The Portland daily press., 1881-08-31
THF, PRESS.
Anecdotes of Gen. Robert Patter-
Philadelphia Times.l


MANY racy anecdotes are related Of the old
soldier which show the various standings of his
character better than mere words. At the
dinner given to John Henry Pulerston, M. p,
Mt the Continental hotel, two years ago, at
which Col. John W. Forney presided, the
general made himself very conspicuous. He
broke through all restraint, and even before
the meeting had been fairly opened insisted on
making speech in honor of Queen Victoria
One of his peculiar delights was to wake up
the politicians around the board by touching
them on the raw On one occasion he caused
q tumult by saying to party of Democratic
banqueters: "You young rascals, have known
your grandfathers and your fathers, and II
they were living now they would make
you ashamed of yourselves for daring
to talk free trade doctrines at
time like the present, when even the British
are getting tired of them" The general al
ways prided himself on being Democrat, but
Notwithstanding this fact voted for Gen. Gar
field at the last election, because Gen. Han
cock did not suit him on the tariff question
He was very honest in his hatred of England,
and some very amusing stories are told in this
connection. On one occasion, at private par
ty some one of the guests arose and suggested
that they drink the health of an English gen.
tleman present. The old general with
kindling eye and flushed cheek, rose, and,
with marked emphasis, said, addressing the
son of Britain: "I respect you, sir, but
your country" For some moments the situa-
ton was embarrassing, and then Daniel Dough-
erty arose, and, speaking as if he was an Eng
lishman and the party addressed, made reply
In which he apologized for the offensive Ian
suage. The general was just as forcible in his
devotion to the Irish. He was gifted with
real Celtic wit and his supply of bon hommie
at times was contagious. When inspired by
the exhilarating concomitants of the banquet
ing table he became Joyous and his wit flashed
constantly across the festive board and Kept
the guests in roar Some years ago he gave
a dinner to number of intimate friends and
among the guests was famous cantatrice,
who evidently was aware of the fact that her
voice was more agreeable to the host than her
company. The general was urgent IN his re-
ouest that she should favor the party with
some of her best selections, and the old man
sion was filed with the melody OF her sweet
voice The general was delighted and his
guests charmed. The following day, however,
there cane bill from the lyric artist for 5000
for her performances, and with 1t a change
gard to her He fatty refused to pay the bill,
and the artist called in a lawyer. Finding no
escape from lawsuit the old warrior paid the
money with anything but good grace
Gen. Patterson was wonderfully puncChous
In his social engagements He never failed to
attend the vespers of the late Henry Carey on
n Sunday evening. After chatting and sip
ping rich old wines and talking over old times
he would take his antiquated hat as the CLOCK
struck and proceed to his home. Besides
Iosr nh ch1,roh her he rarely
missed wedding or funeral that occurred
in the family of those connected with which
he worshipped. For years it was his habit to
eat but two meals day. He never lunched
or tasted water between breakfast and dinner
After dinner he would start for drive through
the park at certain hour and return at reg
ular time. It was in consequence of his rigid
rule regarding the use of his coach and pair
that his daughters and grandaughters had very
little use of the team. His hours for driving
did not suit the ladies and the result was that
the splendid pair of horses were but little en-
ployed. In other respects his rigid enforce
ment of old customs about his household and
his peculiar habits abroad made him an odd
figure in this bustling period.
In 1861, when the war fever ran high, it oc-
Cured to certain local politicians that the old
veteran was disoval, because he was stanch
Democrat, and they sent crowd to his resi-
dence to compel him to hoist the stars and
stripes over his house top. A number OF
friends got wind of the proceedings and raj
lied to the generals house and and placed
themselves inside for his defense The multi
tude came, and the venerable citizen stepped
to the front and boldly faced them. He told
them he had heard of their visit and that he
was ready for them. 81 have fought for my
country and for the old flag in two great wars,
and shall do as much against the present re-
bellion. But do not apologize to- you. You
will be sorry for this wrong TO one of my years.
But before go / want to give you little ad-
vice: Go to the front yourselves, and when
you have shown the right kind of patriotism
You can come and teach it to me-" This bit OF
wisdom scattered the party like sheep.