Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1878-04-10
Harry OF tho West.

There were residing at Ashland, the
residence of Mr.. Clay, near Lexington,
in 1S43 and IA three Of his grandsons
and myself, attending the classes of
Transylvania University. During the
fall of '43 Nicholas Longwortb, Of Gin
cinnati, sent to Mr.. Clay five gallon
demijohn of wine, sealed with ordinary
wax, ana stsnpsd withea = letter az"
that had the appearance Of having been
cut from piece ofrough wood. Charles,
Mr.. Clay's confidential cOlored servant,
was requested to place the demijohn in
a secure place in the cellar. Mr.. Clay
gave us the privilege, after finishing our
class studies each night, Of going to the
cellar for what apples and cider we
wished. On one occasion Henry Durable
one of the mess, proposed to me instead
of filling the pitcher with cider to tap
the demijohn of native American wine,
We did so, and continued to do so night
after night, as we preferred it to cider.
until it was empty.
A consultation was held, and an unan-
imOus opinion expressed that something
must be done, and that without delay.
We brought into our confidence the old
Guinea gardener, Mike, at III O'Clock at
night, and snow six inches on the ground
which resulted in his assisting US. in
consideration of a quarter Of dollar
cash In hand, in taking the demijohn to
town some three miles distant, and for
fifteen cents gallon, get an old dutch
man who made precsrious living by
trading whiskey at night with colOred
persons, to fill up five gallons the same.
On our return we smeared over some
sealing wax and having letter L from
the end of broom-stlck, branded it, and
placed it once more in the cellar where
it belonged.
During the fall of 1874. when there
was every indication that Mr.. Clay
would be elected President, he gave a
dinner party to Tom Corwin, Charlie
Morehead, and many of his near friends.
AS usual, at this dinner Mr.. Clay had
his household family, including our
selves, present. We sat down to the
table at 2 O'Clock, as was customary at
that time. After long and sumptuous
dinner, during which time many wines
were discussed, Mr.. Clay said "Gentle,
men, have an abiding confidence the
day will soon come when America will
prove to be the great wine-producing
country of the world; and with your
permission will produce sample OF
the first American wine ever made, from
my old friend, Nicholas Longworth.
Charlie, my boy, can you 90 down in
the cellar and bring up from the right
hand corner that demijohn of wine that
came from Mr.. Longworth?" "Yes
SIR" "Hold, Charlie; see here. Now
you do so with very great care. Should
you shake it the very least bit you will
spoil it. Now, Charlie, just set it with
the greatest ease on the floor beside me
Ali that's all right. Now, my good bo. 7
take the corkscrew and extract the corr
and don't shake it. There, there, take
il under your arm, easy If you please,
and just tip us little all round. Now
gentlemen, we will, with your permis'
sion, drink standing, to the health Of
our friend, Nicholas Longworth, the
manufacturer of the first native wine
ever made in America" As the wiGe
touched their lips Mr.. Clay looked at u:
boys seated at one corner of the table
and with that stentorian voice tina,
was so peculiar to him when reused,
cried "Boysw We slipped from oul
seats, through the side door, and as We
entered the cedar trees out of sight
heard such a shout from the guests a:
we never heard in the mansion At Ash
land.