YALE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY mm '£.W.-- '/ £ / f i s.< / /> A LIFE * OF Clement L. Vallandigham, BY HIS BROTHER, Rev. JAMES L. VALLANDIGHAM. BALTIMOEE: TTJENBTJLL BEOTHEES, 8 North Charles Street. 1872. Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the Year 1872, by TURNBULL BROTHERS, In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. OOSTENTS CHAPTER I-Ancestry. PAGE First Ancestor in this Country— Great-Grandfather-^Grandfather— Father— Maternal Grandfather— Mother, . . . 1 CHAPTER II— Birth and Early Days. Nativity— First School— School Companions— Studious Habits— A Good Shot and a Successful Fisherman— The Discomfited Joker— Adventure on the Eastern Shore of Maryland- Reminiscence of Rev. C. V. McKaig— A Characteristic Com position, . 9 CHAPTER III— College Life. A Student of Jefferson College — Principal of Union Academy in Snow Hill — Letter of Judge Franklin — Letter of Irving Spence, Esq. — Re-enters College — Chosen Debater of the Franklin Society— Rules for Moral Culture— Difficulty with the President of the College — Demands and Receives an Honorable Dismission— Commences the Study of Law — The Contest at College— Tribute of the Rev. F. T. Brown, D.D. — Recollections of the Hon. Sherrard Clemens— Offered his Diploma, 19 CHAPTER IV— Entrance on Political and Professional Career. First Political Speech — Speech at New Middletown — Discussion with the Whigs — Rencounter on the Streets of New Lisbon— IV CONTENTS. PAGE His First Speech to a Jury while a Student of Law— Ad mitted to the Bar— First Speech after Admission — Great Success as a Lawyer — Fixed Rules, .... P.O. CHAPTER V— In the Legislature of Ohio. Elected a Representative — Rules for Conduct as a Legislator- First Speech— Report on the Eligibility of Officers of the • State Bank to a Seat in the Legislature — Report on Legis lative Districts — Speech on the Bill to Repeal the Ohio State Bank Act— Speech on the Sanctity of Cemeteries — Speech on the Tax Bill — The True Statesman Delineated — His First Vote — Courtesy to Opponents — Canvass of the County for Re-nomination — Nominated and Elected — His Marriage — Second Session in the Legislature — Unanimously Supported for Speaker by his Party — Resolutions and Speech on the Mexican War — The Wilmot Proviso — Votes to Reject Petitions for Dissolution of the Union — Popular Education — The Black Laws — His Reputation as a Legislator — Declines a Re-nomination 39 CHAPTER VI— Removal to Dayton, and Editorship of the " Empire." Takes up his Residence in Dayton — Becomes Law-Partner of T. v J. 8. Smith, Esq. — Editor of the Empire — His Salutatory Ad dress — Editorial on Politics and the Pulpit — Editorial on Dorrisni — Valedictory — Candidate for Judge, 53 CHAPTER VII— Events from 1850 to 1855. Abolitionism— Compromise of 1850— Meeting in Dayton Opposed to it — Meeting in its Favor — Letter of Judge Crane — Reso lutions — Mr. Vallandigham a Warm Friend of the Compro mise — Candidate for Nomination for Lieutenant-Governor First Nomination for Congress — Fails of Election — Journey Through Virginia and Maryland— Nominated for Corigress CONTENTS. V PAGE in 1854 — Knownothingism or Americanism — Charged with Being a Knownothing — Defeated — Speech on Abolitionism in 1855, CI CHAPTER VIII— Election to Congress in 1856, and Contest for the Seat. Nominated for Congress by Acclamation— Result of the Election- Notice of Contest— The Ohio Rebellion— Mr. Vallandigham's Argument before the U. S. District Court— The Result- Prosecution of the Contest before Congress — Report in his Favor — Adoption of the Report and Admission to his Seat — Again Nominated and Elected— Speech on the Impeachment of Judge Watrous — Speech on the Tariff— The John Brown Raid — Mr. Vallandigham's Letter in Regard to it — Excite ment in the Country, ........ 83 CHAPTER IX— Thirty-Sixth Congress. Meeting of Congress— Helper's Book — Attempt to Elect a Speaker- Mr. Vallandigham's Speech — Speaker Elected — Free Trans mission of Newspapers — The Hour Rule — Arming the State Militia — Goes to Charleston — Incident There — Letter to his Brother — Visits Home — Speaks at Detroit — Re-elected to Con gress — Card to the Enquirer — 2d Session of Congress — Letter to his Wife — Speech in Congress — Mr. Sickles on Coercion — Border State Meeting — Central Confederacy — Serenade and Speech — Visits Richmond — Letter to his Wife — Another Letter — Amendment to the Constitution — Misrepresented — Vote on the Compromise Measures — Denunciation and Reply — His Personal Peril — Private Circular — Letter to his Con stituents, 137 CHAPTER X— Thirty-Seventh Congress. Meets on the 4th of July — Violent Excitement — Mr. V. speaks on Executive Usurpation — Affair at Camp Upton — Favors Equal Rights to the Jews — Vol. Army Bill — The Crittenden Resolu tion — Military Academy Bill — Convention of the States— VI CONTENTS. PAGE Seizure of Mason and Slidell— Surrender of Mason and Slidell— Legal Tender Bill— Hickman's Assault and Repulse- Retort on Wade— Attempted Censure— Greeley Petitions- Democratic Address— A Lull in the Storm — Bursts Again- Threatened Arrest — Speech at Dayton — Renominated for Congress — Defeated, and the Cause — Cane Presentation — Jubilee Meetings — Meeting of Congress — Resolutions — Speecli of Jan. 14 — New Party — Debate on Conscription, 164 CHAPTER XI— The Arrest. Congress Adjourns — Mr. V. speaks in Philadelphia — In New York — In Connecticut — His Welcome Home — Military Orders — Speech at Hamilton — Letter to Mr. Sanderson — Speech at Columbus — Meeting at Mt. Vernon — Account by Mr. Irvine — In the Banner — In the Crisis — Rumors of Intended Arrest — Assault on his House — Carried to Cincinnati and Imprisoned — Excitement in Dayton — Letter from the Prison, 231 CHAPTER XII— Trial, &c. Officers of the Commission — Charge and Specification — Examin ation of Witnesses — Mr. Vallandigham's Protest — Finding and Sentence — Character of the Commission — Habeas Corpus — The Result — Indignation Meetings — At Albany — In New York City — In Philadelphia — Effect of These — Application to the Supreme Court, ... . 262 CHAPTER XIII— Exile and Political Campaign of 1863. Mr. V. on the Gunboat Exclumge — Parting Address — Interview with Gen. Rosecrans — Carried to the Confederate Lines — Incident at Shelbyville — Discussion about Receiving Him in the Con federacy — The Democratic Convention at Columbus — Mr. V. Nominated for Governor — Resolutions— Committee to Wait on the President— Their Letter— The Result— Comments Thereon — Mr. V. Leaves the South for Canada — Narrowly Escapes Capture— Reception in Canada— Speech at Montreal —Arrives at Niagara Falls— Address to the Democracy of CONTENTS. Vll PAGE Ohio — Enthusiastic Political Meetings in Ohio — Goes to Windsor— Reception— Letter to the Dayton Meeting— An other Letter— Vallandigham's Birthplace— The Result of the Election— Defeated by Fraud— Mr. V.'s Letter Thereon— Letter to his Wife — Visit of the Students of the University of Michigan — Address to Them — Manner of Life in Exile, . 296 CHAPTER XIV— Return from Banishment. Attempts to Return, and Fails— Letter of Dr. Walters — Telegram of Mr. P. — Note of Mr. V. — His Disguise — Crosses the River, and Enters the Cars — Narrowly Escapes Arrest — Reaches Hamilton — His Reception — Letter of Mr. McMahon — His Address — His Welcome by the Democracy — Intends to Stay — Illness of His Mother, and Letter to Her — Letter on Her Death — Speaks in Dayton — In Syracuse, New York — Attends the Convention at Chicago — Supports McClellan in the Campaign, ... 347 CHAPTER XV — Partisan Proscription and the Sons of Liberty. Evil Passions Engendered by the War — Regrets since Expressed by Republicans— Mr. V. Proscribed — Arbitrary Arrests — Free dom of Speech and of the Press Assailed — Organization of the Sons of Liberty — Mr. V. Solicited to Join Them, but Refuses — Again Applied to, and Consents — Object of the Organization — Mr. V. made Grand Commander — Prevents Abuse of the Order — Denounces the Attempt to Pervert It — His Speech at Peoria, Illinois, 369 CHAPTER XVI— Patriotism and Love of the Union. A United States Man— False Charges of Disloyalty — Testimony of Mr. McCullough— Of Rev. Dr. Brown— Sentiments of Promi nent Republicans — Mr. V.'s Views — Opposition to the War — This Not Disloyal— Illustrated— Testimony of Gen'l Ward— Of New York Herald— Not Influenced by Southern Sympathy —Not Regarded by the South as a Friend of Her Cause — V1U CONTENTS. PAGE Honest and Sincere— Letter to His Brother— To Mr. Perharn —Reasons for Opposing the War— The War Unconstitutional —Could be Averted— War a Great Evil— Especially a Civil War— Relatives in Both Armies— War Could Not Restore the Union — Denunciation of Abuses of Power, .... 