The Minnesota pioneer. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn. Territory) 1849-1855, 1851-03-27

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Ftizemer.t h the editors at Matches, sta
ting that he would be at that stirring
little town during the races, and would,
at fifty cents ticket treat the inhabit-
ants and visitors with "a series of mirth-
| full, musical and social entertainments.
! Not letting any person on board know
at what place he intended to stop. tel
ling the Captain he would settle his fare
when he left the boat, he improved eve-
ry spare moment with the widow over
the music and piano, until the old steam
er came pulling alongside of the levee
at Matches.
Ascertaining from the Captain that
the steamer would leave In about three
quarters Of an hour, he gave his bag
gage in charge of aresidcut in town who
was about leaving the boat. Then,
watching the Captain until he had en-
tered the counting room of one of the
large stores under the hill, fer which
he occasionally brought goods from N.
Orleans, the vocalist Immediately went
to the captains wife, and very cooily
Informed her that through u mismanage-
ment of one of the agents, the boat
would be obliged to remain about twenty
four hours at Matches, aud that her hus-
band had accordingly accepted an invi-
tatation of some friends to visit the race
ground, and wished the vocaiists TO
come up as soon as convenient, IN
carriage, with the Captains wife. Not
dreaming of anything wrong, the lady
hastily threw on her shawl and bonnet,
and declared herself ready for n start.
Stepping on shore Dodge hailed col
ored coachman, gave him a shining
! doubloon, and in a smothered voice,
ordered him to drive ten miles in an
easterly direction, and then without "A
siugle question, turn round and slowly
return.
Leaving Dodge and his fair compan-
ion to enjoy their present drive, after Il
tedious confinement in noisy and
chattering steamer, We will return to
the Captain, who at the appointed time
gave the steamers bell the accustomed
number of rings, hauled in the plank,
bid good day to his friends, and showed
into the muddy river.
After seeing that the additional freight
was well balanced, ropes and chains
slowed away, and everything, in sailors
phrase, all taut, which occupied near
ly an hour, the Captain entered the la
dies saloon to scrutinize his new pas
sengers, and pass an agreeable half
hour with his sweet and affectionate
wife.
Not seeing his lady he repaired to
her state room, where he found the usu-
al variety of out and inside dresses,
night-cap, slippers, stockings, etc.. but
no wife; whereupon feeling little un-
easy, (the honey moon not yet beng
passed. q general search was made
from stem to stern in the old steamboat,
but without the least success.
For a moment the Captain stood like
statute.
a though, struck him! Where was
Dodge!
y Some one remarked that no had not
been seen since the boat left Natchez.
With the speed of mad man, the
Captain rushed to the state room o!
the Yankee singer, when to his utter as.
constituent, he found that the baggage
had disappeared, and on the bed lay u
letter, directed to Capt., of the
steamer B. S. The letter was quickly
torn open, when to add still greater fury
to his frenzy, his eyes fell on the fol-
lowing
"DEAR SIR:-Thinking that You might
possibly have the pleasure Of relating to
your friends how you caught Dodge
mapping by persuading him to make
declaration of love to your talented and
truly accomplished lady, you tried your
utmost, both by Misrepresentation and
personal influence, to get me in the
meshes of your skillfully woven net;
and thinking that when VIC are among
the Romans, we are justified in doing as
the Romans do. l have by the same
method taken possession Of your beauti-
ful wife, without her own or your con-
sent.
"Your lady shall receive that aien-
ton and kindness, that none other bet
ter than Il Bostonian knows how to be-
stow; and unless you conclude to bout
ship. acknowledge the corn, and imme-
diately take possession Of the prize,
(Which between you and myself l con-
slider the most manly and wiscst course
shall, ifit meets her approval, take her
under my charge in the next steamer
bound for the Crescent City.
"Yours for (un, let it come al whose
expense it may--in horn.
"OSSIAN E. DODGE,
''Boston Tocaisf.
"P. S. Enclosed you will find the
amount of my fare, and inasmuch as
have taken possession Of gour fair, it is
perfectly far that you take possession
of my fare"
! In voice Of thunder the Captain
gave orders for the action of the engine
4 h., Il af,Ix L..