The Ashland union. [volume] (Ashland, Ashland County, Ohio) 1854-1868, 1856-05-21
THOMAS JEFFERSON.

While this distinguished statcsman
and patriot was Vice President of the
United States, it was customary for the
individual holding that high ofic to at
tend to business more in person than the
refinemcnts of modern times will allow.
1t happened on one occasion that some
important matter required his attention
in Philadelphia, and some other place
dis.aEt from the capitol. In those days
journey was not to be performed in
few hours-it was two or three days trav-
ell, and not of the most pleasant sort eth
or. On his return he stopped in Balti-
moro It was about four or five in the
afternoon when the Vice President rode
up, suitless, and unattended to the tav-
ern. A scotchman by the name of Boy
den kept the hotel, of late SO much i'm
proved and now SO handsomely sustained
by our worthy townsman Beltzhoover.
The bucks of the town wero assembled
in the halls smoking, s'rutting, cracking
jokes, aud otherwise indulging in the
etceteras of the day Boyden was at
the bar examining the books and doubt
less making calculations respecting his
future prospects. Jefferson had deliv-
cred his horse in the hands ofthe hostler
aud walked into the tavern in order to
make arrangements in regard to his fare.
Some one touched Boyden upon the el-
bow and directed his attention to the
stranger, whip in hand. striking occasion
ally upon his muddy leggiDgs. Boyden
tlrned 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. 'We Lave no
room for 20, usir.'
jefferson did not hear the remark,
aud asked if he could be Accommodated
with room. His voice which was CON-
manding and attractive. occasioned an
other survey of his person by the honest
proprietor of the house, whose only care
was for lis reputation. He could no:
find, however. in bis plain dress pretty
we'll covered with mud, anything indi-
eating either wealth or distinction, and
in his usual rough style he said:
"A room p
Jefferson replied, 'Ycs sir, should
like to have q room to myself, if I can
get it,
~ room all to yourself? :? no, move
have no room, thefe's not a spare room
in the house-they are every one full
all occupied-can't accommodate 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 q few minutes one Of
tho most wealthy and distinguished men
in the town came in, and asked for the
gentleman who rode UP to thedoor few
minutes before.
sGentlcmau said Mr.sBoyden, there
has been no gentleman here on horseback
this afternoon, and no stranger at all,
but one common looking country fellow
who came in and asked if he could have
a whole room, but put him out of that
notion mighty quick, tell you. I told
him 1 had no room for such chaps ss
him.
mo room for such chaps as him p
mo, by the pipers. no room for any
body that don't look respectable
why, what are you talking about,
mani He is the Vice President of the
United States
sVice President of the United States?'
exclaimed Boyden, almost breathless IN
astonishment.
! w6y, ye. sir. Thomas jefferson, til.