's Jury, empanneled to inquire into the cause of the death of Gen. J. H. Clanton, on Wednesday evening, and who caused it, rendered the following verdict ;
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STATE OF TENNESSEE, KNOX COUNTY.
An inquisition-holden at the Lamar House in Knoxville, in the county and State aforesaid, on the 27th day of September, 1871, before I. P. Alley, upon the body of James H. Clanton, there lying dead-by the jurors whose names are hereto subscribed, who upon their oath do say, that James H. Clanton was killed on the 27th day of September, 1871, by a gun shot fired by David M. Nelson, The weapon a double-barreled shot-gun, and by unlawful means.
James H. Renshaw, A. C. E. Callen, John Crowley, I. N. Hacker, J. A. Brake- bill, E. W. Adkins, W. R. McBath.
I. P. ALLEY, Coroner for Knox County.
KNOXVILLE, September 28, 1871.
ADDITIONAL SKETCH .- Since the death of Gen. Clanton, the author has obtained further particulars respecting his early life and adventures, and also his service in the Confederate army.
He was born in Columbia county, Georgia, January 8, 1827, and was brought by his father to Alabama in 1836. Abandoning his course of studies in the State University in 1846, he volun- teered in the Mexican war, and joined the army of Gen. Taylor on the Rio Grande. He returned home a short time, and left for Mexico with the "Palmetto Regiment" from South Carolina, in 1847. In 1851, he connected himself with the Lopez expedition against Cuba, and at New Orleans was elected Lieutenant-Colonel of an Alabama and Louisiana regiment, of which Robert Wheat was Colonel.
He was Captain in the army of the Confederate States in 1861; Colonel in 1862; Brigadier-General in 1863, and Major-General in 1864; was Chief of Cavalry, and ranking cavalry officer at the battle of Shiloh. In leading the charge of his regiment, (1st Ala- bama Cavalry) at Booneville, in July, 1862, his sword was struck, and his uniform pierced, by the bullets of the enemy. All the members of his staff, but one, were killed and captured while op- posing Rosseau's raid in the Summer of 1863. His horse was killed under him in the Spring of 1864, near Pollard, while fight- ing the Pensacola raid. Gen. Clanton was shot through the body with a pistol and left as mortally wounded, and was captured on the field, fighting Canby's advance on Mobile and Pollard in the Winter of 1864.
In his own words, he never asked a man to vote for him, nor ever announced himself a candidate for any position-and he had many-nor was he ever beaten for any position.
Gen. Clanton left a widow, Mrs. Parthenia Clanton, and three sons-the eldest, James Abercrombie, twelve years of age-the second, Thomas Watts, aged ten, and the youngest, Holt, aged seven years. The Legislature, in voting compensation for his professional services to the State, has made a just provision for his family. A splendid monument is to be erected to his memory by public contribution.
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TRIBUTE TO GEN. J. H. CLANTON .- In the Democratic State Convention of Ala- bama, on Wednesday, June 19, 1872, immediately after its permanent organization and appointment of the business committees, Hon. T. J. Judge, Chairman of the State Executive Committee, with a few eloquent prefatory remarks, offered the fol- lowing resolutions, which were adopted by a rising vote:
It is proper that a tribute should be paid to the memory of those who have ren- dered signal services to their country.
That Gen. James H. Clanton was eminently entitled to this distinction is uni- versally conceded. From his youth up to the moment of his death, he responded, with alacrity, to every appeal which was made by the country upon her citizens. As a soldier, he was as brave as the bravest; but there were thousands like him. It is not then to him, as a soldier, we offer this tribute. When war ceased to exist, . when the cause which he loved so well was lost, when the whole people were . clothed in the drapery of mourning, when the fair promises of victors were trans- formed to the bloody decrees of tyrants, when the very hearts of our people were almost ground to dust by the iron heel of despotism; and when even hope itself had almost gone, it was then that the voice of Gen. Clanton was heard calling upon the people to arouse from their lethargy; to shake off the dew drops that glittered on their garments-and, to make one bold, determined effort to rescue the State from the vandals who had taken possession of it.
Most nobly was that appeal responded to by the people. His spirit became the spirit of the people, and the redemption of the State from the hordes of ruthless invaders was the result of the conflict he inaugurated. This is the monument which he has erected to his own memory, and upon it should a grateful people heap their garlands.
