The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1844-03-15
No..so..


Jim took Of his :hapeaa. acknow!edg,
ed the compliment with graceful bow;
and few patriotic remarks.
1t is almost needless 10 say, that from
tina, momen. the sol disn,t Major was a
lion. Every one sough, 10 make his ac-
quaintance-lhe ladies opened the cabin
door 10 get peep at him-he was placed
at the head of the table--and at night he
was made as drunk as Bacchus on chams
paign.
Next dag he was wa king ilc hurri-
cane deck, linked arm in arm with the
captain, and warm hearted soulherner,
who resided IN Vicksbutg.
Major said the southcrner, | know
very well that you have been on a mis-
sion to collect arms, ammunition and re-
cruits-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
ID copper coored rascal hung, like
dogs on tree !
Whatever my business may have been,
| find that | have exhausted all my means
in the cause in fact fear shall not be
able TO pay my passage until &c. to New
Orleans
Don't mention it, said the Captain, I
could not think OF taking any thing from
you
Il have it, said the souherner, come
with me-.
The two adjourned to the clerks Office.
where stirring appeal for aid TO Texas
was written. The southern gentleman
carried ii among the passengers and col
lected $50 dollars, which was handed
over to Wills. AT night the grand supper
was given, at speeches were made
and toasts were drank. The cabin was
decorated with the star-spangled BAH
ner, enlwined with the flag of the lone
star, manufactured by the ladies' out
of some of their red and white "oh,
oh, we never mentionems," for the occa-
sion.
Abou: IL o'clock the company com.
singing songs, and at length the
Major was called on to favor the company
with song. He complied by "lavoring
the company" with the famous song OF
BILLY Barlow"
'Bravon said one.
Excellent ! said another.
Excellent y said a third.
j could do it ID sight better
said Jim, who was fast verging into
the fourth stage of intoxica,n, III had
the proper togs on
After giving three faint huzzas for Tex
as the party broke up.
Next morning The clerk wen. into Wills
state room to call him to breakfast. Ina
CINE his surprise when lie discovered hat
The Major had actually turned in all stand.
boots, chapeau and sword on,
the feet snugly laid on the pillow. lie
was a Texas Major, and Of course no
fault was found.
Thus things ran on, and Wills reached
New Orleans in triumph. There lie
dulied his uniform, and | returned to
Vicksburg, where he got an engagement
in the theatre. lie became great favor 4
ilc--and when he was at the zlni,h of his
glory, the old gentleman whom he met
on the boat, went to The theatre. Between
the pieces Wills sung Billy Barlow-,le
old fellow was bewidered-ihe AFTER
piece came on, and Wills appeared in the
identical sui, in which he had enacted the
TeXian Major.
After the theatre let out, the old fellow
sought an interview with jim.
You ID rascal, | ought to shoot
you but the trick was so clever that for
give you, so let us say no more about ii.
Jim looked at him moment with seri-
Gus expression, then replied, Man in his
time plays many oarts.'