386 CHAPTER XVII— Events from 1865 to 1870. Effort for Peace — Letter to Greeley — Incident in Dayton — Death of President Lincoln — Letter to the Young Men's Democratic Association of Lancaster — President of the State Convention — President Johnson and the Radicals— Philadelphia Conven tion — The Canvass of 1867— Speech at Mt. Vernon— Letter of Mr. McCulloch — Senatorial Contest — Democratic National Convention of 1868 — His Nomination for Congress — The Canvass, and the Result — Devotes Himself to the Law — Con gressional Election of 1870, and Speech of Hon. L. D. Camp bell—Mr. V.'s Speech to the Colored People, . . .402 CHAPTER XVin— The New Departure. The Montgomery County Meeting — Speech of Mr. Houk — The Reso lutions — Speech of Mr. Vallandigham — The Manner in which the Movement was Received — Letter of Judge Chase — Ex tracts from Different Papers — Opposition to the New Depar ture — Defence by its Friends — Motives of Mr. Vallandigham — His Last Political Speech 43G CHAPTER XIX— Ha rits of Study, and Mental Discipline. Early Studious Habits— Letter of the Hon. S. Clemens — Extracts from Letters to his Brother — His Theological Acquirements — Letter from the Commercial — Mr. V. a Fine Writer — Letter on the Training of his Son — Remarkable Interview with Colonel Key. 453 CHAPTER XX— Social and Domestic Character. Illustrated — Letter to his Brother James — To his Sister New Lisbon and the Old Homestead — Letter, to his Brother To CONTENTS. IX PAGE the same — Sympathy for Friends in Trouble — Letter to his Sister-in-law — Deeds of Kindness — Letter to his Mother — To his Brother — Slander Refuted — Extracts from several Letters to his Mother — Letter on the Death of his Child — Social Qualities — Personal Appearance— Letter to his Wife — To his Son — Recollections of his Cousin, Mrs. Egbert, . . 463 CHAPTER XXI— Religious Character. Early Religious Training — Religious Element of his Character — Not Obtrusive — No Bigot — Letter to his Brother James — s Another Letter to the same — Note from his Mother — Letter to his Mother — To his Brother — Becomes a Communicant in the Prettyterian Church — Letter of Rev. J. H. Brookes, D. D. — Withdraws from the Church, and the Cause — Attends the Lutheran Church — Letter of Rev. D. Steck — Letter .to his Sister Margaret — Remarks Thereon — Letter to his Brother — To his Mother — To the same — Letter of the Rev. John Haight — Letter on the Death of his Sister-in-law, . . . 492 CHAPTER XXII— His Death. The Town of Lebanon— The Alleged Crime of McGehan— The Trial — The Fatal Accident to Mr. V. — Account from the Enquirer — From the Commercial — How the News was Received in Dayton — Remains Brought to Dayton, . . 515 CHAPTER XXIII— The Funeral. Great Concourse — Universal Sorrow — Service at the House — The Procession — Service at the Grave — Interesting Incident — The Death of Mrs. Vallandigham, . 536 CHAPTER XXIV— Tributes to his Memory. Meeting of the Dayton Bar — Remarks of Judge Lowe — Of Hon. P. Odlin— Speech of Senator Thurman— Of Hon. S. S. Cox— Of Gen'l McCook— Of Hon. L. D. Campbell— Remarks of G. W Houk, Esq., and Resolutions — Meeting at Cincinnati — Speech CONTENTS. PAGE of Hon. W. S. Groesbeck — The Press on his Death — Boston Post — Chicago Tribune — Cincinnati Volksblatt — Cincinnati Volksfreund — New York Sun — Cincinnati Enquvrer — Eulogy of Hon. George H. Pendleton— Of S. W. Gilson, Esq.— Tribute of Hon. J. W. Wall, 544 PEEFAOE To write the biography of a near and beloved relative is a, difficult and delicate task. This task I have with much diffidence attempted, and I feel very imperfectly performed. From my own personal and intimate knowledge of the de ceased ; from his letters and speeches ; and from the recollec tions of many who were long acquainted with him: I have endeavored faithfully to delineate his character. To the friends who have aided me by furnishing facts, in cidents, and recollections, I return my, grateful acknowledg ments. To my son, James L. Vallandigham, Esq., of Hamilton, Ohio, I am under special obligations, particularly in the polit ical part of the work. I am also indebted to the daily and weekly papers for much valuable information. These newspapers, edited as they gen erally are by men of ability and culture, with their intelligent correspondents, devoting themselves to the business of collecting and recording with fullness and minuteness events from day to day as they occur, are the rich repositories to which bio graphers and historians must necessarily resort to obtain much of the material needed in the performance of their literary labors. Xll PREFACE. From this source I have gathered information that coulcf be obtained from no other. Should this volume prove acceptable, it may be followed by another — a small one — containing Mr. Vallandigham's Lecture on the Bible, and selections from his letters and speeches. I regret that I have not been able to prepare a more worthy memorial of one admired for his talents, honored for his integrity, and loved for his amiability with the warmest affection. J. L. Vallandiohaml New Ark, Del., Dec. 20, 1871. A LIFE Clement L. Vallandigham. CHAPTER I. ANCESTRY. The ancestors of Clement L. Vallandigham were, on the paternal side, Huguenots j on the maternal, Scotch-Irish. From the femily records, which have been made up with much care and after thorough investigation, and are believed to be accurate, we gather the following. The' family came from French Flanders. The original name was Van Landeghem ; and some of the name lived. near Courtrai 570 years ago. They were knights then,, and, one of them commanded a body of knights under the " Lion. of Flanders," at the battle of the " Golden Spurs," fought near Courtrai in 1302. Michael Van Landeghem and Jane his wife,, who were probably the first of the name who came to this country,, lived in Stafford County, Virginia, in 1690. They afterwards re moved to what was then Northumberland County, between the 2 LIFE OF CLEMENT L. VALLANDIGHAM. Rappahannock and Chesapeake Bay. There their son Michael was born in 1705. This son, prior to 1738, removed to Fair fax County, not far from Alexandria, where he became a lessee of Lord Fairfax. He married Miss Anne Dawson of Nor thumberland County. It was during his life that, for more agreeable sound and easier pronunciation, the name was changed from Van Landeghem to Vallandigham. Michael and Anne Vallandigham had five children, three sons and two daughters. George, the youngest son (the grandfather of the subject of this memoir), was born about the year 1736, near Alexandria, Virginia. Having received a good education, he spent several of his earlier years in teaching as Principal of various High Schools and Academies in Vir ginia and Maryland, meantime studying law and being admitted to the bar. During this period of his life, as well as subse quently, he pursued also the avocation of surveyor. About 1768 he obtained an appointment as Principal of an Academy in Prince George's County, Maryland, where he resided several years, marrying meantime (about 1771) Miss Elizabeth Noble, daughter of Mr. Joseph Noble, of .the same county. About 1774, accompanied, by several families, his wife's rela tives, he crossed the Alleganies to the country around Fort Pitt, and selected and purchased a thousand acres of excellent land, on Robinson's Run, then in Youghiogany County, Virginia, but now in Allegany County, Pennsylvania. In the many conflicts with the Indians which occurred at that time and in that region, he took an active part. From Lord Dunmore he received the rank and title of Colonel, and was with Dunmore in the expedition against the Chillicothe towns in 1774. He was with Colonel Broadhead in the expedition up the Allegany .LIFE OF CLEMENT L. VALLAND1&HAM. 5 in 1779, and also with the same officer in the expedition against the Delawares, on tho Muskingum, in 1781. In his civil capacity also he occupied a high and useful position in society. He labored faithfully and extensively in his vocation as sur veyor, was for many years a Justice of the Peace, and between the years 1780 and 1800 pursued the practice of law iri Pitts burg, Pennsylvania, and Wellsburg, Virginia. Against the famous "Whisky Insurrection" of 1791-4, he bore an active part, and suffered persecution accordingly. He disapproved, indeed, of the excise, but thought violent and armed resistance an improper and inexpedient mode of opposi tion. He advocated remonstrance and repeal effected by peaceable means, and accordingly, by way of example, drew up and circulated a remonstrance against the law. He attended and addressed various meetings of the citizens, and though threatened with personal violence and the burning of his house and barns, and the destruction of his other property, hesitated not to avow his utter opposition to the rash and violent meas ures proposed and adopted. His courage and fearless honesty commanded respect, and though acting also officially in his capacity of Justice against the insurgents, he escaped without harm. Some years afterwards he was a candidate for Congress, and partly from his opposition to the insurrection, and partly because he refused to furnish the customary barrel of whisky to the electors, suffered an honorable defeat. In religion he was a Presbyterian, firm himself, tolerant of others ; a strict observer of the Sabbath, regular in his attend ance upon public and private worship, in heart and life, in walk and conversation, a Christian. For the cause of education he did all that the circumstances of the country and times per- 4 - LIFE OF CLEMENT L. VALLANDIGHAM. mitted, and was among the earliest supporters and patrons of. what afterwards became Jefferson College, where his second son graduated, and where four of his grandsons and one of his great-grandsons were educated. He was very active and energetic both mentally and phy sically; fluent in speech, and excelling in conversational powers. He was amiable in disposition, earnest and firm in his opinions, and diligent in the discharge of duty. Whatever he willed he willed strongly, and whatever his hands found to do, he did it with his might. Courage, as well moral as physical, was a pre-eminent trait in his character. During the Insur rection of 1794, a threat was made to tar and feather him, on a particular occasion, in case he should appear and offer oppo sition. Hearing of the threat, he went forthwith to the meeting of the insurgents, addressed them in a long and earnest speech, pointing out the folly and illegality of their course, and dared them to execute their threat. He returned home unmolested. Passing through a long and useful life, during which he exerted always a controlling influence on all around him, he died on the 4th day of October, 1810, at the house of one of his daughters, aged about 72. Perhaps an apology is due for so extended a notice, in this place, of Col. Vallandigham : if so, it is found in the fact that between him and his grandson whose life and character we are about to exhibit, there were many striking points of resemblance • and besides, we have thought that the many excellences of the man, and the service which as a pioneer he rendered to the region in which he lived, deserved recognition and memorial. As far as we know, no sketch of his life and services has ever been published. LIFE OF CLEMENT L. VALLANDIGHAM. 