The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-10-27
JoHNsON's PERSONAL HABITS.

The Heavy Drinking that Was Dome at the
White House in Reconstruction Days.
Special to the Indianapolis Journal.
WASHINGTON. Oct. 26.-Much has been said
by people here during the past few days about
the personal character of Andrew johnson, the
President who tried to coerce General Grant into
an act Of diabolsm at the close of the late war.
Despite the statements to the contrary by two
or three gentlemen who claim personal rela-
tionship with President johnson, it appears that
he was addicted to the excessive use of opium.
Your correspondent has been told by number
of gentlemen, who were undoubtedly in position
to know al about the matter that johnson not
only consumed large quantities of opium, but he
drank to excess.
A Tennesseear who has nationa! reputation
and who was on intimate terms with the family
of Andrew Johnson, told me a good deal about
the old gentleman to-day under promise that his
name would not be disclosed. He SAYS that
johnson often grew tipsy at his home in Ten
nessee and kept a large supply of spirits in his
house and about his office at all times that his
home was often the scene of exhilaration among
numerous neighbors of jolly character, who
called In to have good time When johnson
came to the White House he continued this kind
of life, and never gave it up to the day of his
death.
johnson had funny kind of sink or wash
stand in his room at the White House." said this
gentleman land for awhile it became joke
with the callers that were most familiar with
the President, and it was the butt of great
deal of fun. The washstand was one of the old
fashioned kind, with lid and deep basin. 1t
was Misunderstanding old affair, but just the
thing to hold two-gallon jug and enough
g gapss Of to esr when tsss
four free-and easy friends were in the
Presidents room, he used to frequently
rise from his seat and go to the old washstand
and remark that he guessed he would take a
wash, i mean wash my throat he would add,
his friends. John w. Forney, who was John
sons private secretary at one time, told me
about scene johnson made soon after the In
auguration of Mr.. Lincoln. It was at the
White House, and Mr.. Lincoln had spoken
briefly to a number of distinguished callers
johnson was there and SO was the Cabinet It
was JOhnsons place to say nothing but he had a
few moments before drunk full half pint of old
whisky, and after the remarks of the President,
johnson arose and addressed the gentlemen. He
was what we call. dowh South pretty mellow
and as he spoke he waxed eloquent and pro
ceeded to deliver lecture to the members of
the Cabinet and others collected about, who
were told their duties and how they should be
performed. He went into detail on the course
of the coming administration, and perpexed the
President very much, but he said nothing. 1t is
absurd TO say that johnson was not heavy
drinker. Forney said that, shortly after John
son became President, he came into the White
House. one morning. looking blear-eyed and heavy
headed. Turning to Forney he said: Forney,
wish you would get me something to drink if
You can. l was out late last night, and dissi-
pated heavily, and have not had anything to
eat Forney went out, and got bottle of very
old whisky he had about the place, and handed
it to the President, with a large old goblet
johnson almost frightened Forney by pouring
the goblet half full and drinking it off Placing
the bottle on a table, he walked about the room
| minute, and returned to the bottle. and, pick
ing up the goblet poured it half full again and
drunk it off. The liquor was so old and strong
that Forney supposed that he would be disabled,
but he pronounced himself as in very much
better order. and went to his work"
The TenuesseeaE who spoke the above says
that the attempt of johnson to coerce General
Grant into wrong-doing was undoubtedly the
effect of disordered mind. brought about by
dissipation of various kinds; that Johnson per-
sonally, was man who intended to do right,
and, when cool-headed, would not have at
tempted anything of the character reported
against him.