The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1896-12-03
ROBERT TooMBs's LUCK
How the Confederate Exile Fiu.d u,s
Purse When He Was Penniless.

During the closing days of the civil
war detachment of Federal cavalry
rode int the picturesque town of Wash-
ington, Ga, and within few moments
after The arrival of the new ooiners thar
commander stood at the front door of a
large, old fashioned mansion. The visit
tors mission was soon made known. He
desired to nee Gen. Robert Toombs. ana
In fact, was so anxious to SEQ him that
he was willing TO put himself to no end
of trouble to meet him. The cavalry
Captain went in-found that the owner
of the house was not at home, which
statement was half way true, because ut
that very instant Gen. Toombs was
making his way to the garden gate,
where he had swift horse in readiness
for him. The Confederate leader lost
no time in mounting his steed, and be-
fore another hour he was many miles
away in part of the county which hal
not then been visited by ths invaders.
For days the gray-coated fugitive
travelled, exercising the utmost vigilance
and speeding his nights with the most
Trustworthy friends of the lost cause.
Finally, when the coast was clear, he
made his,way to Cuba and spent few
weeks with the sympathizers of the Con-
federacy in Havana. There were reasons
however, why the General should not re-
turn home aC that time, and he was not
long in making his arrangements to take
a steamer for Europe.
When he landed at Liverpool Gen.
Toombs was short of funds. He had
sent message to bis wife from Cuba,
but did not know whether she would
receive it or whether she would be able
to raise any money for him. He was in
an embarrassing fix. A stranger in q
strange land, with only few dollars, he
did not know which way TO turn. With
his roy al disregard of money he invested
in a first-olass ticket to London and
boarded the train with less than SIS in
his pocket What to do when he reached
the metropolis was the question. THE
Confederacy had collapsed, and it's few
friends in England were not likely sto be
in q condition to aid the refugee even if
they should feel so disposed.
The solitary passenger was studying
the situation when new fellow traveller
came into his compartment at one of the
way stations. The new arrival was a
London lawyer of distinction, and
glance satisfied him that this man sitting
opposite was Robert combs, an ex-
member of the Confederate Cabinet, an
ex-Confederate neral, and famous
American lawyer. The Londoner had
seen the others picture in the illustrated
papers and he had heard something of
| M M, n,,, nf Uicit 10 fb3 Tr,;k
States.
Excuse me, " he said; "but isn't this
Gen. Toombs of Georgin?'
The American responded with some
surprise, but in a few moments the two
were conversing with the freedom of old
friends. The Englishmnn was man of
ia CT and there were many things in COM
mon between him ard the Georgian. In
the course OF the conversation ne Brought
up subject in which he was greatly in
terested-a case for some British claim
ants involving the title TO large landed
interests in the South western par + of the
United States. The pennilsss ex-Con-
federate little knew of the good fortune
awaiting him. He simply knew that he
hadfmet a bright brother lawyer, and
cut.of the abundance Of his intellectual
and professional resources he entertained
him M he would guest Mt his own fire.
side. Perhaps an hour had been spent
in talking over the case, when the Lon
doner came down to business.
"Gen. Toombs,'' he said, chow long
will you stop in London, and where can
I see you?'
81 expect to stay several weeks, ~ was
the answer, "and my address will be the
LAT ham,
s'Wonld you mind coming into this
case az consulting counsel?'
Not at all. | am familiar with the
facts and the law
81 am sure of that" answered the
Britisher "Just wait moment.
de drew writing materials from his
hand satohel, filed out check and
handed it to the General.
This is a retainer he seid. ''It is
the way we do things in England Day
after tomorrow ! will call on your
The Georgian glanced at the check, It
was for $4,000! If he felt any surprise
he did not show Is. He caraiessly pocket
ed the slip of paper, and remarked thaL
he would be ready when needed.
The big London lawyer got out at the
| next station, after again promising to
see the American in the city two days
later.
Toombs stopped at the Langham, and
during the week gave his attention to
the case which had come to him in the
very nick of time. Than he received an
other check for $4,000 and ran over to
France for visit.
In Paris the famous Confederate states
man, soldier, and lawyer wins the lion OF
the hour. Louis Napoleon sent for him
and consulted him upon various matters.
Among other things the Emperor asked
him what effect the establishments of
Maximilian empire would have upon
the American repu plic.
sit will never be established, was thu
Georgian o blunt reply.
"What-not with Confederate sym.
| pathyP" asked the Emperor
''There are no ConfederHtes in such
CASE" WAS the answer. ''We are all
Americans.
The talk drifted to the question of re-
| foresting the south of France, and
Napoleon asked Gen. Toombs to visit
that region and make suggestions in re-
gard to tie proposed work. The request
was com Ilied with and report was FUR
nished Ut SO elaborate and complste a
nature tSat the French Minister Of the
Interior offered to pay handsome sum
for It, This was refused, as the General
said that the work was not in his line
l. 1od