Be it therefore resolved, That we, the people of Alabama, whom, living he loved so well and served so faithfully, look back with gratitude and pride upon the bril- liant career of our late fellow-citizen, James H. Clanton, in whose untimely death we mourn a tried and affectionate friend, while the State has lost a distinguished, talented, and devoted son, and the whole country an upright man, a good citizen, aud an ardent patriot.
Resolved, That in all the acts of his life he exhibited the qualities which have ever secured the esteem and admiration of mankind: a heart pulsating to every generous prompting of duty and affection ; a mind quick to conceive the noblest thoughts ; a hand ready and able to execute the most daring purposes ; a courage that never faltcred; a devotion to duty into which no considerations of self entered ; unlimited generosity in thought and act; and a patriotism that grew with his years and ripened with his strength.
Resolved, That we cherish his memory as a sacred legacy, and commend his ex- ample to the youth of our country.
Resolved, That the President of this Convention be requested to transmit a copy of the foregoing preamble and resolutions to the widow of the deceased, and to convey to her the assurance of our sympathy and grief at her irreparable loss.
THOS. J. JUDGE,
Chairman Executive Committee.
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CHAPTER XXXVI.
Elections, 1856-Legislature, 1857-Inauguration of Gov. Moore- Candidates and Members Sketched.
During the session of the General Assembly, 1855-'6, a Con- vention of the Democratic Anti-Know-Nothing party was held at the Capitol, for organization preparatory to the Presidential con- test of 1856. Col. Felix G. Norman was President. In the course of its deliberations, a question arose as to what was to be done with the appendage Anti-Know-Nothing, which the party had recognized and used in the past year, and upon which not a few Whigs were in the Convention as delegates, and in the Legisla- ture as members. To send delegates to the National Democratic Convention with it tacked on, was considered out of taste, as the National organization would recognize but one title or name- that of Democratic (or Democrats). And then the important ac- cessions to the organization from the Whig party were not on ac- count of any change of opinion in relation to old parties, but on this one point only; and some of these gentlemen in the Conven- tion declared that they would withdraw, if the appendage was taken off. So they determined that, in the State organization, it should remain, and leave the National party name to be deter- mined at Cincinnati.
In the contest of 1856, the parties were known as Democratic and American, with Mr. Buchanan and Mr. Fillmore as the rep- resentative standard-bearers. The strong men of each party were upon the Electoral ticket, and on the stump, and there was an able and spirited canvass. The vote of the State was larger than ever before-75,291-of which Mr. Buchanan received 46,739, and Mr. Fillmore 28,552.
In the month of June, 1857, was held the Convention to nom- inate a candidate for Governor, to succeed Gov. Winston. There were several gentlemen whose claims were strongly urged by their friends, with a strong primary effort. Judge A. B. Moore, Col. Cochran, Judge John E. Moore, and Major Hubbard, were the prominent men brought before the Convention for the honor. The contest was long-the ballotings continued two or three days- the friends of each devoted to the success of their man. Judge A. B. Moore, of Perry, was at last nominated, and in August, was elected without opposition.
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The Congressional elections resulted in favor of the Demo- cratic party, except in one District, as the following statement will show:
First District, James A. Stallworth;
Second District, Eli S. Shorter;
Third District, James F. Dowdell;
Fourth District, William R. Smith; Fifth District, George S. Houston;
Sixth District, Williamson R. W. Cobb;
Seventh District, Jabez L. M. Curry.
MR. CURRY was first elected to the House from Talladega in 1847, a young man but lately returned from college, and the Law School at Cambridge. His elementary training and literary ad- vantages had been ample, and these, with a mind of no ordinary force, caused him to be looked upon as one of the rising young men of his day. He was again elected in 1853, and took a lead- ing part among the talented young men of the House. He was made Chairman of the Committee on Internal Improvement, a very important one at that time, and was thus thrown into the front rank upon all questions of that character introduced and referred; though Mr. Curry was prudent, and seldom occupied the floor, ex- cept in explanation, and then was brief and pointed in his remarks, so as not to tax the patience of the House. He made but one set speech at the session, and that was at the request, or suggestion of his friends, and in it he displayed abilities, knowledge, and elo- quence that stamped him as one of the first men of the House.
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