Lewiston teller. [volume] (Lewiston, North Idaho) 1878-1900, 1897-04-09
A Fortunate Meeting.

At the close of the Civil War Gen.
Robert T0ombs, believing himself
wanted" by the Federal government,
made his way to Cuba, and thence took
passage for England. He arrived at
Liverpool short Of funds. a stranger in
a strange land. However. he bought
a first-class ticket to London. and had
Ave dollars left in his pocket. How
quickly he was delivered from his imam
cial straits Is thus described by a
writer In the Chicago Times-Herald.
General Toombs was studying the sit
uation when fellow-traveler came in
to his compartment at way station.
The new arrival was a London lawyer
Of distinction, and q glance satisfied
him that the man sitting opposite was
Robert Toombs, an ex-member OF the
Confederate cabinet, an ex-Confederate
general and a famous American law
yer. The Londoner had seen the others
picture in the illustrated papers. and
had heard something OF him on one
of his visits to the United States.
Excuse me-" he said, "but isn't
this General Toombs of Georgian"
The American responded with some
surprise, but in few moments the two
were conversing with the freedom Of
old friends. In the course of the con-
versation the Englishman brought ur
a subject in which he was greatly in.
terested-a case for some British
claimants involving the title to large
landed interests in the southwestern
part Of the United States. The penni'
less ex-Confederate little knew the
good fortune awaited him. He simply
knew that he had met a bright brother
lawyer, and out of the abundance o.
his intellectual and professional re-
sources he entertained him as he woult
have done a guest at his own fireside
Perhaps an hour had been spent IL
| talking over the case. when the Lon
| doner came down to business.
General Toombs." he said, "hov
long shall you stop In London. ant
| where can l see you?"
| II expect to stay several weeks.
was the answer. land my address will
| be the Langham."
would you mind coming into thi
case as consulting counsel?"
| mot at all. l am familiar with tn
facts and the law
! II am sure of that" answered tn
Britisher. Just wait moment"
He drew writing materials from hi
| hand satchel. filled out a check, an,
| handed 1t to the general.
This is a retainer" he said. ut |
the way we do things in England
Day after tomorrow l will call o.
YOU"
The Georgian glanced at the check
It was for five thousand dollars! !
he felt any surprise he did not shoy
It. He carelessly pocketed the slip o
paper, and remarked that he would b
ready when needed.
The big London lawyer got out a
the next station, after promising t
see the American two days later.
Toombs stopped at the Langham
and during the week gave his atten
ton to the case which had come to hir
In the very nick Of time. Then b
received another check for Ave thou
sand dollars. aud ran over to Franc
for q visit.
There Louis Napoleon sent for him
and consulted him upon various mat
tiers. Among other things the empero
asked him what effect the establish
ment of Maximilians empire woul
have upon the American republic.
ut will never be established" wa
the Georgian's blunt reply.
What. not with Confederate sym
pathy?" asked the emperor.
There are no Confederates in such
case" was the answer. I'VE are al
Americans"
ne talk drifted to the question O