The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1899-11-16
AN ECHO
From the Life of Andrew Johnson,
BY MISS MARY pETTus THOMAS.

car by him.
"Ex-Gov. James d. Porter, our late
Minister to Ohil,p answered the
youngerman, his face lighted up with
pleasure at the remembrance of the in
teresting conversation he had with the
gentleman just returned from South
America. 81 have known him." he
continued, ever since 1874, when was
a student at the State University, Knox
vile. He and Horace Maynard can
vassed the state for governor, and be-
gan the campaign at that place, May
nard's home. Filled with boyish enthu-
siasm, proud of the handsome repre-
sentative from my section, and feeling
that Maynard, in the midst of friends,
had somewhat the advantage, / cried
out several times during Mr., Porter's
speech, "Hurrah for West TENNESSEE"
The speaker observed me, asked my
name, and has, since then, recognized
me whenever We met. He once intro
duced me to some Of his friends as "the
boy who gave me my first hurrah."
"That reminds me of an incident
which occurred in my youth, " said the
deeply interested old gentleman.
'No matter how bitterly some may
denounce Andrew johnson, shall al
ways think of him with pleasure and
gratitude. ST.,
When about eighteen years old, my
father decided to send me to Center
College at Danville, Kentucky. A few
days before leaving home, attended,
at Huntingdon, our county seat,
meeting where delegates were selected
for the GubernatorialGonyen which
was soon to be held in Nashville. 1t
was known that l would pass through
that city, on my way to Kentucky, and
as it was not entirely convenient for the
delegates chosen to attend, their prox-
les were entrusted to me, I was in
structad to give them to an influential
democrat who could use them in the
convention for the candidate he deem-
ed most suitable.
went by stage to Nashville where
my father expected me to spend the
night with friend of his and then
leave early next morning for the adj
joining state. Instead of following the
instructions given me, avoided his
friend, went to the hotel, and, next day
attended the convention in which I was
privileged to take part.
In the roll-call of the counties, re-
ported myself as ready to vote for Car,
roll.
There was some objection to that
beardless boy but I proved that wa:
authorized to act by the proxies which
[ held. .5.
Not having any faYorites among the
candidates, sympathy inclined me tC
vote for the weakest man. The ballot
ing was kept up some time, but Car
rolls vote did not change.
Some one came to me and asked brns
quely, I thought, ''Young man foI
whom are you voting2 "For the hind
most man." answered, Andrew John
son!
Just keep that upl Just keep tina
up!" he said with an encouraging nod
The tide finally turned in favor of m,
candidate. Johnson was declared tn
, nominee, and the exclamation Car
rolls vote has done it!' filled me witt
Joy.
Immediately after, supper at the he
tel, 4 went to my room worn out wit
the unusual excitement of the day, an
tormented by the thought, what vii
.Ifather say when he hears what / hav
done?"
"a gentleman to see you sir, announC
ed the waiter.
Show .him up 1 said, quaking in
wardly at the rebuke which my father
friend-for r was sure it was he-ha
come to give me.
The'doer opened and in walked th
gentleman who had given me his al
proval that morning. To my amaze
ment, he introduced himself as Andre
Johnson.
My young friend, said he, in voiC
that sounded sweet to me, You hay
done great thing for me today. I'll
nomination was given me because Ca
rolls votes were cast, without waye.
ing for ''the hindmost man." Should
get to be Governor of this state it wi
be due to your steadfast adherence
me. If I can ever do any thing for yo
please let me knowi
Years passed by. In school work an
afterwards in preaching the gospel
had almost forgotten the incident. YC
know he went from the Gubernatori
mansion to the United States senat
During the war my only brother W,
captured in Louisville and sentences
to be shot as spy. On hearing it
thought Of Mr., Johnson's promise, al
went at once to Washington TO see Il
Vice. President, the only person that
knew could aid me then. When he i
tered the room, my greeting was, IL
DE SURE that your blood is ri,
. ndpure. The best blood puritie