Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1880-01-09

no coat on and carrying upon his shoulder
a worn-out plowshear. When directly
opposite, who should | recognize but my
former acquaintance, Gov. Francis Thomas
He did not speak, nor did he raise his eyes
from the ground, and felt satisfied that ht
did not see me- For in all our after inter
course, | never saw him when he was moi
able to rise above any embarrassment, OF
when wanting in civility.
Having completed my stay at Oakland
and after taking my seat in one OF the morn
ing trains for Cumberland, | concluded ]
would get out at Frankvillc, small railroad
station, consisting Of one house, and spend
the day In fishing for trout, the streams in
that immediate vicinity being famous for
this species Of fish. Introducing myself tc
the agent, soon found that could be sup
piled with the necessary accoutrements fol
such an expedition. In my further conver
sation with the agent as TO the best places to
fish, &c, he took occasion to caution me
against the rattle snakes. This was not in
my programme, and at once asked when
the next train bound for Cumberland would
come along. mot until night" was his reply.
This was, indeed, a disappointment, but de.
termining to make the best Of bad bargain,
| at once set out for long walk along the
county road, which crossed the railroad at
Frankvile and led over several ranges OF
mountains, / had not proceeded more than
two miles when my eyes caught sight Of a
rather dilapidated cabin standing in n partly
cultivated space Of ground upon the summit
OF one OF the spurs OF the mountain. Not feel
ingincined to extend my walk much further,
and rs observed short distance head Of
me road which brsnched In that direction,
concluded to make the acquaintance Of It's
inmates, II any II contained.
Some half an hours walk up the steep
sides of the mountain brought me within a
lew yards Of the cabin door. not far from
which was seated unter small apple tree
an old negro man, engaged In patching the
remnants Of on old coat He was not aware
of my near approach until within few feet
of him, when the noise Of my foot tread
startled him. He soon recovered himself,
rose and asked me take seat, thanked
him and declined, but would be glad IL he
would give me drink Of water.
certainly, sir, walk into the house"
followed this very ancient relic 10 tho
fIonr aud ,phiIet xyaitinay f,r tho ,,yata, bod
a full view Of the interior Of 1.-THE house" as
he termed it. Cannot say that was sur
prised at the want OF comfort or the scarcity
of furniture. supposed that the negro was
the owner and its appearance made but lit
tie impression. There was q small bed In
two broken chairs, glasses, DC, nothing
whatever OF an inviting or cheerful charac-
ter.
Thanking the old man for his politeness,
he at once returned TO his work and ! loi.
tered around the house and yard examining
minntely many ODDITIES and rude inventions
which ! supposed to be the result OF neces.
sity
In little while returned 10 where the
old negro was sitting and remarked ~ fol-
lows;
perceive, uncle, that you seem 10 have
quite a taste for pigeons and fowls--you
seem to have every possible variety.
"Yes, sir; Old master seems 10 take bat lii.
tie interest in anything else, he feeds them
regularly three times a day"
sold MASTER repeated.
ayes, sir, old master there he comes now
Turning in the direction TO which he
pointed, | OF once recognized the same per-
sonage who passed mo ut Piedmont, only
not quite 40 well dressed. II was Gov.
Francis Thomas.
Upon his nearer approach, ut once arose
and met him, extending my hand and in.
quiring il this wss not Gov. Thomas.
"Tes, sir."
My name isl had the pleasure Of max
ing your acquaintance IN the Mr. Pearre's
office last winter.
81 remember distinctly, AM very happy
to see you, and whilst am not surrounded
by every comfort and possessed Of the luxu.
ries Of former days, yet | cordially extend
every hospitality which my humble noun.
tain home Affords"
All Of this was said with ~ much ease
and dignity az though he was receiving me
in the Executive Chamber ut Annapolis.
Calling the old negro by name, for he
turned out To be the playmate Of his child.
hood, his servant through all Of his check.
cred political life, his confident IN his domcs-
tic troubles, the only remnant Of his once
large private fortune and now the compan-
ion and help-mate in his solitude, he re.
questcd him to bring out couple Of chairs
and go for bucket of fresh water.
Explaining in M few words ~ possible
how happened 70 stumble upon his resi-.
dence, he quickly rejoined--
"Then your visit is one OF accident !" and
continued, 'all these lands AZ far as the eye
can reach, were once owned by me. en-.
gagged largely In the lumber business, but my
enterprise proved failure. After obtaining
the benefit Of tho insolyent law Of Maryland,
! took up this piece Of vacant land and pro.
cecded nj once 10 secure title from the
State In selecting this wild and retired se.
clusion, would not have you believe that |
was influenced by feelings Of hostility 10 my
fellow.man, not that there was no congeni-
atty Of feeling and sentiment; ! came
thither 10 rebuild my health, 10 restofe a
diseased mind. Ny mind was poisoned
Yes, sir, poisoned the facts and circum.
stance concerning which Il Is not now pru.
dent for mo 10 mention. Why, do you know
that from the time was elected Governor
Of Maryland up 70 the hour Of my inaugura.
ton, I cndeayorcd 10 write an inaugural nd.
dress and could not 10 much rs write half
a page, and ihst when the hour came u take
the oath Of Office all could my was, Gen.
tlemcn Of the Senate and House Of Delegates,
| am here 70 take the oath Of Office n Govern.
or Of Maryland as required by the constitu-
ton, and promise faithful execution Of
the laws and the discharge Of the duties Of
the Office 10 the best Of my ability"
lie then brAnched off UPON many OF the