The Portland daily press., 1876-04-20
A Nice Little Boy.

When the New York Constitutional Conven-
ton met in 1861 Luther Caldwell was elected
clerk. Soon after he had taken his seat a
shrewd little shaver from Brooklyn approached
him and asked for the appointment Of messen-
ger boy. Caldwell recognized him as a former
page in the assembly. The boy said he was
having a hard time of it, and if Caldwell
would give him the position it would be a big
thing for him. "But," answered the clerk ''the
appointment lies with Mr.. Wheeler, the presi-
dent" 'What can do to reach him?" the boy
inquired,
"The best thing you could do would be to Sc
cure the influence of two prominent members
of the convention. If they should ask your
appoi intment Mr.. Wheeler would surely grant
it."
'But how can fetch them? 1 don't know
any of them," said the boy. "And who are
the best for me to tackle?'
"Ah," exclaimed the clerk. "now you ask
ME too much. You must use your own judge
ment and depend upon your own exertions."
AS the clerk entered the convention on the
following morning he saw the Hon. Horace
Greeley in his seat writing busily. At his side
stood the Brooklyn boy with snow-white blot
of manuscript, down went the blotter. A lit
tie white fist rubbed il over the ink. The page
was removed and clean sheet laid IN its place
by the same little hand. The great newspaper
| editor looked up and saw an innocent, boyish
I face gazing upon him in admiration, seemingly
l only too happy to be of service to him. As
fast as the sheets were filed, the nimble fingers
l applied the 5lotter, and finally produced envel-
opes already stamped for the use of the great
man. That afternoon Mr.. Greeley rose. In
piping tone of voice he said:
Mister CLERK, who has the appointment of
the messen, ,yer boys in this convention?'
s'The presi dent of the convention, Mr.. VIM.
A. Wheeler" was the reply.
"Well,,' cont uued Horace, "here is bright
| little boy, who is O1e of the incest and most
| usefnl little boys tSat ever saw. Most little
| boys spend their time sBylarking or playing
| marbles, bat this little boy is an Industrious
| and serviceable little boy, ami want to have
/ him appointed messenger.
The clerk said that II Mr.. Greeley would
state his wishes to Mr. Wheeler in writing, he
| ment At the close OF the days session, the
| boy shook a letter from Mr.. Greeley in CalJ
| wells face, saying. "Well, I've nailed one of
the old ROSTERS. Now L am going Tor another
| one"
On the following day the boy appeared at the
/ desk of the Hon. Samuel j. Tilden, blotter In
hand. Uncle Sammy was polished OF in the
l most approved style, The boy was unremit-
| ting in his attentions and Sammy was wonder
| fully pleased. just before the adjournment he
| rose and began to twirl his glasses in his fin
gers. "Ah, Mr. Clerk" he said, "Who is ves-
ted with the appointment of messengers in
1 this coLvention?'
''Mr. Wheeler" was the answer.
I '.Ah," Uncle Sammy uttered. "Well, here
Ia little fellow whose refined manners and
l wOaanly face have both interested and at
raeted me. Indeed, may say that they have
quite won my heart. | should like TO have hiw
| appoHted messenger"
The Clerk suggested that letter from gen.
| tleman of such high standing st the bar would
have great weight with Mr.. Wheeler, despite
4 Mr.. Tilden's political antagonism. That eve
| ming the little fellow with the womanly face
| shook Uncle Sapmy's letter of recommended
ton in Caldwelps face shouting, I've nailed
the 41ber old rooster. Now yon fix things with
1 old man Wheeler and then I'll be all right"
The clerk handed Mr.. Wheeler the letters.
| The boy got the appointment, but he managed
| to get assigned to some trivial post outside OF
| the chamber, and both Uncle Sammy and Un-
Gle Horace frequently wondered what became
of the nice little boy with refined manners and
| womanly face.
Such is the story as told by Clerk Caldwell
recently. He adds the boy was afterward
elected to the assembly from Brooklyn. His
name was Henry j. Cullen .-Nelo York E1 :
4 press.