The Roanoke times. (Roanoke, Va.) 1897-1977, 1897-02-03
BOB TOOMBs' LUCK.
HOW 1T STOOD BY Hin WHEN HE
WAS PENNlLESS.

Recognized by an EnGlisl, Lawyer, the Brit
liant Confederate Exile Was Paid II Ro-
taiucr Which Came just IN the Nick OF
Tlmc-Easy After That.
During tho closing days of the civil war
detachment of Federal cavalry rodo into
the picturesque town of Washington, Ga,
and within q few moments after tho ar
rival of tho newcomers their commander
stood at tho front door of large, old fash
Toned mansion. The visitors mission was
soon Inado known. He desired to SEQ Gen
eral Robert Toombs, and, in fact, was so
anxious to see him that he WAS willing to
put himself to no end of trouble to meet
him. The cavalry captain won't in, found
that the owner Of the house was not at
home, which statement was half way true
because Mt that very instant General
Toombs was making his way to tho garden
gate, where he had u swift horse in readi-
ness for him. The Confederate leader lost
no tiInu In mounting his stced, and before
another hour he was many miles away in
part OF tho county which had not then
boon visited by tho invaders.
For days the gray coated fugitive travel
ed, exercising tho utmost vigilance and
spending his nights with tho most trust,
worthy friends of tho lost cause. Finally
when the coast was clear, lie made his way
to Cuba and spent few weeks with tho
sympathzers of the Confcderacy in Ha-
vana. There wcro reasons, however, why
the general should not return homo at
that timo, and no was not long in making
his arrangements to take u steamer for
Europe.
When he landed at Liverpool General
Toombs was short of funds. Ho had sent
n message to his wife from Cuba, but did
not know whether she would receive it or
whether sho would DO able to raise any
money for him He was in an ombarrass-
ing Tx. A stranger in II strange land,
with only few dollars, no did not know
which way TO turn. With his royal disre-
gard OF money he invested ia n first class
ticket To London and boarded tho train
with less than So in his pocket What 70
dO when no reached the metropolis was tho
QUESTION. Tho Confctlcracy had collapsed,
and its few friends in England were not
likely to he i'll ~ condition to aid the refugee
even 81 thoy should feel SO disposed.
The solitary passenger was studying tho
situation when u new follow traveller came
into his compartment at ono of the way
stations. Tho now arrival was 4 London
lawyer OF distinction, and glance salts
lied him that tho man sitting opposite was
Robert TOombs, nm cX-mombcr of tho
general and q famous American lawyer.
Tho Londoner had seen the others picture
in tho illustrated papers, and Inc Ind heard
something OF him on one of his visits to
tho United States.
Excuse me-" no snid "But isn't this
General Toomhs OF Georgia.
Tho American responded with some sur
prise, but III II few moments tho two were
convorsing with tho Freedom of old friends
The Englishman was II man of tact, and
there were many things in common he
tween him and tho Georgian. In tho
course OF tho conversation he brought up a
subject in which he was greatly Interested
"a case for some British claimants involr,
ing tho tito to largo landed interests il:
tho southwestern part of tho United States
The penniless eXConfedcratc little knew
| of the good fortune awaiting him. He
| simply know that ho had met n bright
brother lawyer, and out of tho abundance
| of his intellectual and professional re.
sources no entertained him as he would n
guest mt his own firesidc Perhaps an
hour had been spent in talking over the
| case, when tho Londoner camo down to
business.
General Tcoinbs, - he said, chow long
| will you stop in London, and where can L
sec YOU"
=" expect to stay several weeks" was
| tho answer, land my address will DO tho
| Langham."
would you mind coming into this case
! as consulting counscl?'
Not at all 1 am familiar with tho
facts and the law
=" ain sure of that" answered the Brit
isher. just wait n moment
lilo drew writing materials from his hand
satchel, filled out Il check and handed it to
the general.
This is retainer he said. at Is the
way we do things in England. Day after
| tomorrow l will call on you
Tho Georgian glanced ut tho check It
| was for e5, coo. If he felt any surprise, he
did not show it. Ho carelessly pocketoGa
the slip of paper and remarked that he
would bo ready when needed.
The big London lawyer got out Mt the
| next station, after again promising to see
the American in tho city two days later
Tooinbs stopped at tho Langhan, and
during the week g:vo his attention to the
case, which had como to him in the very
! nick OF time. Then he received another
| check for $4,000 and ran over to France
| for a visit.
| In Paris the famous Confederate states
| man, soldier and lawyer was the lion of
tho hour. Louis Napoleon sent for him
and consulted him upon various matters
! Among other things the emperor asked
! him what effect the establishment Of Max
| imilian's ompiro would have upon tho
! American republic.
| . 1t will never bo established, F." was tho
Georginn's blunt reply.
What! Not with Confederate SYM
| pathy?" asked the emperor.
| There arc no Confcderates in such a
case" was the answer. ave arc all Amor
| ioans.'