The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1875-08-12
A "REMINISCENCES OF JOHNSON.

THE PRESENTATION OF a MYSTERIOUS BOX
EVERYBODY ALARMED EXCEPT ANDY
WHAT THE BoN CONTAINED.
The Pittshurg Leader is responsible for the
following amusing Renaissance of the late
ex president: Since the death of ex-Presi-
dent Johnson, the particulars of which ar
Published in fall elsewhere, incidents in the
career of the self-made statesman will no
doubt now be peTused with much interest,
and more especially that which occurred on
the memorable night of Thursday, Septem-
Der ID. 1866 at the st. Charles Hotel in this
city, and which caused no little sensa-
ton. The occurrence, of course, is re-
membered by many readers of the Leader.
Upon his arrival in the city on this occasion,
after q tour through the East, accompanied
by General Grant, Secretary Welles, Admit
raj Farragut, General Custer and others,
he proceeded TO the st. Charles Hotel,
amidst the hooting of an enraged mob. Ar
irving here. he ascended.the porch OF The
hotel, intending to speak, but as soon as he
appeared i'm front of the excited crowd he
was greeted with Misses and shouts, which
made il impossible for him to be heard.
Seeing that he could noe address the
''Fellow citiZsns, l wish you good
evening"" and retired. Here it
is said that General Grant, who at that
time never made a speech more than to
say, ~ thank yOu," stepped forward, and
made a speech containing about thirty
words, advising the immense crowd below
to retire. This address OF Grants, if it may
be called one, caused considerable surprise,
and was soon heralded abroad. his, how
ever, did not have the desired effect, and the
mob continued their wild cries. The presi
Dental party then retired to the banquet
room and engaged in friendly conversation
with a number OF our most prominent citi
Zsns. While here a waiter presented to his
excellency
A VERY NEAT WOODEN BOX,
probably about fifteen inches square. john
son merely observed, "Ab, some more Of
that confOunded fruit that's responsible for
Stewards diarrhoea" Seward at that time
having just recovered frem a severe attack
of cholera.) The box looked as if it contain
ed grapes. The ex president laid the box
ON the table, and was about to open it when
Gen. Custer rushed forward and caught
his arm. exclaiming: my God, Mr..
Pte~iden'l what are you about to
do? There may be an internal machine
in that boxl Think how the Italian,
Orsini, attempted to blow up the Emperor
Napoleon at the Paris Opera bousef" Horror
o at on every countenance at the bare sug-
gestion. II the attendant lords in waiting
uId not shout "rreasoni' Treason ~ and
beat their swords against the walls (the way
Messrs. Macduff, Banquo and Donalbain do
the business in Macbeth it was owing TO
the calmness of the ex-president in the face
of the imminsnt danger. ~Be quiet, gen
tiemen," he exclaimed; "do not in your
excitement initiate yonder ra9ing mob
of radicals. j believe in the glorious en-
sign o. the republic and thirty six stars mot
tweDtv-tve) on its broad folds. have con-
tidence in the people. Why should l not
have! | have always been their friend
Since / was chosen an alder Good
Mr 10 in,
Custer, =" we are losing time; the would be
assassin may escape "Let me see the
box" said the president, plseidly. The box
was turned over and over again by the eager
trembling hands of the boy-general. Ii one
s)rner on
A CARD,
was found to be inscribed these words:
$40 His Excellency, the President of the
United States, Andrew Johnson, with the
compliments of James P. Barr editor of
the Post" 4'There, told you So" SAID the
president. "The people would not harm
me. Send for Mr.. Barr" Mr.. Barr. on re-
ceiving the presidential summons, FASTENED
to his presence; and when the cause OF the
c0mmotion was explained denied all knowl-
party now became suspicious
Caution, alarm and indignation were
Observable on every countensnce- Consid B.
cradle discussion then ensued as I what TO
do with the box. 1t was finally determined,
however, that it should be taken to the
court yard of the hotel and opened with
every precaution. To Custer tbis duty was
committed, accompanied by grave party
of gentlemen, their hearts beating high in
expectation of probing this plot TO its in
most recesses. The bydrant was first
turned on it, until thoroughly satu-
rated with water. Then the party
hastily secured such bomb proofs as
they could hit upon, the box was thrown 10
tie ground and burst open. There was no
explosion. Custer and his aids examined
the contents of the mysterious package
Meanwhile the ex-presidsnt and Secretary
: Welles remained in quiet conversation in
their chamber. When Custer aud the gentle
men accompanying him entered the room,
Johnson anxi0usly inquired, "Well did you
find anything dangerous, gentle unen ~ "Only
this, Mr.. President" exclaimed the truthful
cavalry leader, extending his right hand 70
the chief magistrate, ga dead duckr'
THE RIVAL BABIES.