The Fremont weekly journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County, Ohio) 1867-1877, 1870-01-14
"Reminiscences of"Fifty-seven.'

The late Julian Legrand, a famous Paris
merchant. was fond Of telling the following
incident Of his mercantile life, and he never
closed the narration but with swimming eyes:
During the financial crisis and crash Of fifty
seven, when great men we're sinking all around
Us, and banks were tottefing, our house be-
came alarmed at the condition of its own
affairs. The partnres-three Of us, Of whom
was the senior-met in our private Office for
consultion Our junior made careful inven-
tory of everything-of bills receivable and bills
payable-and his report was that twenty thous-
sand pounds (speaking in English currency of
ready money, to be held through the pressure,
would save US, Without that we must go by
the board; the result was inevitable. l went
among my friends, but in vain. The money
we needed was not to be had. Men who held
gold would not let it go, save upon solid securi-
ty, and the only security we could give was
our word and honor, for the many thousands
due US were as nothing in that hour.
Two whole days strove and begged, and
then returned to the counting house in despair
I sat at my desk, expecting every moment to
hear the voice of our junior sounding the ter
rIble words: "Ourpaper is protested" when
gentleman entered my partment unannounced.
He was Of middle age, with frank, gentle
face, and though fancied there was some
thing familiar in his earnest, kindly look, yet
could not call him to mind in any way.
an Legrand," he said, taking seat never
my desk, 81 hear that you are in need of
money"
The very face of the man inspired conf
denoe, and told him just how was situated.
'Give me your own note of hand, at one
year, without interest for 100000, and will
give you a check for that amount"
While I sat gazing upon him in speeches.
astonishment, he continued thus:
"You don't remember me, but remember
you. I remember when you were member of
the experimenting school committee of Mez-
less. was boy at the school. My father
was dead, my mother was poor, and was
shabhily dressed, though clean. When our
class was called up to recite, on examination
day, you asked the questions. fancied you
would praise and pet the children of the rich
and fortunate parents and pass me by. 1
blundered and stammcred and quivered with
shame. But it was not as had thought
In the end, you passed by all the others and
came to me- You laid your hand upon my
head and told me had don very well; and
then you told me could do better still if
would try. You told me that the way to
honor and renown was open to all alike-no
one had a free pass. All 1 had to do was to
resolve and push on. That sir was the turn
ing point of my life. From that time my soul
was inspired, and have never reached a great
good without blessing you in my heart.
have prospered, and now offer you but poor
return for the soul wealth you gave me in that
by-gune time"
"Itook the check said Legrand, 'and
drew the gold, aid our house was saved. And
where, at the enj Of the year" he added, "do
YOU suppose I found my promissOry notei"
We could not guess.
''In the possession" be told us wi tn stream
ing eyes, "ofny little orphaned granddaughter,
Oh, hearts like that mans heart are what
bring earth and heaven nearer together"