The Davenport gazette. [volume] (Davenport, Scott Co., Iowa) 1841-185?, 1851-10-23
POSTMASTER GENERAL IN DISGUISE
By SOL SMITH.

Orleans, it happened that the stage in
which we were passengers, stopped for
supper at small village situated between
tho towns Of Columbus and Zanesville, on
the Cumberland road, in the State Of Ohio.
There was great gathering Of militia
captains, lieulenants, ensigns, sergeanis
and corpnrals, with a considerable sprink.
ling Of prisates, all Of whom had been ex-
hibiting their patriotism during the day,
by marching up and down the road, shout
dering arms, carrying arms, presenting
arms, charging bayone,s, preparatory 10
intended hostile operation against the
ncighboring State Of Michigan, the author
tics Of which, and those Of the State Of
Ohio, were at open war-almost--about
boundary.
For the purpose Of amusement, il had
been agreed that the stage driver should be
Informed, confienlially, that ! was Amos
Kendall, Post Mister General o The Uni
ted States, travelling in disguise, and assu-
ming the very common name Of Smith, in
order to discover abuses in the transpor,a-
ton department. With many mysterious
hints, and strict charges Of secrecy, John
was made acquainted with the awful fact.
that he was actually driving the important
individual above named. The reins almos,
fell from his hands as he exclaimed,
'What Mr.. Kindlc! Amos kindic!--i
can't be possiblcn
1T is possible,' answered the gentleman
who was inpartng the information, and
who was enjoying an outside seat; sand il
is his wish to be entirely private 10 avoid
the attention that would otherwise be law
isbed upon him.
The driver promised his most inyiolable
secrecy, and proceed to curry down his
horses.
We had not been long in our hotel.
where our supper was being prepared, be
fore il was plainly percepiible that some
thing was going on; curious ances were
thrown into the bar-room where we were
sitting military officers fitted about or
lcoleclcd into groups--the landlord aud his
family began to spruce up; in brief, it was
evident our secret bad been confiden,ially
impaired to half Of the village.
The first demonstration that was made.
consisted Of an invitation to my friends
aud myself 10 accept the use Of private
l'parlor. This at once being agreed to, the
landlord yen,urcd to suggest thst, if it was
not disagreeable to me, my fellow citizens
of the village would like to pay their res
poets to me, and take me by the hand.
4 NO objections in the world said !, 'let
the worthy citizens come in.'
j Then followed scene of the richest
kind Of fun; bat Dickens has described 2
similar adventure, md pass on.
j Supper was announced. was placed
at the head Of the table; the richest viands
and preserved fruits were set in profusion
before u.s. We feasted-and during the
operation nrmsDus female heads, or rath-
er. heads of females, were continually pop
i ping in at the windows aud open doors
while the piazza was filed with bows of all
sizes, who amusing themselves by firing off
Chinese crackers, sending up young rock
cts, and shouting. sHurrah for Jackson
and his Cdbinetn
Supper over We retired to the bar and
demanded our bill Of expenses. The land
lord smilipgly answered that he was too
happy TO entertain us without compensa-
,ion-he felt honored by my sitting by his
board, and my friends were equally wei
come. After much urging consented 10
receive his hospitality, since he insisted
upon it, but my friends, | could not consent
that they should feast at his expense-oh
no! They mus, be allowed TO pay for their
splendid supper. Well, if insisted, he
rould take pay from taem-and he did.
Gould say two or three words to you
in p1iyate?' asked the landlord in a low
voice. as he walked BY my side toward the
coach, which was waiting.
BY all means,' replied, and he led me
little TO one side, into dark part OF the
piazza. Alter two or three hens! to clear
his throat, the landlord commcnced:
'Wha,cyer others may think of you sir,
/ consider you an honest man -
sSir, | feel very much obliged BY the ia
vorablc estimate you hive formed OF me-
yes, sir, le, the opposition say what
they please. believe YOU to be conscien
,ious indisidual-I dor
well, sir considering this is the first
time we have ever met, must say your
liberty is extraordinary; but ] thank you
for your good opinion
Sab, sir, though we have never met, ]
know you well-we all know you for
= mos, efficient officer. and deserving
man.
III is true am tolernbly well known in
tho western and southern country, and as
for my efficiency, believe do push about
as hard as a man conveniently cam
THAT you do--al parties must acknowl-
edge--you. have effected many improve
menis in your department.
Yes, flatter myself that in the stage
department | have made some improve
ments.
sYour remorals have met with general
appreciation in this par, Of the country
Removals? Oh, yes-i do travel a great
DEAL
sYes, YOU do, and TO some purpose. Now
wanted TO speak to you about the Post,
master here
andeed! Well, wha, of him?'
Are you not aware that he is whig?
'No-is hep
sYes, he is-and it is thought bv the
friends Of the administration here that he
ought to be removed, and good democrat
appointed