Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1889-06-11
MISCELLANEOUS.
Jacksonian vuIgarlty.

A dispatch from Harrisburg, Pa. published
in the New York Sun, gives the following per-
tinent story. which James Buchanan used to tel
about President jackson:
IA famous Baltimore lady, one of the lead
ers in society of that day, and related to au
English family of title, had spent long time
in England during Jackson's administration,
her family connections admitting her to the
inner circles of aristocratic and royal society.
George the Fourth was then King, and short
! time before she left England to return to Amer
lea she was presented to him. He gave her u
message to jackson, which he requested her
to deliver in person to the president. The rep
utation his political enemies had made for
jackson was such that the lady was most un-
favorably impressed, never huving met him.
She was very much disinclined to personal
interview, but having undertaken to carry
out the wishes of King George, she deter
mined to undergo the trial, prepared to be
gently shocked at what she might see and
hear. She was well acquainted with James
Buchanan, and she sent for him and solicited
him to accompany her on her mission
and introduce her to the President.
II went with her." Buchanan used to say"
in telling the story "and leaving her in the re-
!
arrange for the interview / found him alone.
His face was covered with bristliug beard of
several days growth. He had on dressing
gown which was very much soiled and much
the worse for wear. He was smoking an old
| pipe 1t was dishcarteniug moment for me
for to present the refined and elegant lady to
the President of the United States in such at
tiro and personal uncouthness seemed to nj u
but little better than national disgrace.
told the General about tho distinguished wO-
man who had come to seek an introduction to
him, and made bold to say:
'''But General you ought not to sec her
without making an appropriate toilet
"The grim old soldier took his pipe out OF
his mouth, stretched himself to his full height
shot fiery look at mo from beneath his
shaggy eyebrows. and exclaimed:
Buchanan, knew man once who sue
ceeded admirably in getting along, sim ply by
minding his own business"
HE told inc to go back and wait with the
lady. and he would see her in moment. ]
returned to tho reception room and awaited
the Presidents coming in terture OF suspense.
In a short time Jackson entered the room. He
was neatly shaven, and in plain but correct
attire. A more dignified and courtly presence
could not be well imagined. A heavy load was
| lifted from me. / introduced the lady and re-
tired to await the termination of the interview.
From what she had said to mo could see that
she was anxious to make it short Us possible,
and was therefore surprised when an hour
had passed and she was still talking with the
man she had been led to believe was but little
better than wildcat. She finally appeared,
escorted to the door by the President. She
was radiant. 1 handed her into her carriage
and asked her what sho thought Of the grim
and much-abused Jackson"
81 am captivated." she replied. 81 never SC
enjoyed an hour. have been at all the courts
of Europe and can truly say that atnone ol
them have ever seen man who in elegance
of manners could compare with Gen. jackson.
While intensely dignifcd, they were so kind
that my dred disappeared in an instant, and
before knew it 1 was captivated It will
never do for any one to charge Gen. Jackson
with vulgarity in my presence again -
Buchanan always told that story with great
relish.