The Evansville daily journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ia. [i.e. Ind.]) 1848-1862, 1852-11-13
auero for the Occasion:
r., HOW JIM WILLIS RAISED 4 PILE.

JlOuS cOueultn, Jim Willis, WIZ pItIcu III
st. Louis some years ago. He was pure
compound of human nature; a man who
could with ease make others laugh, but sell
dom laughed himself; melancholy mania
through life, caused him to ''shuflle Oft this
mortal coil' ere half his race was run.
About the time the Texas excitement
ran SO high in the United States, jim Willis
was in Pittsburg, in that situation so com
mon TO play actors, ''fat broke" standing
on the wharf with solemn visage expanded
planning how he could get down the river
without money, when he heard drum and
fife. He saw half-uniform soldier about
embarking for New Orleans, bearing a Tex
as banner. A thought struck him. Next
day he sent his trunk on board the first boat
to start, and just as the captain tapped the
bell the last time, Willis stepped on board,
dragging his trunk into an unoccupied state
room, and took from his theatrical ward
robe soldiers coat, with buff breast and
three rows ofbuttons, chapeau with an i'm
mense plume, a red sash, and pair of false
whiskers. By the time boat had got fairly
under way, Jim was fully equipped with his
stage sword hanging gracefully by his side.
Drawing on his white gloves, he hestated a
moment; but relying on his peculiar powers
he opened the door into the cabin, which
was filled with passengers. In moment
all eyes were turned towards him, but he
walked up to the bar and drank glass OF
brandy and water
In the meantime all was hustle AMI con-
fusion to find out who the officer was. A
general rush was made to the register, but
he had not yet put down his name-the
captain was consulted, but he knew moth
ing. AT length, however, feeling lit
tie curiosity himself, he walked up to jim,
bowed politely to him, and said:
"Sir"
"Sir to YOU" said jim, touching his cha
peau Ia miluGire.
"Will you do me the favor to register
your name, SO that | can provide state
room for your
"Oh, with pleasure, said jim, and walk
ing up to the register, he tlourished in
round text, &C. p. Edwards, Major, Texas
army"
The crowd passed around the table
they read the name-universal enthusiasm
prevailed, and three tremendous cheers for
Texas and liberty.
Jim took off his chapeau, acknowledged
The compliment with a graceful bow and "a
few very patriotic remarks.
1t is almost needless to say that from
that moment the sol disdnf major was a
lion.
Every one sought his acquaintance; the
ladies opened the cabin to get peep al him;
he was placed at the head of the table, and
at night was made as drunk us Bacchus on
champaign.
Next day he was promenading the hur-
rican deck, linked arm in arm with the
captain and warm Southerner, who resi-
ded in Vicksburg.
Major" said the Southcrner, 81 know
You have been on a mission to collect arms,
ammunition and recuiis; but on this subject
| you must of course be mum, in consequence
of the treaty between Mexico and the Uni
ted States. For my part could see every
Id copper colored rascal hung like dogs
on the trees.
whatever my business may have been,
find | have exhausted my means in the
cause; in fact, fear shall not be able to
pay my passage until getto NewOrleans."
Don't mention it, said the captain, 81
could not think for a moment OF taking
any thing from YOU
Il have it," exclaimed the Southerner,
''comc along with me-
The trio adjourned to the clerks Office,
where a string appeal for aid to Texas was
written. The Southern gentleman carried
il around among the passengers, and collec
ted $3.50, which was handed over to vii
lis. At night a grand supper was given. at
which speeches were made and tOasts were
drank The cabin was decorated with the
star-spangled banner, entwined with the
flag OF the lone star, manufactured by the
ladies out of some of their red and white
"oh-no- we-never-mentions, F" for the occa-
sion.
At 10 o'clock the company commenced
singing songs, and at length the Major was
called upon to favor the company with one
He complied by singing his favorite song
of Billy Barlow.
Bravo" said one.
Excellent" said another.
''Capital," said third.
al could do it ID sight better"
said Jim, who was fast verging into the
fourth stage of intoxication, ''if had the
proper tongs on"
After giving three faint huzzas for Texas
the party broke up.
Next morning the clerk went into Willis
state-room to call him 10 breakfast. I'm
agine his surprise when lie discovered that
the Major had turned in ali standing, with
boots, chapeau and sword on, his feet snug