5 Col. Vallandigham, as we have before said, married Eliz abeth Noble. She was a woman of intelligence, refinement, and worth. Her mother's maiden name was Dent. Both the Nobles and the Dents were of English descent, and were among the earliest and most respectable settlers in the State of Mary land. Col. Vallandigham had five children, two sons and three daughters. The second son, Clement (the father of the sub ject of this memoir), was born at the old family residence, near Noblestown, then within the limits of Virginia, now Allegany County, Pennsylvania, on the 7th day of March, 1778. He was educated at Jefferson College, where he graduated in 1804. There being at that time no theological seminaries in the Wes tern country, he studied divinity under the private tuition of the Rev. John McMillan, D. D., to whom many of the early Presbyterian ministers of the West were indebted for their theo logical training. He was licensed to preach June 25, 1806. On the 14th day of May, 1807, he was married to Miss Rebecca Laird, of Washington County, Pennsylvania. They immediately removed to New Lisbon, Ohio, and on the 24th day of June following he was ordained and installed pastor of the Presbyterian church in that place. There he spent the remainder of his life, during the whole of that time officiating as pastor of that church, and part of the time having also the charge of the congregations of Long's Run and Salem. He was a man of fine mind and a good scholar. His many virtues endeared him to his friends, while so pure and upright was his conduct that even his bitterest enemy could say pought against the integrity of his character. Of no man could it be Baid with more truth than of him, that " even his failings leaned 6 LIFE OF CLEMENT L. VALLANDIGHAM. to virtue's side." One striking trait of his character ¦wasfirm- ness. He would do whatever he was convinced was right, regardless of consequences. Though naturally extremely sen sitive, and therefore not indifferent to the approbation or censure of those around him, neither the desire of the one nor the fear of the other could induce him for a moment to swerve from the path of duty. He was also distinguished for hospitality. Although accustomed to entertain company to an extent that by many Avould have been considered oppressive, and that with his limited income he was ill able to bear, the friend and the stranger always found a cordial welcome beneath his kind roof and at his hospitable table. He was likewise remarkable for amiability of disposition. He was a tender and affectionate husband, a kind and indulgent parent, and a sincere and faithful friend. To his faithfulness in the discharge of ministerial duty, all who knew him bore witness. He shunned not to declare the whole counsel of God. He was instant in season and out of season. He attended faithfully to the stated ministrations of the pulpit, and he visited his flock from house to house. He was always ready to administer the balm of consolation to the wounded spirit, to soothe the couch of disease, and to pay the last sad offices which ministerial duty devolved upon him to the departed. But the most important and estimable trait of his character was his humble, unfeigned piety. His religion was not an occasional impulse, but a steady, unwavering prin ciple. His conduct, the fruit of it, was uniformly most exem plary ; not only more so than that of most men, but more so than that of most ministers. The writer, during a very long acquaintance with him, never knew him guilty of a single act by which his piety could for a moment be called in question. LIFE OF CLEMENT L. VALLANDIGHAM* 7 He died on the 21st day of October, 1839, "greatly beloved and regretted by a people among whom his ministerial labors had been eminently successful." James Laird (the maternal grandfather of Clement L. Vallandigham) was born in the county of Down, Ireland, July 17, 1748. He was of Scotch descent. In the spring of 1766 he left Ireland for America, where he landed May 24, in the same year. He settled in eastern Pennsylvania, and on the 17th of November, 1769, was married to Mrs. Martha Black, of Lancaster County. She having died March 29, 1777, he was married a second time, July 3, 1788, to Miss Margaret Jane Sproat. In 1795 he emigrated from York County to Wash ington County, where he spent the remainder of his life, pur suing the avocations of farmer and merchant. He died August 19, 1803, leaving six children, four sons and two daughters. His sons were all men of more than ordinary talents, and well educated : two of them were graduates of Washington College. One of them became a distinguished lawyer, the other three were ministers of the Gospel. His daughter Rebecca (the mother of the subject of this memoir) was , born in York County, Pennsylvania, on the 20th day of April, 1789. Partly at home, and partly in a Female Seminary in Washington, she received her education. When quite young she was married, and removed with her husband to what was then comparatively a wilderness. A woman of superior intellect, of great energy, and of devoted piety, she was indeed a help-meet for her hus band in his arduous labors as a pioneer minister of the Gospel. She managed the affairs of her household with wisdom and dis cretion, and made her home to her husband and children and friends a home of sunshine and joy. With wonderful tact and 8 LIFE OF CLEMENT L. VALLANDIGHAM. skill she trained up her children and a large number of grand children, who loved her with the warmest affection, and to whom her memory is as " ointment poured forth," unspeakably pre cious. She died on the 8th day of July, 1864, esteemed and be loved and mourned by a community in which she had lived for nearly sixty years. CHAPTER II. BIRTH and early days. Clement Laird Vallandigham was born in New Lisbon, Columbiana County, Ohio, on the 29th day of July, 1820. Of the seven children of his parents he was the fifth, there being two sisters and two brothers older, and a brother and a sister younger. This younger brother, a young lawyer of great promise, died in 1850. The other brothers and sisters still survive. His father received for his ministerial services the amount of salary that was customary in those times — as large perhaps in proportion as is received in the present day ; but it was inadequate to his support. In order to make up the deficiency, and for the purpose of preparing his four sons for college, he established a classical school in his own house. This school was continued first by his eldest, and afterwards by his second son. Here were taught the Armstrongs, the Begges', the Blocksomes, the Brookes', the Grahams, the Harbaughs, the Hessins, the McCooks, the McKaigs, the McMillans, the Richardsons, and others ; many of whom have occupied posi tions of eminence and usefulness, as lawyers, physicians, min isters, merchants, &c. Among them was the late General Wm. T. H. Brookes, a gallant officer in the Mexican war and in the late civil war ; and Colonel George W. McCook, recently the Democratic candidate for Governor of Ohio. 10 LIFE OF CLEMENT L. VALLANDIGHAM. It was in this school that Clement pursued his studies pre paratory to entering college, and even at that early age dis played those abilities for which he was afterwards so greatly distinguished. Before he was two years old he had learned the alphabet, and when only eight commenced the study of Latin, and by the time he had completed his twelfth year he had read the whole Latin and Greek course, and was prepared for the junior class in college. He was, however, considered too young to be sent from home, and for a number of years he spent his time in reviewing his studies, general reading, and in out-door sports and exercises calculated to invigorate the body. At this time he was accustomed, of his own accord, to rise, at 5 o'clock in the morning, both winter and summer, and fre quently he devoted ten or twelve hours a day io study.. ..The, writer has before him a little note-book kept by young Val landigham when only sixteen years of age, in which is a mem orandum of " Time spent in studying." In this he made an entry every day in the most careful manner. As an illustra tion, the following is a literal transcript of one of the entries : " Monday, Jan. 23, com. 15 p. 5 A. M., quit 8 ; rec. 25 p. 9, quit 3 P. M. ; rec. 30 p. 4, quit 15 p. 9 ; rec. 20 of 10, quit 10. Total, 12.25 min." This careful memorandum of the hours spent in study he kept from the 14th day of November, 1836, until the 25th day of January, 1837. Notwithstanding his studious habits as a boy, he was fond of out-door sports, although never very fond of what the young sters call playing. He much preferred going out gunninc or fishing, to playing ball, or any of the other games so eagerly pursued, as a general thing, by boys. At an early age he be- LIFE OF CLEMENT L, VALLANDIGHAM. 