Jeffersonian Republican. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1840-1853, 1853-01-20
NV First and Last night i'm London,

MeIc pouuu ioI houuol, udpSUouh SooiSS
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 replcnish.-
The next day, however, we were towed up
the river, and entered the Commercial
Dock on the 2Sth of October, IS. It
was grand sight to me, for | had never
been in London, and the city seemed like
the world, in comparison to my humble
village in the west of England. We ewere
to be paid off on the morrow. and l de-
termined, as soon as 1 was at liberty, to
take stroll and see some Of the sights
about which I had so often heard. AT
twelve the next day, all hands proceeded
to the Office in Leaden-hall street, and re-
ceived, seyerally, the amount due them.
There were just ten pounds coming to me,
and I started of to see how l could best
make it conducive to my pleasure. l had
been strolling round for some time, look
ing at the Tower, ana other places ofnote
and finally walked into one of the parks,
to see what could Of the London fashions.
I was leaning against tree: watching
party which attracted my attention, when
was suddenly accosted by female, ap-
parently about eighteen or twenty, neat
ly dressed, and with an expression which
although pleasing, seemed somewhat sad.
What is your wish, my good Iady!"
said I.
She looked at me moment, and said
"You are a sailor, 1 supposed"
"Yes."
Glow long have you been in London!"
81 arrived yesterday"
"Haye you been here before I"
"Never."
Well, then, perhaps 1 can be of some
assistance to you. Suppose we take q
cab and drive out to Vauxhall this eve
ning?7
1 hesitated for a moment, 1 thought to
myself, she no doubt thinks / have plenty
Of money, and wishes to obtain a share
But then, again, I thought, it makes no
diference--Ill spend it anybow-and
consented.
Size called the cab; and, in asbort time,
We were at Vauxhall. 1 pulled out
my purse to pay the driver, when she an
ticipated me, and said
"Never mind, sir-I have plenty
Beside, invited you here; therefore 1
bear all expenses"
Twas astonished, for I had never doubt
ed but that my money was the principal
attraction, and I was puzzled to think
what could be her object.
After ordering some refreshments, Of
which she ate and drank very little, but
which she insisted upon paying for, We
strOlled round the garden, listening to the
music, until towards evening, when I re-
marked it would be best to return.
Yes, it will soon be dark, and we had
better go. Bat," said she, "you are
a stranger in London, and it would be
folly for you to look for hotel tonight;
end, besides, it would be ungenerous in
me to allow you to. reside in -
street, and, if you will accept a room in
my house, you will be perfectly welcome,
and my husband, who is fond of compa-
ny, will be glad to see you"
While hesitating she called cab, and
half-forced me in.
When the cab stopped, we got out and
[ found myself in narrow street, dimly
lighted, and before large brick house,
with iron railings in front. She opened
the door, and asked me to sit down mo-
ment, when she went into a room close
by, and returned almost Immediately, and
said" My husband has retired-Ill in
troduce you to him in the morning
Here is o light-take the room at the
head of the stairs. Good night !"
l went up stairs to the room she had
pointed OFT, opened the door and went it.
1t was furnished, you might say, richly.
The bed stood in a further corner, with
blue damask curtains in front. un-
dressed quickly, as 1 was somewhat tired
by my days adventures, walked to the
bed and drew aside the curtains, and
there lay man, weltering IN his blood,
with his throat cut from ear to ear. 1t
.~.,,,lI l. 70 Incnrih no M,