Page:The Granite Monthly Volume 5.djvu/159

 RUEL DURKEE. 135

out repeated refusals every time he was importuned by the President and his Cabinet ; hence the latter said he consented. But they were the ones who misrepresented, and not he. If anyone chooses to believe a lie because Mr. Durkee holds his tongue, the latter is not to blame. He is as " wise as a ser- pent, and as harmless as a dove," and always truthful, 7£//;i'« he opens his tnouth.

HIS COURAGE AND PERTINACITY.

Mr. Durkee's moral courage and persistency in fighting for what he deems right, are proved by his half century of conflict against slavery ; and his invaria- ble boldness in every emergency of the Republican party. Others may have hesitated and wavered, lost heart and traded or surrendered their principles ; he never has, and the one sure thing in his career has been that he has never given up nor been frightened. His politics are vital principles ; he goes where they lead, and never, for selfish purposes or through cowardice, betrays them. Under more favorable circumstances he would have been a great leader of men, and have become a National, as well as local, celebrity. So courageous and persistent is he, that as he grows oldei- his friends sometimes complain of his obstinacy ; but it is the obstinacy of a strong and able man, and not that most pernicious kind sometimes seen in the weakest and most foolish of mor- tals ; and it should therefore be tolerated. He has seen his battle against slavery finally and gloriously won ; what wonder that he triumphs in the success of his principles, and becomes a trifle over-positive in his judgments. If there is somewhat of arrogance in the old original free-soilers, it can well be excused ; they were conscientious and courageous, when others sneaked and compromised ; they have nearly all passed off" the stage, those who remain should be treated tenderly, and with all honor.

HE IS A HUMORIST AND BEARS A JOKE WELL.

Mr. Durkee has a keen sense of humor. His whole nature is permeated with it, and his witty sayings pervade every gathering in which he mingles. To his humorous characterizations of men and things, he owes much of that popularity which he has achieved among the active men of both political parties in the State. He is a never failing source of wit, as well as wisdom; and his humorousness should not be lost sight of in estimating his character. His wit pleases without wounding ; and he takes no offence when made the subject of a joke himself, as he was on his journey to Washington in 1864.

HE CARRIES THE LINCOLN ELECTORAL VOTES SAFELY TO WASHINGTON.

Mr. Durkee was appointed messenger to carry the electoral votes for Lin- coln and Johnson to Washington, and started December 10, 1864, in company with a friend. On the same train went Gov. Gilmore, and some of his staff, Gen. Natt Head, Col. George H. Hutchins, Mr. Stebbins H. Dumas, Mr. J. Henry Gilmore, and some others. The animosities of the special session of August, 1864, when Gov. Gilmore vetoed the soldiers' voting bill, had nearly died away ; but while the ordinary courtesies were exchanged between Mr. Durkee's party and that of the Governor, they did not travel as one, nor in the same style. On the Sound Steamer, the Governor, and the gay young spirits around him, planned a joke to capture the electoral votes from Mr. Durkee ; which coming to the latter's knowledge, caused him to prepare for the emergency, and he was several times seen to clasp his hand against the side pocket of the long dress coat, which like Vice-President Hannibal Hamlin, he wears Jn all weathers, casing himself however, also in winter, with a buffalo robe garment.

�� �