The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1851-11-12
Mr.. Briggs" and the N. Y. State Fair

A manuscript was found on Saturday
morning near the Eastern II. Depot, cnvel-
oped in a soicd cotton handke rchief, and
bearing marks OF having been written al
sundry times, and in great haste. 1t was
crumpled and dirty, but we have managed
to deoiphcr enough Of it to give our readers
tho benefit Of an unprejudicel observer
impressions of the State Fair Concurrent
testimony, from many who visited Rochester
during the gale, is not wanting to sustain
"M Mr.. Briggs" views
The first thing that struck me as remark.
able, was the immense crowd of people, all
of whom seemed filled with tho desire to look
ou I Tor tho comfort of strangers. Following
the guidance of one Of these phian,hropisis,
| found myself after treading numerous
thoroughfares. in small tenement, con-
structediof rough boards, and papered in
iernally with theatre bills. Over tic door,
externally, was this sign:
"login for Ladys and Men"
demonstrated, quietly, with the propric
tor, on his faulty photography. Which he cx-
planned by stating that the painter was in
hurry. On asking to be shown 10 my room.
he pointed TO a bundle of straw in the cor
ner. lprobaLly looked surprised when he
coolly demanded twenty-five cents "en-
trance fee" as he termed it. This | naid
but resolved TO seek better accommodations.
sailed out IN search thereof-found hotel
think it was the " Columbian" or the
8 Star Spangled Banner" or something else
equally pstriotc. threw down my Garnet
bag and asked for room. Was shown 10 n
garrst, where there were berths like those in
a steamboa.-ene wash stand in tho corner.
Al my entrance several heads were protru-
dod from as many hunks, and one gentle
man enquired il had come from the west
to which | replied had, when he continued
by asking whether II had entered nv bull.n
Not understanding him exactly, replied,
" No thought not" whereupon there was
a loud laugh from the different bunks.
lodged tolerahly well, but washed indf
lerenily in the morning. Ongong to break
fast, was accosted by servant wLo desired
TO see my "pass.' Had none and was re,
fused admltance to the room. Went out,
rather indignant, and met boy selling ice
water; bought glass to rinse my mouth
and paid three cents; think the boy must
have been bad Judge Of money, for he gave
me in change several counterfeit COINS
Went to an eating house-caled for hot roll,
and coilec received piece of colo pig, and
plaIe OF lobster salad. Called again and
asked for cup Of milk; boy brought me
picked tongue and glass of ale. Desper.
ate, was about to depart when fellow seized
me by The shoulder and asked if | intended
TO 80 without payng-told him no. and in
qured what was TO pay-lwo dollars-re-
monsiraIed--no use-paid and fled
Very hungry by this time. Bought GUS
'arl pic of a boy in the street, aud quenched
my thirst at pump. Found an omnibus
going to the Fair Grounds and Jumped in.
Lave but little recollection Of any thing but
dust for half an hour-deposited at the sen-
trance door Of the grounds. About to enter
when tho driver of the omnibus seized me
by my arm and demanded pay for my ride.
had paid him a shilling but he denied it.
l'a'her than have scene, paid him again.
Think he must have made another mistake.
for found two bad quarter dollar. in NV
pocket. Oh tho depraviiy of human ma
ture
Paid my dollar and walked in Boy wanted
10 brush me and allowed him. Another
shilling. Lost my handkerchief too-could
that Innocent lad have taken il? | hone
not.
Fine cattle-very fine. One kicked me
vicious brute am not Judge Of sucl
things, but should think The plows and har
rows rather good. Put my hand on large
cheese and it fell down-not my fault, had
to pay fifteen dollars for the accident. Re-
solved to keep my hands in my pockets here
after. Recollect but little of the Fair
Think saw some stoves ; know fell in
with large dog. for it bit me- Owner ss,
sufed me that the animal was not rabid. A
| Gonlleman-lke man offered to show me the
erounds-accepted bis offer Walked abou,
two hours and sat down. Ho demanded a
dollar, which paid. Tried to rise Fl ON my
seat, and found myself fast, heard a slight
noise like tealing cloth. and lel cool sud
denly. ] had been sitting on a patent some-
thing, with great many cog-whee!s. Dis
euslcd again.
Took another om1ihus for home. More
dust-coat covered with il, Very hungry
and thirsty arrived ut The hotel above spo,
ken of. Was asked for my "pOss" again
inquired what II meant, and was told that ]
must have ticket from The proprietor in
order TO enjoy the privileges Of tho house.
Obtained one, at last, and was permitted to
enter tho dining room. Gave a shilling tc
the waiter, and obtained pla lie of cold sour
Asked for roast beef and received a whole
tomato. Fe!t hurt, no. indignant Sat al
table an hour and ate piece of bread and
some celery. Man Stood at the door who
demanded half dollar. Paid him ard ask
ed for my carpet bag. Could not be found
Alter long search, gave il up and went ou
to search lor another eating house. Plenl,
Of board shsn,ies, with all manner of signs
but no food. In despair, returned 10 ih,
hotel, just 10 time 10 see man making of