The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1850-03-06
TERMS FOR ADVERTISING.
The Fighting Captain.
A NEW WAY OF ENLlsrING RECRUITS.

There is no class of people for which
the countrymen Of the Southern States
have SO great al aversion as those we ar
ing fine clothes. and there is no surer way
Of becoming unpopular with them than go
ing among them dressed fashionably.--
This aversion extended as far back as
the Revolutionary " ar, as the following
incident will show:
During the Revolution Captain E.,
member Of one of the first families Of
Charleston, having lost in skirmish most
Of his men, went into the interior OF South
Carolina, for the purpose of enisting re-
cruits. Having appointed a rendezvous he
spent day or two in looking around the
country. At the time and place appoint.
ed he found large number Of persons as
sembled, not one Of whom would enlist
Alter several hours spent to no purpose,
he appointed meeting for the next day
and left the ground. Next day came and
with it the same crowd; but he met with
no better success than the day before
What could be the matter! twas the first
time during the war that recruiting officer
had been entirely unsuccessful. Some.
thing must be wrong and he determined
TO know what it was. Calling one Of the
rustics aside, he asked:
"Why is it can get no recruits?''
"You don't Think" answered the coun.
tryman. "that we are goin' 10 list under
such lookin' man as you are? You are
dressed too fine to be anything of fight.
er"
In those days "knee breeches" and silk
stockings were fashionabl and the CAP.
tain was dressed in that style; there lay his
unpopularity. He turned 10 the country
man and said:
$50 YOU object TO my dress, do you?--
Very well come here on to morrow, and
II have recruits"
Next day the same crowd had assem-
bled, anxious to know what new idea the
"dandy captain had in his head. After
the crowd had collected, Capt. E. stepped
out and said in clear and distinct voice:
my friends, understand you object to
me because am dressed a little finer than
yourselves. You think am unable to
fight on that account Now wish to make
! proposition to you. will whip as many
! OF you as will come out, one at time with
the understanding that each man is to en-
list after he is whipped. Pick your men
and send them out"
After ehor. consultation large broad
shouldered fellow came out. Captain E.
! drew off his coat very coolly. lie was
large and well built man. and superior
boxer. The countryman rushed up, inten-.
ding 10 "brush OUT the captain in very
few minutes. He mistook his man and
soon measured his length on the grass.
A greater bully than the first stepped out
to take his place. and soon took his place.
on the grass. The countrymen stared
They had no idea snch a looking man
could fight. He had. however, en- listed
two men, and must he allowed to 90 no
| further. The July OF the crowd stepped
out to take the gentleman iH hand. lie was
stout fellow weighing about 1870 pounds,
and Dragged that he never had been whip
ped. He, however, knew nothing about
boxing, and soon followed his companions,
Never was crowd so utterly confounded!
Three Of their best men whipped by man
from the city! They could hardly realize
it, and stood per ectly motonless. .
"Well. my friends, are you satisfied?
have enlisted three of your best men,
suppose you have no objections 10 follow
their example,"
"Not bit of it," said one ofthe crowd,
E "you'll do to tie to old fellow Come boys
fall in" ..
They did so, and in short time Capt.
E. had his company filled. and offers o!
more than he could find room for Yam.
kee Blade. ;