Biographical Memoirs of Reverdy Johnson, LL. D. and Francis Thomas, A. M. Alumni of St. John's College, Annapolis
Baltimore: (Wm. K. Boyle, Printer), 1879. First Edition. Printed wrappers. Octavo. 19 pages.
Rare pamphlet on these two prominent 19th century statesmen from Maryland and alumni of St. John's College. The pamphlet was printed by request of the St. John's Alumni Association.
Each of these men had long careers in public life at both state and federal levels. Johnson fought in the War of 1812, was U. S. Attorney General under Zachary Taylor, was defense counsel in the Dred Scott case, was defense counsel for Lincoln conspirator (and fellow Marylander) Mary Surratt, and served as Ambassador to England.
Francis Thomas was known for his fiery oratory and reform-mindedness. He served as Governor of Maryland, multiple-terms in the U. S. Congress, and as U. S. Minister to Peru under President Grant. When he returned from Peru in 1875 he brought home a small herd of alpacas, intending to establish a wool-producing enterprise on his Maryland farm and making him perhaps the first to bring the alpaca into the U. S.
Both Reverdy Johnson and Francis Thomas were healthy and active in their late 70s when both men were suddenly killed in freak accidents within 20 days of each other in 1876. Johnson fell to his death at the Governor's residence in Annapolis, and Thomas was struck by a B&O Railroad locomotive on his farm in Garrett County.
This memorial pamphlet to two prominent sons of Maryland and St. John's College was published some three years after their deaths, presenting details of their accomplished lives and the strange accidents that ended them.
Rare. No copies located in OCLC or in commerce.
Bound in original printed gray wraps over sewn binding. Near fine.
Item #1915
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