Rensselaer Republican, Volume 16, Number 19, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 17 January 1884 — Old Gov. Mattocks. [ARTICLE]

Old Gov. Mattocks.

Old Gov. Mattocks, of Vermont, who, when in Congress, boasted that he could “beat ’em all writing bad,” was no speech-maker. The nearest he ever came to making a political harangue, according to a writer in the Lowell Courier , was once when his friends gathered around him to congratulate him upon his nomination as Governor of the State. He was in a tight place, for he was compelled to reply. His reply was as follows-. “Boys, I thank you; and now if you elect me for Governor I will tell you what T will do. I will appoint two Thanksgivings and no fast. Good-by.” Still, he wasn’t often at a loss to find something to say when something had to be said. One New Year’s day morning as he was bathing and preparing for breakfast he unfortunately leaned against the door at the head of the stairs leading to the kitchen. The door gave w ay, and the maids of the household, while busy preparing the morning meal, were astounded to see, rolling and tumbling into their presence, a chubby, fat old gentleman in a most unmesentable attire. But his wits were with him. “Ladies,” he exclaimed politely, “I wish you all a happy New Year;” and then bounded up-stairs again, four steps at a time.