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

a mile from the place. The Governor was
informed of my arrest, and in few mo.
ments he was out at headquarters. when /
was soon set at liberty
Governor Thomas made his second entree
upon the theatre of public life, with the
called session of Congress, under President
Lincolns proclamation in 1851. Whilst he
did not figure largely nor conspicuously in
the stormy scenes Of the House in those ex-
citing times, yet the matured weight of his
influence and judgment was felt and per-
ceived in the calm and important delibera-
tons of the committees while in session in
their respective committee rooms. He was
decided ultra Union man;" honest in his
convictions and bold and determined in the
expression of his views. He" went for the
last man and the last dollar" in order to
put down the rebellion" He was violent
in his denunciation of the stately criminals
of the South" as he ever termed them, and
he was equally generous and humane at the
close of the war in endeayoring to bring
about feeling of Cancellation and harmony
not only between the people but the most
prominent characters in this great and try
ing drama.
Soon after the Governors advent into
Congress he obtained permission from Pres
ident Lincoln to raise brigade of soldiers
to be termed the Maryland Home Brig
ade." Colonel Robert Bruce, of Cumber-
land, was colonel of one regiment; Colonel
VIM. p Maulsby, of Frederick, of another
and Colonel Stephen W. Downey, now a
delegate in Congress from the Territory OF
Wyoming, was colonel of third. do not
remember if there were more than three
regiments.
Pending the organization of his brigade,
or perhaps after it had been fully organized
the Governor called at my office, and after
bidding me good day. and expressing his
delight at " finding me at work instead OF
aiding and abetting treason against the Gov
ernment," said:
" l have not forgotten the assistance you
rendered me at a most critical and trying
period in my life. then told you | would
not forget it. | am a man of my word,
never was doubled-faced in my life, and |
come now to fully compensate you for the
services rendered"
Not at all. | said, Governor. acted in
that matter from the purest motives of kind
ness. | saw that the levy you desired would
greatly assist you and acted promptly,
and never for a moment desiring or snticl-
pating fee.
81 neither know nor care what you thought,
and whilst deeply appreciate your motives
| am determined TO give more substantial
expression of my appreciation than is con-
veyed through the medium Of words"
1t was not long before this matter was
settled TO the satisfaction of both parties,
whom the Governor continued
II have been very much engaged with
pressing and important duties before Con
gress, aud also with the organization and
equipment Of nay brigade, and since had
complimented myself with tho reflection
that had finished with the latter, ! have
been bounded and run to death by these
baggage dogs"
Please tell me what you mean by baggage
dogs?
mean that class Of men who arc ever
hunting after soft places; who are not
ambitious enough TO covet the post Of honor,
and whose cowsrdice ever impcls them to
avoid the path Of danger. mean the men
who desire 10 DO brigade and regimental
quartermssters. have determined 10 give
the place to those who have not sought the
position, and part of my business in call
ing to gee you this morning is to offer you
quartermastership 20 one of my regiments"
thank you kindly, Governor, for your
consideration, but can hardly regard the
offer as at all complimentary after the man
ner in which you have expressed yourself as
to those who hold such positions
"You have placed wrong construction
upon my language. ! do not reflect in the
least upon the position, but those who are
so anxious and persistent in seeking the
same. You have not asked or even minated
that you would like 10 hold such an appoint
ment. Our acquaintance was the result of
an accident, and that acquaintance has rip
encd into friendship I have been strongly
and most fsvorsbly impressed with your
conduct and character, and for the many
kind evidences you have furnished Of your
evident partislity and consideration for me,
! wish to give you some impressive assur-
ance Of my profound sense Of gratitude"
II is source Of considerable pleasure to
be assured that have made 80 favorable
an impression, and whilst am not insensi-
bic TO this mark Of confidence and consider
alton, the position is one which do not
desire, whilst am. totally unfit for it's duties.
The life is one Of too much exposure and
fatigue, whilst the responsibilities are such
az | would not care 10 assume. Besides, to
accept it, ] would be playing the part Of
most consummate hypocrite, for tell you
csndidy my sympathies are not with the
war which is being waved against the South.
Your sympsthies are not with the preser-
vstion Of the Government, and the perpetu-
alton Of, the liberty and blessings which we
have enjoyed in its liberal administration
Do you want to sec the Government broken
into various fragments 10 such an extent that
every State may become q separate and in
dependent principality2 What an endless
train Of intestine wars would follow under
such q state Of affairs. We should have
neither liberty nor the protection Of person
or property. Whilst on the other hand, our
country kept united by careful and vjgilant
patriotism will grow In prosperity and pow
er, extending her institutions and illustrst-
ing the glory Of her people in prostrsting
the incendisry designs Of reasonable fsnat.
les. So long ~ the fountains Of our SOW
ereign law" spring 10 unpolutod yigor, no
man can predict the destiny Of this country
Spreading her principles by the beauty Of
their economy a. home, she IL the inspiration
and hope Of those who suffer under the sys-
tens Of false political economy. Every
additional measure Of prosperity hero Is felt