Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1885-07-07
GEoRGIA,s GREAT MEN.
Some of Their SayinSs and Doings Tha
have Lived After Them.

Some of Their Sayings and Doings That
H,aVe Lived After Them.
GOV. George Matthews, who was twice
elected Governor of Georgia, first in 1887
and again in 1913, was a remarkable man
IN several respects. For personal brav-
cry and fearIessness he had no superior;
he had no mock modesty and never
doubted himself He was never charged
with dishonesty nor corruption, though
he signed the Yazoo fraud act, Jan. Z,
1895. His self-reliance and vanity were
very conspicuous.
When asked who was the greatest man
in the United States he said: "My opinion
is that George w ashington is the greatest,
and consider myself next; we are both
Virginians." He had won considerable
fame as Colonel of the Eighth Regiment
of the Virginia line, and also of the Third
Regiment, during the Revolutionary 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 coffee "kauphy," and
a great many other words by sound. His
signing of the Yazoo act put him under a
cloud politically In the State, from which
he was never relieved, for there would have
been Matthews 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 appointment, he Immediately
withdrew it. He had notified Gov Mat
thews that he had sent in his name to the
Senate, perhaps writing, asking him if he
would accept the appointment.
In time it came to Gov, Matthew'S ears,
that the President had recalled his ap-
pointment and had sent in another name.
| Without a days delay he packed his sad
dlebags, girded on his sword, the one he
wore in the war, and started for Phila-
delphia, the then seat of government. to
! demand an explanation OF the treatment
he had received. In three weeks he was
! in Philadelphia, riding into the city about
9 o'clock in the morning and asking di-
| rections to the Presidents house. When
| found he tied his horse to post and ring
Ing at the bell, negro servant made his
| appearance.
dis President Adams imp asked Gov.
! Matthews.
eyes, SIR"
"Tell him a gentleman wishes to see
him."
"The President does not receive callers
at this time IN the morning"
"Your business is to carry messages, is
it not?'
eyes, sir"
''Tell him a gentleman wishes to see
him"
''The President does"
! off you don't carry my message, 1 will
! crack your head with this sword, - putting
his hand on the handle.
| The servant disappeared and told Presi-
dant Adams there was queer sort of man
who wanted to see him, and would take
no refusal. 'ShOw him into the parlOr,"
said Mr.. Adams.
Pretty soon in came Mr.. Adams, bow
| ing politely to his visitor.
president Adams, l presume" said
! Gov. Matthews.
! Mr.. Adams bowed assent.
'My name is Gov. Geo. Matthews, of
Georgia, and Colonel of the Eight Regi-
ment of the Virginia line during the
war"
"Glad to see you, Gov. Matthews; take
a seat"
"You appointed me Territorial Cover
nor of Mississippi, and have recalled the
appointment, and if you do not give me a
satisfactory reason tor 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 refiec-
| ton intended in recalling the appoint
ment, and wound up by asking him If he
had a son.
'Yes, have a son George, man about
my inches, with liberal education, and
for whose integrity l will pledge you my
head. l would be pleased if you would
| give him some Office.O
Il will give your son an Office" said
| Mr.. A.
''Thank you, sir. Good mornings" and
out he walked, mounted his horse, and
turned his face towards Georgia.
| President Adams kept his word, and ap-
pointed George Matthews, Jr., Terrific
rial Judge for Mississippi. When Louisi-
ana was purchased of France, Judge
Matthews removed to Louisiana, and in
time became Supreme Court Judge, and
made something of reputation as a jul
rist.
gIGN THE TREATY