11 came an excellent shot, and he was all his life a patient and successful fisherman. At this time, as in later life, his patience and perseverance excited the amusement as well as the admira tion of his companions when he went on a fishing excursion. Whilst those who accompanied him, if the " luck " was not good, would soon become restless, and disposed to try first one place and then another, he would choose his place, and remain there with all the taciturnity and endurance of an Indian until success crowned his efforts and rewarded his patience; and it was a matter of remark that however hopeless at first the pros pect seemed, and disheartened his companions became, he always managed in the end to catch some fish. The adage that " the child is ^father to' the man " is an old and trite one. Its truth however is so undeniable that it is no source of wonder to find that, among all classes of readers and thinkers, there is exhibited a lively desire to learn something of the childhood of one who has occupied a large space in the attention of the public. The impression is strongly felt that in some way those remarkable traits which have given a man dis tinction or fame must have been displayed at an early period of life, before the mind had yet matured, and before the expe rience gained by contact with the world, in its various rela tions, had produced caution, and the reticence and concealment of feeling which are the natural results of familiarity with the passions and the frailties of human nature. As a boy Mr. Vallandigham displayed many of those characteristics which afterwards attracted sometimes the admiration, and sometimes the antagonism of his fellow-men. He was studious, ambitious, courageous, and resolute ; ever more ready to meet opposition half-way than to evade or propitiate. When only about twelve 12 LIFE OF CLEMENT L. VALLANDIGHAM. years old he was one day walking down street in New Lisbon, and was about to pass a crowd of rude boys upon the side-walk. One of them who was unacquainted with him, thought it would be a good joke to give him a fall. Accordingly, as young Vallan digham was about passing, he suddenly thrust his foot out in front of him for the purpose of tripping him. The quick eye of Vallandigham caught the movement, and halting but an instant, he suddenly dealt the young ruffian a blow, so rapidly delivered and so violent that the practical joker was laid upon the ground half-stunned, and then without a word, or even looking around, he calmly pursued the even tenor of his way. ' ' Who was that young fellow ? who is he ? " exclaimed the astonished assailant as he arose to his feet. " Why, it's Clem. Vallandigham, and you had better let him alone," answered his companions, which advice he was very willing to follow. An incident which occurred to him when sojourning tem porarily on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, serves well to show the firmness of his character whilst he was still in years a boy. He had been invited, along with several gay young men, most of them older than himself, to a supper-party given by a hospitable old gentleman of that most hospitable county of Worcester. The host was a gentleman of the old school, kind-hearted and jovial, but a little too much addicted to the use of the "ardent." After a hearty repast, liquors were brought in, and the fun soon became " fast and furious." At this time, and indeed up to 1854, Mr. Vallandigham not only did not drink liquor of any kind himself, but was considered by some of his friends almost fanatical in his views upon the temperance question. Accordingly he refused at the very com mencement of this part of the entertainment to partake, and LIFE OF CLEMENT L. VALLANDIGHAM. 13 desired to excuse himself and return home, as his further presence, under the circumstances, might be a damper to the enjoyment of the company. But his host would not listen to this, and he was assured that his scruples on the subject should be regarded. But alas ! the promises of all men are uncertain, and this is more especially true when those who make them are in the habit of indulging to excess in the use of stimulants ; and as the wine went round, and each one became more reck less, it appeared as plain to our gay friends as if it were a reve lation, that if Vallandigham would not drink of his own accord it was their duty to make him drink, so as to introduce him to the pleasures of Bacchus, and render him as jolly as they them selves felt. In an instant he was surrounded by the jovial youths, and they swore that the man who could drink and would not, should be made to drink. Mr. Vallandigham now found himself in a most embarrassing situation. The young men were his friends, they were excited by liquor, all of them high-spirited and brave, and now perfectly reckless, and they were determined that he should drink. Most persons, rather than seem ungracious, and some because of the danger of refusal, would have submitted; but he was made of sterner stuff. Not alone did his conscientious scruples urge him to resistance, but he was incensed that forcible means should be resorted to in order to compel him to violate the firm determina tion he had formed. Extricating himself with a bound from those who surrounded him, he drew his pistol and solemnly warned them to desist, assuring them with earnestness and emphasis that he would die before he would submit to the indignity threatened, or disregard the opinions he had formed and the resolution he had adopted on the subject of drinking, 14 LIFE OF CLEMENT L. VALLANDIGHAM. by tasting a drop. This produced a momentary silence. The' young men were brave, but they saw there would be trouble, and they stopped a minute to think. He then explained to them the impropriety of their conduct, and in an instant peace was made, and they all sat down satisfied. He shortly after withdrew, leaving them to their carousal, which was kept up to the "wee sma' hours," and returned alone to the village- whence most of the company as well as himself had come. The Rev. Clement V. McKaig, who in boyhood was an intimate friend of Mr. Vallandigham, has furnished the fol lowing recollections of his early days, which we think will be interesting : "It is now nearly 40 years since we attended the same Academy — first when it was under the care of his venerated father, the Rev. Clement Vallandigham, pastor of the Presby terian Church, New Lisbon, Ohio, to whom it owed its origin. We were together also when the Academy was taught by his brother, the Rev. J. L. Vallandigham, then a recent graduate of Jefferson College, Pa. During the largest part of the time we were class-mates, and read together the principal portion of both the Latin and Greek course. In this way I had an opportunity to know him intimately. In person he was slender, erect, symmetrical, and finely formed. He was of fair com plexion, with a bright animated eye and speaking countenance. ' Altogether he was strikingly handsome. In disposition he was amiable, kind and generous, ahvays cheerful, liyely and social; on this account a general favorite in the school. In morals he was remarkably upright and exemplary. I cannot now re collect that he was addicted to any vice whatever, even of a boyish nature. The excellent religious training and example of the parental household seems to have impressed and con trolled him to an extent quite unusual, and so shaped his life at this period that it was to a high degree blameless. In the class, as in all school exercises, he always stood high, because he was both industrious and ambitious. Indeed, ambition to acquit himself well, and even to excel, was a marked trait in his LIFE OF CLEMENT L. VALLANDIGHAM. 15 character from his earliest school-days. I think no one in the school manifested such a laudable pride of good lessons, or showed so much manly honorable sensitiveness on this point. He scorned the idea of laziness as well as inability, and looked upon both as alike shameful. I remember when we were reading Virgil and Horace, there arose in the class a good deal of strife in reference to long lessons. The matter of long lessons was encouraged by the Principal : some, however, protested and com plained bitterly. But Mr. V., though the youngest, never ob jected ; on the contrary, always cordially acceded, to the largest number of lines, and then came prepared to "read the entire portion that had been assigned. And from what I know of him I am sure he would have sat up half or all the night for study, had it been necessary, rather than have asked for lessons any shorter. To be amply prepared for everything that was ex pected of him, and to be fully equal to whatever he attempted, was a noticeable feature in his character. Nor was it so much pride as principle with him. He felt that whatever was re quired to be done, could be, and should be done, and should be done well ; and he never seemed satisfied with himself unless this result was attained. If I mistake not, this feature and habit also continued with him, grew with his growth ; and to it may be attributed, in ari eminent degree, much of his success in life. " In his constitution there was a strorig, flowing enthusiasm ; and this, combined