Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1870-05-27
Andrew JohnsOn-Inc IdepGs I'm she Life OF
the EX- President


The following is an extract from an ar
ticle in the May number of the XIX Cen
tury, from the pen of Gov. Perry, Of South
Carolina
President Johnson came to Laurens G.
H., South Carolina, IN 1927, and remained
there two years, working as a journeyman
tailor. He came from North Carolina,
where he was born, and served his ap-
premiership. Whilst working at Laurens
he became engaged to young lady in the
neighbOrhood, and went out one Sunday
morning 10 ask her mother, who was a
widow lady, for the hand of her daughter.
He told Gov. Orr that he saw by the old
lady's manner that she was not favorably
disposed toward him. It was late in the
evening before he could muster up courage
to "pop the question" When he did SO,
the old lady told him very plainly that her
daughter should not marry a tailor, and
intimated that she suspected he wanted
some of her negroes. The young tailor
boy and future President of the United
States, was so much mortified at the rebuff
he had received, that he determined to quit
Laurens, and did SO the next day.
How unfortunate for the daughter was
the ill-judgment Of the mother. Had she
given her consent, her daughter might
have been the occupant of the White
House, mistress OF ceremonies and fashion
in Washington, receiving and entertaining
foreign ministers and their ladies, instead
of being as she is, the humble wife of a
poor and obscure man. On the other
hand, it might have disappointed the high
destiny Of the tailor boy. Instead Of being
President of the United States he might
be still pursuing his humble vocation. But
this is not very likely. A man with Presi-
dent Johnsons natural endowments, intel
lectually and morally, could hardly pass
through life in this American republic,
without elevating himself and acquiring
honor and distinction.
It is a remarkable and most wonderful
fact, that President Johnson never went
to school day in his life His father,
who was a most worthy and excellent man,
filling the office of town constable in
Raleigh, North Carolina, messenger of the
bank and sexton of a church, died when
his son was only two years old. The family
were left in poverty, and at the age of ten
years, Andrew was bound as an apprentice
to the trade of tailor. Whilst working
as an apprentice, some one came into the
| shop with book of speeches. and read
! one to the boys. This speech delighted
| Andrew Johnson SO much that he deter
mined to learn to read himself. The book
was given to him, and in this book, with
the assistance of his fellow apprentices, he
| learned his letters and learned to read !;
aud after chat, book of some sort was
| ever his constant companion. His wife
| taught him to write and cypher after they
married. In the meantime he must have
had his mind we'll stored with great deal
OF useful reading.
| 1t has been said, and widely circulated,
| that President johnson was Incorporate.
| There never was, perhaps, less foundation
| for such calumny. He has always been
most temperate man throughout his
whole life. This will be testified to by all
| who knew him intimately, whether friends
or foes. Messrs. Burt, Ashemore aud
other members of Congress, who served
with him for many years, assure me that
no sach thing was ever suspected whilst he
was in Congress. Col. Williams of Green
vile, Tenn, who has known President
Johnson all his lie and resided with him
in the same village, and between whom
there is a bitter fued, told me not long
since that no one ever saw johnson drunk
or suspected him of drinking to excess.
In all my visits to the President,
in the day time and at night, l
am sure he was never under the influence
of spirits or wine in the slightest degree.
When inaugurated as Vice Presidents he
was in feeble health and just before MAX
ing his speech he was advised to take a
glass of brandy. Not being accustomed
to the use Of spirituous liquors it did ef-
feet him, and the effect was noticed. This
first gave birth to SANDER.