Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1879-04-25
Andy johnson at Lexington.
IT. T. Crittenden, of Warrensburg, MOL

IT. T. Crittenden of Warrensburg, mol
Andrew johnson, then refugee at
Camp Dick Robinson, near Danville, KY,
came to Lexington, KY, in the summer
of 1851, to make speech against the evils
Of secession. 1t had been announced for
days preceding that the speech would DO
made at the opera house. The city was I'LL,
ed with the cultivated and elite citizens OF
that unsurpassed country. John Morgan
the famous raider, was then organizing his
regiment at Lexington. The secession
spirit was wild with anticipated success OF
its cause. At the appointed time the opera
house was crowded almost to suffocation
with ladies and gentlemen-with those
clinging to the Union with mistaken af-
fiction, with those undecided where to
cast their lot with those filled with the
idea of q new government and new order
of things. Mr.. johnson entered the hall
from the front, accompanied by a few
friends, looking every inch man. He
was then in the prime of life. and beauty of
we'll developed manhood and like Paul of
old, stood ready to offer up his life in de-
fence of the faith and hope chat possessed
him. AS he entered the house shout
went up from friend and foe, because all
saw at once in the man that wonderful
power and magnetism which made him the
pride of Tennessee and the acknowledged
friend of Lhe people. Threats had beel,
made Oh the streets of the city chat day by
young rebel spirits that Mr.. johnson
should not deliver Union speech on that
OCCASION; others declared that he should
both sides were armed more or less. There
was dread in the minds Of the more pru-
dent ON both sides that "bloody drama"
was imminent Mr.. johnson saw at once
the danger surrounding the situation, and,
with mastery stroke, quickly Quieted the
surging, excited throng Of people, with the
following happy introduction: 81 stand TO-
day a refugee from home, from my adopt
ed state, in whose councils have stood as
a tribune Of the people, from my loved
wife and children, and have sought tenn
porary home in the grand old State of
Kentucky, in the historic city Of Licking
ton, under the shadow of that monument
which stands in memoriam of the grandest
man the world eyer saw! Kentucky was
the fit home OF Clay, and Clay was the
true representative of such State. Mon
uments of marble are not necessary to per-
petuate their glory. They are a part of
the history OF our common country, and
will only be forgotten when we-fellow
citizens-shall forget the glory OF that
country. l am here to speak in be-
half of that country-one and inSeparable
just as our forefathers made it-just as
your Clay preserved it in the compromise
measure of 1850. when he said: Il may be
| asked, as l have been asked, when 1 am
| for the dissolution of this union, l answer,
never never!! never ~! y So say l, my
countrymen May l, Kentuckians, the
| friends, neighbors, and constituents. of
| such man, give my reasons to-day why
this Union should be preserved, why war,
the last alternative Of civilization, should
be avoided? Shall be heard for my cause,
| even by the brave and gallant men who
are to-day putting on the harness Of war
| under an excitement that will yet make
many homes desolate, make many hearts
are brave on all occasions; no more afraid
of free speech than of free combat. Cow
ards suppress the one and fee from the
other! Shall be heard % At this point
COL Tom Buford (who has just assassin
ated Judge Elliott at Frankfort, KY. }
moved from his seat to the aisle facing the
speaker, and said, go on, Mr.. johnson;
you shall be heard to day in behalf Of the
| Union. Kentuckians love brave man,
wherever found and under all circum-
Stances Suffice it to say that the elo-
quence of the orator and the response of
| the auditor abated all uneasiness in the
minds of the fair women and brave men,
and the crowd listened with eagerness to
the plea Of the great natural orator for
more than two hours. Few such speeches
| have ever been made. 1t was enough
within itself to have immortalized him.
1t was grand plea for peace, harmony,
home and country. Subsequent history
has fully verified his brave words. When
he said, Il am done. God bless Kentucky!
God bless our whole land!" wild burst OF
applause was heard from that great mixed
| crowd of Union men and secessionists.
Andrew johnson entered that hall stran-
ger and left it hero.