with a high order of talent and a vigorous unwearied industry, gained for him the position of acknow ledged superiority. Yet he never claimed such a position for . himself. He was high-spirited and aspiring, but never haughty, or envious, or vaunting. His emulation was too frank and generous to excite any jealousy. And withal he was so ready" to encourage and assist others, and so unassuming in regard to himself, there was no struggle in reference to place, and no dis pute in respect to merit or proficiency. " Apart from all this, we might note here as characteristics of mind belonging to Mr. V., activity, love of acquisition, readi ness and vivacity of communication. He delighted to exercise his gifts. He never shirked any duty. He counted nothing a task that promised improvement. Composition and discussion, disliked and shunned by most young students, were apparently a pleasure to him. He was therefore uniformly ready, when ever called upon, for composition, debate, and declamation. It 16 LIFE OF CLEMENT L. VALLANDIGHAM, very early appeared that his tastes and talents had a peculiar adaptation in this direction, and that in all his performances there was infused such a life and relish that he must necessarily in the end greatly excel. For one of his years he had read considerable ; his memory was quick and retentive ; his imag ination, if not brilliant, was chaste and prolific; his judgment discriminating, his language pure, easy, and quite fluent, and his manner pleasing and attractive. On suitable occasions, whether before the school or larger audiences on ' Exhibition Day,' he would often acquit himself with the highest credit and acceptance. I recollect that at such times he would come forth ' manly and graceful, full of energy and earnestness, face glowing with youthful eloquence, his soul absorbed in his theme, his thoughts or arguments fresh and striking, his utterance clear and rapid. He was therefore sure to command appreciation and admiration. Here undoubtedly was foreshadowed, not by any means indistinctly, that element of power, eloquence and oratory, which afterwards made him famous as a lawyer, and a successful popular speaker. He never was a mere surface- bubble, a thing to glitter^ and deceive, a tyro in knowledge. He mastered whatever he undertook. He thoroughly inves tigated whatever he attempted to elucidate. His knowledge was accurate as well as comprehensive. He never attempted to lead others, except as an honest, intelligent conviction and careful examination impressed his own mind. Then he would appeal to the reason and judgment rather than the impulse and prejudice. In youth he was free from pedantry as well as sciolism, and could never be charged with artful trickery in disj)laying knowledge simply to create confidence or excite applause." A composition, written by him when sixteen years old, indi cates the bent of his mind at that early age, and the ambition which filled his soul with bright visions of future honor and eminence : " The necessity of exertion to secure intellectual eminence." " This is not a land upon which Nature has so profusely scattered her gifts that we may live without labor. We inherit LIFE- OF CLEMENT L. VALLANDIGHAM. 17 no royal estate, no hereditary slaves toil for our subsistence while we live in luxury and idleness. Our very existence depends upon our exertion ; and the maxim, Quisque suce fortunes faber, is here emphatically true. While exertion is essentially necessary for our pecuniary prosperity in this country, it is much more so to secure great intellectual emi nence. As soon as we have finished our college studies we are thrown upon the cold heartless world to struggle for ourselves. If we have well improved our time and talents while we had the opportunity, we may meet its frowns with indifference, or return them with contempt. There is much to encourage and console us while toiling over our dreary studies, in the reflection that whatever we determine to be, by proper exertion we gen erally may be. Demosthenes determined to be an orator, and his success affords us the highest encouragement. Although not fitted by nature for the profession which he had chosen, by application and diligence he was enabled to overcome her defects ; and now while the names of millions have been buried in the ocean of forgetfulness, his fame gathers fresh lau rels from the lapse of time. When we are tempted to give up . our studies in despair, let us remember that although exertion may now be painful and fatiguing, we shall some day reap the reward of our toil. The experience of both the past and the present teaches us the truth of this observation. Although- almost all desire to rise to eminence in their lifetime, and to leave to future generations some memento of their former existence, few seem to realise its dependence upon themselves. They appear to think that if they are destined to be great, they will be so- without any exertion on their part. Thus many, whom application and study might raise to the highest pitch of fame, deluded by this vain supposition, suffer themselves to drag out their existence in a miserable mediocrity. Others seem to think that the great design of life is to live in idleness and pleasure. If they but have the means to gratify their- animal appetites and passions, they are content to live in ob scurity Without making one further effort. Thus they pass their time in one continual round of pleasure and dissipation, regardless of the future ; and when the hour of death approaches, they find themselves dying without having done a single action to perpetuate their names. Thus they descend into the grave, ' unwept, unhonored, and unsung ; ' while those whose exertions haye secured them immortality and fame, are followed 2 18 life of clement l. vallandigham.. to the tomb by the tears and regrets of millions. 'Tis true the bodies of both lie mouldering in the dust ; yet while the one is buried in merited oblivion, the other will be remembered with, honor by the remotest posterity. Considering then the dif ferent lot of the two, who would not prefer the latter ? Who would not forego the trifling and contemptible gratification which pleasure bestows, for the fame of Demosthenes, even when purchased with such labor and toil ? Beauty will fade, wealth will vanish, and pleasure gratify us for but a few short moments, but greatness secured by exertion will never decay." This composition as a literary effort may not be better than many written by bright boys of the same age in the present day, but it is rendered significant and worthy of consideration by the after-life of its author. The line of conduct by it indi cated was followed by him throughout his busy and varied career, and the high and earnest ambition thus early developed was the spur which continually urged him on to wonderful exertion in his professional business and his political struggles. Cardinal Wolsey, according to the immortal bard of Avon, bade Cromwell " fling away ambition " : yet it is an honorable, an ennobling passion, and when joined to a high sense of honor, integrity, and great abilities, its existence is not only a blessing to tho possessor, but also to the generation in whicli he lives, and sometimes many generations that follow. In solitary walks over the beautiful hills of his native town, in constant and close application to study, and in the practice of oratory in the retirement of his own home, long before he had arrived at man's estate, young Vallandigham was laying up those stores of knowledge and acquiring that mental discipline that fitted him for the busy and active and exciting scenes of his after-life. CHAPTER III. college life. In the fall of 1837 Clement L. Vallandigham became a student of Jefferson College, Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. He entered the Junior class, for which he was well prepared, having read an extensive course in both Latin and Greek, and being also well versed in the other branches requisite for admission into that class. He remained for a year, diligently and successfully pursuing his studies, and at the same time taking a deep interest and an active part in the exercises of the Franklin Literary Society, of which he was a leading member. He would have returned the following year, but believing that his father — with a large family dependent upon him, and health somewhat impaired — could not well afford the means, he resolved that by teaching he would himself provide the money necessary to complete his education. Having accord ingly obtained the appointment of Principal of Union Academy in Snow Hill, Worcester county, Maryland, he removed to that place in the autumn of 1838, where he remained for two years. There he faithfully performed his duties as a teacher, and at the same time endeavored to store and discipline his mind by constant reading and study. The Hon. John, R. Franklin a companion of his early days, thus writes of him, in a letter dated Snow Hill, August 17, 1871 :— 20 LIFE OF CLEMENT L. VALLANDIGHAM. " Your brother Clement and myself came to this place to reside on the same day in the autumn of 1838 — he to take charge of the Academy, and I to read law. His room and mine adjoined, and we were as intimate as it was possible to be. We were from the same college, our aims in life were the same, and in our political principles we differed just enough to give a spice to our social intercourse. His life here was a very tranquil one, devoted to study and to the society of his friends. I remember no incidents of