Democratic Sentinel, Volume 1, Number 28, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 24 August 1877 — An Astonished Legislator. [ARTICLE]

An Astonished Legislator.

Ex-Gov. Seymour’s nephew, Mr. B. B. Miller, has just died in Utica. While Seymour was Governor in 1863 he gave Mr. Miller the office of Pardon Clerk—an office which he filled with efficiency and integrity. A member of the Legislature once applied for a pardon for one of his constituents, and sought to secure a favorable report from Mr. Miller. “ I’ll tell you what I’ll do,” he said, with the rascally bluntness of one who believes that every man has his price: “ I’ll give you a hundred dollars if you’ll get the Governor to sign that pardon.” Mr. Miller stifled his indignation, and, with a quizzical smile on his face, offered to attend to the business immediately. “We’ll go right in and see the Governor,” he said. Reaching the executive presence, Mr. Miller remarked, with a great show of interest, “ Gov. Seymour, this is the Hon. M . He is a member of the Legislature, and he wants a pardon for one of his constituents. He offers me a hundred dollars if I’ll get it for him. I’ll go you halves on the money if you’ll sign it!” The astonished member, taking in the situation, precipitately fled.