American telegraph. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1851-1851, 1851-09-16
Serenadors.
WASHINGTON, September, 1851.

To the Editors of the american 7eIegrqph
GENTLEMEN: Your correspondent "Wouter"
mentions four parties Of serenaders who alter
nately entertain him with their "melody Of
sweet sounds If he lived in my neighborhood
he could have the benefit of fifth, much more
numerous than either of those he has so favora-
bly, noticed, and much more capable Of driving
away all sense Of drowsiness: with notes far
softer and Holian-ike than can be produced by
keys or catgut. There is, however, difference
between his serenaders and mine. If wesried
with his, all he has to do is to let them alone
and they will depart in peace or if he would
testify his appreciation of the compliment paid
him, it will only be necessary for him to spread
out few plates of cake and confectionery to
make his guests satisfied and the whole scene
pleasant one. Mine, however, eschew all such
dry fare, and have no more respect for the doc
trines of Father Savageand Father Mathew, than
the veriest sot that wallows the street. Drink
they are after and drink they viii have when they
come or wo betide the wretch who needs sleep and
refuses their demand. Much as love their music
at respectful distance, | am completely dis
gusted with the familiarity with which they
force it upon me, even invading the sanctity of
my bedro if shall have chanced to retire,
ionets and trumpets into my ears. have tried
various expedients to rid myself of their imper-
| tinence, without cutting off the enjoyment of
their melody-haye closed windows and doors I;
but as though they anticipated my designs, /
am no sooner in bed, or seated at my table,
than the clarion note gives warning that one
or more of the party have bivouacked in my
domicil, and are ready to enter upon nights
campaign. The consumption of the Virginia
weed, in the form of Principles, Scarfslata, and
Mrs. Miller's fne-cut, in the vain hope Of stop
ping their breaths, has caused serious appre-
tensions Of rise In the price Of the article,
and made me really wish that Cuba could be.
come annexed TO the United States. Fumiga-
ton serves only temporary purpose, by fore.
ing them to dodge into hooks and corners till
the fumes have passed off, when the purified air
gives them new vigor, and the onset is renewed
with increased zeal, ''worthy of better cause"
Sometimes, by dint Of extra exertions, and the
destruction of Havanas enough TO sicken
colony Of Dutchmen, think all is quiet and
venture TO try tho pillow. IL | have battled
long and manfully, | may even lie quietly for
two or three or even FIVE minutes, provided my
lamp remains burning But apply the extin-
guisher, and a gentle hum is heard, like far,
far distant notes of violin; gradually 1t grows
louder and louder, giving warning Of the in
Vader approncn. presently, IKE an echo from
another part, chimes in second, anon treble,
then a bass, (and baser set can scarcely be
found BY this time the signal has been gen.
orally given and answered, and the onslaught
begins in earnest. Covering, as far as admis-
sible in this kind of weather. is Of little protec-
ton. A half-inch dirk will penetrate any Mer-
rimack that Yerby, Hooe, Shuster, or any others
can bring out; besides, even if the body were
effectually shielded, the whole force Of the at
tack would be directed to the head: as an army
protected only in its fsnks is sure to receive
the fire Of the enemy at its centre. Rarely
can capture straggler. When | do, he is
garoted in less time than Lopez was. Generally,
however, all efforts to catch or subdue the
pirates are futile, and | have found 1t my
surest way, in order to secure any portion Of q
nights sleep, to "kick the kiver of, and pro-
claim to ALL
zl.,n