Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1871-04-17
= OLD HICKORY. Col. j. w. Forney tells the

old story of Old Hickory '" q
eat one Of these dinners heard Old Buck
repeat his story of General Jackson, probably
Tor the hundredth time.
Shortly after MIR. Buchanan 5 return from
Russia in 1884, to which he had been sent by
President Jackson in 1882, and immediately
following his election to the Senate OF the
United States by the Legislature OF Pennsyl-
vania to fill the unexpired term OF VIM. Wilkins,
resigned who, in his turn, was sent to succeed
Buchanan in the same foreign mission. Buch-
lish lady, whom he desired to present to the
head of the American nation. Leaving her III
the receptiousroom down stairs, he assembled to
the Presidents private quarters; and found
General jackson unshaved, unkempt, i'll his
dressing gown, with his slippered feet Oh the
fender before blazing Wood-6re, smoking
corn cob pipe OF the old Southern school. tie
stated his object, when the General said nc
would be very glad to meet the handsome ac-
auaintance of the new bachelor Senator MIR:
Buchanan was always careful OF his personal
appearance, and in some respects, was q. sort
Of masculine Miss Fribble, addicted to Spotless
cravats and hinge collars; rather proud OF
small foot for man of his large statue, and to
the last of his life, what the ladies would call
IA very good figure. - ),
fashionable continental circles, after two years
Of thorough intercourse with the etiquette Of
one Of the stateliest courtslin Europe, he was
somewhat shocked ut the idea of the Presi-
dent meeting the eminent English lady i'll such
d guise,t and yentured to ask If he did not IN
tend to change his attire, whereupou the old
warrior rose, with his long pipe is his hand,
and deliberately knocking the ashes out OF the
bowl, said:to his friend : Buchanan, want
to give youa little piece Of advice, which |
hope you will remember. l knew man once
who made his fortune by attending to his own
business. Tell the lady | will see her pre-"
sently." -@a.n aa
The man who became President in 1856 was
fond of saving that this remark of Andrew
jackson humiliated him more than any re-
buke he had ever received He walked down
stairs to meet his fair charge, aud i'll very
short. time President jackson entered the
room dressed in tull suit Of black, cleanly
shaved with his stubborn white hair forced
back from his remarkable face, and advancing
to the beautiful Britisher, saluted her with al
most kindly grace AS she lett the White
House she exclaimed to her escort, Your re-
publican President is the royal model OF gen
tleman.
WM. MAXWELL OF NoRFoLK.-We find
in the Richmond Enquirer some interesting ex-
tracts from Forthcoming work entitled ''The
Life and Times Of John Thompson Brown, by
Doctor Thomas p. Atkinson, from which we
select the following in references to one of the
most distinguished men Of Norfolk at that tday :
William Maxwell who, for genius, wit, hu-
mor readiness. at, repartee, SATIRE and scathing
s,rcasm-each aud all of which he called into
exercise as occasion demanded had no equal
in the State, was member of both the House
of Delegates and the Senate at different periods
of Browns service in the Legislature. .HeWas
the ehighly gifted representative OF 81 the borough
of Norfolk, as that city by the sea was cab
ed in those DAYS, ..,yr .rcl,:s.,o.---.
His elocution and his rhetoric were faultless,
and his eloauenee was Of the highest order.
His gestures wsfeliDtnitable lie was not only
i man of profound leafning, but ready, polish
ed and efficient debater, who delighted to take
part in those unpremedi ditated and hasty skirnl-
iShes which frequently OCCUR In legislative
bodies, and which best display the metal OF
public speakars ngso ,:.s;. 80 -, " - .. L.. =,
denlya directed 10 the chandelier which lighted
up the hail. his faaneies seemed to take fire, and
he ole ctritied the House by apostrophising the
Chandelier in doine, which he threw off spark
after shark and fash after fash Of eloquent dec
lamation until the brilliancy Of his corrusca-
is t;ons seemed % to- Illuminate the house. lie was
the most graceful aud: poll shed speaker ever
heard. 4 a9'd.: ..".
As an illustration Of his readiness at a reply
and of the good humored liberty which he de-
lighted to take with his most intimate and most
valued friends, give the following account ot
AN encounter which he once had with female
witness of the rougher sort, whom he hait cross
examined in court in way to put her into il
cross Iumor. a.. .s,s - 's
Theindiyidual in question took great umbrage
at the course which the counsel deemed it his
revenSe If the adjournment of the court She
accord;nrly took her station Mt tho outer door
Of the court house, and as Mr.. Maxwell WAS