The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1872-01-07
Smith and Smith.

Mahon, having become father, went ID
the Mayoralty at the city Of Nancy, to have
the infsnt's birth and name registered, "a
. nurse, carrying the babe, and by two
relatives. #e 5a4tfs's-
"You must wait" said clerk on duty,
who did not know the Marshal. The latter
took q seat and waited. A quarter Of an
nothing. He deliberately arranged and re-
arranged his pens and paper; he then clean.
ed his nails with penknife; he ignored
his visitors entirely.
The Marshal remained calm and imper-
| turbable his friends showed signs Of in
quiet. At iength the clerk, taking mp pen
and opening registry, said: :. Well. what
is your name, sirf You are the father Of
Write," said tho Marshai, coolly,
Emanuel, son Of Patrick Maurice Dc Nc.
France, hero before you.n
The pen had dropped from the trembling
clerks hand. The Marshal did not report
him. He considered the fright he had given
the official punishment enough.
what similar kind, in which another dis
tinguished soldier was an actor. II was in
the early daya Of the English expedition to
Portugal and Spain, TO aid those countries
against Napoleon. In the Chief clerks Office
Of the War Department ct London there
was lull one day in business, and all the
less, to " see q man leaving one young
| scion Of aristocracy lolling At his desk,
pairing his nails, and otherwise illustrating
| his admiration Of red tape and his contempt
| for the rest Of the world. A sharp, decisive
voice at his ear startled him and caused him
| to turn round on his chair moro rapidly
than was his won't. At the railing by his
elbow stood short, spare, clean-shaven
man, Of erect figure and cold, severe man
| ner. His drcss was that of civilian.
"Fill out these papers ut once, cir" said
the stranger sharply and peremptorily,
handing the young man some blanks.
The clerk slowly put mp his eyeglass and
surveyed the visitor coolly aud deliberately
for some time. "And who the d0ose may
you be, sir =" said the official at last, in q
rather indignant yet sneeriug manner.
The visitor cast one searching glance at,
over, and through the pert young man, and
then said in his peculiarly clear, sharp, cold
tone: My name is Weiiesly. My rank,
General. ] leave for Lisbon to- morrow
morning; Young man, fill out those papers
Tho clerk was overwhelmed with copfa-
sion and dismay. Wellesley stopped his
apologies short, turned on his heel and left,
saying, a. unmoved "a ever, Fill out those
papers at once. shall return for them in
fifteen ninutes.n
clerk was notably polite after that to I'M
known civilians. II5,
And this brings us down to the present |
day. Rather early ono morning. during /
the late war, whilst Gen. j. B. Magruder !
had his headquarters ut Houston, one of the |
Texas officers Of his stat, tall, fne-look-
ing and talented young mana general
favorite with everybody-wass seated in the |
Adjutaut Generals Office, alone. His bro
Their officers and the clerks had not come
in yet, so early was it. The Major was |
lounging at desk reading a paper, and
with his back to the door.
A slight noise at the entrance attracted
his attention but he did not look up. al
wish to see Gen. Magruder," said calm,
pleasant voice near him. Gle is not down
yet" said the Major, glanciDg moment
from his paper at the visitor, quiet, gem
tlemanly- looking man, evidently just off
trip:
"When will he be in 2" asked the visitor,
in tue same pleasant voice and manner.
"Can't exactly say" answered the Major,
reading away at an Interesting "leader" in
heref" said the. visitor. "Well-yes-i
believe I am-rather!" answered the Major,
slowly, getting mixed up in one Of Cush-
Ing's paragraphs, and in commencing it
over again. May inquire If you are on
he starr" qoeried the visitor, in his politest
staff" was the slowly delivered answer.
"Will you be kind enough to say to the
General that called to see himf"
s. Yes-I--wiii.n D
Thank you. Good morning!" and the ,
visitor turned to 60.
The Major let him get MS far as the door
md then reused himself. "Ho1d on q min
ate, my friend!" exclaimed he. The other
stopped and looked back. "You forgot to
Iive me your name," said the Major.
My name! 1 thought you knew it."
NHrr ~ ola Z <Hol &,
name of every one who comes here to see
len. Magruder!"
ooh! you are qnite correct, sir. Well,
ny name is Smith"
Smith John, SUPPOSED We have
fifty John Smiths day, my friend, to see
ZEN. Magruder. Which one are you, pray.
There is Smith and Smith, You know" -
"Quite right, again. Pray oblige me be
Gen. Magruder that Gen. E. Kir-
~ Smith called to see him!"
And with an amiable smile and slight
'ut graceful inclination to the young man, !
he distinguished visitor left the room.