The Ohio Democrat. [volume] (Canal Dover, Ohio) 1840-1900, 1844-02-15
ATEXAN HERO.

and well known in Baltimore, was fhe hero-
James Willis, the comedian, was, says the Mercury,
a queer compound of human nature-a man who could
with ease make others laugh that seldom ever laughed
himselt-a melancholy man through life, caused him
to "shule off this mortal coil half his race was
run. at' .sr
" About the time the Texas excitement ran so high in
the United States, Jim Willis wac in Pittsburgh, in
that situation SO commonto actors viz "hat broke"
Standing one day on the wharf with his serious visage
expanded, planning how he should get down the river
without money, when he heard drum and fe On
looking around he saw company ofreckless looking
half uniformed soldiers about embarkng for New Or
leans, bearing a Texan banner A thought struck
him. Next day he sent his trunks on board the first
boat to start and Just as the Captain was tapping the
bell for the last time, Jim Willis stepped on board and
dragged his trunks into an unoccuped state roO and
took from his stheatrical wardrobe soldier coat with
buff breast and three rows of buttons chapeau with
an immense plume, red sash pair of military trow
sers, grizzly black wig, and apair Of false whiskers
By the time the boat had fairly gounder way Jim was
fully equipped, with his stage sword gracefully hang
ing by his side Drawing his white gloves, he hesita-
ted moment but relying on his peculiar powers he
opened the door, gave the usual military stoop and
walked into the cabin, which was filled with passen-
gers In moment all eyes were directed toward him.
but he walked up to the bar and drank glass Of bran
dy and water In the mean time all.was hustle and
confusion to find out who the officer was. general
rush made for the register but he had yet but
down his name-the Captain was consulted, but he
knew nothing, At length, however feeling little
curiosity himself walked up to Jim, and bowling polite
ly to him said, .Sir. { N ! 4 4. 5s, 2,
Sir to you, said Willis, touching his chapeau q Ia
a1ititGire. ~ = -
will you do me the favor to register your name,
so that can provide state room for you2'
Oh, with pleasure said Jim, walking up the
register he fourished in round text, &C P EDwA RDs
Major, Texas Army - = ~ ~
The crowd pressed around the table they read the
name universal enthusiasm prevailed, and, three
tremendous cheers were given for Texas and Liberl
Ityl .2.e'--.'a 4. 2 2.
Jim took ofhis chapeau, and Acknowledged the
compliment with graceful bow, and few patriotic
remarks. ."
It is almost needless to say that from that moment
the @i distant Major was a lion: Every one sought
his acquaintance ladies opened the cabin to get
peep at hinhe was placed at the head of the table,
and at night was made as drunk as Bacchus on cham
paign. .,,-.I,
Next day he was promenadng the hurricane deck.
linked arm in arm with the Captain and warm heart
ed southertier, who resided in Vcksburg. si.a.
Major said the southerner 81 know very well that
you have been on mission to collect arms amuni-
ton and recruits--but on that subject you must Of
course be mum, in consequence of the treaty between
Mexico and the United States. For my part, could
see every d-d coppercolered rascal hung liks dogs
on treesl" , .5st zss.s .s.s,... n
! Whatever may have, been my business, find that
have exhausted all means in the cause intact feal
that shall potbea able to pay my passage until get to
New Orleans
Don't meniionit' saidthe Captain 1coufd not think
taking anything of you"
sci have it" said the southerner "come with
me-"
The trio adjourned to the clerks office, where a
stirring appeal for aid to Texas was written The
southern gentleman carried it among the passengers
and collected one hundred and fifty dollars which was
handed over to Willis AT night grand supper was
given at which speeches were made and toasts were
drank. The cabin was decorated with the s.afspan-
ged banner entwined with the flag Of the lone star
manufactured BY the ladies out Of some Of theirre and
white aoh; no, we never mention ems" for the occa'
sion. 90
About 12 o'clock the company commenced singing
songs and at length the Major was calledupont favor
the company with song. He complied by flavor
ing the company with his famous song of sBilly Bar
low" b ID. ~ x 81
| eBravol' said one. a., 1
EXCELLENT said another. .-.ga.A ~.
Capitalr' said another
"Icould do it dAd sight better, said Jim, who
was fast vergng into the fourth stage Of inoxication
| if Ihad the proper tugs on
After giving three faint husas for Texas the party
| broke up. seas-.... -sitc' -.
Next morning the clerk went into Willis state room
focalf him to breapiast Imagine his surprise when
he discovered that the Maorihad actually Turned in
all standng--with boots chapeau and sword on, the
feet snugly laid on theplllow. He aeas Tax Major
and ofcourse no fault was found.
Thus things ran on, and Willis reached New Orleans
in triumph There he DOTTED bis uniform, and return
edto vicksburg, where be got an engagement in The
EthSatre. He became great favofite of--and wher
be was at the zenith of glory whom
\ he met on the boat went to the theatre Between th'
pieces Willis sang Billy Barlow; the old fellow'was be
wdered the after piece came on and Willis appearet
bin the identical suit which he had enacted the fexa
Mejor$