The weekly herald. [volume] (Cleveland, Tenn.) 1876-1888, 1879-12-25
How President JacksOn's Nose Was
TWeaked.


Tweaked.
The recent death Of Mrs. Eaton, il
Washington, recalls an incident Of odd
Hickory's' career which had passed oui
Of the minds Of most people. We refer
to the occasion ON which the Presidents
nose Was pulled by naval lieutenant.
Robert Beverly Randolph, the aggres'
sor, was member Of the famous family
Of the same name residing in Virginia,
and had been promoted and honored by
the country and his native state for gal
lantry. He was connected with the same
ship as Purser Timberlake, Mrs Eaton's
first husband, who committed suicide at
sea, and was directed TO take charge Of
his books and Office, which he did Dur
ing the cruise. On squaring the ac'
counts when he arrived at the navy
yard, an embezzlement was discovered,
and as there was nothing to show
whether it occurred during Timberlake's
administration or Randolph's, the latter
was courtmartiRled. Meanwhile Mrs.
Timberlake had married Gen. Eaton,
one Of Jackson's warmest friends; and
as the ladies of the capital attempted to
ostracise her, the gallant old man val
iently took up the cudgels in her be.
half and insisted on her recognition.
According to the rule Of the navy de-
partment the sum embezzled had to be
made good. So il il was found Timber
lake was the guilty party, the large sum
would have TO come out OF the estate
held by his former widow, now Mrs.
Eaton, of whom Jackson was an ardent
admirer. Thus it was that Randolph's
friends claimed the President influenced
the courtmartial TO find him answer
able, which it did in remarkable ver-
dict, declaring that while there was
nothing in the case to affect the integ-
rity OF Randolph, he was liable for the
sum. Randolph refused to pay, where
upon Jacksoninstantly dismissed him the
service. Shortly aiterward the Presi
dent stopped at Alexandria, Va, on
steamer while on his way olay corner
stone TO monument to Washington's
mother, and he held levee in the cabin
to receive the citizens, when Randolph
made his way to him and pulled his
nose, which is described by a spectator:
There are now living in Alexandria
two persons, the only Alexandrians who
we're eye-witnesses Of the assault, ex.
Mayor Hugh Lltham and Alderman
Samuel Janney. Mr.. Janney, now one
OF the oldest citizens of the town, was
then engaged in business on the river
front. Seeing the crowd, and hearing
that Gen. Jatkson was on the wharf, he
went on board to get sight Of the hero
of New Orleans, and pushed forward
into the cabin, where (the writer fol-
lows his narration) he saw Gen. Jackson
sitting beside the dining table, which
was almost as wide as the saloon, leaving
but a narrow space between the wall and
the table. Into this narrow space Mr..
Janney crowded himself, and was com
ing up toward the President when a
bustling behind him attracted his atten-
ton, and on turning he saw Randolph
advancing in haste into the came mar
row way. Instinctively he gave place,
and Randolph passed him. He heard
jackson say, Never mind your gloves,
and Randolph's angry response, and
saw Randolph seize the President by
the nose and force him back. Randolph
continued his grip on the Presidents
nose for fifteen or tNgenty seconds. The
President cried, 'Ohi ohl' his mouth
being open and his cry having the nasal
twang impaired to it by Randolph's
tight grip upon his nose. When Ran
dolph released his grasp the PRESIDENT
fell backward, partly on the table. Mr.
Janney, as Randolph sidled out, amid
assaults from several persons, gave way
for him, and he hurried out the saloon
door. By this time the President had
risen and come forward TO the open
space in the rear OF the table. Who is
that man 2 he asked, his voice elevated
to high ditch. Some one replied 1T
is Randolph, the lieutenant you have
Just discharged from the navy
Just nt this point an inn-keeper, VIM.
Thomas, broke into the crowd, scarcely
able to speak for indignation, General
no blurted out, III you will promise to
reprieve me upon the gallows, will
follow him aud kill him. The President
answered with some show OF calmness,
No, sir; don't touch hair OF his head
and then shaking, as il beside bimself
with rage, but bring him to me and /
will send him hence. He is the scoun'
drel that dismissed from the navy for
robbing brother officer.
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The Laws Delay.