The Minnesota pioneer. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn. Territory) 1849-1855, 1851-07-24

Some three months ago, the steamer La
fayette was on her passage from Louisville
to the Crescent City. The boat was crowded
with ladies' and gentlemen Of every portion
Of the country, some on pleasure excur-
sions, and others on business. Every part
Of 'he boat was filled with passengers, and
especially the ladies' cabin-every state
room and birth was occupied. A nlerrier
party never rode the Father Of the Waters.
Nothing out of the usual routine occur
red during the first two or three days. Ev-
cry evening, as Is usual on boats bound for
the sunny South, card playing and tripping
the light fantastic toe, was Vt course the
programme.
About 6 O'Clock in the evening of the 9TH
day, signal light was discovered waving
to and fro on distant shire. The boat
soon rounded to, aud an individual envelop-
ed in a cloak stepped on board. Our pas
senger proved to be maiden lady of some
thirty summers. 03l ata ttri
Where shall we stow her! was now. the
inquiry. The ladies' berths being all taken,
the clerk was obliged to give her state
room in the gentlemen's cabin, near the la
dies saloon, which was occupied by tall
lank couutryman, on bis way south with a
cargo OF notions. He being on the burr-
cane deck at the time, was not aware that
he would have to give up bis quarters to a
female, the officer Of the boat, by some over
sight, failed to apprise him of this new fea-
ture. w
IA The dancing having ceased, "the smaller
hours" being at hand, all now retired to
their state rooms, with the rest, our unsus-
pecfiDg maiden friend-she turned into the
lower berth Of the room, while our friend,
the countryman, was fast asleep in the up
per, doubtless dreaming Of the dimes he ex-
pected TO make upon his speculation.
Next morning the bell announced break
fast; our maiden friend prepared to rise
when, 10 and behold pair Of thick boots
and great lot of untnentionables, greeted
her eyes.
Al this moment our country friend also
opened his peppers. A lot Of female ap-
parel was the first thing that met his horri-
fed vision. The truth flashed across his
mind he had got into the wrong box, per-
haps : but that could not be. as his duds
were where he had placed them several
days previous. Both were fairly caught !!
who shalt make the first move
After much hesitation our friend in the
upper berth venturcd to look below. A pair
of eyes stared him in the face After play
ing regular game Of .'bo peep" for some
time, our country friend, with all the gal
lautry of gentleman, suggested the pro-
priety of just covering her eyes for mo-
ment, until he slipped on his inexpressibles.
She did SO, and he vamoosed like smoke
His first business was to find the c'erk who
had placed him in such ridiculous fix
Apologies were made, and q hearty laugh
enjoyed at his expense. He agreed to treat
all hands if the passengers would keep cool
Every ons noticed that Jonathan paid his
friend great attention duriug the whole trip.
Some heard him tell her his prospects in
life
On the arrival Of the boat ar New Or
leans, the parties were seen vending their
way along one Of the principal streets, en-
quiriDg for magistrates ofice--and if ever
there was case of love at first sight, this
must have been one.-[N. O. Pic.