West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1902-05-15
A STORY OF JEFFERSON.


While this distinguished statesman aud
pa'rio, was Vice Presiden, of the United
States, il was customary for The individual
holding the same high Office to attend to
business more in person than The rehnements
Of more modern times will allow. II hap
peued on one occasion that some important
matters required his attention in Phiiadel-
phia, and so'ne other places distant from
the capitol. In those days journey to
Philadelphia was no, TO be performed in
few hours--it was two OF three days travel,
and not of the pleasant sort either. On his
return he stopped in Baltimore; II was
about four or FIVE O'Clock in the afternoon
when the Vice President rode up. sui,less
and unattended. TO the tavern. A Scotch
man by the name of Bcyden kept the hotel.
of late so much improved and now so hand
somely sustained by our worthy townsman
Belizhoover. The bucks of the town were
assembled in ,hs large hall. smoking. strut
ting. cracking Jokes aud otherwise indulging
in the other etceteras of The day. Boyden
was at the bar examining his books, and
doubtless making calculations in reference
to has future prospects. Jefferson had de.
livered his horse into the hands of the
hosiler, aud walked into the tavern to make
arrangements in regard 10 his fare. Some
| one touched Boyden upon the elbow and
directed his attention TO the stranger who
was standing with his whip in his hand,
striking |, occasionally upon his muddy leg
gings. Boyden turned around and surveyed
him from head TO foot. aud concluding him
TO be an old farmer from the country, whose
company would add no credit to the house.
he said abruptly-''we have no room for
you, SIR"
Jefferson did not hear the remark, and
asked if he could be accommodated with
room. His voice, which was commanding
and attractive occaisoned another survey of
his person, by the honest proprietor of the
house, whose only care was for its repu;a-
ton. lie could not find, however, in his
plain dress, pretty well covered with mud,
anything indicating either wealth or dislinc-
ton, and in his usual rough style he said:
"a room !"
Jefferson replied, ''Yes, sir, should like
to have room to myself, if l can get it,
"A room all TO yourself no---uo, we
have no room--there's not spare room
in the house--all full--ail occupied can't
accommodate you."
The Vice President turned upon his heel,
| called for his horse, which by this time was
snug in The stable, mounted and rode off
In few minutes one of the most distin.
| guishcd men of the town came in and asked
for the gentleman who rode up to the door
few moments before.
"Geu,leman !" said Boyden.
| eyes, the gentleman who came up but
this instant on horseback.
| "rbere has been 40 gentleman here OIL
horseback This afternoon aud no stranger at
all, but one common country looking fellow
who came in aud asked If be could have
whole room; but asked him ou, If that
mighty quick, I tell you'll told him had
no room for such chaps as him
"No room for such chaps as him."
"No, by the ppers, no room for anybody
that don't look respectable."
'Why, what are you talking about. man7
He's the Vice President of the United
| States
! "vice President of The United States -
exclaimed Boyden almost brea,hless in
astonishment.
''Why. yes, sir Thomas Jefferson, the
Vice President of the Uuied States, and
the greatest man alive"
"Murder, what have done Here Tom,
Jim, Jerry, Jake, where are you; here, gy
you villiar--fy and tell that gentleman
we've forty rooms at his seryicei By George
Vice President. Thomas Jefferson! Tell
him 10 come back and he shall have my
wife's pailor-my own room. Jupiter !
what have done1 Here Harriet, Mary,
julie, clear out the family, he shall have the
best rooms IL he wants them. of, you
hussies, put clean sheets ON the bed. Bill,
take up this mirror. George. hurry up with
the ooi-jack. BY George, what mistake. I"
For fifteen minutes Boydcn raved like a
mailman, and went fifty times TO the door
to see If his wished for CUES, was returning.
| The Vice President rode up Market street,
where he was recognized by many of his
acquaintances, and by them directed to the
Globe tavern, which stood somewhere near
the corner Of Market and Charles streets;
here Boydens Servants came up aud told
him their master had provided rooms for
him.
'rrelI him J have engaged rooms," said
| Jefferson.
Poor Boyden's modification can better he
imagined than told Of; the chaps who were
lettering about The bar and the large hall
and had laughed heartily at the disappoint.
ment Of the muddy farmer, had recovered
from their asionishmcnt aud were preparing
to laugh az their downcast landlord After
some time he prevailed upon some friend
to wal, upon Mr.. Jefferson with his apology,
and request tha, he should return aud take
lodgings at his house, promising the hest
room and all the attention should ,e given
him.
Mf. Jefferson returned the following
answer; "TeIl Mr.. Boyden." said lc, ~
appreciate his kind intentions, bu, Il he had
no room for the muddy farmer, he shall
have none for the Vic: President.
How's Thisl
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