New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1880-10-10

MONTGOMERY BLAIR AT HOME
From The Wash,ngfen Repu6lir


threateni days in July, 1864 when the city was
defeneeess and large force OF rebels under Eariy
apd Breckenridge was not ten miles distant from
the capital. No one denies now that the army
could have marched in unimpeded. The Sixth
Corps of the Army of the Potomac was en- route to
defend the city, but it was not gnick enough. Inc
rebel army halted at Silver Springs the country
residence of the elder Blair and also of MONTGOMERY
Blair Ugo1 the approach Of the army ne
sought the houses and found in the cellar OF rank
T. Bairs house a barrel of whiskey. This did the
business. Nearly every officer became drunk on
this whiskey, and many of the men were in q like
condition. Such Orge was never known. The
dresses of the ladies were taken possession OF, and
i'm them the officers masqneraded and held Jolll-
tcaton the whole night long, falling into drum ken
slumber in the morning and unable to do any duty
whatever. Early and Breckenridge, riding up in
the morning, The situation. and merely said
y 1t is too hate -; and Washington was not taken
possession Of With what JOY did the officers OF the
GovernmenJ receive the gallant Sixth Corps as u
marched through the city that morning. The
rebels were soon in retreat, and TINS barrel of
whiskcy saved great city. There is no doubt OF
this story for Mr.. Montgomery Blair himself con-
firms it, - $500
Judge Blair is now sixty-seven years Old and his
life has been n very active one. Fortune has not
particularly favored him and he rs forced 30 con
still hale and hearty as man OF flfty, IL IS vet %
matter of regret to him that he cannot turn his at
tenon to literary work which be mas had ~ o mih M
left to Frank +. Blair Montgomery iather) all his
manuscripts. letters, and documents. for the pnr-
pose of preparing . life" Being unable TO obtain
the papers for many years, the elder Blair was
unable to do the work, and when he died ne gave
all the papers filling six big trunks. to his son
Montgomery. The latter now has these valuable
relics together with all the very interesting papers
of the elder Blair bnt he is unable to make use of
them for want of time, as he cannot afford to leave
his law practice. lie says the records aud papers
are OF the greatest interest They could not be
otherwise.
~, - hnan mad a
sderatiOns. II began before the year 1880 and has
lasted through all the national changes. They
all save-owners and yet for four generations
they have been auti-slavery in principle They al.
ways taught their slaves to read and write. and
never sold them. Some of the former slaves are
yet with Judge Blair on monthly wages.
. Judge Blairs house IN this city IL on PennWI-
vania-ave., near Seventeenth-st. 1t is large,
square structure four stories high, OF brick, with
succeed front and outside blinds The steps are
of granite and everything about The building IL OF
a solid substantial character. The adjoining house
on the west was the city residence of the elder
Blair. The whole square of ground was originally
owned by the elder Blair and what was fifty years
ago his flower and vegetable garden Is now covered
with handsome buildings. including the C0rcolan
one of the most delightful OF the many lovely places
in the vicinity of Washington Falkland" adj
Joins "Silver Spring, the beautiful country place
of the elder Blair The house, large and pctur-
esque in its surroundings is bnit OF brlck anu Is
situste,. emInence surrounded by rare trees,
plants and flowers and the grounds are lald on IN
walks, drives and lawns-all very fresh and invIt-
ing There are about 900 acres in the farm. but
the place is too beautiful to be printable 1t is Gel
ebrated for its fine cattle, and Judge Blairs farmer
sells about 100 gallons of milk daily.
The habits Of Judge Blair are OF the simplest
character. and no man is freer from afccatlon tic
never Obtrudes his opinions and he Is qnite AS
likely to discuss your opinions as to present his
own. His manner is very kindly, but wholly un-
demonstrative and one cannot be IN his presence
without respecting the man and believing in his
consciep tiousness and integrity. In personal APP
pearance no is tall and thin His head is largo
and his hair. light as to quantity is somewhat
sandy He dresses plainly. but even in his appear
ance he shows himself to be of thought. His
family consists Of his wife Ia daughter OF Judge
Lew Woodbu of New Hanpshirel and four chll-
dren three sons and an unmarried daughter. The
eldest son. Woodbury.. is a lawyer and great fav-
orite in society and tho younger sons are law stu
dents Judge Blair has brother living, and but
one sister, the wife of Admiral Lee