Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1852-12-31
NJ v First and Last Night in London.

NJ First and Last Night in London.
1t was in the fall of Is, that the ship to
which | belonged, after n voyage of four
months III the northern Atlantic, hove in sight
of the Sicily Islands, and. as we were bound
for London, shaped Our course up the channel,
and, in few days, were anchored in the Downs.
Having been short of provisions for some time
back, we were obliged to stop and repcnsh.-
The next day, however, we were towed up the
river, and entered the Commercial Dock on the
oath of October, IS-. 1t was grand sight
to me, for ! had never hcen in London, and the
city seemed like the world. in comparison to my
humble village in the west of England We
were to be paid off on the morrow, and deter
mined, as soon as was at liberty, to take u
stroll and see some of the sights about which
had so often heard. AT twelve the next day,
all hands proceeded to the office in l.eaden-hal
street, and received, several, the amount due
them. There were Just ten pounds coming to
me, and | started off to see how could hest
make it conducive to my pleasure had boon
strolling round for some time, looking ut the
Tower, and other places of note, and finally
walked into one Of the parks, to see what
could of the London fashions. was leaning
against tree, watching party which attracted
my attention, when was suddenly accosted by
q female, apparently about eighteen or twenty
neatly dressed. and with an expression which,
although pleasing, seemed somewhat sad.
"What is it you wish, my good lady ~ said !.
She looked at me moment. and said
"You are a sailor, | SUPPOSE
"Yes."
GLOW long have you been in London"
81 arrived yesterday"
"IIave YOU been here before ?"
"Neyer"
"Well, then, perhaps can be of some ossis-
lance to you. Suppose we take a cab and drive
out to Vauxhall this evening"
| hesitated for moment, for, | thought TO
myself, she no doubt thinks have plenty Of
money, and wishes to Obtain share But then,
again. thought, it makes N dlference-TIl
spend it any how-and consented
She called a cab and. in short time. we
were at Vauxhall. pulled out my purse to
pay the driver, when she anticipated me, and
said
"Nevcr mind sir-I have plenty--besidcs,
invited you here therefore bear all expenses
was ustonished for had never doubted but
that my money was the principal attraction,
and was puzzled to think what could be her
object.
Afer ordering some refreshments Of winch
she ate and drank very little. but which she in
sisted upon paying for, we srolled round the
garden, listening to the music, until towards
evening, when remarked 1t would be best to
return.
YES, it will soon be dark, and we had better
30. But" SAID she, "vou are Il stranger in Lon
don, and it would be folly for you to look for
hotel to-night-and besides, 1t would be I'M
generous IN me to allow You to. ] reside in
- street, and if you will accept room in my
house. you viii be perfectly welcome, and my
husband who is fond of company, will be glad
to see YOU"
While hesitatng, she called cab, and half
forced me in.
When the cab stopped We 90 o'i'. md found
myself il narrow street, dlin!y hghicd. AMI
before large brck house. with iron ratings in
front.
she opened the door, and asked me 70 81
down moment, when she went into roo II
close by. and returned almost Immediately, aud
said; "My husband has retired; III Introduce
YOU to him i'll the morning. Here is a light
t,ke the room at the head Of the stairs. Cool
night"
i went up staiis to the room she had pointed
out, opened the door and went in, 1t was furn-
ished, you might say, richly, The bed stood
in the farther corner. VITA blue damasi cur
talns in front. | undressed quickly, as ] was
somewhat tired by my days adventure, walked
10 the bed and drew aside the curtains, and
tn ere lay man, weiterng il his blood, with
his throat cut from ear to ear. II would be in
vain to attempt to describe my feelings. I'M
lnediately dressed myself, with presence of
mind winch have never been able to account
for. then tried II open the door, which, to
nv horror, | found was locked Glancing
around the room, my eye fell upon the irons in
the fire place. snatchcd one up, and with
one stroke broke the lock and opened the door.
Running down the stairs, found the front door
fastened also Having nothing 20 break the
lock with, darcd into the first room came to,
and Jumped from the window into an alley on
the side of the house, ana had merely time to
cGnccal myself, when heard the people round
CRYING murder, and saw the very woman that
came with, followed by several Of the police,
enter the house, thinking, suppose. of course
she would find me. ! lett, as soon as the crowd
gathered round. and passed out unnoiced
The next morning was reading the paper,
and almost the first thing which attracted my
attention was a notice of a bloody murder IN
---- street, with the reward of fifty pounds for
the apprehension Of the murderer. 1t went
further, and, IN the description of the supposed
person, described me better than | could have
done myself-even to the manner in which
wore my beard. The first BARRIERS shop recey-
ed that gratis and changing my clothing,
which was also minutely described, | went
down to the docks, and the barquc -- being
a hand short | shipped in her for New York,
and have never since, nor ever wish to, spend
another night in London ". q. Delta,