The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1841-08-19
MORE AMUSING THAN CREDIBLE.


Two months ago, there came TO Marseilles an
adventurer named W. He introduced
himself TO the family Of Mr.. X, who re-
ceivcd him with entire confidence. and for
whom he said he had several letters Of recon-
mendaton, which he had lost on his journey
Endowed with ready elocution, and possessing
fascinating manners, he succeeded in engaging
the affections of Mr. KS Youngest daughter.
When he was assured of the confidence Of the
rest of the members Of the family he thought
proper 10 put his project into execution One
day when Mr.. " and his children were al
table, the door opened, and MIR. W made
his appearance in the costume of a savage ;
white feathers waved over his head and around
his body; his arms were naked, his legs covered
with rings and bow in his hand He saluted
his host profoundly and in the midst of the
general astonishment he spoke as follows -
: gu will take me for madman--undeceve
yourselves; am King, and King OF Timbuc-
too a large and powerful kingdom situated in
the centre of Africa. You shall learn how
came from a midshpman, which was, to at.
tain my present exalted rank Listen | was
on board the nedusa when she was cast away
on the coast Of Africa on the banks Of Arguin !;
my companions We're drowned stronger than
they were | saved myself by swimming, and
desert of Sahara. For several months ! walked
on without discovering single habitaton. Not
10 weary YOU with the recital OF my sutierlngs,
shall merely say that was met by some Moors.
who captured me, carried me to Timbuctoo,
and sold me 10 the King, who was delighted 10
possess me when he knew that | understood a
lttle of medicine He fell ILL., and my cares re-
stored him To health. This cure obtained me
very great honor, At the end of three months
he again fell Ill but whether il was that nature
did not second INV efforts, or that my skill was
defective, the King died The people, who in
that country choose the sovereign seated me on
the THRONE Of Timbuctoo. Possessor of king
dom, where no foreigner except me had cverput
his foot caused myself to be admired by the
wisdom OF my laws. Always thinking Of the fu-
ture, amassod immense treasures and time has
shown me that this prccautIon was not useless.
An ambitious man spread among the people
report, that had not submitted 10 that operation
which was indispensable for hose who roigncd;
this was TO have my nose cut of. NV enemies
united themselves 10 this ambitious man. and il
was resolved to cut oil this prominent part OF
my countenance, or make me give up the title
Of King. In this situation had no person in
whom could place confidence, and took dcs-
pcrate part. One night, when all my subjects
Were asleep, carried off my treasure, and left
the city of Timbuctoo without knowing on what
ward, and after forced march of forty days,
found myself on the borders Of the ocean, where
an English vessel, which was there TO prevent
the slave trade, received me on board and car
RED me to England, whence am soon To re-
turn, 10 place myself al the head Of 1900 men,
who will restore me 10 the throne Of Tmbuc
too. But my wishes are not limited by
that. | wish TO become the husband of your
daughter and although She has only 100000
francs for her portion, II will be delightful for me
to select her for my Queen" Here v
was silent, and the whole family cried out: .Hc
is King, we should never have believed it,
The father did not make him wait long for his
answer; and with voice agitated by vanity
and surprise, he said Sire. since YOU have
deigned TO condesccnd to love my daughter, |
give her 10 you for wife But how can YOU
forget the little attention We have shown toward
you ? How LET Us speak no more Of
that, replied W: "pcrmlt me only 10
make little present to the Queen, my future
wife, and he al the same time, drew forth
large collar OF false precious stones with which
he surrounded the neck of Mademoiscc ",
and every one was in ccstacv NJ the generosity
OF the King AT the desert the health Of ~
was drank, and the cries OF 'Long i've nc
King = made the glasses jingle
The next day " requested pt hts tutut'
father in law ten thousand francs 10 procure
crown not that he wanted money, but he was
anxious to become the debtor iNr \ L latter
immediately counted him out the sum lie
then left the house, and never appeared again
The family was DESTROYS keeping The whole az
fair secret and had il not been for mere acct
dent. the public would not have known the hlsto-
~ of the pseudo King OF Tlmbuctoo.