doubtless they are. But you may tell Calhoun that I prefer them as companions of policy before such cozeners as himself and Clay.” The General's voice here rose like the far high scream of an osprey. “Calm yourself, General,” I said, in tones which never failed to bring him to himself. “There is scant need of informing all Washington City of our opinions.” The General had paused in his walk and taken off that high white hat, deep girdled of a mourning-band. As he talked he beat this stiff headgear with his cane until I quite trembled for its integrity. “Calhoun,” went on the General, but with temper more in hand, “claims for his state the right to annul the law--the right to secede from the Union. Sir, if we were to walk by this doctrine of Nullification, the Union would be like a bag open at both ends. No matter where or how you picked it up the meal would all run out. Tell Calhoun that I shall tie the bag and save the country.” The General's lean jaws at this last mention of Calhoun closed hard and iron-fast like a trap, while his nose seemed more beaky and predatory. Evidently he half scented Calhoun as a prey to come, and would be ready to swoop on him. “You would seem deeply to hate both Clay and Calhoun, Mr. President,” Rhetz suggested. Rhetz was somewhat feeble of voice; the General's outburst had taken his breath. “And it is they rather than their doctrines I loathe,” said the General. “They creep and crawl and sprawl in ambush, and strike at midnight. They pretend friendship while plotting one's destruction. I was born to make war upon their tribe--war to the death.” Rhetz made no protracted stay in such warm company. We did not hinder his escape, and presently had the advantage of his back. “I should like to see the Calhoun face,” said I, “when Rhetz lays out his discoveries.” “You observe how they try me,” cried the General, passionately, gazing after the disappearing Rhetz. “You will witness it! But by the heavens above us! I'll uphold the law!” “And now,” continued the General, when Rhetz was quite gone away, “having been so vigorously free with the envoy, I must at once write Calhoun a letter and say it all over again. I would have talked this to Calhoun first of all, were I accurately the gentleman of honor; but then he should not have stirred me with his spy.” The General's letter declaratory of the duplicity of Calhoun was written and went to the Vice-President the next day. It repeated his words to Rhetz so far as they were personal to Calhoun, and made a deal of commotion, I warrant you. The missive exploded in the very heart of Secession like a hand-grenade. The General and I had turned now; we aimed to be home before dark, and your midwinter day is not the longest of the year. The sun was still an hour over the western trees, however, when we found ourselves in the President's Square. Supper would only come with sundown, since we still adhered to our Tennessee customs.