The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1879-04-30
WHOLE. NO. 2sO.
A PATRIOTIC PLEA.
How Andrew johnson Once "Put a Spell''
on the Kentucky Hot-Bloods.

How Andrew johnson Once ssPut a SpeIl''
on the Kentucky Hot-Bloods.
Interview with Colonel T. T. Crittenden, OF
Warrensburg.1
Andrew Johnson, then a refugee at Camp
Dick Robinson, near Danvilie, 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 be made at the Opera
House. The city was flled with cultivated
elite citizens of that unsurpassed country.
John Morgan, the famous raider, was then
organizing bis regiment at Lexington.
The secession spirit was wild with anuc-
ipated success of its cause. At the
appointed hour the Opera House was
crowded almost to suffocation with ladies
and gentlemen-with those cilneipg to the
Union with unshaken affection, with those
undecided where to cast their lot, with those
filled with the idea of a new Government
and q new order of things. Mr. Johnson
entered the hall from the front. compaIiied
by few friends, looking every inch man.
He was then in the prime of life and beauty
OF q well-developed manhood-like Paul of
old, stood ready to offer up his life in
defense of the hope and faith that possessed
him. As he entered the house q shout went
mp from friend and foe, because all saw st
once in the man that wonderful power and
magnetism which made him the pride of
Tennessee and the acknowledged friend of
the people. There was something grand in
every step that he took. Threats had been
made ON the streets of the city that day by
young rebel spirits that Mr.. johnson should
not deliver Union speech on that occasion;
others declared that he should-both sides
we're armed more or less. There was dread
in the minds of the more prudent on both
sides that q bloody drama was imminent.
Mr.. Johnfon saw at once the danger sur
rounding the occasion, and with a mastery
stroke quickly quieted the surging. excited
throng Of people, with the following happy
introduction: II stand to day a refugee
from home, from my adopted State, in
whose councils have stood as a tribute of
the people, from my loved wife and children,
and have sought a temporary home in the
grand old State of Kentucky, in the historic
| city OF Lexington, under the shadow of
that monument which stands in memoriam
of the grandest man the world ever saw
Kentucky was the fit home of Clay. and
Clay was the true representative of such a
State. Monuments of marble are not neces-
sary to perpetuate their glory. They are 8
part of the history of our common country,
| citizens-shall forget the glory of that
country. / am here to speak in behalf of
| that country-one and inseparable-iust es
our forefatheis made it-just as your Clay
| preserved it in the compromise measure of
| 1850, when he said: 4 may be ask ed, as
have been asked, when / am for the dis
| solution OF this Union. ! answer, never,
never!l neverl,i' So say l. my country
meDl May l, Kentuckians, the friends,
neighbors and constituents of such a man,
give my reasons to day why this Union
should be preserved-why war, the last
alternative of fcivilization, should be avoided
Shall be heard for my cause, even by the
brave and gallant men who are TO day put
ting on the harness of war under an ex.
citement that will yet make many homes
desolato. mako many hearts weep over
stricken loved onesl Brave men are brave
on all occasions; no more afraid OF free
| speech than of free combat Cowards sup
press the one and flee from the otherl Shall
] be heardr' At this point Colonel Tom
Buford, who has just assassinated Judge
Elliott, at Frankfort, KY, moved from hii
seat to tbs aisle facing the speaker, and
said: go on, Mr. johnson, you shall be
heard to day In behalf of the Union. Ken
tuckians love brave man wherever found
| and under all circumstances" Suffice it to
| say that the eloquence 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 eagernes.
to the plea of the great natural orator fol
more than two hours. Few SUCH speeches
. have ever been made. 1t was enough
within itself to have immortalzed him. II
| was grand plea for peace, harmony, home
and country. Subsequent history has fully
| verified his brave words. When he said
"I am done. God bless Kentucky! God
bless our whole land,i' wild hurst o.
J crowd of Union men and Secessionists
Andrew johnson entered that hall stranger
. and left it q hero. ia,t-tssf f8s