Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1880-02-06

upon my premises, and will leave in the
morning for the purpose of removing them
70 the spot have chosen"
l at once accepted the invitation and VT
eft the next evening. It was an hour OF
80 after sun-up the next day when We
cached Frankville The morning was
beautiful to behold, such only as is witness.
ID in mountain regions. The forests had
put on their gorgeous robes, flung out then
banners of crimson and gold to CLEAN in
The clear sunshine. 30, how rich in beauty
and how ripe in thought is the bright sea.
son of the ripened leaf"
We had hardly alighted and the carr
gone laundering up the heavy grade with its
freight of surgng humanity, when the Gov
ernor, as though moved to mighty thought
in the contemplation OF Nature in her mai
osty and freedom, the solitude of the forest
and the sublimity Of the towering noun.
tains, repeated with forensic force those
beautiful lines Of Sheridan Knowles;
Eye crags and peaks, Pm with you once
again
hold to you the hands you first beheld.
TO show they still are free Methinks heal
A spirit in your echoes answer me,
And bid your tenant welcome home again
0 sacred forms, how fair, how proud, you
look
How high you lift your heads into the sky
How, huge you arol how mighty, and how
free ~
A short ride brought us to his home.
What change had been worked since my
first visit. The old cabin had disappeared,
and in its place stood a comfortable and
substantial residence. Extending along its
entire front was a wide porch; on the sides
and ends of which climbed a profusion of
vines, where tender leaves had grown scar
let in the touch Of the night frost. From
the entrance to this porch was a command
ing view of the deep chasm in the Great
Savage Mountain through which the Savage
river and the Baltimore and Ohio railroad
wind their way side by side to the Eastward
This passage of the river and the road form
a landscape grand and beautiful in very
high degree Through the crevices of the
vines the golden rays of an autumn sun
would steal and play "hide and seek" across
the floor of the porch and through the wide
hall. Beautiful shade trees of every de-
sjription surrounded the house and lined
the various walks and looked supremacy
conscious of their rich and varied livery.
The old poultry coop and other unsightly
and dilapidated buildings had disappeared,
and upon their ruins, modern structures, not
costly or ponderous, had sprung up as
though touched by the wand of some tabled
fairy. Large fields had been opened up and
substantially enclosed. Whilst flocks of the
most improved breed of sheep were feeding
along the hillsides. In short everything that
met the eye was full Of beauty and promise.
His house had been constructed after his own
ideas of architecture. Though not costly,
yet it was most comfortably furnished One
room was set aside for his study, in which he
had collected . large and valuable library.
remained with the Governor for the two
days and had most agreeable and pleasant
visit.
Governor Thomas remained In Congress,
think, for three terms, declining TO be
candidate for reelection for fourth term.
After the expiration of his terms in Con
gress, General Grant appointed him as Min
lister 10 Peru. had not seen him for long
time Learning that he was stopping at the
Metropolitan Hotel and Of his intention to
leave for Peru in few days, | called to
see him. found him in his rooms It was
the first time ever saw him depressed in
spirits and indsposed TO hold conversation.
Having sent my card up, he met me at the
door and remarked:
"You have come TO soc me before leave
for Europe2"
Yes, replied, and | must acknowledge
that ! was more than surprised to hear that
you desired such position at your time Of
life and with ALMOST every comfort in your
possession.
"Well, the truth is, surprised myself
are 10 mo empty bubbles. OF tho former
have grown tired, Of tho latter have gath
cred sufficient To support me during the few
declining years Of my life | require a
change of sceno--new faces, new people
Ny life, so far as | am individually CON
cerned, has proved failure. The bitter and
blackened memories Of other days troop
after me like shadows falling from ravens
wings, and 90 for the purpose Of borrow
ing relief When the servant brought me
your card, was reciting Gray's Ode on the
Prospect Of Eton College Aftor describing
the sports Of tho schoolboys in strains famil-
lar 20 every reader, he makes natural and
beautiful transition 10 their future destiny;
Alas regardless Of their doom,
The little urchins play
No sense have they Of ills 10 come,
Nor care beyond to-day;
Yet see how all around them walt
Tie ministers Of human fate,
And black misfortune's baleful train
All show them where In ambush stand,
To seize their prey, the murderous band;
All tell them they are men,"
Perceiving that he was in a melancholy
frame Of mind, feigned an excuse for leav-
ng, and wishing him pleasant voyage and
safe return home, babe him goodbye
Some two or three years after our inter.
view at the Metropolitan, perhaps longer, /
was walking down Calvert street, Baltimore,
ghen CHANGED 10 meet the old Governor.
lie seemed much pleased at seeing me. He
sse in fine spirits and looked well, and
,mong many observations, said
~ have not long returned from Peru; my
business In Baltimore to-day is to see after
'omo sheep which have imported from
hat country. II was a great favor shown
ne In obtaining permission 10 transport them
beyond the limits Of tho Republic of Peru,
md only one other like favor hes ever been
granted 10 take these sheep from Peru, and
hat was extended 10 the Queen Of Eng.
and.
IL regret that am pressed for time today
md must hurry on. You must come up
md geo me and spend several days. Ideslre
y give. You full account Of my foreign
loIourn"