The Washingtonian., 1845-08-23
From the New York Tribune.
HOW A TAILOR COLLECTED A DEBT.
A TRUE STORY

TRUE STORY. 3&.,e.&
Near the close Of the last century, Qauker
knight of the shears and thimble, who exer-
cised the avocation in Philadelphia, was i'm
posed upon by an adroit scoundrel, who con-
trived to get suit of clothes on credit, and
afterwards sloped without paying for them.
The Quaker was too poor to lose the debt, but
like too many others of his cloth, he had ap-
parently no other alternative. The account
was placed on his books, and soon forgotten.
Some years afterwards he was examining his
old records of debt and credit, profit and loss,
when his attention was attracted to this ac-
count, and all the circumstances attending it.,
came fresh to mind. Suddenly an odd thought
suggested itself
"fll try an experiment" said he to himself;
"perhaps may succeed in catching the rogue
and getting my pay"
He Immediately prepared an advertisement
in substance as follows, which he inserted in
the Philadelphia Gazette: " If = c.,
who was in Philadelphia about the month of
-, in the year l795, will send his address
to the editor of this paper, he will hear Of
something to advantage. Printers in the neigh
boring States are requested to copy" The lat
ter clause was inserted from vague suspicion
that the rogue had taken up his abode in New
York. ..
Having instructed the editor not to disclose
his name to the rogue, if he should call, but
to request the latter to leave his address, the
Quaker patiently awaited the result of his ex-
pertinent. In short time he was informed,
by note from the printer, that the individual
alluded to in the advertisement, having arrived
from New York, might be found at given
place in the city.
The tailor lost no time in preparing tram
script Of his account, not forgetting 10 charge
interest from the time the debt was incurred.
Taking a constable with him, who bore legal
process suited to the occasion, he soon arrived
at the lodgings Of the swindler. The constable
was instructed to stand oil at little distance
till signal should indicate the time for him
to approach.
The Quaker now rang the bell, and when
the servant appeared, requested him to inform
the gentleman OF whom he was IN search, that
friend wished to speak with him at the door.
The man obeyed the summons, and soon
both creditor and debtor were looking each
other in the face.
"How dost thou dol" kindly inquired the
Quaker. perhaps thou dost not know me 2"
81 believe have not had the pleasure Of
your acquaintance" politely answered our
hero.
"Dost thou remember purchasing suit of
clothes several years ago OF poor tailor, and
forgetting to pay for them?" asked the Quaker.
80 no" said the gentleman, blushing slight
ly; "you must be mistaken in the person. 1t
cannot be me that you wished to find"
"Ah! John know thee very we'll. Thou
art the very man wished to see. Thou hast
on at this moment the very waistcoat that /
made for thee. Thou must acknowledge it
was Of good stuff and well made, or it could
not have lasted thee so long
40 yes," said the gentleman, appearing
suddenly to recollect himself; g. do remember
now the circumstances to which you allude.
Yes, yes-I had intended to call and settle that
little bill before leaving Philadelphia, and you