Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-06-03
NJ | IS G E l. l. A N Y.
DRUM'D UP CUSTOMER.
BY GERALD"

Having visited the North in the spring of IA, on
business Of importance, Ct might as well acknow-
ledge ii, dear readef-to attend affair niatrmo-
nial,) stopped for day or two in Philadelphia,
and put up. with some acquaintance made during
the few days had travelled, at the merchants"
They were from the west, and visiting the city
for the purpose OF making purchases.
We arrived there late in the evening, in the cars
from Baltimore, and was somewhat aston;shed in
ne mor g to find myself anl acGuaintaces so well
known, for no sooner had we entered the bar-Ioom,
than most Of us were accosted by name and eager
inquiries made as to our health, travelling, Sc |
afterwards learnt that those who seemed SO inter
esled In our welfare, were mostly city merchants,
who hnding the arrival OF many on the books, hail
ing from tie west, and thinking them merchants,
took this method o! making an acquaintance.
was much surprised at being thus accosted, but
having nothing ofimporiance on my hands thought
might as well 60 in FOR ''sell."
The person who addressed me, was rather ..buck
Ish'' in appearance. and seemed to have an idea
that II was himself and no one else. lie asked me,
after some PRELIMINARY questions, if was purchas-
ingE replied that | was, but gencraily made
most of mile in New York. He n,,iced cough
had been troubled with, arising from cold | mad
taken travelling, and insisted upon my taking some
''drops," that he had, that were a sure cure and
when he bid me good morning, said he would
send them to me.
AS was going in TO dinner, the bar keeper hand
ed me small parcel and note, saying it had been
left for me. found the enclosed 10 be the drops
and the note an invitation To attend the theatre that
evening, 'if were not otherwise engaged and
that he would call for me-
After tea. as was standing at the hotel entrance
smoking. carriage drove up, and out jumped my
friend of the drops.
'.Ah, good evening"" said he, "hope you're
every, thank YOU" said I ''much obliged to
you FIR your kindness"
Don't mention it," said he. ''Hope you amt
engaged this evening"
Not at all - said l.
Then suppose you jump into my carriage
Wen take quiet drink" at SIS and then to
the theatre"
We stopped at SIS, where we called for a
broil and bottle Of Madeira, over which we dis
cussed the prospects Of business. state of the mar
ket. &c.--he trying TO draw me out as to my pur-
chases, amount, &c-I giving him pretty eaten
size idea Of my mercantile wants.
He was down with the rocks for our quiet
drink, and we were soon seated in the theatre.
The opera--for it was opera n;ght--was one of
Donizett's, and he kindly instructed me as to the
'pot," SC. The music, he said, was um-pret-
ty good-but nothing like what he'd heard in
Paris" AT the end Of every act he would hum
he had the ''role.'
sT'he opera being ended, and he having made
himself rather dry by accompanying the performers
as an assistant "basso," (tor which they were. no
doubt, extremely indebted he insisted on nv
taking something at the restaurant.
couldn't object, and | think the champagne
suffered some, as | can 'put away" as much
as any other individual. provided he hasn't to
foot the bill with his own ''sheepskin"
He took me to my hotel in his carriage, and as
he drove off, (probably tloking of the profits oft
bill in expectation, he w singing
"You'll remember me-"
Thinks |, will (my) deay! I've no doubt but
his fingers played sort Of an accompaniment upon
his nasal organ for my benefit.
The next day being Sunday, he had made me
promise to dine with him and after dinner par {
Spanking bays with light wagon came prancinp 70
the dor and was trotted out upon the rad INSIDE
Of three" took another supper at his invitation.
before looming il" and returning | promised to
call at his store in the morning to take look at his
goOdS-saying, upon the whole. thought would
only purchase my silks in New York, and on re-
turning should make the bulk of purchases in the
Quaker city.
The next morning took a look at his goods and
was much pleased at the style. pattern, Sc, and as
| was to leave that day for the place where was
to consummale my affair matrimonial, he insisted
upon calling and taking me TO the boat in hic car
rage.
He drove me to the boat, and as parted from
him, he enqured particularly as to the length of
my stay. and said he would look for me in about
week. Bidding me ''good bye" he wished me all
sorts of luck land thought as the boat left the
wharf, saw my friend of the drops putting his
''cambric to his eyes and his hand TO his forehead
as if 1t hadn't been well shingled and began to leak
It's now something like year since, and my az