importance by which it was diversified. He was an undergraduate when he came to this place, and he carefully kept up his college studies; but at the same time he was a diligent student of history, and was in the habit of committing his thoughts to writing. We had at the time a spirited debating society in town, of which he was an active member. He prepared himself with the same research and labor for our little tilts as he afterwards did for the larger fields in which he was called to act later in hfe. Indeed I think the great secret of his power was that whatever the occasion might be, he always made himself master of the situation. About this time he acquired quite a reputation as a temperance speaker. Some of his speeches were published and extensively circu lated. The society of Snow Hill was then of the best. I have seldom known a country village to possess so much refinement and culture as were to be found here at that time. He was one of the ornaments of our little circle, and partici pated in all its gaieties. Even then he was a political student — not of the newspapers, but of those writers who assisted in framing the Constitution, and who have been its ablest ex pounders. I well remember his familiarity with the Federalist. It was the text-book of his youth, and he studied it thoroughly. His principles then and afterwards were mostly drawn from its teachings. You know how the whole country was agitated in 1840. I believe his whole family were Whigs ; certainly in this place all his friends and associates, both male and female) were of that party ; but he had based his creed upon a view of the Constitution which was utterly at war with their prin ciples and practice. And he stood up almost alone against the tempest which in that day swept everything before it. His whole life has been but an exemplification of the «pirit which he then displayed. If in a single instance he has ever swerved, either under the allurements of office or when the unscrupulous LIFE OF CLEMENT L. VALLANDIGHAM. 21 hand of despotic power was laid upon him, I have yet to hear it whispered in any quarter. I think his best claim to. the memory and gratitude of his countrymen is that he never was afraid to speak the truth." .Irving Spence, Esq., who was one of his. pupils when he taught in Snow Hill, in a letter dated August 28, 1871, thus gives his recollections of him : — " When Mr. Vallandigham came to Snow Hill as Precep tor of Union Academy, I was only twelve years of age. I do not think his age exceeded eighteen. Perhaps I was too young to be a judge of character, but my recollections of some traits which impressed me thirty years ago are so vivid now that I must note them. The health of the Assistant Teacher in the Academy failed, and he was compelled to give up teaching. The advanced class in the Primary department, of which I was a member, was placed under the charge of Mr. V. But I saw much of Mr. V., not only in the school-room, but at the house of my mother and in the families of my relatives, where he was a frequent guest. "Mr. Vallandigham was a man of decided character: the traits not only well defined, but strong, if not even stern. This was so much the case that when he first came into our commu nity — before he had reached his majority — his opinions and convictions were as firmly settled as those of most men at thirty, and he was ever ready to give a reason for his faith ; this fact was remarked by all of his acquaintance here. He was not a professor of religion, but a regular attendant at church service, and always manifested the highest respect for ministers of the Gospel and those who claimed to be Christians. He had a fixed religious as well as political creed, and whoever attacked either of these in his presence had a bold and well-armed op ponent. In person he was remarkably handsome; of much vivacity of temperament, affable in manner, and consequently popular ; but extremely sensitive to opposition or ridicule, and an insult he would not brook even at the risk of mortal issue. In the school-room he exercised strict, perhaps I should say stern discipline ; but he was often on the playground with the boys, and took part in their sports, and his pupils loved him. He had a high reputation as a teacher." 22 LIFE OF CLEMENT L. VALLANDIGHAM. In the latter part of August, 1840, he left Snow Hill and returned to his home in New Lisbon. After spending some time with his relatives and friends, he re-entered college, be coming a member of the Senior class. At that time there were in Jefferson College two Literary Societies — the Franklin and the Philo, and it was customary every spring to have a contest between them in debate, composition, and declamation. Each Society in the fall, or early in the winter, would choose its best debater, composer, and speaker, and at the close of the winter session in March, these contestors, as they were called, would appear before the public and exhibit their performances, and a committee of gentlemen previously selected would decide upon their merits. Immediately after his return to college, Mr. Vallandigham Avas unanimously elected debater for his Society. It was about this time that he drew up certain " Rules for Moral Culture." Whether they are original or selected we do not know, but present them just as we find them in his hand- Writing. They were evidently intended for his own guidance. Rules for Moral Culture. 1. Live in habitual communion with God. 2. Cultivate a grateful spirit. 3. Cultivate a cheerful spirit. 4. Cultivate an affectionate spirit. 5. Let not the attainment of happiness be your direct object. 6. Cultivate decision of character. Moral courage: Independence. Duty to our Neiglibor. 1. Be honest. 2. Be generous. 3. Be open-hearted. 4. Be polite Canecdote of the drover). 5. Be a good neighbor. Claims of Society. Requisites to meet tfiem. 1. A serious consideration of duties and prospects before us. 2. Intelligence. 3. Upright and virtuous character. 4. Public spirit. 5. Personal religion. LIFE OF CLEMENT L. VALLANDIGHAM. 23 Motives to urge a, preparation to meet time claims. 1. The qualifications demanded are within your power. The claims 2. Are fixed upon you. 3. The value of the interests soon to be committed to you. 1. The beginnings of evil. 2. Skepticism and infidelity. 1. Have an object in view: Aim high. 2. Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy. False Principles. 1. Of honor. 2. Of pleasure. 3. Of love of money. 4. Love of applause (in extreme). 5. Cunning : Non-committalism. 6. Customary, ergo right. Fundamental Rule. Principle of unyielding rectitude. Why to be regarded. 1. Demanded of God. 2. Of invariable and universal application. 3. Of very easy application: Costs no study. 4. It commands respect. 5. The best policy. Formation of. Character. 1. Form a picture of what it ought to be. 2. Make the picture a reality. 3. Character to be formed in early life. 4. Alta petens : aliquid immensum infmitumque. 5. Associate with the virtuous and excellent. Character is power — is influence. CLEMT. L. VALLANDIGHAM, Jpn. 10, 1841. Jefferson College. Whether these " Rules " be original or selected, or partly tije-^one and partly the other, it is certainly remarkable that they should have been adopted as the guide of his conduct by one so young ; and it is still more remarkable that they should have been so strictly adhered to — that amid all the trials and temptations of his eventful career they should have been so strictly obeyed — so closely followed during the whole of his life. 24 LIFE OF CLEMENT L. VALLANDIGHAM. In the latter part of January, 1841, he had a difficulty with Dr. Brown, the President of the College. The Doctor was an able President and an excellent man, but he had his faults. He was very positive in his opinions, and impatient of any dissent therefrom ; and he was often hasty and impetuous, and would say and do things which he would afterwards ex ceedingly regret. He was, however, magnanimous, and as soon as conscious of having done a wrong he would confess it, and ask pardon of even the humblest student. The quarrel between him and young Vallandigham originated in a recita tion on Constitutional law. The latter advanced certain political opinions to which the Doctor objected, and which he endeavored to refute. Vallandigham replied respectfully, but at the same time firmly and decidedly. The Doctor, incensed at the assurance and pertinacity with which he defended his opinions, made use of language violent and insulting. This Vallandigham would not brook, and immediately demanded an honorable dismission. The Doctor promptly gave it to him, and he returned to the old homestead, where his eldest brother was then living, and with him commenced the study of law. In March, though no longer connected with the College, he went back to perform his part in the contest, and made a very able debate ; but the decision was against him. The question was one that involved the doctrine of State rights, and these rights he maintained and defended to the fullest extent, and with the utmost boldness and earnestness ; and it is not im probable that prejudice against these doctrines on the part of the judges, though insensible to themselves, was the cause of the adverse decision — a decision which certainly created great dissatisfaction. This defeat, though no doubt keenly felt by LIFE OF CLEMENT L. VALLANDIGHAM. 