Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-02-04
WHEN JOHN c. BRECKINRIDGE wEPT
A Striking Incident That Occurred just
Before the War.

Striking Incident That Occurred just
Before the War.
A correspondent Of the Boston Transcript
gives interesting account of a scene he wit
messed in Washington at the close OF 1860
which throws light on the sentiments held by
the late Vice President Breckenridge as to the
Union.
On Christmas eve, writes this correspondent,
merry gander party was assembled in the
bachelor quarters Of Maj. Wall (of Wall Il
Stephens) on the avenue. The majors album
dant means had so generously fortified his gar
risOn that care for tomorrow was q thing of
yesterday and orders were published that the
calendar of that year should close with no
signs Of mourning. 1t is no part OF this his
tory to say whether the order was questioned or
not.
1t was little past midnight when the door
opened to admit the man whose presence was
so welcome everywhere. and the eager Whisper
ing OF Mr.. Breckinridges name an evil
!ence OF the respectful esteem in which he was
held, so marked. so personal that it moved him
TO the depths of his manhood. Graciously re-
ceived by his host, Mr.. Breckinridge came
dirsctly TO the pianoforte. around which q
group of u bad been singing, and after grasp
OF the hand all around and pleasant word. he
asked that the music should be resumed.
After a song or two We sung MY Old Kentucky
Home. winning from him a courteous ac-
acknowledgements He then asked. ''Will YOU not
sing something patriotic?" In response we
gave the Star Spangled Banner" Most of us
were fair performers. and indulge the belief
that the occasion inspired the singers with an
JUNCTION that served as well as more dis
tinguished merit.
As we concluded. instead O: the expected
reward OF applause. the stiffness Of death
hiled the apartment. Mr. Breckenridge was
sobbng like woman, and tears were stream
ing down his cheeks. As soon as he could con-
! troll his trembling lips he exclaimed wit. An
exordiurn for which these das hes NAV stand az
I sponsors. -. boys. it makes me feel Like
used to" and We repeated the song at his earn
est entreaty. He remained q short time longer,
| his sedcened mood showing how deeply the in
| cideni of the meeting had stirred him. never
| saw him again, as came to nv homo in Massa-
| chusetts on the LIST Of January.
The reader is familiar with Mr. Breckin-
\ ridges subsequent career. and need not here
recall it, Though for time an enemy of his
country, which had so grAciously honored him
l firmly believe The man made a sacrifice hardly
less than that which, in his attachment to hi
state and people, he would have endured as q
/ loyal American His nature eminentlv an
emotional one. and the sentiment that led him
astray was the outgrowth Ut public training
the force Of which the less impetuous north.
erner can but imperfeetly understand Nc
| apology for his course Is here attempted
have neither authority for nor presumption
/ equal to such task. With only q plain, un.
vanished tale, imperfectly told, leave the sub.
/ ject to the reader, who may be inclined to eli
7 in Judgment, Notwithstanding his opinion hal
long since been anticipated by higher court
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