Phenix Gazette

From the Cincinnati Gazette.

When Mr. Benton took part in supporting Mr. Clay for the Presidency, and in opposing Gen. Jackson he knew both the gentlemen personally and fully. He was well acquainted with the private associations and with the political views and connections of each. Throughout the canvass before the people, his reprobation of Gen. Jackson was unceasing, bold and vehement. He never spoke of him but in terms, and strong terms too, of condemnation. After the election of electors, after their vote was given, and during the first part of the session of 1824-25, Mr. Benton remained unchanged. He described Gen. Jackson as a man who had been every way overrated by the country; possessed of neither native talent or general or political intelligence above mediocrity; violent in temper and accustomed to the indulgence of that violence. Rash and imprudent, accessible to flattery of very gross character, and consequently liable to be surrounded and influenced by the artful and unprincipled. These were the topics of Mr. Benton's every day conversation with his friends-to which he frequently added his conviction, that if Gen Jackson were elected President, he would surround himself with bull-dogs to bait all who dared object to his measures. For himself, Mr. Benton would say, as he could not think of legislating with a brace of pistols in his belt, he should, in the event of Gen. Jackson's election, resign his seat in the Senate, as every independent man would have to do, or risk his life and honor. Mr Benton will not deny that the sentiments, expressed by him, are here, substantially, repeated. And he did not speak of Gen. Jackson, as many men did, without personal knowledge of the man. He knew him well, had mingled in his associations, partook of his excitements, and been the object of his vengeance.