The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1860-01-25
Anecdote of Vallandigham.

Quite recently, Hon. Clement Vallan-
digham, present member of Congress from
Ohio, and formerly presiding Judge of his
district, was on a visit to New Lisbon,
same State. He is native of the latter
town. During his visit he had occasion
to attend court in the adjoining county of
Mahoning, town Of Garfield. Several
members of the New Lisbon bar were
going up, and they went in company, on
horseback. Judge Vallandigham was DO
ing some business for his friend Wright,
who owned bay horse, which he offered
to the Judge for the occasion. This
horse was remarkable for nothing in par
ticular--a quiet. tractable animal. Ar.
rived at Garfield the company divided,
some stopping at the American House, the
Others, including the Judge, went to the
United States Hotel. The session was
drawing to close, and all the New Lis
bon members had returned except Anson
Brewer and Judge Vallandigham. At
last they were ready to go, and the Judge
arranged to meet Mr.. Brewer at the
American Immediately after dinner. Din
ner was dispatched, portmanteau called
for, and horse ordered out The clerk
gave the orders, portmanteau was brought
but the horse was not. Impatient with
DELAY, the hostler was again summoned
and again ordered to "bring ont Judge
Vallandigham's horsel"
Gay, ayl but please. yer honor, 'pon
me soul I don't know which is yer honor's
nag"
The clerk desired the Judge to de-
scribe the horse, remarking that, "where
there are so many coming and going it is
hard for the hostler always to remember to
whom each belongs"
"Very truel" replied the Judge, and
after rejecting moment. continued, "and
upon my honor it will be hard for me to
describe the horse. Indeed I will not at
tempt it, but will go into the stable and
show the hostler.n
Out they went, up and down the stable
walked the Judge and the bostler. The
Judge looked perplexed, the hostler apol.
ogized for forgetting. At last the Judge
suddenly stopped behind fine chestnut
sorrel, and with much assurance said
"7Hats the horse; bring him out!'
Out went the horse, on went the Judge
and away they went together. Mr.. Brew
er was waiting in front of the American
ready to mount so soon as the Judge
came up.
The Judge came, Brewer mounted
and they were just about starting. wher
countryman "a farmer) came running
up almost out of breath; he had seen th'
Judge cross the commons. Selling holt
of the Judges bridle-rein, and looking
him fercely in the eyes, he demanded
..Where are you going TOT"
"Why, what's the matter? Pm goinl
home"
"Matterl shall have you arrested 70
horse. stealing, you villainl Where did yo1
i get this horse!"
The Judge looked at the stranger a
if he thought he was playing off joke
but hesaw by the FIRE in his eye that
was no joke He looked at the horse
then at Brewer; ne saw fun In brewer
eye. Then at the stranger again, an
replied, 81 EL
"My dear Sir, this horse belongs
my friend Wright, Of New Lisbon.
rode him up here several days ago. an
now ! am going back. Brewer, isn't
so2n
Brewer said, "No, Judge, your
caught. Stranger, arrest him! he he
stolen your horsel"
Stranger smiled, said he was sorry t
give the Judge any trouble, but if B
would treat he would let him of. Tt
Judge acquiesced. and then with Brew'
rode back to the United States stable
and the horse was exchanged. Brew'
knowing Wright's horse, pointed him Of
: at FIRST sight.