Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1880-01-09
Historical gketrhes.
FRANCIS THOMAS.
Personal "reminiscences of Governor
Thomas, of Maryland.


Thomas, Of Maryland.
by REvERIR.
remember we'll.
1t was cold, clustering, snowy evening,
in the month Of February, 1856. was at
the time student Of law in the Office Of Mr..
Pearrc, now Judge, at Cumberland, Mary
land. Mr. Pearre had been summoned 10
Annapolis 10 argue some important cause
before the Court Of Appeals. Being then the
only student in his office, always occu-
pied his room during his absence In con-
sequence Of tho excessive inclemency of the
evening alluded 10, concluded that histead
OF going to my tea ut the usual hour TO re-
main at the Office until near the time for re-
firing.
About half past seven, whilst deeply alb
sorbed In reading some work, not law
book, however, TOR we never had much at.
tinity for each otherD hearing knock at the
door, gave the salutation usual to law
Offices, "wak in The door opened slowly,
when rather tall, spare, venerable and dig
nified gentlemen entered. Bowling grace
fully at the same moment extending the
usual ciyilities, he placed his hat upon the
table and commenced 10 brush off the snow
and hail. He had ON no outer wrapping,
but was dressed in plain black suit which,
afterwards discovered, was much worn. Hav-
ing completed his brushing, with as much
of the suoriter IN niodo Of my accomplished
preceptor as could possibly assume,
placed chair near the fire and asked him II
he would not take seat, which he very
politely accepted.
Alter few moments he turned and asked
al what time after tea did Mr.. Pearre usu-
ally feturn 20 his office 2 At once rariis-.a,
.....s.l r-s.-tsal5g WIS absent NJ Annapolis
upon professional business, and in all proba-
bility would be gone for several days.
lie expressed much regret Vt this infor-
nation, and said that his visit was special
one he desired to see him relative 10 some
eschested lands, II was matter Of much i'm
| portance and would not admit Of delay" Re-
lapsing into silence for a while, apparently
absorbed in deep thought, he turned and
wanted 10 know if was reading law and
II he might inquire my name. replied In
the Affirmative and also gave him my name
"Ah, indeed, that name recalls many pleas
ant memories and associations. One Of your
name, and suppose kinsman, after the
death Of John Contee Hanson, was trans
ported to Frederick county and pitted against
me. lie was man of decided ability and
fine talent, and all Of our professional and
political encounters were Of the most pleas
ant character. lie did not remain long in
Frederick, but removed either TO Allegany
or Montgomery"
In reply, / remarked that he was relative,
that he removed 10 Montgomery and died
before was born
al suppose 80, was then but II young
man m 'self"
Some further general remarks followed,
when, taking his hat, was about to leave,
sir, raid |, will you be kind enough 10 leave
your name that may inform Mr. Pearre
upon his return Of your visit?
swell, they call me Governor Thomas"
With more of surprise than curiosity,
further inquired, is this Governor Francis
Thomas
ayes, all that remains Of him."
Bidding me good evening, and with bow
as graceful and easy as when he entered, he
gently opened and closed the door Never
will forget the impression this visit made
upon me, the strange fascination 1t produced
and the pleasure and surprise 1t afforded
upon learning his name.
Leaning back in my chair and falling into
more comfortable position, thus queried,
had heard Of Gov. Francis Thomas from
almost infancy rs one of the great apostles
OF Democracy,a man possessing great loren
sic power and high order Of executive
ability, welding an almost miraculous In
fuence over his party, controlling and shap-
ing the legislation Of his State, and whilst
In Congress the peer Of any. had read Of
his domestic difficulties and Of the sad re-
verse Of fortune which overlook and drove
him 10 seek shelter mid the mountain fast
Desses, and now II bankrupt In fortune, his
laurels faded and gone, stripped Of power
and influence, deserted by friends and adj
mirers. still hated and despised by foes. /
had made the acquaintance Of this gifted,
but unfortunate man, and had heard fall
from his own lips upon this dark, dismal and
gloomy night, those words Of almost tragic
import, ayes, all that remains Of him"
In the month Of the following June there
had been long swetering spell n weather.
Feeling considerably indisposed from the
effects Of the heat, was advised 10 spend a
few days at Oakland.
On my way thither stopped for few
hours al Piedmont, West Va II WAS then
q place Of some note and much enterprise.
The Baltimore and Ohio railroad com
pany had established large machine shops,
boundaries and round houses. Asall NJ thes,
were matters Of interest A. well a. novelty,
l felt desirc 10 make an inspection Of the
same. and concluded 10 do 10. Having seen
all that was worth seeing, and feeling some.
what fatigued and overcome with thu heat.
sought rest under the shade Of large
spruce pine little beyond tho suburbs ~ the
town and Immediately on the public high
way.
| was scarcely seated when observed
coming In the direction Of the town. an aged
man, and " he approached Dearer coold