Saint Mary's beacon. [volume] (Leonard Town, Md.) 1867-1983, 1894-12-20

IhnTsday, IecemDeT Iotn, lnst1nt, WIS
the birthday anniversary of Hon. Benja-
mil. G. Harris and although nearly ninety
years of age he is still hale and hearty.
His recollection of events long passed is
nowise impaired and he gives below an
accurate account ofihe "knock down scene"
in the Convention which, il 1864, named
Gen George b. Mcclellan for President
"ELLESB1RoUGH"
Messrs. Editors Il read In YOUR last 10.
sue a communication copied from the Sun,
under the head of Good Old Rebel" in
regard TO the pugilistic event which took
place in the Democratic convention in
1864 and in which was prominent ac-
tor. The account given in that article in
the Sun is utterly inaccurate and as re-
collect perfectly all the incidents of that
affray will briefly detail them.
was delegate from Maryland TO the
convention. was decidedly opposed to
Mcclellan on account of the part he acted
in the arr st of the Maryland Legislature
a most willfully iyrannical act and without
the least excuse or Justification think
some of the delegation were for Mcclellan
only because they thought him the strong
est man named bat their feelings were not
strong in bis behalf and they were willing
to give him up on account of his outrage
upon our State. was for ex-Gov. Thos.
II. Seymore, of Connecticut had read
his speeches delivered in Hartford in Feb
susry and March 1868 The one of the
10Th of February 1868. have preserved,
considering it the most siatesmanIike and
the boldest OF any had read. The senti-
ments expressed in il cnuld aot. fail 10 re.
ceige the concurrence and favor Of q true
American patriot. thought to be preserved.
IL was NJ: difficult TO press my choice upon
our delegation aud they were willing TO
cast our unanimous vote to Seymore.
soon became acquainted with Mr.. Eaton,
of Connecticut, one Of her former Senators,
who, hope, is still alive, aud In an inter
view With him il was agreed that he should
nominate Seymore and l would second bis
nomination and not only speak most ia
vorlbly of him but utter my strongest de.
nunriatipns against Mcclellan and give
pro f that he deserved them. Upon sec.
oniing the nomination, l began 10 speak
from my seat, but was lied To the plat
form. paid due honor 10 the character
md approval to the sentiments Of the pa
-. ! hr.r -
in the most decided manner the conduct of
Mcclellan in advising and joining in the
rid upon The Maryland Legislature. hav.
iuc its members arrested and sent prison.
ofs to Fort Warren where they were de-
tainci from their families and business for
GU Ut fifteen months without trial and with
the most conclusive and recorded evidence
Of Innocence Of any unlawful design
inst the government that ordered their
arrest. The heart OF Maryland was thus
most despotically crushed and her sons
were bound To resent it in the most decided
manner For one | did so.
During my speech was often interrupt
ei by the boislerous McCielianites with
turn him out" and the like hostile express
sions. There was great confusion and |
would not proceed until order was restored
which Governor seymour, OF New York,
the presiding officer tried 10 effect. After
silence was procured proceeded in my
remarks and similar scenes were enacted
aud when order was finally established |
finished what designed 10 utter.
When IF he platform and in proceed
ing o ny se1r, was about to pass the seats
OF the New York delegation with Dean
Richmond in front, a man standing by Mr..
Richmond looked me in the face aud with
his own face a. red as fire, exclaimed with
a loud voice, you damned Old trait,r !'
! did not utter word but struck him
with my fist on the side of his head near
the iugular vein and knocked him down
anil left him there The New York dele
! .,asinn were seated about 80 or 30 feet from
/ where the Maryland delegation sat. There
WIS great confusion and many of the
/ members came near the scene and around
4 me anu Il IblAlC NA1E~ 1lu VI,
"f1r God sake. 60 to your seat" aud an
| swered, there's where ! was going when
! that fellow insulied me" While surround
Ell by the crowd, being then some distance
from my seat and in the midst Of the con-
fusion, heard Mr. 0den Bowie's sharp
voice exclaiming. knock down half dog
en- more Of them! Come in the midst Of
your delegation! Well stand by you n
/ He showed that he was willing To strike If
necessary. but there was no necessity, nor,
was there anything like free Sight such as
described in the article you cop;sd from
the sun struck the orly blow and my
! course vas approved BY my fellow deis.
gates and the New York delegation who
heard the insult given and saw the blow
struck, sent one Of their members to me to