25 Mr. Vallandigham, exercised no permanent influence on his character or conduct. He still adhered to his political senti ments, and he still resolved by energy, industry and perse verance to seek and secure position and eminence in the future. The following, originally published in the St. Paul Press, is from the pen of the Rev. F. T. Brown, D. D., an intimate college friend of Mr. Vallandigham : — " The Freshman year of my college course was spent at Jef ferson College, Pennsylvania, and soon after I entered there returned there a young man who had left at the close of his Junior year, two years before, and had been spending the in tervening time in Maryland, teaching, to replenish his rather scanty purse. He now re-entered as a Senior to finish his course. His coming excited unusual interest, for he was con sidered one of the most promising men the College had ever had in training, and was the ' bright particular star ' of his society — the Franklin. This was Clement L. Vallandigham : a slender, hawk-nosed, eagle-eyed, handsome young fellow. He took a room next to mine in a small boarding-house where I was lodged ( ' Aunt Polly Paxton's,' well-known to all old Jefferson boys), and we soon became intimate friends, though he was a Senior and I a Freshman, and though he was a Frank lin and I a Philo — both contrary to established college cus toms. Our attachment was very strong ; at least I loved him warmly. There was something very winning in him ; he was handsome, gentlemanly, high-spirited, and genial, but quite dignified and a little reserved ; he had few intimate friends, and I never knew him to engage in any of the College sports. He was a close student and stood high in his class, but his greatest reputation was as a Society debater, in which he was thought to have no equal in College. His morals even then were so pure, and his life every way was so exemplary, that many wondered that the son of ' old parson Vallandigham ' was not a member of the church. I was proud of his friend ship, and in my personal attachment for him became almost disloyal to the Society to which I belonged. I was not con scious of this till the annual contest was coming off between the two Societies (exciting hi that college more interest than the 26 LIFE OF CLEMENT L. VALLANDIGHAM. exercises of Commencement), when I found that, though a Philo, my sympathies were strongest for the success of my friend ' Clem.,' who was one of the contestants. His Society chose him by acclamation as their debater. His competitor was a Mr. Mercur, now the Hon. Ulysses Mercur, M. C. from Pennsylvania. The question discussed has always seemed to me to have been prophetic of C. L. V.'s future political course. It was, in substance (I have forgotten the precise phraseology) : ' Is the tendency of the genius of the Government of the United States toward a centralisation of power in the general Govern ment, or in the individual States ? ' Vallandigham took the side of the individual States, and under that banner he fought to tlie end of his life. Of the merits of the debate I know nothing. I thought at the time that my friend should have had the 'honor,' but the three distinguished judges (Judge McCandlass, of Pittsburgh, was, I think, one of them) thought otherwise, and gave it to Mr. Mercur. Clem, bore his defeat like a man, and went home to his brother's house at New Lisbon, Ohio, to study law." The following recollections are from the pen of the Hon. Sherrard Clemens, who was an intimate friend of Mr. Vallan digham in college and after-life, and who served with him as a member of Congress : " I became acquainted with Clement Laird Vallandigham, sometime about the year 1837, at Jefferson College, Washington County, Pennsylvania, then under the Presidency of the Rev. Mathew Brown. We were members of the same literary society; and my attention was first drawn towards him by the remarkable powers wliich he evinced in debate. We boarded near together, and our intimacy soon matured into warm friend ship. His mother and my mother we found to be old acquain tances, and this ripened the association. He Avas a close stu dent ; remarkably exemplary in his morals ; of great energy of purpose and determination of character ; and of an ambition which mated with the stars. His standing in his class was excellent, and his mind of the first order. It was very easy to sec, even at that early period, that he was destined to reach a high eminence in whatever profession he embraced; and his LIFE OF CLEMENT L. VALLANDIGHAM] 27 standing among his fellows was that of an unquestioned leader. His manners were open, genial and kind. He had a hand open as day to melting charity. He was full of spirit and a love of innocent amusement, and from all these combined qual ities was deservedly popular among all the students. Accor dingly, when the annual contest took place between the literary societies, he was selected the champion of our Society. His opponent was Ulysses Mercur, formerly a judge, and lately if not now a member of Congress in the Lower House, from the Erie District in Pennsylvania. The award of the judges in the contest, in favor of Mercur against Vallandigham, gave great dissatisfaction, and to no one more than myself. Vallandigham was deeply chagrined and disappointed. He had set his heart upon a triumph, and had invoked universal good-will among his fellow-students ; and when the announcement was made that he had lost the debate, we had a quasi rebellion. "His whole career at college was a career of labor and thought. He rarely sought outside relaxation, except in long walks in the mornings and evenings ; and then his mind was in tent upon some subject of moment, or something pertaining to his course of study. He was but a moderate eater, and I do not remember that I ever saw him, while at college, take a single glass of liquor. While other students had their convivialities, he did not, so far as I ever knew, join them. He seemed to be arrayed in armor and have his visor well down, prepared for the conflict of life, which he saw was not far off. " At this time there was a large number of Southern stu dents, liberally provided by their parents with money, and who frequently went on sprees to Pittsburg, Washington, and Wheeling. These I never knew him to join. They often gave oyster and- other suppers, where wine flowed freely. These I never knew him to take part in. He was sensitive and proud, and he told me he would partake of no hospitality which he could not return, and that he could not afford the means to do it. He therefore kept aloof, and passed his time much more profitably, carrying out his fixed determination to allow nothing to interfere with his own elevation in life. His ambition was early developed, and was with him an intense passion. He felt everything depended upon him, and therefore upon himself he lavished whatever of skill, labor, or art he could command. In this he never appeared to relax. He seemed to look forward, 28 LIFE OF CLEMENT L. VALLANDIGHAM. as with the eye of a seer, to the position he afterwards occupied in the country. " In his own way he was fond of diversion and play, and his tastes were as simple and innocent as those of a child. In his close devotion to study this mental relaxation was of great service ; for he attempted a system of close dietetic treatment,' under the plea that it would leave his mind the freer to act,; and for a time he fell off considerably in flesh ; but I argued and ridiculed him out of this, and the exercise he took soon restored all the weight he had lost. " Perhaps it was from my close and peculiar association with him, but I regarded him as by far the brighest intellect at Col lege. He presented strong characteristics of his future career ; and I predicted for him then, early and extensive eminence. That ' the child is father of the man ' is in his case most con clusively proved, for I know of no students who were college-. mates of his who have attained to the positions and who have shown the same capacity to grapple successfully with the world as he has done. He was in some respects eccentric, self-willed^ and impatient of restraint ; and in anything he took very much' at .heart, he was reckless of opposition. This trait was early developed, and I soon saw he was one of those persons who, could be persuaded with a hair but who could not be dragged with a log-chain. This trait became conspicuous in his contest with the Administration during the Civil War, in his exile and; his return. His passions were high, honorable, warm, and often impulsive. A soft word would win him when hooks of steel could not drag him to any object he did not approve. His devotion to his mother was beautiful. She was the ocean to the river of his thoughts. The evidence of careful religious training was in all his acts. " He was prudent in expenditure, moderate in his wants, and entirely free from the small vices which so easily beset a youth at the outset of his career. Without apparently seeking popularity, he commanded it among the very class of his associates who were utterly different from him in taste, man ners and habits. He walked among them preserving his own; self-respect, and yet with an attitude of conscious superiority. ¦ He was a fine classical scholar, and delighted in helping out his.1 less favored or less studious companions in their translations. I have known him to devote much time to this benevolent LIFE OF CLEMENT L. VALLANDIGHAM. 