Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1846-12-25

m'ose dog are you7" Uncle Ben's humor, was
Of peculiar turn, original and rough; he sell
dom permitted man TO tell story or relate any
event without an effort to tell something more
wonderful and in argument he was always sure
TO answer his adversary by some hard and left
handed stroke of original wit that would call
forth shout Of approval from the listeners. AT
"Iander's" or "NNolf s"-the resort of most of
the leading men of Trov-"Unclc Ben was a
conspicuous item in the circle. His politics
were anti-Democratic, and on that subject he was
lucid and clear. He would "tackle on" Ito use
his own expression to an old opponent and ''run
him to stand still" Some one once asked an
old gentlc man present (whosc politics were OPP
posed TO those of Uncle Bcn)-'how long since
he had been at New York" Before he had time
10 answer this enquiry, "Uncle Ben" intcrposed
and sad ale never has been there since he ran
away to save his neck, when General Washing
ton retook the city from the Britsh-all the old
Tories cleared out that day, and never dare 90
there since"
The old man. by this time, finding laugh
smothcred. attempted TO reply. Well Ben 20
vel, you always talk and talk and don't know
notlng--now what know don't talk about
unless - No. no. interrupted Uncle
Ben. know YOU don't talk-for you told hall
YOU knew YOU would have been hanged long
ago; therefore I'll talk for you and save your
neck This is but specimen Of Uncle Ben's
nnumerable strokes Of rough and ready humor.
He was induced, on one occasion, TO visit Al
bany TO see play performed, which company
of strolrr players had announced and was ac-
companicd by some half dozen young men of
TROY whom he provided with tickets of admis-
SION and in fact paid the whole shot as he
used TO say. lie had caused whole box TO Re
secured for his party, but coming late it was
found occupied by people. Who unaccus'omcd
10 theatricals. had talen possession. | doubt if
Uncle Ben himself had ever been at theatre
before, at any rate not for many vcars-but
doubt also if the stage on any occasion exhibit
ed more to laugh at than Uncle Ben's manner
and appearance furnished on reaching his box
his crimson lined cloak, his powdered head and
I big spurs. and sharp silver toned voice. 'Come
out of that pew, you id rescals--that's Ben
Covel's pew; come out. come out Here the
players stopped and all eyes were dire cted to the
dress circle and there stood Uncle Ben
fourishing his gold headed cane and called al.
ternately to the players to 70 on. 90 on with
the play. and again TO tie inirud, rs--to come
out Of that new The whole scene was irresis.
tibly ludicrous--nor was it less amusing. aftc,
'he pew was quietly in possession of Uncle
Ben and his party to hear his criticism alto roc,
upon the play and the players
Take him all in all he was character ant
though not what might be called pattern, still
doubt ifany one now lives in Troy, who knew
him in his best days, who does not recall witt
pleasure some original feature of manner full o
harmless humor and merrment. lie was an on
and out Trojan--in his estimation there was NJ
such place as Troy--no such sloops. and steam
boats, and ferry boats, and canal boats Ii
was alive to its cnterprising syirit. and reioice
in its advdncoment--and lived til the grand
children of his early associates had take n tn
places of their forefathers.