Iowa territorial gazette and advertiser. [volume] (Burlington, Iowa Territory [Iowa]) 1840-1846, 1845-12-13
From the Boston Journal.
SALT WATER BUBBLES II

|
From the Boston Journal.
SALT WATER BUBBLES
BY HAwsER MARTINGALE.
The flight of Captain Crabtree.
Captain Ebenezer Simcox was dapper
| little fellow, who had an exalted opinion Of
his own merits and good looks, and who
took great pleasure in decorating his per-
son, especially when about to enter into the
company Of the ladies. He was little
choleric in his temper, but as smart as
steel trap, and always on shore looked as
nice as a new pin, or as il he had just been
taken out of bandbox marked ssthis side
up with care" L
Captain Simcox once commanded the
ship Sponter, Of Providence, on voyage
to Copenhagen. One evening, at party,
he formed an acquaintance with an odd
looking German nobleman, who seemed
quite pleased with the conversation and
bearing of the gentlemanly Yankee. A
few days afterwards, his friend, the Amer
lean Consul, put in his hands none, writ
ten on embossed, gilt-edged paper, (not so
common in those days as now, and with
armorial bearings ON the seal. ''What is
in the wind now?" exclaimed the Yankee,
with look of surprise, as he drew off his
kid gloves and opened the note.
can invitation from Count Wogonstrofft-
sky to dine, Iexpect," replied the worthy
CONSUL.
81 believe it ISL remarked Simcox, with
smile which was soon changed into ter
rible frown as he read these words:
"Count Wogonstrofsky's compliments
to Captain. Ebenezer Simcox, Esq, and
would be much happy to be honored with
his company to dinner on Wednesday next
at six O'Clock in the evening.
n. B. It is expected that Captain Sim
cox viii not make his appearance at the ia
bic without his shirt-as ladies will be
present. A dickey alone will not do"
| 1t is difficult to conceive of the rage
which burned within the bosom of Captain
Simcox, on reading this insulting letter.
Although pigmy in size, he was giant
in spirit. 'sWhat does the rascal mean?'
said he with grin Of defiance. ssDickey,
indeed? | will 60 forth and pull the VII
lian's nose in the Public Gardens. Even
the presence of the King himself shall not
screen him from the chastisement he de-
serves" Saying this, the redoubtable Sim
cox seized his cane, rattan switch with a
cenyulsive grasp, and was about to sally
forth in quest Of Count Wogonstroffsky..'
The Consul, with quiet smile, saw the
exciting effect which was produced BY the
Misunderstanding nissive. "Stop," said
he, as he gently laid his hand on the arm
of his friend is the matter?"
"The scoundrel!" sputtered the furious
Yankee-sthe sour circuit eating, gin-drink-
ing Hessian sends me an invitation to din
ner, and says that as ladies will be present
l must not come without my shirt! Lei
me 60, my friend, l beg Of you'll long tc
be at him. I'll learn him to play off hi.
jokes on Yankee. Diekey indeed!'
ssBut there is no occasion TO hurry" adj
ded the Consul, after indulging in heart,
laugh-''you can as well give him his les
son half an hour hence as now. have ;
little story to tell you, which may possibl,
account for the Counts singular message
that has so very naturally excited YOU,
choler. After you have heard what hav,
to say. if you are determined to give tn,
Count thrashing-why peg away, that.
ALL"
Captain Simcox, with logged air, turn
ed round, looked in his friend ; face, which
was lighted up by meaning smile, an,
threw himself on an ottaman saying-"Yo,
are right-there is no hurry-I can no,
the rascal as well ali hour hence a. now
so heave ahead, my fine fellow, as there i
: surely no time to be lost. But don't thinl
: to change my purpose-for terrible fog
: ging ! will give him as sure as
'sPoh, my deaf fellow, don't make rasl
resolutions. The Count is good fellow
enough and had not the least idea Of insult
ing YOU" s.,
"What! ask a man to join his dinner par
4 ty, and insinuate that he never wears
q shirt, and yet intend no insult! The Idle
: is preposterous," and the little man brough
!. his fist down upon the table, which wa
E conveniently hear, with violence ths
3 threatened to demolish it!
4 'Count Wogonstrofsky," resumed til
e Consul, without seeming to notice the fur
b of the Yankee, sis German noble,
s great wealth, and is distinguished for hi
# hospitality to strangers. lie has alway
! admired the character Of the American
:, and for years after he located himself
It the city, was fond Of forming aequaintant
) with respectable and intelligent Yankee
and inviting them to HE house and his pa
4 ties, where they always found a large al
D select company, and good entertainment.
d; About a year ago, a large American shi
St the Backwoodsman, of Boston, arriv,
rs here from Pernambuco, after long pa
al sage Of seventy-fve days. The Count f
to in with the Captain, whose name "
Of Crabtree, soon after the ship hauled il
q, the inner harbor. He found him an he
$; est, open-hearted sailor, liked him, and