29 Work, to enable those to appear at class who had passed nights of revelry and dissipation instead of devoting them to their books. In this particular he was an unfailing source of relief; and ' old Clem,' as he was popularly termed, never faltered in it. The tribute thus paid to him was an almost unconscious compliment not only to his innate good-nature, but to his well- grounded scholarship. He did not act upon the philosophy of Dean Swift's couplet — " ' The lower you sink The higher I aspire ' — but he seemed desirous to lift them up to his own level, to supply their deficiencies, and to put them on the path of success. This outcropping of good-nature bore its fruits. He was a favorite among those who generally seek their intimates among those of like passions and frailties ; and when the selection of a contestant in debate came, and each one desired the strongest man, they were among his firmest and most enthusiastic sup porters. He had the faculty of making strong friends. He was exacting in his love, as in his hate. He was what Dr. Johnson termed a good hater. Capable of rhaking any sacri fice for his friends, he expected to find the same spirit in return. This resulted from the very energy of his character, which was wonderful. Undaunted by obstacles, courageous in the midst of difficulties and dangers, unappalled by disaster, he went right on to the accomplishment of an object in a mind some what akin to that in Addison's Cato — " ' ' Tis not in mortals to command success : We'll do more — we will deserve it.' It was this consciousness of enduring power that sustained and upheld him amidst every discouragement. Sometimes he was unusually despondent — self-poised, and his soul like a star dwelt apart. But it seemed like his retirement into the dark ness of a cave, the better to enable him to appreciate the light and warmth of day. " ' Vet when all our soul is weary Of life's turmoil, pain and whirl, And we strive to rend the curtain, Lo ! we beat 'gainst walls of pearl ! We have missed the crystal doorway, 30 LIFE OF CLEMENT L. VALLANDIGHAM. Or the keys celestial fail, While we wait without impatience For the lifting of the veil. When we pine with restless longing Some long vanished form to view, Seems this veil a luminous ether, Saintly faces beaming through ; And we almost catch the whisper, Soft as sigh of summer's gale, Almost see the beckoning finger At the lifting of the veil.' "Whatever his own discouragements or disappointments may have been, although he indulged in seasons of unusual sadness, there was never a tone of unmanly complaint about him; there seemed to run through his whole composition that Calvinistic faith which bears the cross as a type and symbol of regeneration and power. To be, to do, and to suffer seemed the destiny of humanity ; and however dark the clouds may have been over his own soul, they were curtained away at last, and there stood out the eternal cerulean blue of the firma ment studded with myriads of stars. " This type of disposition seems to be common to all sturdy, passionate natures ; at all .events it was true of Mm at the period in question. As his dejection was sometimes complete, so his mirth was all-abounding and contagious. It was the cpntrast of the sparkle of the fireworks as they go up and the dark blackened stick as it comes down. At such time there was an infinite sweetness and bonhommie about him. To adopt the words of Emerson, ' there seemed to be a pool of honey about his heart which lubricated all his speech and filled all his actions with fine jets of the sweetest mead.' Every act of struggling is in itself a species of enjoyment; every hope that crosses the mind, every high resolve, every generous sentiment, every lofty aspiration, nay, every brave despair, is at last a gleam of happiness that flings its illumination upon the darkest destiny. All these are as essentially a portion of human life as the palpable events that serve as landmarks of its history, and all these we have to compute before we can fairly judge of the prevailing character of any man." We have already narrated the circumstances that led to Mr. Vallandigham's withdrawal from College within a few months LIFE OF CLEMENT L. VALLANDIGHAM. 31 of his graduation. It is proper that we should here state that Dr. Brown soon regretted the temper he had exhibited and the words he had unadvisedly spoken which led to this with drawal ; but there seemed no way then to rectify the error, as it was well understood that Mr. Vallandigham would not, under any circumstances, return to College. Some years after, however, Dr. Brown wrote a letter ex planatory and apologetic, offering Mr. Vallandigham his diploma, on the single condition that he should apply for it to the Faculty of the College. This he refused to do and so never received his diploma. CHAPTER IV. ENTRANCE ON POLITICAL AND PROFESSIONAL, CAREER. Mr. Vallandigham commenced the study of politics when only sixteen years old, but did not become an active politician till four years later. In the fall of 1840 he made his first political speech. It was at a Democratic meeting in Calcutta, in the southern part of his native county. He was then rather tall, but slender, beardless, boyish in appearance, but with the voice and bearing of a man.' He spoke for an hour with an ease and an energy that astonished the sturdy farmers and mechanics that had assembled to hear the youthful orator. Their admiration was unbounded, and as soon as he had finished they bore him off in triumph on their shoulders, and from that time he was one of the leading speakers of his party in the county. Another of his youthful efforts was at New Middletown, in the northern part of the county, and to it he thus refers in a speech made at the same place, August 9, 1867 : — " I have been asked, why select a village so comparatively obscure — and I hope no offence will be taken when I speak of it as such — and so far from the railroads which have sprung up in the country since the olden time ? There are two reasons ; and the first reason is, it was glorious old Springfield township that, when I was a boy, saved the Democratic Congi-essman in the district, and tho Democratic county to which it then LIFE OF CLEMENT L. VALLANDIGHAM. 33 belonged, in the memorable campaign of 1840. Without detailing circumstances which I have elsewhere related, permit me to say that, confident of victory, the boy had remained out late to hear the returns. Every township came in with a Whig majority, and we had begun to despair. At about 1 o'clock the Democratic party was beaten, and we all felt badly. At about 4 o'clock, however, we heard the tramp of horses' hoofs down the hill from New Lisbon, and behold ! old Springfield township had not only held its own, but had given a hundred more of a Democratic majority than ever before, or at any time since, which elected our Congressman by fifty- two votes, and saved Columbiana County, to which it then belonged, to the Democratic party for many years after. That is to me a very jpleasant recollection, and it was one of the rea sons why I accepted your invitation. Very pleasant too is the recollection that here, in New "Middletown, I made one of my first efforts at public speaking. I shall not soon forget that, when ' a youth to fortune and to fame unknown,' nevertheless ready and willing to do my part and bear my share of the burden in the great campaign between Clay and Polk in 1844, I found myself announced at the tail end of a hand-bill in very small letters as one of the speakers. The ' lions ' were all in large type, as was becoming ; but it was expected in those days that young men would stand back and wait until near the going down of the sun. The seniors spoke long and loud and eloquently, until in my youthful jealousy, natural as it was, I thought they meant to speak me out of time. The shadows. were falling long from these tall trees when at last all the other speakers concluded and the audience were about to disperse, but some there were who resolved to stay and hear the boy. I came to the platform as many of the wagons were going away; still I had reason to be satisfied if a few were content to stay, and it creates a sense of triumph even to this day to remember that many gathered in their teams as soon as I had commenced, and the crowd was larger in the evening than it had been during the entire day." It was customary in those days for the Whig and the Democratic speakers to meet at various places in the county and discuss before the people the points at issue between the 3 34 LIFE OF CLEMENT iL. VALLANDIGHAM. parties. In these debates young Vallandigham participated. At first, the WMg orators, who were generally middle-aged men — some of them gray-headed — were disposed to sneer at the " beardless boy/' as they called him; but the spirit with which he replied to their personalities, and the severity and fearless energy with which he repelled their assaults, speedily put an end to this. The knowledge which he displayed on the subjects at issue, his fluency in debate, and his manly courage, commanded their respect, and the ablest of them all soon felt that in encountering the youthful speaker he met " a foeman worthy of his steel." It was during this period that he had a rencounter on the streets, of New Lisbon that is perhaps worthy of mention. The night before the election he had addressed a meeting in one of the neighboring villages, and in the course of his speech made a playful allusion to Mr. G., a prominent Whig of New Lisbon. The account of it was borne that same night to Mr. Q., no doubt greatly exaggerated, for there was in reality no just ground of offence in the remark that was made. Mr. G., however, was incensed, and determined to inflict personal chastisement; an