The Portland gazette. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1818-1824, 1822-05-28
MISCELLANY.
CREDULITY.

CREDULITY.
In the year 17l2, Mr.. Winston having calcu-
lated the return Of a comet, which was to make
its first appearance Wednesday the 18th of
October, at FIVE minutes after FIVE in the morn
ing, gave notice TO the public accordingly, with
this terrifying addition, that total dissolution
Of the earth by fire was to take place on Friday
following. The reputation Mr.. Winston had long
maintained in England, both as divine and
philosopher. left little no doubt with the popu-
lace of the truth ofhis prediction. Several ludc-
rous events now took place. Anumber of persons
in and about London, seized all the barges and
boats they could lay hands on in the Thames,
very nationally concluding, that when the con-
Migration took place, there would be the most
safety on the water. A gentleman who had neg
lected family prayer for more than five years.
informed his wife, that it was his determination
to resume that laudable practice the same eve
ming but bis wife having engaged ball at
the house, persuaded her husband to put il of,
till they saw whether the comet appeared or
not-the South Sea Stock Immediately fell to 5
per cent. India to II and the captain of
Dutch ship threw all bis powder into the river,
that the ship might not be endangered.
The next morning, however, the comet ap-
peared according TO the prediction, and before
noon the belief was universal, that the day of
Judgment was at hand.-About this time l23
clergymen were ferried over to Lambeth, it was
said, TO petition that short prayer might be pen
ned and ordered, there being none in the church
service on that occasion. Three maids of honor
burnt their collections of novels and plays, AMI
went to the booksellers to buy them Bible, and
Bishop Taylor's Holy Living and Dying. The
run on the bank was SO great, that all hands
VIZ IRE m ~ ,:~bt;
counting notes, and handing out specie. On
Thursday, considerably more than 1000 kept
mistresses were legally married, in the face of
several congregations. And to crown the farce,
Sir Gilbert Hcthcote, at that time director Of
the bank issued orders TO all the fire officers OF
London, requiring them to keep a good look
ont, and have particular eye upon the Bank
of England"
One day, when Dumont, a tradasman Of the
Hue Ut. Denis, was walking in the Boulevard ST.
Antoine with friend, he offered TO Law wager
with the latter, that if he were to hide six H.
vre piece in the dust, his dog would discover and
bring it to him. The wager was accepted, and
the piece of money secreted after being care
fully marked. When the two had proceeded
some distance from the spot, M. Dumont called
to his dog that he had lost something. and or
dered him to seek it. Caniche immediately
turned back, and his master and his companion
pursued their walk to the Rue ST. Denis
Meantime traveller, who happened to be Just
then returning in a small chaise from Vincen-
mes, perceived tie piece of money which bis
horses had kicked from its hiding place he
alghted, took it up, and drove TO his inn, in the
Rue Pont-aux Choux. Caniche had Just reach
ed the spot IN search of the lost piece, when the
rs,l1 IyaI r-lI
went into the inn, aud stuck close to the trav-
efler. Having scented out the coin which he
had been ordered to bring back, in the pocket
of the latter. he leaped mp necessarily at and
about him. The traveller supposing him to be
some dog that had lost or been left behind by
his master, regarded his different movements as
marks of fondness; and as the animal was hand
some, he determined to keep him. He gave
hun good supper, and on retiring to bed, took
him with him to his chamber. No sooner had
ne pulled oil bis breeches, than they were seized
by the dog; the owner, conceiving that he wan
ted TO play with them, took them away again.
ne animal began to bark at the door, which the
traveller opened, under the idea that the dog
wanted to 60 out. Caniche snatched up the
breeches and away he flew. The traveller post
ed alter him with his night cap on, and literally
sans cutoftes. Anxiety for the fate of a purse
full OF gold Napoeons, of forty francs each,
which was in one of the pockets, gave redoubed
velocity to his steps. Caniche ran full speed
20 his masters house, where the stranger arrived
moment afterwards. breathless and enraged.
lie accused the dog of robbing him. Sir," said
the master, my dog is a very faithful creature !;
and II he has run away with your breeches, il is
because YOU have in them money which docs
not belong to you The traveller became still
more exasperated. Compose Yourself. sir, re-
Joined the other, smiling, without doubt there
is IN your purse six livre piece, with such and
such marks, which you have picked up in the
Boulevard st. Antoine. and which threw down
there with the firm conviction that my dog
would bring it back agnin. This is the cause
OF the robbery which lie has committed upon
you The strangers rage now yielded to as
tonishment he delivered the six livre piece to
the owner, and could not forbear caressiug the
dog which had given him So much uneasiness,
and sneh an unpleasant chase.
BONAPAETEAN WARFARE
BtrErcc<s.--On the eve Of the bstt.s cf Wa