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

| sive tyranny Of despotism and shuns the
physical power which sustains its dominion
Such an expression as you have uttere,
pains and shocks me. OF you had hoped for
better things"
| Well, Governor, independent of any in
herent right which the States may possess,
feelings of humanity would cause me tt
shrink with horror from the infections ano
distress which this cruel war must bring
| upon my" kith and kindred" as well as thai
brave and generous people.
Inherent right, l suppose you mean the
right of secession. Why that bold and
wicked man, John G. Calhoun, never con-
tended for such a monstrous doctrine
FeelingSofhumanity, and your first duty is to
your God, your second is to your country,
and all others will follow"
feel confident that you are sincere in
your convictions, so am | determined in
mine, and no amount Of sophistry can alter
or change my views or feelings in relation
to the conclusion, at which | have arrived
upon the unfortunate status of affairs now
existing between the South and the Govern
ment.
81 am truly sorry to hear you say so ; | I'M
derstand, that you contemplate removing to
Washington. Is this soi"
| have so concluded and expect to leave
early in the winter.
Well you must come and see me. Twill
always be glad to see you, and further, will
take great pleasure in rendering you any
assistance | can"
After my removal to Washington | had
many occasions to visit Governor Thomas.
lie always manifested great pleasure at see
ing me, and many times gave me valuable
assistance, professionally and otherwise |
remember at a time when arrests were freely
made in all parts of Maryland prom-
nent official in Montgomery had been ar
rested and placed in the "Old Capitol" |
called upon the Governor, narrated to him
the circumstances of the arrest, the delicate
health and nervous temperament of the
party, and asked if he would give me his
influence in having him released. In the
course OF an hour we called at the War
Department Colonel Hardee informed us
that the papers were in the hands of Major
Turner, then acting Judge Advocate, that
his office was in the "Wnder building"
and that we would have no difficulty in OBJ
tanning all the information desired.
We had no trouble in finding Judge Tur-
ner. Goveror Thomas said:
al come to SEQ the papers and ascertain the
charges upon which the arrest Of Mr.. -,
of Montgomery county, Maryland, was
| made.
| Judge Turner made rather an abrupt re-
ply, and manifested the most perfect indr-
ference to the inquiry as made by the Gov
ernor.
This thoroughly aroused the old gentle
men, and rising from his seat and standing
Immediately in front Of Judge Turner,
spoke as follosos:'
my name is Governor Thomas, am
Member Of Congress for the State of Mary
land. Sometime prior to the war l represent
cd my district for twelve consecutive years
| then after had occasion to have official re-
ations with the officials of the several de-
partments, and always found them to have
a proper regard for the civilites which char
acterize the intercourse between gentlemen.
] am sorry TO say that often find that such
il not now the case, do not intend TO be
bowed into your room nor out Of it. The wife
and friends Of the arrested party are hug
ging the prison walls and can obtain no in
formation or satisfaction, and before the Gun
goes down | will know tho reason"
Judge Turner attempted to reply, but the
Governor interrupted him sharply
"Your conduct needs no explanation nor
requires an Apology bid you good morn
ing"
We crossed over to the War Department,
saw Mr. Dana, then First Assistant Score
tsry Of War. In the course of an hour
release was obtained and sent 10 Superin-
tcndent Wood, who, of his own response
bility, held the same until the next morn
ing, when the gentlemen was released
During the winter months / visited Gov
ernor Thomas frequently, and | never lett
him without being impressed with the idea
that my time had been pleasantly and profit
ably spent
lie delighted 10 dwell upon the character
Of public men, and particularly those OF
Maryland with whom he had been thrown
in political and social intercourse Aware
Of the fact that / was born and reared in |
Montgomery, he spoke Of his pleasant nc
quaintsnce with the late Henry Harding,
Esq, JDo. A. Garter, Esq, and Others OF the
late Gen. VIM. Lingan Gather, remember
he ssid, me was . pleasant gentlemen, OIL
smsble and good natured politician, but he
swsye reminded me Of en- old woman who |
was snciente and full Of grunts and pains |
lie never married, believe, and | am not |
surprised-ss he seemed 10 take pleasure
only in married ladies' company. OF your
father have the most pleasant recollection. |
remember upon one occasion whilst Gov
ernor there YVES great contest among our
friends over three appointments 10 be made
10 Montgomery. could not make the sp.
pointments without giving much oiense %
one side or the other Of the several friends.
remembered that your father was member
Of the House Of Delegates, and whilst strict
party man, had great confidence in his in
tegrity Of character sent for him, and at
our interview stated the unpleasant cond-
ton was plsced in, aud asked him 10 give
me the names Of three good Democrats who
possessed tho necessary qualifications for
the office be did 50, and at once sent their
names 10 the Senate"
But Frederick county was the idol Of his
heart the spot upon which he loved 10
dwell have often heard him say
81 love her hills, her valleys and her
streams, bnt above ell love her people
During my entire public life they have never
gone back upon met is the only basis upon
the tablet Of my momory"
In the Fall Of 1865 or 81 Gov. Thomas
called at my Office in Washington and de-