The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1855-10-17

Gen. Jaohson and the clerk.


! never saw it in print.
While Gen. Jackson was President of
3 the United States, he was tornented day
after day by importunate visitors, (as most
Chief Magistrates Of this great country
are, whom he did not care TO see-and
in consequence gave strict directions TO
the messenger at the door, to admit only
certain persons on particular day, when
he was more busy with State affairs than
usual. -.,.
In spite Of the peremptory orders,
however, the attendant bolted into his
apartment during the afternoon, and in
formed the General that person was
outside whom ne could not control, AND
who claimed to see him orders or no or
ders.
u will not submit to this ANNOYANCE, !"
exclaimed theold gentleman, neryoasly.-
"Who is ita"
"Don't know, SIR"
Don't know! What is his name?"
His name! Beg pardon, sir its a
woman"
IA woman! Show her in, James; show
her in" said the President, wipin q his face,
and the next moment there entered the
a, Generals apartment neatly clad female,
past the middle age, who advanced
courteously towards the old gentleman,
aud accepted the chair proffered to her.
"Thauk you," replied the lady, throw
ing aside her veil, and revealing a hand
some face to her entertainer.
My mission hither to-day General"
continued the fair speaker, "s no, ell ones
and you can aid me, perhaps"
"Madam," said the general "commund
me-" ....s..
"You are very kind sir. I am poor
woman, General.-n
poverty is no crime, madam"
mo, sir, but have little family to
care for-Tm a widow, sir; and the clerk
employed in one of the departments Of
your administration is indebted to me for
board, to a considerable amount, which
cannot collect. need the money badly,
and come to ask if a portion of his pay
cannot be stopped, from timo to time,
antil this claim of mine, an honest one,
General, of which he had the full value,
shall he cancelled"
1 really-Madam-that is, have no
control that way. What is the amount
Of the bill?"
Seventy dollars, sir-here it isr
ami" ~
ut is said to be twelve hundred dollars
a year"
"And not pay bis board billi"
"As you zee, sir; this has been stand.
ing for five months unpaid. Three days
hence, he will draw his monthly pay and
thought sir, # you would be kind en-
ough To"
"Yes, have it. GO to him again and
get his note to day, at thirty days"
"His note, sir 1t wouldn't be worth
the paper on which it was written: he
pays no one dollar voluntarily"
"But he will give you his note, will lie
not madam?" -
t'Oh, yes, he would be glad to have
3 respite that way for a month, no doubt"
"Thats right, then. Go to him and
obtain his note, at thirty days from to-
day; give him receipt in full, and come
20 me this evening"
The lady departed, called upon the
seung lark, AMI dunned him for the
amount, at which he only smiled, and
Lanally asked him to give her his note for
vit.s
"To be sure" said he, with chuckle,
give note sart'n: and much good may,
it do you, num-"
"You'll pay It when it falls due, won't
you!" said the lady.
-oh, certainly" was the reply. And
IN the evening she again repaired to the
White House with the note. The Presi-
dent put his broad endorsement on the
back, and directed her to obtain the cash
upon it at the Bank,
In due time notice was sent to the
clerk, that q note signed by him would
be due on q particular day, which he was
requested 10 pay.
AT first John could not conceive tie
course from whence the demand could
come, and supposing that it had only
been left for collection, was half resolved
to take no notice Of il. But as he passed
down the avenue, the unpaid board bill
suddenly entered his head.
"Who has been foolish enough to help
the old woman in this business wonderib
said John to himself az ! 60 and see.---
It's hum. know; but Ia like 10 know II
she's really fooled anybody vi.h that bit
Of paper,p and entsri,sg he b,,isk be- asked
for the note whicl, had beea LEFT there for
collection against hin.
at was discounted" said the teller. -
Discounted! who ia the world will
discount my note,r said John, amazed.
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