The Sun.
London, England, 1862-09-10 00:00:00

211A2 L HOAX.

The usually quiet watering-place, Gourock, was
the scene of considerable excitement on Saturday
evening last,in consequence of the (not now uncom-
mon circumstance) playing off of a matrimonial
hoax. About five weeks ago, a party who is, or
very lately was, in business in Glasgow, advertised
in one of the newspapers for a wife, who amongst
other essentials, was to be in receipt of £3OO per
annum, or thereby. Amongst the (no doubt) nume-
rous applications for the honour of becoming the
wife of the aforesaid merchant, was one which, un-
fortunately however for his prospects, was written
by a committee self-appointed for the purpose of
his edification and the gratification of their risible
faculties.

The lady was represented as belonging to a good
family ; she had travelled in France and Italy, spoke
several languages, and though last, far from least,
enjoyed the by no means despicable income of £2BO
per annum, being interest at 4 per cent. on £7,000
left her by her late lamented father.
Our modern Adonis replied in due course, and an
interesting correspondence followed, about the com-
mencement of which our merchant became very
clamorous for an interview, which rendered it neces-
sary for the committee to remove the lady to Lon-
don, where she went to witness the last moments
of a dear friend, and was detained for a consider-
able time. Meantime cartes de visite were Lea-
changed, and, the correspondence assuming a most
affectionate tone, " all went merry as a marriage
bell."
As, towards the close of the correspondence, the
" oil merchant" got impatient at the lady's pro-
longed absence, it was deemed prudent to bring her
home at once, and consequently an appointment
was made for Saturday afternoon, and arrange-
ments entcre into accordingly.
The gentleman arrived at Gourock per the Ruby,
at 5.45 p.m. ; and the parties on the watch having
singled him out, followed him to the Queen's Hotel,
where he fortified himself against the trying ordeal
with a pint of porter. Meanwhile, other parties
were busily employed posting bills (east of the
quay), to the following effect :-
44MaTentoNIAL HOAX.
"A swell from Glasgow, who advertised for a
wife with about £3OO per annum, will meet the
lady who answered his advertisement, between the
Quarry-quay and the toll where the Greenock 'bus
tuvris, at 6.20 p.m. precisely. Ail who wish to
enjoy an hour's sport are invited to be present at
the introduction, which will be of a most affecting
nature.

The swell's rig will consist of a low•crowned
hat, blue coat with velvet color, and very light
coloured checked urmentionables. He rejoices in
a black moustache (a la militaire), and diffuses a
fragrance like unto the musk rat.

"Be in time."

Haying refreshed hie inner man he now proceeded

towards the spot appointee for the interview 'with
his lady love, still closel!t:Illowed by his special
attendants, who likewise dist."ibuted ccmes of the
bill, which had the effect of increL\sirg his followers.
Having reached the spot, he stepp.',d aside amongst
the brushwood, and " sauntered' about in as
unconcerned a manner as possible. 2.1 s followers.
now took up their preconcerted posit.l°ns, com-
pletely surrounding him, so as to prevent
escape, and then the affecting intervielh took
place. One of the members of committee advs.-Iced,
leading another ',the stoutest man in the compaelY,
wearing a full beard and moustache) by the hand,
and introduced him as the lady who had corre-
sponded with him. He was then saluted with three
good cheers, amidst a continuation of which he-
"made tracks" for the Greenock 'bus, where he
in a temporary way, to hide his dimi-
nished head. His faithful followers, however, did
not yet desert him, but as many as could get accom-
modation accompanied him to Greenock, where-
fresh laurels awaited him in the shape of a crowd
of Greenock people, who joined in the cheering
from the time he left the 'ous in Hamilton-street
till he took refuge in the White Hart Hotel.
Thence he endeavoured to escape, having slightly
altered his " rig;" but a warning howl from his
indefatigable attendants sent him back to his house
of refuge, looking the very picture of unmitigated
misery. The convener of the committee thereafter
wrote him that he would be forgiven the trouble
and annoyance be bad caused them in connection
with the affair should he appear and apologise, but
their generous offer was refused.— Glasgow Herald.