The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1889-11-27


case and came into the courtroom Mon
day morning tired and jaded. He said
he rested on Sunday, and when Mon
day morning came he was fresh and vigor-
Gus, and, with a merry laugh, added that
he cleaned the other side out and won the
case. After a short time he invited us to
take a stroll through his orchard. He took
great pride in his fruit trees and COM
mented on the different varieties. He then
led the way TO the stable and every part OF
the place. That he was a domestic man
is we'll known, but only those who were
intimate with him know how intensely he
enjoyed his home. The proprietorship of
home brought him great satisfaction and
happiness, and his liberal and big heart
prompted him to wish the same blessing
to all. This is not supposition, for on
several occasions heard him express him.
self thus in private conversation. His
natural fellowship with all classes and his
desire to see every one enjoying the bless
ings of life, made him the idol OF his
friends.
Prior to his first visit to Europe, in 1877,
Hendricks used chewing tobacco moder-
ately. Upon his return was surprised at
his refusing the proffered chew. / asked
him ii he had quit. He laughingly replied
that he had found no cuspidors in Paris and
he had to quit. But he then added that
chewing was filthy habit and he deter
mined to break it up.
In private conversation with his friends
Mr.. Hendricks was most charming. He
was a good conversational and related
incidents in an intensely interesting man.
ner. In August, 1880, he invited me one
evening to 60 with him to make a call on
Senator Jones of Florida. who had come
to the state 10 canvass, and was stopping
with Senator Mcdonald. l was so de-
lighted with the conversation of the even
ing that | made note of some parts OF it
before retired that night. / find that |
wrote that "Mr. Hendricks was in splen-
did humor, and / never heard him talk SO
we'll The conversation turned on Lin
coin, and among other things he said that
when Judge David Mcdonald went to
Washington to secure the appointment OF
district Judge none OF the republican mem
bers would introduce him to the president.
Mr. Hendricks said he proposed to go
with him, and INSTRUCTED him as to the
kind OF speech he should make. The Old
Judge followed the advice, but broke down
before the close OF the speech, and then
said, Mr.. President, all | can say Is that II
YOU give me this appointment you will
make an old man very happy Mr.. Hen
bricks chuckled and said that was the best
part of the speech, and doubtless secured
the appointment from Mr.. Lincoln"
Mr. Hendricks, in commenting on the
character of Mr. Lincoln, gave another IN
cident. He said he called on the presi-
dent one day, and after his business
was through Mr.. Lincoln said, as If
in reverie. II can't unders stand why
was called to this position
at such a time. When boy could not
bear TO see chicken killed. This Is
butcher day friday in the army-the
day deserters are shot, but they don't
shoot many. have them up there IN
those pigeon-holes referring to the paper
which he required to be sent to him be-
fore any one was shot" Said Mr.. Lincoln:
81 understand this thing better than those
fellows in the army. They can manage
troops and plan campaigns, but | know
hon it is with these soldiers who have
been enlisted under excitement. When
they get out at night on guard and COM
mence thinking about home, the tempta-
ton is too great and they go, but never
allow this class to be shot, but in the case
OF those who go over to the enemy never
interfere"
1t is impossible 10 recordan accurate de-
scription OF the charming manner OF MIR.
Hendricks as it was exhibited during the
evening. The number of his friends who
have enjoyed his society are not few, and
they must fondly cherish recollections OF
his private conversations.
Mr.. Hendricks promptly kept all his
engage ments to address the people. He
did this often, when to do so involved
great personal discomfort and great risk
of injuring his health. One notable in
stance of this occurred in 1882. He had
| spoken at New Castle, and the next day
was to speak at a joint meeting or
Nigo and Sullivan counties. The train
| from New Castle was TO have ar
rived at IL p. m, but was behind
and did not reach Indianapolis until near
| morning. He went to his home for few
hours rest, and l shall never forget his
| distressed appearance when he came hob
| bling into the depot at . o'clock in the
| morning to take the train for his appoint
ment that day. The disease in his foot
had attacked him, and every considera-
ton of prudence dictated that he should
| remain at home. His looks betrayed that
he was then a very sick man, but he
nerved himself for the occasion. He re-
quested me to 90 with him, and l saw that
his condition was such that he should have
company and consented. Few knew how
much he suffered that day to keep his en-
gagement. 1t was late in the fall and a
| cold day. The place of meeting was in a
grove and the exposure aggravated the
disease which already had a vigorous hold
on him. He made but short speech and
took the train for home, and there he went
| TO his bed for weeks. He was indefatigable
in a canvass, and il is only a wonder that
he did not break down sooner than he did.
The last canvass Mr.. Hendricks made Of
the state was triumphful tour for him.
His enthusiastic reception was such as has
seldom, if ever, been accorded to a public
man. 1 knew the magic of his presence
| upon the voters of his party, and as / was
then making the appointments for the
state committee l planned and had an
nounced big mass-meetings at Green
castle, Brazil and Terre Haute on the
same day. For the next day meetings
were appointed for Sullivan, Vincennes,
Princeton and Evansville. l then pro-
posed to Mr.. Hendricks that he attend all
these meetings and make a very
short speech. He hesitated for a time, az
he was already worn out by the labors OF
the canvass, but his determination that
Indiana should be carried nerved him to
make the attempt A special train was
offered him by the railroads and he made
all the appointments. At some OF these
meetings 1t was claimed that every demo-
cratic voter in the county was present. 1t
required the greatest care to protect him
from the enthusiastic greetings of his adj
mirers. The train stopped for short time