The Cairo bulletin. [volume] (Cairo, Ill.) 1872-1878, 1878-02-07

tthGtH-SbBbf NOttWOEhny AHtC-
dOies--T The Martyr Presidenrs Hon
esty ana the Little Giants Predic-
ton.
Davenport Qowa) Gazette, Jan lOl
For the last fifteen years Mr.. Nixon Den
ton has been one OF the most prominent
men in Delaware county, In this state.
His residence was in Manchester where he
was as popular a. any citizen Of Town
can well become. "Nick" Denton was
everybody's friend. He possessed fine
education, was one OF the roblest-looking
men in he state, and was brilliant in mind.
He cared little for public h0nors--else he
might have become q noted man 10 Iowa.
Mr.. Denton went TO Texas couple Of
weeks since with three or four carloads of
blooded cattle 10 offer to stock breeders
in that state, and met with an accident on
the railroad, which caused his death. His
remains were brought to Manchester the
other day tor burial. A rerldent of this
city who knew Denton well has related 10
US an anecdote which illustrates Nick's
readiness In repsrtee, and given us the de.
tails Of incident which will be read with
Interest by every one who reveres the
memory of Abraham Lincoln, by every
who.one cheIlshes the memory OF Stephen
A Douglas.
When the Illinois Central railroad was
being built, "Nickr Denton was one 9th
civil engineers who made surveys for 1t,
and superintenGed its construction, After
trains were running between the northern
tormini, Dunleith and Chicago, 10 Cairo,
the civil engineers INDUCED in banquet
at hotel in Centralia, John Wymsn-af-
terward Brigsd!er General "Jack" Wy.
man, who was killed at Vicksburg-was
one OF those engineers. While the testify.
tiles were at heir height, Jack Wyman
rose TO propoie volunteer toast. He
raised his g,ass-"Here's to the two Nicks.
Old Nick and Nick Denton" The merri.
ment was iurions-the joke was on Den
ton. The Victim waited until quiet had
been restored ard then raised his glass
"Here's 10 the two Jacks: Jack ASS and
Jack Wyman,' 1t lasted Wynan till his
career close. When in the army with his
brigade ne would get the Recognition
from a far distant voice. "Here's to the
two Jacks" In the tones Of a prolonged
hail.
The Illinois Central was not "fence in"
in Its early day, and cattle WeIe frequently
killed by the treins. Much trouble with
the owners Of live stock ensued. At last
Two cows belonging to Methodist minis
Ter in the central part OF the state was
killed. The company was sued for dam
ages, and the company resolved to make a
test case Of 1t. The president o! the Cen.
tral directed Denton 10 take $500 in gold
and go 10 Springfield and retain Abra-
ham Lincoln for the company. Denton
was well acquainted with Lincoln. He did
as directed; entered Mr.. Lincoln's Office
and told him "the Illinois Central wished
10 retain him as counse in that Methodist
mlr ister,s COW case" Mr.. Lincoln replied,
81 am sorry you didn't come yesteyday,
Nick, for am retained by the preacher
and his friends" Denton explained fully
the Importance of the case to the company,
and then, pulling two buckskin bags filed
with gold out OF his pockets, he put them
down on the table before the lawyer, with
startling chilk, saying, "Mr. Lincoln, the
president Of the company, authorizes me
TO hand you thisretalner of $500 to take our
case" Mr.. Lincoln jumped TO his feet,
flushed with anger over this apparent at
tempt to hire him to abandon his client,
and replied: "Nick Denton, have given
my promise to that preacher and his
friends, and the Illinois Central hasn't
money enough to buy ne from his side.
| don't know that shall ever get u dollar
from him-but I'll do my best TO make
your company pay for these COWS" Den
ton used to say that he never felt so mean
and small in all his lie as he did at that
moment. And in 1860, though Democrat,
he used to say, during the presidential cam.
paign. that Lincoln was the noblest man in
America.
In 1860 Douglas, Democratic candidate
| for president, made speech in Dubuque.
Denton, who had been acquainted with
Douglas for many years, went to Cedar
Rapids with committee to accompany
the senator to Dubuque. On the way
Denton and Douglass had private talk
together. "Judge,.' said Denton, "whal
do you think of the campaign-how Ia 1,
coming out? What's best for young mar
to do who has notion Of getting into pol
iticss" "Nick," replied Douglas, "a'
things are now, If / was a young man am
bilious Tor political place / would supper
Lincoln. He will be elected-and there'l
be war! The entire south will Withdraw
from the Union; both sections will appea
to arms. All the northern Democrats WHIT
support me will uphold Lncoln's admins
tration to save the Union. No othsr
course will be possible or tolerated. The
slaveholders will invite war, and they'll
, get was till they are sick or it. War vii
free the slaves; there'll be devastation ant
I ruin in the SOUTH"
; Denton reported this conversation Il
some Of his friends the evening of election
day. After the result Of the election Wa
j know, Denton was firm In his belief, an
didn't conceal 1t. that war was at hand
, when almost everybody else thought difTel
. ent, aud events proved that Mr.. Dougls
was correct. tt HH