Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1885-09-02
KEMINIsCENCIs OF La
How the Great Statesman snubbed an
Editor.

From ne 81. L74.s anne Democrat.
From an old stage-driyer named Billy
Noble, still living, though blind, the
writer obtained ONE interesting remiu-
iscences Of Henry CLAY. on one Of his
trips to Washington from his Kentucky
home, Clay reached Cincinnati only TO
lind the ohio river frozen from bank 10
bank. To reach Wheeling by the river
was out Of the question. The slower and
less pleasant mode OF transportation by
the stage was mis- only alternative. IN
tbis way he reached Lancaster, OHIO,
where, the roads being found impossible.
Il stop was necessary. The great Wing
chieftain's presence was required at the
capitol, however, aud 70 through without
delay he must. After considerable par
leying, Il young German named Shater
WAS secured to drive Clay 10 Wheeling.
The trip was accomplished, aud the young
driver was present with a $50 bank note,
then quite "a large sum IN the back woods
districts. II was the foundation OF a for
tune. BY a neat investment Harry Clay's
$50 note increased and multiplied, and to-
day Sh8fer is still living at AN advanced
age, possessing the largest farm property
in the county. That experience Of Clay's
was mid, however, to "A little adventure
he had near Brownsville in lS4l. The
driver on this occasion was old John
Noble, uncle 10 Billy. AS the stage was
proceeding rapidly down the hill 10 the
bridge across the M~onOngaheia river the
wheels encountered a rut, ana Clay was
thrown through a window, literally stand
ing him upon his head IN the mud. Clay's
remarks on being ~eXtrlcated from his
uustatesmanlike position are not on re-
cord fIhaN WnrR no nHnHF fnTGfnlR and
10 the point. 1t made @ name for john
Noble. however. In thieves Of the stable
boys at the relays he was regarded as a
nero. Gays dignity once completely
crushed "A local newspaper man. y short
time before hHs death. M the company of
bis wife he was proceeding TO Washing
ton, and had stopped over here for dinner.
On emerging from the dining room on his
Way TO the cOdcn, with his wife leaning
on his arm, IA double line OF towns-people,
gathered along the walk leading 10 the
road, was encountered. Clay bowed con-
siGerately TO his admirers, and when
about to enter the coach was touched
upon tie shOlder and greeted with the
following Introduction, shouted in des-
perate tones: "Seth +. Hurd, OF the conn
A10liCeaH5." Turning, Clay replied in
an equally high pitch: Il know your
commonwealth, but Ill be DANCED il /
know YOU Aged Washingtonians are
st1l laughing over the editor's setback.
Once Clay was compelled TO stop over
night at the old Mansion House. There
wa~a hurried gathering Of W hIgs in the
diling room, which was also utilized as a
meeting place for the local Democratic
Cub. An invitation wac extended to
Clay to address the meeting, and 1t was
accepted. Al the appointed time Clay
lid not appear. Tue assembled VIII IS
were bound to have a speech, however,
and for that purpose captured an obscure
kentucky Congressman who accompanied
Clay. 1t was a poor substitute. Up stairs
Clay's room was crowded with Demo-
Gratis, who had bolted and barred the
door, so that escape was impossible. Then
they engaged 3lay in conversation, until
he became so interested that the party Of
Disguised wings down stairs were entirely
forgotten.