lowed. He was the first member ever elected to the provincial legislature from the interior of South Carolina. Of this body, and the state legislature, after the revolution, he continued a member for thirty years without intermission, except for a single term, until his death, in 1796. He was a zealous whig, and a disinterested patriot. He opposed the adoption of the federal constitution on the ground that it conferred rights on Congress incompatible with the sovereignty of the states. At thirteen years of age young CALHOUN was placed at the academy of his brother-in-law, the Rev. Dr. Waddel, since so distinguished, as a teacher, in the Southern states. The death of his father, however, interrupted his studies, and the academy ceased for a time. He continued to reside with Dr. Waddel, and made ample use of a circulating library, of which his brother-in law was librarian. Hither he resorted instinctively, and without any direction, passing over lighter, and, to persons of his age, usually more alluring literature, fixed his attention upon history. With such unremitting industry did he labor, that he is said to have read, in the course of fourteen weeks, Rollin's Ancient History, Robertson's Charles V. and America, Voltaire's Charles XII., the large edition of Cooke's Voyages, the first volume of Locke on the Human Understanding, and several smaller works. Under this severe application, in which his meals and rest were neglected, his eyes were injured, his countetenance grew pallid, and his whole frame became emaciated. His mother, alarmed for his health, took him home; where separation from books, air and exercise very soon reinstated him; and to his love of books, succeeded, by a natural transition, a passion for the sports of the country. Though the progress of his education was now arrested, yet his new manner of life laid the foundation of a vigorous constitution, and he contracted, also, that fondness for agriculture, which has distinguished so many illustrious names. In the midst of family arrangements, and in consequence of his growing attachment to agricultural pursuits, JOHN had abandoned all thought of his former studies, when his brother James, who had been placed in a compting house in Charleston, returned home to spend the summer of 1800, and was so struck with his capacity, that he importuned him to turn his attention at once to a classical education, though it was not till after great persuasion, that he yielded to his brother's judgment, Accordingly he proceeded to Dr. Waddel's academy, which had been reöpened in Columbia county, Georgia, where, in 1800, he may properly be said to have begun, at the age of eighteen, a classical education. Here his progress was so rapid, that he was enabled to join the junior class at Yale college in the autumn of 1802. In that institution he took a high grade in all the studies; but, though he did not want imagination and taste, he was peculiarly distinguished by the depth and quickness of his intellect. He differed widely from Dr. Dwight, the eminent individual, who presided over the college, in political opinions, and, although they had frequent discussions, they were always of a friendly character. It is related that in the course of a recitation in Paley's Philosophy, the Doctor expressed a doubt, "whether the consent of the governed, was the only just origin of legitimate government?" This caused an animated debate between him and his pupil which held the class in delighted suspense till dinner, in the course of which the student evinced such depth of thought, and such power of argument and eloquence, that his celebrated preceptor predicted his future rise. "That young man," he said to a friend, "has talents enough to be president of the United States." Just four years after commencing the Latin grammar, he graduated with the highest honors, at the head of a large and talented class, but was prevented by sickness from delivering his oration, the subject of which was "The qualifications necessary to a perfect statesman." After enrolling himself, on his return home, a student of law with H. W. Desaussure, he returned to New England, and entered the Litchfield law school, where for eighteen months under the Judges Reeve and Gould, he made great advancement. The morning was devoted to law, the rest of the day to general literature and political science, and he cultivated with especial care, extemporaneous speaking. It was in the debating society of this place, where the most agitating political topics of the day were discussed before crowded meetings, that Mr. CALHOUN who was ever the champion of the republican side, first developed his great powers of parliamentary debate. It was his custom, even then, to prepare by reflection, and not by arranging on paper, what he meant to say, nor by taking notes of the arguments of others. A good memory preserved the order of his own thoughts, and a wonderful power of analysis and classification enabled him to digest rapidly, and distribute in their proper places, the answer and refutation of all the arguments of the