The day book. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 1857-1867, 1866-09-12
A "Reminiscences of the Peninsula.

There is not man on the peninsula who
does not remember Captain ROBERT AMBER
SON He lived to an extreme old age, and
for the last forty years Of his existence he was
called cold Bob" through the whole country,
from Richmond to Hampton.
1t cannot be said that he was very popu
lar man; for it seems to have been his rule
through life to choose the side opposed to the
feelings and interests of his fellow-citizens.
Nevertheless, he was always candidate for
Office, aud always electioneered most energeti-
cay for votes He was terrible thorn in
the side of the other candidates, however, for
he was man of great intelligence, never for
got anything, and if any one of his oppo-
nents had ever given a wrong vote, or had
done anything that was improper in his pri-
vate life, "OlC Bob" was sure to thrust the
charge in his face, and what was worse, the
proof He was so old, too, that if the great
grandfathers of his adversaries had not
walked straight in public or private life,
"Old Bob" would bring it up against their
grandchildren. He was not to be backed
ont, for he was as fearless a man as ever adj
dressed the people, nor was he at all sqneam-
ISL or mealy-mouthed in the way he brought
up his charges and proved them.
His maximum vote in the District, in our
recollection, was Mirty-seren and SO, though
none of the candidates ever feared anything
from his popularity, they dreaded his tongue,
for it was as sharp rs the sting of hornet.
They were certain, also, of being stung by
him at every precincu in the District, if the
canvass lasted three months.
''Ud Bob himself was the most inperturba-
bic of candidates. He never was aft cted by
defeats, and during the last canvass of bis life
he was as energetic in abusing every other
man at the Hastings as he had been forty
years before, and he was more dreaded than
ever; for his stock of abuse became more COM
plete as he advanced in aye.
On one occasion, at York County Court, he
opposed gentleman from the Eastern Shore,
and after holding him up for half an hour to
the multitude to answer for his political pee
cadilloes, be went back aud attacked his
father, and then his grandfather. And this
was but specimen of his addresses for SO
many successive years
The death of ''OId Bob" was relief to all
who aspired to political preferment in the
Williamsburg District, without any reference
to party; for Mr. Anderson was most Impair
tial in the invective he poured upon all who
ran for the favor of the people
On an occasion, one said to prominent
politician "Sir, | understand that old
ROBERT ANDERSON is going to vote for you.'
lie was alarmed at the remark, and answered
Il trust in COP he will not" But he did
not; for when the time came round, Mr.. AN
DERsoN was at his post, as usual, and abused
him worse than he had done for many years.
AT another time there was contest in the
city Of Williamsburg for the State Senate
There were several candidates-among them
sold Boz" He got one cote in the city, viz :
that of "little JOHNNY A." When the
polls closed, each of the candidates made a
short address. When Mr.. ANDERSON got up,
ne said, with great gravity, Il thank my fell
low-citizens for their gerry liberal support, and
cordially invite them, ONE and H. to come
down to my house and take glass of wine
with me"
When Mr.. ANDERSON was seventy years
old, he gave grand entertainment on his
birthday His cellars were filled with wines
OF a fabulous age. and they were drunk with
out STINT by his guests, who were all the
young men Of the Peninsula. They kept up
the wassail to the small hours of the morning,
and as they We're about to disperse, they all
rose to drink parting health to their host.
Mr. ANDERSON acknowledged the compli-
ment in graceful speech, at the end of
which, taking up his goblet of old Madeira,
he said, II thank you, my young friends, for
the kind feelings expressed by you at this
celebration of my SEVENTEEN birthday; |
drink this bumper to your health and long
life, and invite you to meet me seventy gears
from this time to drink my health again"
The conclusion of his speech startled them,
as well it might; and they soon separated, not,
however, without giving three times three to
their strange host, and of Old BoB's last
toast will never fade from their memory,