Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1856-04-02
THOMAS JEFFERSON.

i
oasion that some important matter required
his attention in Philadelphia, and some other
places distant from the capitol. In these days
a journey to Philadelphia was not to be per-
formed in few hours-it was two or three
days travel, and not of the most pleasant sort
either. On his return he stopped in Balti-
more. 1t was four or five in the afternoon
when the Vice President rode up, suitless and
unattended, TO the tavern. scotchnlau by
the name of Boyden kept the hotel, of late so
much improved and now SO handsomely sus-
tained by our worthy townsman Beltzhoovcr.
The bucks OF the town were assembled in The
large hall, smoking, suffering, cracking jokes,
and otherwise engaged in the ct ceteras of the
day. Boyden was at the bar examining the
books, and doubtless making calculations re-
specting his future prospects. Jefferson had
delivered his horse into the hands of the ost-
Ter, and walked into the tavern in order to
make arrangements in regard to his fare
Some one touched Boyden uponthc elbow, and
directed his attention to the stranger, who
stood with his whip in his hand, striking it
occasionally upon his muddy leggins. Boydcn
turned around and surveyed him from head TO
foot, and concluding him to be an old farmer
from the country, whose company would add
no credit to his house, he said abruptly:
ssWe have no room for you, sir.'
Jefferson did not hear the remark, and asked
if he could be accommodated with room.-
His voice which was commanding and attrac-
tive, occasioned another survey of his person
by the honest proprietor of the house, whose
only care was for its reputation. He could not
find, however, in his plain dress pretty well
covered with mud, anything indicating either
wealth or distinction and in his usual rough
style he said
ga room ?''
Jefferson replied, "Yes, sir, should like to
have a room to myself, if L can get 20
GA room, all to yoursclfi No, move have
no room-there's not a spare room in the
hOuse-all tull-all occupied-can't accommo-
date you.''
The Vice President turned upon his heel,
called for his horse, which by this time was
snug in the stable, mounted and rode off, In
few minutes one of the most wealthy and
distinguished men of the town came in and
asked for the gentleman who rode up to the
door q lew minutes before.
''Gentleman - said Boyden. ssThere has
been no gentleman here on horseback this af-
ternoon, and no stranger at all, but one COM
mon looking country fellow, who came In and
asked if he could have a whole room but !
asked him out of that mighty quick, l tell
You. told him had no room for such chaps
as him ?''
''No room for such chaps as him !'
''No, by the pipers, no room for ANYBODY
that don't look respectable said the landlord.
"Why, what are you talking about, man
He's the Vice President of the u States.o
ssYice President of the United States - ex-
claimed Boyden, almost breathless with aston
shment.
f'Why, yes sir. Thomas Jefferson, the Vice |
President of the United States, and the great
est man alive.'
''Murder, what have done 20 cried Boyden. |
'Here Tom, Jim, Jerry, Dick, Jake-where |
ire you all Here, fly, you villians-fy and /
ell that gentleman we've forty rooms at his |
ervice BY George Vice President, Tho
mas Jefferson! Tell him to come back and he
hall have my wife's parlor-my own room
jupiter! what have 1 done7 Here Harriet,
larry, julie, clear out the family! he shall have
he best roonl-and all of the rooms If he
ANTS them! OFF, you hussies, put clean
heets on the bed Bill, take ND this mirror
ieorge, hurry up with the boot7jack! BY
ieorge, what a mistakei''
For fifteen minutes Boyden raved like Il
ladman, and went fifty times to the door, to
&c if his wished for guest was returning
he Vice President rode up to Market street.
here he was recognized by many Of his ac I
and by them directed to the
lobe tavern, which stood somewhere near the {
,rner of Market and Charles SITS. Here Boy
ans servants came up, and told him their ,
aster had provided rooms for him. :
''Tell him have engaged rooms," said JEFF a
rson. :
Poor Boyden's modification can better be Y
lagined than described the chaps who were
ltering about the bar and the large hall, and
d laughed heartily at the disappointment OF Q
muddy farmer, had recovered from their .
and We're preparing to laugh at
cir downcast landlord. After some time he
evailed upon some friend to wait on Mr..
herson with his apology, and requested that Al
should return and take lodgings at his
use, promising the best room and all the at
1tion that could be given him.
Mr. Jefferson returned the following answer. al
ell Mr. Boyden,'' said he, ssthat i appreei
, his kind attentions, but if he had no room
the muddy farmer, he shall have none for pl
, Vice President. ."-Baitimore .7fhenaen. c;