The Dawson journal., 1885-07-16
GEORGIA'S GREATMEN
Some of Their Sayings and Doiups
That Have Lived After Them,
Savannah News.

o' LII 0o III A'of dnC again II
1895, was a remarkable man il
several respects. For persona
bravery and fearlessness he hat
no superior; he had no mock mod
esty and never doubted himself
lie was never charged with dis
honesty nor corruption, though ht
signed the Yazoo fraud act, Jan
II, 1895. His self-reliance anf
vanity were very conspicuous.
When asked who was the great.
est man in the United States he
said: "My opinion is that George
Washington is the greatest, and
consider myself next; we are both
Virginians." He had won consid.
cradle frame as a Colonel of the
Eighth Regiment of the Virgin
la line, and also Of the Third Reg
lment, during the Revolution ary
war, and it was his pride to talk Of
his war record.
He was rough and ready, and
with but a limited education, but
fine common sense He spelt cof-
fee "kauphy," and a great many
other words by sound. His sign
ing of the Yazoo act put him 1n-
der a cloud politically in the State,
from which he was never relieved,
for there would have been a Mat.
thews county had it not have been
for the signing of that bill.
He was appointed by President
Adams territorial Governor for
Mississippi; but when it was
brought to his attention that Gov.
Matthews had signed the Yazoo
fraud act, and that the Senate
would not confirm the appoint
ment, he Immediately withdrew it.
He had notified Gov. Matthews
that he had sent in his name to
the Senate, perhaps writing, ask
ing him if he woald accept the
appointment.
In time it came to Gov Mat
thews' ears that the President had
recalled his appointment and had
sent i'll another name. Without a
days delay he packed his saddle
bags, girded on his sword, the one
he wore in the war, and started
for Philadelphia, then the seat of
government, to demand an expla-
nation of the treatment he had re-
ceived. In three weeks he was in
Philadelphia, riding into the city
about 9 o'clock in the morning and
asking directions to the Presi-
dents house. When found he
tied his horse to a post and ring
ing at the bell, a negro servant
made his appearance.
'Is President Adams IMP" ask
ed Gov. Matthews.
eyes, sir"
"Tell him a gentleman wishes
to see him.
"The President does not receive
callers at this time in the morn,
ing"
"Your business is to carry mes.
sages, Is it not?"
Eyes, sir"
"Tell him a gentleman wishes
to see him.
"The President does"
eff you don't carry my message
[ will crack your head with thi:
sword" putting his hand on the
handle.
The servant disappeared and
told President Adams there was q
queer sort of a man who wanted
to see him, and would take no re.
fusal. "Show him into the par.
lor," said Mr.. Adams.
Pretty soon in came Mr.. Adams.
bowing politely to his visitor.
president Adams, | presume,
said Gov. Matthews.
Mr.. Adams bowed assent.
"My name is Gov. George Mat
thews, Of Georgia, and Colonel of
the Eighth Regiment of the Viz
ginia line during the war"
"Glad to see you, Gov. Mat
| thews, take seat"
"You appointed me Territorial
Governor Of Mississippi,and have
recalled the appointment, and If
you do not give me a satisfactory
reason for your conduct in the
matter. | will chastise you, sir"
President Adams saw that he
meant what he said, and using a
good deal Of diplomacy with him,
satisfied his mind that there was
no insult, slight or reflection in
tended in recalling the appoint
ment, and wound up by ask
ING him if he had a son
Eyes, l have q Son George, a
man about my inches, with lib
eral education, and for whose in
tegrity 1 will pledge you my head;
| / would be pleased it you would
give him some office. - .,
Il will give your son an oihce'
said Mr.. 4.
Thank you, sir. Good morn
ing" and out he walked, mounted
his horse, and turned his face to-
wards Georgia.
President Adams kept his word,
and appointed George Matthews,
Jr, Territorial Judge for MIS-
.o; Wban Louisiana WAS