The Portland Gazette

MISCELLANEOUS ELECTIONS.

GENERAL JACKSON

It is rumored, that the members of the Cabinet at Washington were equally divided, as to the propriety of arresting General Jackson for disobedience of orders in his Florida expedition. The recollection of his eminent services during the late war with Great Britain, no doubt pleaded powerfully in his behalf, and was probably the cause of his not being brought to trial. It is questionable, we think, whether considerations of this kind ought to have so much weight. "No man should be so great, as to be above the laws." Manlius the Roman Consul, put his own son to death, though victorious, for attacking the enemy contrary to orders. With a stern voice, and yet with tears, he pronounced his sentence, says the historian, in these memorable words: "As you have destroyed military discipline, and set a pattern of disobedience by your example, you have reduced me to the deplorable extremity of sacrificing MY SON or MY COUNTRY: But let us not hesitate in this dreadful alternative. Go, bind him, and let his death be our future example." Similar instances of devotion, so laudable in a free commonwealth, might be cited, were it necessary. It was such acts of inflexible justice, that raised the Grecian and Roman character to a height so proud and pre-eminent.

But a few months since, Gen. Jackson himself ordered the arrest and trial of Col. Beasley (as fine an officer as any in our service) for leaving the Creek Agency while superintending the building of some boats to transport provisions down Flint river, and going to Fort Mitchell, a distance of only 60 miles, to organize and hasten the march of the friendly Indians, against the Seminoles. In this case, the orders that were given could scarcely be considered imperative; and yet, though disobedience arose from the purest and most patriotic motives, punishment was inflicted, so far as to institute an enquiry into the business. The determination of the Court is not yet known. If the good of the service required a trial for this trivial offence, if it be a salutary regulation to punish for disobedience of orders, the conduct of no man, whether he stand high or low in public estimation, should be screened from investigation; the same rule which governs ordinarily, should prevail throughout the army.

The "hero of Orleans," appears to be intoxicated with popular applause. He seems to act upon the absurd belief, that "he can do no wrong."

He has taken upon himself to decide in the field, matters which belong exclusively to the politician, and to Congress. ***