Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1851-01-24
From the n. o. Picayune.


"Reminiscences of the late John HIcDonoSh.
A number of the legal profession had assembled
one morning in the chamber of our Supreme court
awaiting the appearance Of the judges when group
or some hive or SIX, among whom were several distn
gulshed lawyers. commenced discussion as to wheth
or not John McDonogh had left any lawful or legit
mate children. 1t was known that he had brought
up and educated in Baltimore two children rs his
own but mention is made of them in his will
it was presumed that they were not legitimate, if
they were his.
IL can assure you, gentlemen" said one of the
learned counselors that myself drew up the act,
at the request of Mr. McDonogh which passed
before notary. providing for these alleged natural
children, who had been dependent on their mother.
poor widow, for their sustenance; and not even
Mr.. Grymes, who then McDonogh's attorney
knew of the fact, that such provision had been
made. Mr.. McDonogh not only then told me thar
they positively not his Children but he after
wards frequently assured that they were the or
phan children OF poor widow
"WelL," observed younger member of the bar,
= have only to say that if the Supreme Court of
the United States sustains the principle of marriage
as contended for in the Patterson case cease of NV
ra Clark Gaines,) would not give one cent for the
will of John NlcDonogh, from what know of certain
facts that can be proved"
During this discussion the singular character of
Mr.: McDonogh came up, when the learned lawyer
told the following "reminiscences of this late eccentric
individual
Upon one occasion, gentlemen" said he. Mr.
McDonogh was the holder of certain bonds of the
First Municipality, and applied to me to ascertain
if a decision made by the attornev of the municipal
ty forcing him to come in with the other holders of
the city bonds, could not be reversed | told him
would examine the point and let him know. Soon
afterwards he called again and asked my opinion.
told him agreed with the attorney, when he asked
to reflect again and see lift would not be possible
to induce the attorney to change his opinion that
he would call in fifteen days to ascertain the result
At the expiration of that time he came again. when
told him that the city attorney was Of the same O.
pinion, and that it was impossible to move him. He
then requested that should ca1sult with two other
legal gentlemen. and they also agreed with the
city attorney assented to this and in order to get
rid OF him told him to call the next day at o'clock
In the afternoon, knowing very well that he always
crossed the river at and seldom returned
"On the day appointed, however punctual to the
hour, John McDonogh stood at my Office door Well
sir said he anxously what is the result of YOUR de-
alterations =! We have consulted, sir, said l. and
there is no possibility of change of opinion Well
then, said he. | must submit
why did he not tempt the city attorney with
sweet roses and straw berries asked a younS witty
lawyer Ah my friend, replied the sage counsellor.
those We're not strawberry times But will relate
to you the sequel CT our interview said to Mr..
McDonogh, you are very rich man. and know that
you intend to leave all your property TO be expended
In charitable purposes. ] have been thinking over
your singular life, and l want you to give me some
advice in regard to the great success Which has at
tended you for I, too, would like to become yerx
rieh' having family so as to leave my heirs veal