The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1883-12-27
Jack MAttocks'

my profession.
Jack MAttocks'
Among tho old volumes in my library
once priced and studied, but now neglect
ed andl half forgotten, is q book oi lne
autographs Of the members OF the 27ln
congress. This was distinguished BODY
Of men, and have again to day looked
sver tho pages Of this old book, and re-
called with pleasure mingled with sadness
tho memory Of those early days. see In
the long list the names Of Calhoun, OF
Choste. Of Benton, Of John Quincy Adams
all iIlustrious men. .Mangam OF North
Carolina, Clayton Of Delaware, silas
Wright Of New York, Fesssndsn and Evans
OF Maise, Gov. Briggs and Speaker VIM
throp OF Massachusetts, the eloquent Iom
Marshall OF Kentucky, Giddings, the
champion OF the slave, Levi Woodbury. O.
New Hampshire, Presidents Buchanan ana
Fillmore. and the erratic but talented
Henry A. Wise of Virginia have here re-
corded their distinguished names among
mspy others now fast sinking into oblivion
As I lock over these autographs, have
asked myself il tho psnmanship OF these
illustrious men gives any indication OF
thar character and talents, but nothing Is
more evident to me than that no such IN
dication is given. The two men in that
congress who possessed the keenest intel
,ects were Choate 1nd Calhoun, but their
penmsnship seems to indicate no noble
traits of character whatever. 1T IS care
less and unsy symmstrical; the letters are
half formed and the names scarcely iegi
Bile. Indeed, it is said of Mr.. Choate tha'
once being invited to deliver An address
his replyl could not be read. and whet
this reply was carried to him to be de
ciphered he could neither read IT no.
remember whether it was al Affirmative O
negative reply.
One would suppose that Daniel Webster
for example, would exhibit penmsnhhii
marked by clsarncss, strength and decis
ion. but we find in it none Of these quail
ties. Why does Silas Wright give Us =
elegant copy" hand. while the impetuou
Gov. McDuffee writes in the most efleml
: nate style? It is hardly pleasant to dlspe
the illusion in which every body indulge'
that in tho bold signature Of the punctil
!, Gus Gov. Hancock to the declaration
Independence there is splendid illu'tr'
ton Of the spirit of TO- but vsril
/ believe that lie signed bis name with equ'
holiness 10 the note III note was sen
i which be addressed to Washington whe
j. in Boston, in which he sincerely assure
him that he had not called upon him D.
II canse lie was afflicted with rheumatism.
. The question was, you see. Just the
and there, which was the greater maj
d the president Of the country Or the "ohi'
]? magistrate" 6f the state. But the name
this old book which wish especially
is refer TO is that Of Gov. Mattocks OF V.
D. mont. II was he who kindly procure
the signatures for me and with whom
/. once enjoyed a friendly acquaintanc
The governor, when in Congress, used
boast TO me that he could "beat them
in writing bad My book helps comm
the boast. His penmanship especial
q. cxcelled in wandering from straight In
h. Gov. Mattccks was familiarly known
Jack Mattocks, and was distinguish
II, for his shrewdnsss and his ready wit
ID WAS said that when be addressed jury
gszed on vacancy. using no arts OF oratol
but he possessed wonderful power
on persussion. He never made spee'
The nearest ever knew Of his making
! political harAngue was when his frier
gathered around him to congratulate b
lat upou his nomination as governor OF
state. He was in tight place, Tor he
lis compelled to reply. His speech was
: follows: Boys, thank you, --and
il you will slsc. me governor. ] will
,he YOU what will dol will appoint
on Thsuksgivings aud no Fast. Good-by
,ial One evening after be returned u
on congress was taking tea At his house,
YER the conversation turned upon John QaiI
r. ed Adams who in that congress made suc'
ycu noble fight for freedom and the right
lgs petition. Upon my asking the gevef
the II Mr.. Adams. in his old age. Vas not
pre- coming pstulsnt bis son wiliam'
YOU roruish and signi6cant way. asked
the f.thsr II men. - they grow old, are
hen mt 10 grow petulant. II sas now
: OF governor turn 10 speak He eturnsd
II, son in second and said "Ihass !
= ! good many years. Bill. but have
q, served that il is not half 80 apt TO be
case that old men sre petniant A. i -
.l,v ,oupg meu are saucy.
IN, But will sdj only one more snsc'
sbs, On the very last Of the year the gosef
inns. beiss % journey. spent the night =
.,e Lospisabis house Of friend. oo
"a mornlng OF Ss~ Yssrs day, A. be
81 bathing and preparing for breakfas