Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-03-04
THE PRESIDENTS COW,
A Story Of William Henry Harrison and
. Maryland Drover.


native and old resident of Washington tells
the following anecdote which was current and
credited in Washington during the brief adj
ministration of President Harrison, who was
called the "Cincinnatus Of the West" by the
wings, and Granny Harrison" by the demo-
Gratis, When he came to Washington to be in
augurated, no one was surprised at the plain
looks and the simple manners Of the old hero,
because the pictures Of the log cabin
in which he had lived we're common during the
campaign as illustrating his simple habits. No,
nor were they incredulous of the story they
soon heard Of him.
factory cow-at the White House. 30 the old
ex-farmer made inquiries and learned that
Saturday was the day when the drovers came
in from the country to the Marsh market to sell
their cattle. Consequently, early on Saturday
morning President Harrison, instead Of send
ing servant, arose and walked down to the
market. There he found cows "'galorel"
He soon made q trade with q burly Montgom-
cry county drover, by which he became the
possessor of a fine Durham
where shall drive it, sir?' inquired the
drover, who did not recognize the President.
ITO the White House. / will show you the
way" replied President Harrison.
why, You don't mean to say, friend, that
you've bought this we're beast for old Granny
Harrison?" demanded the drover with dilated
eyes.
Yes" replied the old hero. without showing
the resentment that smaller man might have
thought necessary.
The drover left his cattle in the care of his
son and turned the Durham" out or the
Avenue, where he and the President walked
The President on the inside gently raised his
stick when sukey made an effort to promenade
the sidewalk. and the drover fourished his
whip when she threatened to break into the
middle Of the street.
I'm democrat myself" the drover volun-
teered to inform his companion, land voted for
old Van, Of course; but the other day at the
'nauguration-ha! ha! ha.-I'll be doggoned il
didn't fling up my hat and hurrah for Granny
Harrison with the best on 'em! Couldn't help
it, somehow"
Thank you," said the president.
ooh! you're q whig! But might a-known
that by your having q siteration in the White
House, as spose you have, haint your"
Yes" said the President.
What be you there now? Gardener"
"No."
"Coachman then, or body servant"
Neither. Isuppose may call myself gen.
eral servant"
"Oh, yes! Run errands, wait on the table.
answer the door-knockef, and like o. that" re-
marked the drover, who had no idea of what
the United States was like.
something not very unlike that" said the
President with tolerant smile.
DO You see much of Granny Harrison,
now?' inquired the man, as they neared the
White House grounds.
Considerable" replied the President.
How do you like the old feHow?"
That's hard to tell. Too well, most likely"
thoughtfully replied the old hero.
I'll go bail you do"
We'll, here We are" said the President,
opening gate that led to the stables
Several men-servants came forward. touch
ing in their hats.
Take charge Of this COW and attend to hery"
ordered the President
Then, turning to the drover. he said: Come,
friend! Come into the house and take some
''Thanky! don't care if I do! Say, could
you get me a sight Of old Granny Harrison?"
Didn't you see him at the Inauguration"
"Lor, yes! but not nigh enough to know
what he looked like! / would like to get q
"Cone in, friend" said the old soldier, lead
ing IL, way up the steps and through the south
door, into the mansion.
The drover turned around and looked out
upon the extensive grounds, and then re-
marked:
"A better place than that ar log cabin out in
Ohio"
Il don't know" replied the old soldier, lead
ing the way along the hall.
Here they were met by a servant dressed like
a clergyman, who bowed and opened a door to
the left. The president ushered his guest into
the family breakfast-room, where breakfast was
standing ready.
Lor-a-mighty! what sight Of silver and
chiny" exclaimed the drover gazing on the
giittering service. Here were more servants,
who with deep bows placed chairs to the table.
Sit down, friend!" said the illustrious host
politely indicating q chair
Look here. say, now! Amt you taking
on great liberty? Granny Harrison wouldn't
like this here now. would her" inquired the
drover, puzzled and hesitating
Il think he would, very much. Pray sit
down"
Now. just look here, now! Amt YOU too
fresh!' inquired the drover with his hands on
the back Of the chair, which for some reason or
other he did not take. who be you anyhow.
as makes so bold and takes SIGH liberties in the
Presidents house?, You amt told me your
name, nor likewise your siteration here as
gives you so much freedom"
The people call me William Henry Harri-
son, and have made me President Of the United
States, quietly replied the ex-farmer
Lord Ahagiuym" cried the drover, and
he bolted from the house and never stopped
running until he was of the grounds; and when
he sat down On a curb-stOne .'he cussed him
self gray y as his wife said.