Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1844-02-08
@tstrIIant0us.
A TEXAN HERO.


Jim Wills, long and well taown in Baliidnore.
was The hero:--
James Wills, tie comedian, was, says
the Mercury.a queer compound ofhunan
nature-a man who could with ease make
others laugh, but seldom ever laughed
himself-a melancholy man through life,
caused him TO shuttle off this mortal coil, )
ere half bis race was run.
About the time the Texas excitement
ran so high in the United Staless Jim
Wills was in Pittsbarg,l in that situation
so common 10 play actors, viz: fiat broke ;
Standing one day on The wharf, with bis
serious visage expanded, planning how
be should get down the river without mo-
ney. when he heard a drum and fife
On looking around he saw ! company Of
reckless looking half uniformed soldiers,
about em5arking for New Orleans, bear
ing Texan banner Although struck
bin. Next day be sent his trunks on
board the first boat 10 start, and Just as
The Captain was tapping the bell for the
last time. Wills stepped on board, and
dragged bis trunks into an unoccupied
state room, and took from his theatrical
wardrobe soldier coat with q buff breast
and three rows Of buttons. chapeau with
an immense plume, red sash, pair OF
military trowssrs, grizzly black wig,
and pair Of false whiskets. BY the time
the boat had got fairly under way. Jim
was fully equipped, With bis stage sword
gracefully hanging BY his side. Drawing
bis white gloves, he hesitated moment,
but relying on his peculiar powers, be o.
pened the door, gave the usual military
stooP, and walked into the cabin, which
was filled with passengers! In moment
all eyes were directed toward him, but be
walked up 10 the bar add drank glass Of
brandy and water. In the mean time ell
was hustle and confusion to find out who
the officer was. A general rush was
made for the register, but be- bad not yet
put down bis name--ihs Captain was con-
sulled, but be knew. nothing. At length,
however, feeling little curiosity himself,
he walked up to Jim, and bowling politely
TO him said. Sir
Sir 10 YOU said Wills, touching his
chspeau Ia militaise.
Will you do me the favor 10 register
your name, so that car provide state
room for you?t
oh. with pleasure sain Jim, and walk
ing up TO the register he fourished inround
text, -
&c. P. EDWARDS. Major. Texs5 Army
The crowd pressed around the table
they read the nsme--universal enthusiasm
prevailed, and three tremendous cheers
were given for Texas snd Liberty /!
Jim'took off bis chspesn, acknowledged
the compliment with graceful bow, and
. few patriotic remarks.
II is almost needless 10 ray, that from
that moment the sol dise Major was q
lion. Every one soOgh, 10 make bis &C.
quaintance-ihe ladies opened the door to
get peep al him-hs was placed at the
head of the tsble--anS q, night be was
made asdrunk as Baeehus on champagne.
Next day be was promenaeing the bur
ricane deck. linked arm in arm with the
Captain and a warm hearted aoutherner,
who resided in Vicksburg.
Major said the southerner, I know
very well tina. you have been on mission
to collect arms. ammunition snd recruits
but on that subject you must Of course
be mum, in consequence Of the treaty be-
tween Mexico and the United States.-
For my part, could see evefy d-d.cop-
per.colored rascal hung like dogs, on
ireesE
Whatever my business mas have been,
find that have exhausted all my means
10 the cause 10 fact ! fear Ishall mol be
able to pay my passage unsil get to
New Orleans
Don't mention it, said the Captain.
! could not think Of taking anything Of
you ID
4 have L, said the southerner, 'eeme
with me- I;
The Trio adjourned to The clerks oHce,
where ! stirring appeal for aid 10 Texas
was written. The southern gentlenan
carried il among the passengers. and col.
lected $50 dollars. which was handed o.
yer 10 Wills. At night a grand supper
was given. at which speeches Hert inside
and toasts were drank. The cabin was
decorated with the star spsngled baniser.
with the Gag Of the lone star, |
by the ladies out Of some
Of their red and white OBJ ho, We never |
mention ems for the occasion. 4
About IL o'clock tie company con-
nenced singing songs, and at length tAe
Major was called upon 10 favor The coss-
psny with song. He complied BY "a
Voring the company with bis famous sOpg
81 Billy Barlow Il
'BFavoF said one.
Excellent said another.
Capital said third. y
i could do il did sight better. said
Iim, who was fast verging into Tie fourth |
'isee Of inloxiealion. IL had :hh prope;l
logs on
After giving three fain. hazzas for Text
=, the party broke up.
Next noraing the clerk Een:inso wild