Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1841-06-24

great negligence; and, 10 show the clerk
that he would not be Negligent IN his
duty, Oh with his coat aud commenced
"Iugging" in the fuel in good earnest.
This of course created great laugh,
which enraged the hero to distraction -
he cursed the Captain-tho Mate, aud
hands The Clerk Of course kept out of
sight; and hen the boal was again un-
der way, the faithful candidate for the
captancy took particular pains 10 relate
The whole proceedings TO his supposed
employer, urging at the same time the
immediate discharge Of ''that rascally
Captain"
The Clerk pcrceivrg the poor man
was getting highly excited, and that II
the Joke went much further that serious
consequences might ensGo, thought he
would confne the game with the passen-
gers, and accordingly, with as grave
face as possible, said TO his GH'oted
friend:
"Well, Captain, (by tbis time every
body on board called the poor devil
"Captan"l con see but one way for
NOu W w" JON ''''N Noil WV
passengers together, state To them our
cause, aud then reques, them 10 sign a
petition recommending you to the Cap
fancy Of the Tobacco Plant; don't be
afraid now-take II bold stand and de-
mund your rights"
"Weil," SAID the stranger, 81 reckon
that 1t is the best course; but how shall
i get them togeiher|
80, tell the Steward to ring the din
ner bell"
Stewart! Stewart! you black rascal,
ring that bell and call the passengers
together. Capt. - wishes to consult
them VI on important business" yocii-ra-
ted The stranger ina very commanding
tone.
"Ilush up, old Snoodlepup," replied
tho steward, IN significant tone.
"What, you scoundrel, do you lnow
who you arc talking to; you scounlrcl,
III let you know who | am;" and, col
larina the steward, was about 10 fog the
rascal, when the mate came up aud Il
general battle cnsued, IN which tho poor
"capiain" got bloody nose, black eye,
and his coat nearly torn off from his back &.
The clerk made it convenient 10 step up
sbuut this time.
"Nhy, captain, is il possible that |
see you fght,ng? Have you 80 soon
lost sight Of the dignity ofyour station,
What will the passengers think said the
clerk, in very solemn tone.
During this controversy, most Of the
passengers assembled, and all were
making anxious inquiries if Captain
-" was injured.
The wCrd was now whispered about
for the passC ngers 10 be seated, when
all obeyed, when tho Clerk informed The
Captain that it was expected that he
would then give the passengers true
history Of his he, and to be particular
in stating all he knew about Fulton,
steamboats,, and steam saw-miIls, &c. :,
aud then ask them To sign petition re-
commenting him 10 the responsible STA
ton of Master OF the Tobacco Plant.
Accordingly, he mounted char, nnd
commenced his speech; and although
the passengers ireduentIy Interrupted him
by asking foolish questions would
break out in roar OF laughter, Sc, 81 III
The infatuated Captain continued, sup
posing the passengers were pleased with
his remarks. After having repeated the
tale slno half dozen times, the Clerk,
getting tired OF tho harangue, whisper
cd 10 hinI, "Iou have said enough now
the passengers expect you To treat
them, and then they will sign your pctl-
ton" So elated was he, that he called
tor wine, and soon ran up Il big bill, and
the passengers had Z Iorious time oil 1t.
1t was not long before the Captain got
quite merry-in fact, dead drunk, and
he was taken to his berth, where he lay
ill tho neat morning, whom the Clerk
waited upon the Captain, and, apparent
ly very sorry at tho unfortunate affair,
addressed him thus
Captain, are you aware Of your be-
hsvior last night?-you were drunk, sir,
yes sir, beastly drunk,-so that it be-
comes my painful necessity TO inform you
TINT can't have drunken captain on
my boat. Good morning, sir"
At this intelligence, the stranger, much
chagrineJ--begged, apologlzcd, ,a1d even
cried-but all TO no purpose-hls pros
poets were blasted forever.
by this time the boat had nearly
reached St. Louis, and one of the pas
sengers, out Of kindness to The stranger,
went to hiD, and told him the whole
socret-the game that had been played
upon him, and advised him TO 60 into his
berth, and there remain I'LL after the
boat landed, aud then leave the boat
n Io,..,,k