Middletown transcript., 1877-02-17
AyECDorE OF JEFFERsoN.


Many amusing anecdotes are handed
down to US Of Thomas Jefferson. and o
those who were politically opposed t.
him. Here is one worth relating:
Mr.. Jefferson was iu the habit o
driving himself in a gig, when be mad,
bis visit to bis country seat. Monticello
at Charlottesville, Virginia. He pre-.
fArred this mode of travelling to the
stage coach, and of railways there were
none then between Washington and his
rural residence On one Of his trips be
saw a boy, poorly clad. trudging along
the roadside, and accosted him, asking
him if he would like a ride. The boy
prompl ly and frankly accepted the in-
vitation, and soon charmed his unknown
friend by his ingenious, boyish conver
sation After a time Mr. Jefferson
asked his companion if be had ever
heard of Tom jefferson ?
"Oh, yes" was the boys quick res
pense My dad says he's the biggest
rascal that ever lived.
Nothing daunted by this unexpected
answer, the President continued the
conversation and when in reply to al
lusions purposely made to Jefferson the
lad would exclaim that dad said be
was traitor to bis country" he would
say. in explanation. "Oh, perhaps you
would not 6nd him such bad fellow
after all " When be reached the point
where bis companion must leave him.
Mr. Jefferson said, as be lightly leaped
to the ground
You can tell your dad you had a
ride with Tom Jefferson, and be is not
such bad fellow"
"Dogged if 1 dop exclaimed the
youth. dad would give me the worst
licking ever had if be knew [ had
bsen riding with you"
Still amused at the youths persist
ence. Mr.. Jefferson said in a kindly
tone:
Now. my little fellow. I want you
to come and see me at the White House,
in Washington /; and you'll find that
I'm not quite as bad as your dad thinks
me"
The boy, with q bare acknowledge
ment of the friendly invitation, ran of
towards his house He was, however,
sufficiently en7rossed to tell dad that
be was asked to go and see the Presi-
dent at the White House and be meant
to 60.
Nonsense !" sueered the parent
when yeu go there be will ask you
who in the world you are 2"
mo he won't" persisted the lad.
'and I'm geiDg"
He was as good as his word His
fall supplies, homespun suit and a
change of underclothing, had just been
and one morning donning
The new suit and a new shirt, and put
ling the remainder of bis personal effects
10 handkerchief, be twisted a stick
through his baggage, slung it over his
and started briSkly of to walk
to Washington to see his friend
In due time the brave youngster
reached the Capitol city, and inquiriug
he way to the White House. be soon
found himself at the entrance To the
servant who appeared in response to
bis vigorous blows on the panel of the
1onr. be boldly demanded to see Tom
Jefferson
Hes at dinner ard has company"
replied the attendant, not a little aston
shed at the travel-soiled boy with his
bundle.
That's nothing" promptly the ad-
Venturer answered; 'he told me to
,ome here to see him, aud I've come,
md | amt going off without seeing
lin. either"
There was no choice but to obey, so
be servant went to the dining-room and
old his master that boy was outside
Who said be must see the President, ss
lie had been told to come. Mr.. Jeffer-
on at once ordered the intruder to be
'rought In; and the shabby youth,
With his bundle still over his shoulder,
ound himself in the midst of a state
Inner party But, nothing dauuted
y his strange position, when the Pre-
ident, in genuine astonishment, ex-
laimed. "Who under the sun are your
be youugster calculated
Nov. that's just what dad said
ou'd say if | came here I'm Charles
Iorgan, and you axed me to come
,hen was riding with you t'othcr
ay."
80 I did," replied the President,
is recollection of the incident reviviDg
and now you are here, sit down with
s and take some dinner"
Another plate was ordered to be
laced on the table, and Charles Nor
an took a seat With undiminisbed as
urance among the ladies' and gentle
zen. Mr. Jefferson directed the dusty
undlO, to which the lad clung to the
lst, to be taken to spare bedroom.
nd announced his intention Of keeping ,