Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1852-12-01
A HERO FOR THE OCCASION.
HOW JIM WILLIS RAISED A "P1LE.n

HOW JIM WILLIS RAISED A "PILE.n
Many of our readers no doubt recollect the IA
cetous comedian Jim Willis, who played in St.
Louis some years ago. He was a queer COM
others laugh but seldom ever laughed himself
| melancholy mania caused him to s'shufae off
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 Pitts
burg, in that situation SO common to play actors,
viz; ''fat broke" standing on the wharf, with
his solemn visage expanded, planning how he
could get down the river without money, when he
heard drum and fife. He saw half uniform
ed soldier, about embarking for New Orleans,
bearing Texan banner. A thought struck him.
Next day he sent his trunks on board the first boat
to startand just as the captain tapped the bell the
last time, Willis stepped on board, dragged his
trunk into an unoccuped stateroom, and took
from his theatrical wardrobe soldiers coat with
buff breast and three rows of buttons, chapeau
with an immense plume, red sash, and apair of
false whiskers. By the time the boat was fairly
under weigh Jim was fully equipped with his
stage sword hanging gracefully by his side.
Drawing on his white gloves, he hestated mo-
ment, but relying on his peculiar powers, he
opened the door into the cabin which was filled
with passengers. In moment all eyes were di-
rected toward him, but he walked up to the bar
and drank glass of brandy and water.
In the meantime all was hustle and confusion
to find out who the officer was. A general rush
was made for the register but he had not put
down his name-the captain was consulted, but
he knew nothing. At length, however, feeling
little curiosity himself, he stepped up to Jim,
bowed politely to him and, said
sSir,''
'sSr you" said Jim, touching his chapaau a
Id militarie.
tsWiIl you do me the favor to register your
name, SO that can provide astateroom for you!''
stOh, with pleasure said Jim, and walking to
the register, he flourished in rouud text, &C. P.
EDWARDS, Major Texas army
The crowd passed around the table-they read
the name-universal enthusiasm prevailed, and
three tremendous cheers were given for Texas
and Liberty!
Jim took off his chapeau,and acknowledged the
otic remarks.
1t is almost needless to say that from that mo-
ment the sol disaHt Major was lion.
Every one sought to make his acquaintance
the ladies opened the cabin door to get peep at
hm-he was placed at the head of the table land at
night was made drunk as lBacchus OH champagne.
Next day he was Prominade;ng the hurricane
deck, linked arm in arm with the Captain and a
warm southerner, who resided in Vicksburg.
"Maior,s' said the southerner, II know you
have been on mission to collect arms, ammuni-
ton and recruits-but on this subject, you must
of course, be mum, in consequence of the treaty
between Mexico and the United, States. For my
part, | could see every ID copper colored ras-
cal hung like dog on the trees''
: ssWhatever my business may have been, find
that have exhausted my means in the cause; in
fact, fear that shall not be able to pay my
passage until get to New Orleans
s.Don't mention it, said the captain, 81 could
not think of taking anything from you.''
81 have it,'' said the southerner, E'come with
me.''
The trio adjourned to the clerks Office where a
stirring appeal for aid to Texas was written.
The southern gentleman carried it among the
passengers, and collected $3.50, which was hand
ed over to Willis. At night 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.
About twelve O'Clock the company commenced
singing songs, and at length the Major was call
ed upon to favor the company with one. He
complied by favoring the company with his ia.
vorite song "Billy Barlow"
"Bravo!' said one.
s'Excellent!'' said another.
ssCapital!'' said a third.
81 could do it a id sight BETTER" said Jim
who was fast verging into the fourth stage OF in
toxication, sif I had the proper togs on.''
Next morning the clerk went into Willis state
room to call him to breakfast. Imagine his sur
prise when he found the Major turned in all
standing, with boots, chapeau and sword on, his
feet snugly laid on the pillow. He was Tex
an Major and of course no fault was found.
Thus things ran on, and Willis reached New
Orleans in triumph. There he DOTTED his uni
form, and returned to Vicksburg, where he got
an engagement in the theatre. He became