Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1831-11-18
From The Portland Daily Courter,
CAPTAIN JACK DOWNING.
WAsHINGroN CRY, the Goth of !
nctnher 1891

Downing up IN D0wDlngvile, th'S WIN care anu
speed, aud don't let any body see 1t.
Dear Uncle Josh. I've got it at last as true as
you're alive, and now don't keer a snap Tor the
latest of 'em. I'll teach them are young chaps
down to Portland that us'd to poke fun at me 80
because didn't get in tc be Governor, that they
must carry better tongue in their heads,or they'll
find out who they are talking to. guess they'll
find out by and by it won't be healthy for 'em
to poke fun at an officer of my rank. And as tor
Jemime Parsons that married the school master
winter before last, when she promised as falr as
could be that she would have me, she may 60 TO
grass for what care; wouldn't have her now
no more than I'D have Virginia niger. AND
guess when she comes to see me with my res'-
mentals on she'll feel sorry enough, and wish her
cake was dough again. Now she's tied down To
that clod pole Of school master, that wasn't ut
for a school master neither, for he has had to go
70 hoeing potatoes for a living, and much as ever
he can get potatoes enough to keep 'em from star
wing. when if she had only done as she had Pro
missed. she might now be the wteof Capt. Jack
Downing of the United States Army. But let
her 90; as said atere, don't care snap for
her or all old Whites cattle. Ill tell you. what
tits uncle, feel about right now. 1t seems 10
me could foot it home IN two days, tor my ieet
never felt half so light before. There's nothing
like irving in this world uncle; any body mat
tries can be something or other. II ne uoht se'
discouraged too soon. When came OH mere
Won know, | expected to get one of the great Sc
cretaries offices; but the good old President told
me thew had GOT him into such hobble about them
are offices that he couldn't give me one OF 'em II
he was to die. But he treated me like gentle
man, and shall always vote for him as long as
live. and told him 80. And when he found
out that was true genuine republican. says he,
Mr. Downing, you must be patient, and III bear
YOU in mind and do something for you the very
first chance. And YOU may depend upon 1t Mr.
Downing. he added with good deal OF earnest
ness, never desert nv friends, let that lying Ste
phen Simpson OF PhiIadel phia say what he will
about it, good for nothing ungrateful dos-And
he fetched stomp with his foot and his eyes kind
of flashed SO fiery, that could not help starting
back. for didn't know but he was going to knock
me over. But he looked pleasant again in mi
mute, and took me by the hand, and now, says
he. Mr.. Downing, give you my honor thse Ill
do something for you as soon as ! possibly can.
| told him hoped he would be as spry as he
could about it for had just nnepencc LETT, and
didn't knnw how should get along very well,
in strange place too. But he told me never
mind that at all; might come and eat my meals,
in his house whenever I'fa mind to. or he would
be bontlsman for my board where put up So
I've worked along from that time to this, nearly
four months. as we'll as could, sometimes get
ting a little Job of garden work, and sometimes
getting little wood to saw, and so on, nearly
enough to pay my expenses: used to call and
see the President once in while, and he always
told me must be patient and keep up good
heart, the world wasn't made in one day, and
something would turn up for me by and by.
But faith, after digging. and saving, and wait
ing four months. my patience got most wore out,
and was Just upon the point of giving up the
chase, and starting off for Downingville with the
intention of retiring to private lite; when last
night. about seven O'Clock, as | sat eating bowl
of bread and milk for my supper, boy Knocked
at the door and wanted to see Mr.. Downing
So thew brought him into the room where was.
and says he, Mr.. Downing, the President wants
to see you for something very particular, right
away this evening. My heart almost junpd right
up in my mouth. My spoon doopt out Of my hand.
and to cat another mouthful couldn't II was
to starve. flew round, and washed nv hands,
and combed my head, anl brushed up as well as
q could, and should have looked toIerably spruce
lff it had Mt been for unucky hole in the knee
of my trousers. What to do did not know
1t made me feel bad enough | can tell you. The
woman where | boarded sand she would mend
take her till about nine o'clock, and the President
was waiting for me, and there twas. Such hob
BILE never was in before. But this woman is a
kind good creature as ever was; she boards me
for four and sxpencc week, considering that l
spill, wood for her, and bring water. and do all
such kind of chores. And she always mad some
contriva nce to get out of every difficulty ;-and
so she handed me little pocket handkerchief
and told me TO tie that round my knee. Being
thus rugged out at last. started off as fast as
could go for the Presidents.
When went into his room, the old gentleman
was sitting BY table with his spectacles on, and
bundle of letters and papers in his hand. He
started PIP and took me BY the hand, and says he
good evening Mr.. Downing, I'm very glad to see
You; you are the very man want above all others
in the world. But how is this, said he, locking
at my knee? Not lame, hope? That would be
most unfortunate thing at this critical moment.
1t would knock Inv plan in the head at once.
felt kind of blue aud guess blushed little;
but turned it off as well as could; told him
was not lame at all, it is nothing but slight
scratch. and BY tomorning should be as we'll as
ever was in my life. Well then says he. Mr..