The Fairfield herald. [volume] (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1849-1876, 1868-07-01
From the Charleston Courier. I
An Aneodote Of Mr.. Chase.


An Aneodote Of Mr.. Chase.
MEssRs. EDrToRs: I noticed with
pleasure a communication in your col
umns Thursday morning in reference to-
Chief Justice Chase. You will oblge
me by publishing in your widely circu-
lated columns the following anecdote Of
that gentleman, whichI heard related
by one who was, personally cognizant of
the circumstances
Some forty years since Salmon P.
Chase was private tutor in tho family CT
William Writ, Attorney General OF the
United States, during the administra.
tion of John Quincy Adams. The
usages of Washington society accorded
to persons in his situation The cntrce to
fashionable circles of which Mr. Writ
and his family were distinguished orna.
ments. The position Of the young tutor,
however, was somewhat anomalous and
embarrassing among tie elite Of The po-
litical and moneycd aristocracy, and by
managing mammas and ambitious young
ladies his approaches we've rather en-
dured than encouraged. There was n
marked conception. however, to this
illy-conceited indifference IN a lady
whose character and accomplishments
gave her commanding position in So
ciety, who always contrivcG to make
room for him III the charmed circle
which the graccs Of her manner and con-
versaton invariably drcw around her,
and by giving the conversation an in
tellectual turn, instead Of the mereiri-
cious tone which but too frequently per-
vades such assemblies, placed him per-
fectly at ease, and soon made him an
acceptable companion to those whose
countenance and favour were not to be
dispscd or disrcgardcd.
Upon the breaking up Of Mr.. Adams
administration, Mr. Chase removed to
Cincinnati, where he commenced tho
study Of tho law, while he supported
himself by teaching. lie was .rcmarka-
bly, successful as a lawyer, and also as
politician, and but a lew years COM
paratIvcly had interviewed wh-n he re-
turned to Washington City Senator
OF the State of Ohio. Among his first
inquiries was one respecting the lady
who had countcnanccd and bcrrirndcd
him IN his obscuritv. but tho places that
had known her now knew her no more.
Misfortune had come upon her, and she
had faded from the vision and the mem
ories other former associates and admir-
ers. Pursuing his inquiries he learned
that she was widow, and in straitcnod
circumstances, and making his way to
her humble residence he found her con-
fined to her bed with fatal mnladv,
with scant attendance, and still scan,-
ier supply of the neccssnrics which her
condition impnratvcl.v demanded. He
Immediately summoned a skillfnl physi.
clan, engaged n competent nurse, sur.
rounded her with every comfort tlr.t the
most tender sollci,ude could suggest, and
dcvot,ng much OF the time which could
be spared from public duties III personal.
ly ministellng to her necessities, cheercd
and comforted her dying moments
And when he followed her remains to
the grave he had provided in one Of the
public cemetres, no was the solitary
representative Of that gay and hcarllcss
world of which she was once the orna-
mont and tho pride.
Now in nll this it may be said there
is nothing so far beyond the need Of
duty as to call for special notice and
commendation. But how frequently
arc such obligations forgotten, such dn-
ties unfulilled and especially among the
class Of which Mr.. Chase is so consplcu.
Gus representative Does it not some.
what soften the aspcrilics of political
antagonsm to realize that the willy poll
tIclan or the aspiring statesman have
hearts susceptible OF The gcntcr and
kindlier emotions, and may not the most
avowed and mrclenting opponent admit
that
"One touch Of Nature makes all mankind
akin"