Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1852-02-20
n True Story.


Col. c., of Mansfield, Ohio, was LAWYER and mer-
chant in this place some twenty-five years since
Col +. was a tall, muscular man, noble and high
minded in all his transactions in life. He purchas-
ed goods at Pttsburg and had occasion to repair
that place. at certain time and fork over, and buy
more goods. On his arrival at p. he called his
creditors together, and told them he would not be
able to pay them but fifty cents the dollar and if
they would accept of that proposition he was ready
to dot if not they might dispose of him they pleas
ed. They would not accept of his offer, but had him
Immediately arrested and put in prison On arriy-
ing at the JAIL he found three hearty looking men
who were confined for debt, sitting on their blocks
or stools in rather desponding attitude
WELL. said the Colonel to the one nearest him,
what you here for g
For debt, sir, replied the prisoner
How much is it e asked Col C.
Three or four dollars was the reply.
Clhe Sheriff being present) how much is it, Mr..
Sheriff?
-Four dollars and seventy-fve.'
WELL said the Col. here is the money, but don't
let me catch you here again for that amount.
The Col. addressing the next one ): Well, sir:
what are you here for z?
For debt, sir
How much is it =
twenty-five dollars or more.
Yes, said the Sheriff, twenty-five dollars and
seventy-ive.
Well said the Colonel here is the money, and
now, clear yourself, and not let me see you here
again
The Colonel put the same question to the third
one, and paid twenty-five dollars for his liberation
| have now, said the Colonel vacated the COOP
and am cock Of the walk. Now, Mr. Sheriff, lock
me in, and go and engage me good, trusy servant
man, at good price I've got the money to pay
him and you also for your trouble, and one with
whom you entrust the keys of the prison.
Very we'll, said the Sheriff, : will do so.' Ac-
cordingly the man appeared with the key of the
prison in his hand
WE'LL said the Colonel, you have come, sup
pose, to work for while remain in this solitary
abode of justice!
Yes, SIR was the reply.
Now said the Colonel, get all the help You
want, to renovate this room by washing white wash
ing, &C., and in the meantime, purchase one table,
six chairs bedstead and bedding one wash bowl
stand, two gallon jug of the best brandy in the
city one loaf of sugar pitcher, tumblers decanters
and all that is convenient and comfortable for gen.
tleman to keep house with, and put them in as soon
as the room is cleaned and the Colonel furnished
the necessary funds. All these acquisitions being
complied with, his hired man was employed from
day to day in attending to visiting gentlemen, and
also to the Colonel furnished with all the luxu-
uries Of life.
Gentlemen and ladies, and creditors, came to visit
the Colonel; the latter surprised to the
pense incurred in fitting up and furnishing it
with such costly furniture
Well said the Colonel to his creditors, was
raised to live decently and comfortably, and when
you had me conveyed to this horrible place of JUS
tice, found it in a filthy, uncomfortable condition,
and was determined to make it more comfortable
during my stay in this unholy abode. And further,
said Col c., call tomorrow at P. NJ and
dine with me fine roast turkey, and although my
convenences to entertain gentlemen not very
good, as | am confined in this room alone, will
deavor to make you as comfortable as circumstances
will permit
Very WE'LL said his creditors, we will dine with
you the morrow
At dinner, Col C.s creditors said they did not feel
disposed to keep him in prison if he could pay
but fifty cents on the dollar they would take it and
give him discharge.
But said the Colonel, L have incurred some ne
cessary expenses that must be deducted out of that
fifty cents
What are they q asked one of his creditors
One hundred and five dollars and fifty cents said
Colonel c., for the liberation of three prisoners,
which conceived to be act OF charity and hu
mainly; and then again my expenses in fitting up
the prison room, duty ! owed to myself treating
friends, hired help &C., and six days imprisonment
at So per day, will amount in all to $751;, and will
pay the balance after deducting this
Very WE'LL, said his creditors, will do it
We do not want to see You absent from your family
for the paltry sum of $4,000 when you say honestly
you unable to pay the whole
Very WE'LL said the Colonel, i nave told you
what would do, and l will do nothing else. Let
US make out an estimate Of the amount you are to
have
All being done, Col C. purchased lot of goods,
and returned again to his residence in Mansfield,
Ohio
FRS OF ABSTRACTION AND ABsENCE.-The Yankee
Notion says There is man in Philadel pha so sub
ect to fits of abstraction, that it you to meet him
in crowd, he would probably abstract your watch
from your pocket and make off with it. He would