The Van Buren press., 1870-06-07
MISCELLANY.
Thomas Jefferson.


While this distinguished Statesman
and patriot was Vice President Of the
United States, it was customary for the
individual holding the said high Office to
attend to business more in person than
the refnements Of more modern times
will allow, l happened once that some
important matters required his attention
in Philadelphia, and some other places
distant from the capital In these days
a journey to Philadelphia was not to be
performed in few hours-it was two or
three days travel, and none of the most
pleasant sort either. On bis return he
stopped in Baltimore. 1t was four or
five in the afternoon when the Vice Pres
ident rode up, suitless and unattended,
to the tavern. A Scotchman by the name
Of Boyden kept the hotel, Of hate go much
improved and now SO handsomely sus
tanned by our worthy townsman Belts
hoover. The bucks of the town were as
sembled in the large hall, smoking, strut
ting, cracking Jokes, and otherwise in
dulging in the ct ceteras of the day.
Boyden was AZ the bar examining the
hooks, and doubtless making calculations
respecting Ills future prospects. defer
son had delivered his horse. into the
hands Of the hostler, and walked into the
tavern in order to make arrangements in
regard to his fare Some one touched
Boyden on the elbow, and directed his
attention to the stranger, who stood with
his whip in hand, striking it occasionally
upon his muddy leggins. Boyden turned
around and surveyed him from head to
foot, and concluding him to be an old
farmer, from the country, whose compa-
ny would add no credit to his house, he
said abruptly
1--WE have no room for you, sir.
Jefferson did not hear the remark, and
asked if he could be accommodated with
room. His voice which was command
ing and attractive, occasioned another
survey Of his person by the honest pro.
pr,etor of the house, whose only care
was for its reputation He could not
find, however, in his plain dress, pretty
well covered with mud, anything indicat
ing either wealth or distinction and in his
usual rough style he said
"A room y
Jefferson replied, eyes, sir, | should
like to have Il room to myself, if can
get it 2"
"A room all to yourself? No, no
we have no room--there's not q spare
room in the house--all fnll-- all occupied
cant accommodate you t
The Vice President turned upon his
heel, called for his horse, which by this
time was snug in the stable, mounted and
rode off In few minutes one Of the
wealthiest and distinguished men in the
town came in and asked for the gentle
man who rode up to the door few min
utes before. l.fft, ffB
Gentleman - said Boydon.
There has been no gentleman here
on horseback this afternoon, and no
stranger at all, but one common country
looking fellow, who came in and asked
ii he could have whole room, but ask
ed him ont of that mighty quick, tell
YOU. told him had DO room for such
chaps as him y ,.r+rt.
mo room for such chaps as him ("
"No, by the pipers, no room for any
body that don't look respectable"
"Why, what are you talking about
man.? He's the Viee-Presdent of the
United States. "
"vice President ofthe United States y
exclaimed Boyden, almost breathless in
astonishment.
"Why, yes, sir Thomas Jefferson,
Vice President Of the United States, and
the greatest man alive
"AIurder, what have 1 done; Here
Tom, Jerry, Dick, Jake--where are you
all Here, 1y youvlllains--fy, and tell
that gentleman we've forty rooms at his
service! Vice President-Thomas Jcf
ferson !. Tell him to come back and he
shall have my wife's parlor--my own
room! Jupiter! what have done :
Here, Harriet, Mary, julie, clear out the
family he shall have the best room
and all Of the rooms If he wants them
OF, you hussies, put clean sheets on tnc
bed Bill, take up this mirror! George,
hurry up with the boot jack! BY George
what q mistake y
For fifteen minutes Boyden ravcd like
madman, and went fifty times TO the
door, to sec IL his wished for guest, was