The Southern journal., 1846-04-18
MISCELLANEOUS.
A Post Master General in Disguise.
BY SOL SMITH.

| On my way 10 the worth IN 1000, In
company with several gentlemen Of New
Orleans, it happened that the stage, in
which we we're passengers, stopped for
supper at small village, situated between
the towns of Columbus and GAINESVILLE,
on the Cumberland road, in the State of
Ohio.
There was great gathering of Militia
Captains, Lieutenants, Ensigns, Sergeants
and Corporals, with considerable sprink-
ling of priva,es, all of whomrhad been ex.
hibiting their patriotism during the day,
by marching up and down the road, shoul-
dering arms, carrying arms, presenting
arms, and charging bayonets, preparatory
to intended hostile operations against the
neighboring State Of Michigan, the au-
thorities of which, and those of the State
Of Ohio, were at open war--almost--about
boundary.
Forthe purpose of amusement, it had
been agreed that the stage driver should
be informed contfdentiaNy that was Amos
Kendall, Post Master General Of the U.
States, travelling in disguise, and assuming
the very common name o. Smith, in order
to discover abuses in the Transporting de-
partment. With many mysterious hints,
and under strict charges of secrecy, Jehu
was made acquainted with the awful fact,
that he was driving the important indivi-
dual above named. The reins almost fell
from his hands! 'What, Mr.. Klndle!-
Amos Kindle!' exclaimed the aslonished
drver--'It can't be possible!' lit is pos
sible,' answered the gentleman who was
imparting the information, and who was
enjoying an outside seat; and it is his
wish to be entirely private, in order to
avoid the attentions that would otherwise
be lavished upon him. The driver
promised the most invioabIe secresy-
and proceeded, as usual, 10 curry down his
horses.
We had not been long in the Hotel
where our supper was being prepared, be-
fore it was plainly perceptible that some
Thing was going on-curious glances were
thrown into the bar.room where we were
sitting--mIila officers fitted about OF
collected into groups--,he landlord and
his family began TO spruce up; in brief, il
was evident eur secret had been confden
TALLY impaired 10 half the village.
The first demonstration that was made
consisted of an invitation 10 my friends
and myself TO accept the use Of private
parlor. This being at once agreed to, the
landlord ventured to suggest that, if moi
disagreeable 10 me, my fellow citizens Of
the village would like to pay their respects
to me and take me by the hand.
No objections in the world said l; 'le
the worthy citizens come in
Then followed a scene of the riches
kind of fun--but Dickens has described 6
similar one, and | pass on.
Supper was announced. l was placed
al the head of the table--the richest wand.
and preserved fruits were set in protusior
before us. We feasted land during the
operation numerous female heads--or, "a.
ther, heads of females--were continually
popping in at the windows and open doors
while the piazza was filled with boys O
all sizes, who amused themselves by firing
off Chinese crackers, sending up young
rockets, and shouting 'Hurra for Jackson
and his cabinet?
Supper over, we retired to the bar-room
and demanded our bill of expenses. Thu
landlord smilingly answered, that he wa
too happy to entertain us without com
pensation--he felt honored by my sit,in!
at his board, and my friends were equally
welcome. After much urging, | consented
to receive his hospitality gratuitously, sine
he insisted on it, but my friends woul'
not consent that they should feast at hi
expense-oh, no! They must be allowe'
: to pay for their splendid supper. Well
, if insisted he could take pay from them
and he did.
'Could | say two or three words wit
, you in private?' asked the landlord, in
low voice, as he walked by my side to tn
2 coach which was waiting.
: 'By all means,' | replied; and he led m