Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1871-12-08

Mr.. Forncy, in his latest Anecdotes Of Pub
lie Men" gives some "reminiscences Of Daniel
LEHMAN and G. j. Iugersoll, noted politicians
in their day, and tells two anecdotes about
Washington: ...... ......
More than twenty years ago, | made the ac-
uuaintauce Of David Hoffman, Of Baltimore,
the eminent lawyer aud legal writer, who died
Of apoplcxy shortly after in the city of New
York seventy years old. | Was introduced to
him at the dinner table of Charles Jared Inger-
soil, then living in Walnut street, near Fifth,
in the city of Philadelphia, an equally interest
ing character, Of more experience, IT not pro,
founder learning who was born in lIS2, and
died on the l4th Of May, 1862, at the great
age of eighty Marked deeply in my memory
Of that afternoon were two anecdotes OF Gcn.
Washington, whom these interesting veterans
had known in their youth.
Mr.. Hoffman, while pIayfully reminding his
contemporary and friend Of his ancient FEEDER
alism Mr. Ingcrsol was one Of the ableSt OF
the Democratic leaders at the tlmc,) took spe-
cial pains to illustrate his own consistent attach
ment to what he was pleased to call the doc
trines and teachings Of Washington, BY rela'
ting how, as a lad of twelve, he had met the
Father of his Country, at Bcllzhoovcr's Hotel,
in Light street, Baltimore An immense crowd
had assembled 10 meet the patriot. Hoffman,
with two other boys, fingered after the concourse
had dispersed, for au opportunity to see and
converse with the honorcd guest ashlngton
had retired to his chamber, but answered the
knock Of the boys hy opening his door and lu'
viting them in.
In those days the French Republicans had
large class OF imitators and followers in the
United States and Hoffman's two companions
wore what was known as the Jefferson or Frencl,
cockade in their caps After Washington had
asked their names he turned to Hoffman and
said, 81 see that you have no cockade will you
allow HE to make one for YOU And calling
for servant, he directed him to purchase Il
piece of black ribbon an with this, said MIR.
Hoffman, she cut out ioi me black cockade,
which he pinned to my cap with his own hands;
and that is why have remained Washington
Federalist to this day. and why | shall die
one MIR. Ingnrsoll followed with an incident
not less interesting. In his thirteenth year he
had seen General Washington in Philadelphia.
Playing around his residence in Market street,
near Fifth, with some of the children connect
cd with the Washington family, he was per
suaded into the house and dined at the table
with the great man, his wife, Mrs. Martha
Washington, and his military aids or sccreta
ries. Mr.. Ingersoll described Washington as
stately and austpre. No conversation took
place during the meal He filled hi, own glass
of Madeira Silently, passed the decanter to his
lady, and then took wine with the guests. the
bows inclusive 1t was a long and quiet repast,
and the boys were glad when it was over
Washington rose first, and passed to his front
door where three horses were i'll waiting IN
the hands Of the grooms; the General mount
ed one, the aids the others, and all three rode
rapidly out Fifth street