University of Virginia Library

PERSONAL.

There were present, I learn from the Pedigree Committee, some
of the most aristocratic families of Saratoga and Albany Counties.
There were the Perkinses, distant relatives to our Perkinses,
whose ancestors distinguished themselves on the old battle-field
of Saratoga—they carried water to the British; there were the
Kershaws, an old family related to the Burgoynes. Sir John
Kershaw refused a ducal coronet in 1436. When Frederick the
Great urged it upon him he said, “No, no, your honor; I am not
guilty. Give it to General McClellan.”

There were the Fitches, who for seventeen generations have
pursued patriotic husbandry near Saratoga Lake—they raised
cucumbers and spring chickens on the battle ground of Saratoga
for William Leland. John Fitch, the oldest son, went to the

[ILLUSTRATION] [Description: 628EAF. Page 132. In-line Illustrations. The first image is of a steaming goblet with the words "I'LL TAKE SUGAR IN MINE" written around it. The second image is of a basket of fried potatoes with the words, "MOM'S FRIED POTATOES" written across it.] metropolis where he afterward distinguished himself at the bar
(Gilsey House). It was there that he made his great speech,
which drew the attention of General Dent and Mr. Grant of
Washington, Mr. Grant expressed unqualified approbation of
the speech. He said, “Nothing has pleased me better for years
unless it was a span of horses from Collector Murphy.” Mr. Fitch,
immediately sent the President a tandem team.

That speech of Mr. Fitch at the bar
was a short one and did not create much
furore at first, but it has been repeated
many times since. It went into history.
Said Mr. Fitch, turning his eagle eye
upon the New York bar—“I'll take sugar
in mine!”[1]