speakers, however numerous, whom he followed. In 1806, he returned to South Carolina, and in 1807 commenced, lowed. He was the first member ever elected to the pro At thirteen years of age young CALF JOHN CALDWELL CALHOUN JOHN CALDWELL CALHOUN 1 education. in the junior class at Yale college in the -h grade in all the studies; but, nd taste, he was peculiarly f his intellect. He dif Jual, who presided "had frequent octor is related ons they had recommended. Thus, by circumstances, as well ëminent ability, was he at this early period at the head of in the house of representatives, which sustained the war d. his momentous period he delivered one of his best hich a short passage may be here extracted, as well his profound and philosophical character of mind, of spirit, which could not in all cases, submit ty, and led him to differ, in common with his que, Lowndes, from the administration, on system and the navy. In speaking of the et to the restrictive system because it people, nor that of the government, of our country. We are a people re preeminently so. No passive tion superior to all others; in Jor does it suit the genius of ded on freedom, and hates rem effective, requires the with the severest statutes, has not prohibited articles; and Napoleon, with all his gilance, was obliged to resort to the most barbarous to enforce his continental system. This nation ought to be taught to rely on its own courage, its fortitude, its skill, and virtue for protection. These are the only safeguards in the hour of danger. Man was endowed with these great qualities for his defence. There is nothing about him that indicates that he is to conquer by endurance; he is not encrusted in a shell; he is not taught to rely upon his insensibility, his passive suffering, for defence. No, sir, it is on the invincible mind, on a magnanimous nature, he ought to rely. Here is the superiority of our kind; it is these that render man the lord of the world. It is the destiny of his condition that nations rise above nations as they are endowed in a greater degree with these brilliant qualities." To trace Mr. CALHOUN's course or to recount his services during the war, would fill a volume. It is sufficient to say that in the leading position of chairman of the committee of foreign relations, in a complication of adverse circumstances, during the gloom of that contest, calculated to overwhelm the feeble and appal the stoutest, against a weight and ardor of opposition unknown to the congress of the revolution, he never faltered, never doubted, never despaired in his native district, a lucrative practice, ranking, from the very outset, with the most eminent lawyers in his circuit. An incident occurred about this time, which brought him into distinguished notice. The affair of the Chesapeake had just created great excitement throughout the south: a meeting of the people was called at Abbeville court house, and Mr. CALHOUN was one of the committee appointed to draft an address and resolutions. He was requested also to address the meeting. The day arrived-the assembly was large. It was his first appearance before the public, and trying as was the situation, he acquitted himself in a manner that excited enthusiastic approbation. Soon after he was proposed as a candidate for the next legislature, and in spite of a prejudice which for years had prevented the election of a lawyer, he was chosen by an overwhelming majority. Here, during two successive sessions, he took the lead in every matter of importance, and eminently distinguished himself for that political foresight and sagacity, for which he has ever been so remarkable. He took his seat in congress in the autumn of 1811, at the commencement of the first session of the twelfth congress, having been elected by a vast majority to represent the district composed of Abbeville, Newberry, and Laurens. His reputation had preceded him, and he was placed at once second on the committee of foreign affairs, which was at that juncture the most important. An able report, on which the discussions of the session chiefly turned, recommended an immediate appeal to arms, and Mr. CALHOUN's first effort in congress was, in sustaining the measures recommended, to reply to a most able and eloquent speech of John Randolph, also a member of the committee, and one of the most sagacious opponents and powerful orators, which this or any country ever boasted. Public excitement was strong, the house crowded, and the orator, rising with the greatness of the occasion, delivered a speech, which, for lofty patriotism, cogent reasoning, and soul-stirring eloquence, has seldom been equalled. It met unbounded and universal applause. He was compared to "one of the old sages of the old congress, with the graces of youth," and the "young Carolinian" was hailed as "one of the master spirits, who stamp their name upon the age in which they live." Early in the session General Porter retired from congress, and Mr. CALHOUN was placed at the head of the committee on foreign relations, which committee, in addition to their appropriate duties, |