The Middlebury galaxy. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1848-1850, 1848-08-15

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but we decline the deposit without COM
pliance with the rule.''
BY this time had began to ascertain
that Georgia was not held in the highest
repute in that region, and became little
more humbled and subdued in my future
negotiations. One fmy objects in visiting
New York was to insure my life, and to
this purpose now directed my attention,
taking the precaution, however, of "work-
ing the miracle of finding ga gentleman
to introduce me-one of my former Geor-
gia friends. We went together TO the in
surance office, where he introduced me TO
the President, and l stated my object.
"Ah,' said he, "this speaks volumes for
you, sir. To see man of your years, of
such deep reflection, ofsuch prudent fore
sight,is delightful, is gratifying--it denotes
high state of cultivation, sir, a very high
state-it is an excellent commentary upon
the character ofthe people where you live.
( Huzza for Georgia, thought |, here is a
man, at last who can appreciate her. Yes.
sir, we will insure you with pleasure, /
like your looks, sir, much, very much,
(what a sensible man, thought l y you are
a little pale, but so much the better, it de-
notes temperance. Yes, sir, we will in
sure you at the lowest rates. Mr.. Nicoll,
addressing the secretary get blank in
common form, and come here and fill up a
policy on the life of Judge think
Mr.. B-calIed you so, sir 2"
eyes, sir, answered |, with great deal
of satisfaction, 81 am Judge" l should
like to see the man in Georgia, who is not
or has not been Judge.
"Ah," resumed he, your community
are indeed civilized. l see they rise supe-
rior to vulgar prejudices ; they do not esii-
mate a mans worth by his years. Youth,
sir, youth is the very age fwisdom-pas-
sions little excitable, ii is true, but there
are no stubborn rooted, prejudices within.
Solomon, sir, Solomon, was quite young
when he commenced his writings--we shall
hear of you hereafter, sir, no doubt. Mr..
Ncoll, you need not ask the usual ques-
tons. The looks of the gentleman are e.
nough Fill out the policy for life at one
per cent, for Judge, of Vermont. !
think you said Vermont, sir p
"No, sir" answered |, considerably
Dashed, said Georgia, sir"
My dear reader, | have no doubt you
have seen instances of sudden surprise in
your time; a man, for instance, in the
midst Of waltz. with fair coniding one
hanging in his arms, going il through all
the mazes, and just at the instant, that he
was executing his most graceful whirl, hsv-
ing it whispered TO him, by some goodna-
tured friend, that his confidential clerk
had absconded with all his money, and
ruined his house or thirsty soul, who
had been kept from his usual stimulants for
week, because he could not get them,
and in his haste and anxiety, mistaking
gill of aquafortis for his loved liquor, and
swallowing it perhaps you have seen some
slight astonishment of this kind. but either
would give you but faint idea Ofthe pet
rified look that the worthy president put
on when he heard that terrible word GeOr-
gia. He could not utter syllable for some
time. At last he said, in a subdued tone
'"This is bad business, and then adj
ded, "are you determined on effecting this
policy, sir! Have you considered the ex-
pense %
Certainly, l have; understood you TO
say that you would insure any amount, at
one per cent"
"Ah. was mistaken, misunderstood
the State from whence you came. We
rank Georgia at extra hazardous. We
charge two per cent, and would rather not
take the risk at any rate. Don't you think
you are rather young, sir, to commence
this precaution p
"No sir" answered !, 81 have thought
well on the subject; | am not a robust
man, by any means, as You may see by my
complexion, although as YOU correctly OBJ
served Just now, my features indicate tenn
perance, and are therefore in my favor"
81 spoke hastily. sir" said he, "Pale>
ness does not always in that latitude denote
temperance. However, as l said l would
insure you, l will keep my word. As
personal favor would be glad ifyou would
name low sum.
a name $4,000 then" said l. He regard
ed me in mute astonishment.
Twenty thousand, sir! five thousand is our
highest Georgia risk.
1t was my turn to show astonishment.
WHY, sir" exclaimed i, Z" they told me
that every foot of ground in Wall Street Is
worth $4,000. Do you value t'cO yards of
Georgia with a soul and spirit tackled to them'
at less than one foot of Wall street p
awe value things as we please, sir, and II
Won don't Ike onr terms we will close this in
terview."
Unjust submit" said 1, "make it $1,000"
take your pen Mr.. Nicoll, and add a
clause in the margin, that if the gentleman
falls in duel, the policy shall be void"
81 have no objection" said 1,smilinng; II am
peaceable, quiet man, and apart from that
my station would keep me from fighting"
:" And, Mr. Nicoll," resumed he, ' add also,
that if the gentleman falls by his Oaen hands,
the policy shall be void"
smiled again. You are taking unneces-
sary trouble, my good sir; 1 shall make no at
tempt on my own life
sand, Mr. Nicoll," continued he, just add,
that If the insured falls by the hand of Justice,