Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1888-10-30
ALL GONE BUT ONE.
The Last Of the Associated Survivors Of
the War of 1872.


THE STORY OF JAMES LAwRKNsoN, A VETERAN OF
TIE WAR WITH GREAT BRITAIN, AND THE OLD
Est HNPLoYK OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
HERE.
The death in Baltimore yesterday Of Nathan
lei Watts, the last survivor but one Of the Old
Defenders Association of that city, recalls to
mind similar association which existed in
this city. 1t was known as ''The Association Of
the Survivors Of the War Of 1919 Of the Dis
trict Of Columbia" When organised, in the
year 1856, there were 1856 members enrolled,
and they are now all dead with the exception
OF James Lawrenson, who was at the first meet
ing, elected secretary, and still retains the Of
nee. Mr.. Lawrenson, or, as he is better known,
Judge Lawrenson, Is now eighty-six years OF
age. He is clerk in the Post Office Depart
ment, and is now the Oldest employe in contin-
Gus service Of the Government. He occupies
an important position, and does more work
than many younger man. Although he lives
In Baltimore, he il seldom absent from his
post, coming over every morning and returning
each evening. Judge Lawrenson is a remark
great capacity for work, but preserves q very
clear and accurate recollection Of events that
occurred years ago.
A DRUMMER BOY AT THE BATTLE OF NORTH
POINT.
He was only twelve years old when the bat
tie Of North Point occurred, when the British
were repulsed after their return from the wan
ton destruction of the public buildings in this
city. But he was there as drummer boy, and
says that he was good drummer.
sIxTY-EIaHr YEARS IN THE POSTAL SERVICE.
Six years later he entered the Baltimore
post-ofice as clerk. There was at that time
clerical force of four clerks and three letter
carriers in that office. In the year 1884 he
was appointed to position in the Post-Ofice
Department in this city, and has been con-
nected with the Department ever since.
When the survivors of the war of 1919, as it
was termed, organized in this city in 1856 Mr..
Lawrenson was made secretary. Among the
members were W. P. Young, J: A. Kennedy,
Timothy Milburn, John D. Clark, Edward
Mattingly, w. W. Moore, Michael Cation, Sera-
phim Mast and Rev. French 8. Evans. The
latter died not long ago, leaving Mr.. Lawren-
son the only surviving member of the associa-
ton.
THE p. o. D. FrTTY-FoUR YEARS AGO.
Mr.. Lawrenson says that when he came to
Washington and entered the Post-Ofice Depart
ment the entire clerical force numbered sew
enty clerks. He says that at that time all the
clerks were paid $500 per annum, and an or
ganized efort.was made, with the approval of
the Postmaster General, then Mr.. Barry, to in
duce Congress to increase the salaries A COM
mittee went before the proper congressional
committees, representing to them the arduous
gerness Of the compensation. Their represen-
tations proved 30 effective that subcommittee
was appointed to visit the Department and
make an examination of the methods Of doing
business, with the view Of being able to deter
mine exactly what was needed The committee
~ oil rEo hoxyt osx,a1 thn hat
their petition would be attended to withdrew,
and their report at the Department created
great joy among the clerks. True to their
promise, the congressional subcommittee a few
weeks afterward made their appearance at the
Department and, calling upon the Postmaster
General, informed him that they had come to
see for themselves the work that was being
done with the purpose Of recommending such
measures as would relieve the burdens of the
clerks. The Postmaster General expressed his
the Department personally and at once sum-
moned the chief OF the division Of postmaster Is
accounts, where the bulk Of the clerks were
employed. The Department then occupied the
old Blodgett Hotel building, which occupied
the E-street front Of the square covered by the
present building. The third story was one
large rooms where most of the clerks had their
desks.
A CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE AsTONIsHED.
Under the guidance of the chief, whose Office
was on one Of the lower floors, the congress
sional committee assembled the stairs and reach
ing the door Of the room and looking in, they
saw nothing but collection Of vacant desks.
Not a clerk was in sight.
"Where are all the clerks?" was the astonished
inquiry made to a colored messenger, who was
the only employe in sight.
"Dese all gone to de races" promptly re-
spOnded the messenger.
"Gone to the racesI" exclaimed the amazed
committee and the chief.
Then one Of the members of the committee,
recollecting the personnel of the delegation
that came before them at the Capitol, inquired:
''Where is Mr.. Simpson, of the Foundry
Church? Has he gone to the races?"
"Oh, no, sah," said the messenger, ''but he
never comes to the Office on race DAYS, because
he knows none Of the other clerks will be
here"
'But where is Rev. Mr.. Lipscomb, who said
he was preacher" inquired another member
OF the congressional committee. Il hope" he
added, with some sarcasm, ''that he has not
gone to the races"
well, you see, sah," explained the messen-
ger, that the Reverend Lipscomb lives across
the river, and he never comes in on race
DAVIS"
The committee made no further INQUIRIES.
and it is needless to say that the bill for the
relief OF the overworked clerks was not intro
duced.
Judge Lawrenson has a good many stories
to tell Of the old times, and he enjoys a laugh
very much. In fact, he is an active and vigor-
Gus old man, and is capable Of a good many
years of efficient work at his desk.
The BIRD Closed tho niscuSs;on