The Port Gibson reveille. (Port Gibson, Miss.) 185?-1857, 1853-06-08
a Proper Introduction.


How much trouble and embarrassment have
been caused in this world, for want Of proper
introduction. Two strangers meet-are sim
ply introduced by a mutual friend, who after
the presentation. walks away and leaves them
to entertain each other IN the best manner
they can. Most probably neither Of them
understood the others name. They have no
topic in common, the silence is becoming en-
barrassing; and after powerful racking Of
brains, one Of them desperately launches forth
upon some subject Of interest ardenty cspou-
ses the popular opinion, condemns the other,
and discovers, after he has finished. the ap-
palling truth that the person to whom he has
been unfolding his sentiments is a prominent
supporter, perhaps one Of the prime movers
Of the opposite side Of the question.
In an Introduction, even the mere name Of
the parties is not sufficient. Some mention
should be made Of the family Of the person
TO whom You are about to Be presented
his prospects, religion, and politics and
any remarkable event that may have oc-
CURED in the course Of his life, should be
touched upon. Ii these rules were observed,
how many disagrocable consequences might
be prevented, and how many serious quarrels
would never have BEEN We viii now give
a few instances Of proper introductions
Allow me to introduce you to Colonel
Clifton, brave officer, rather peppery and
touchy in disposition an unerring marksman,
has killed four men in duels, and goes red-hot
against the present administration. Know
ing all this, you are particularly cautious to
say nothing in praise Of the reigning powers,
and thus escape exciting his pcppery aud du-
Cling propensi;ies, and becoming his fifth
victim.
Again, Shall / present you to Mr. Fitz-
patrick, man Of very wealthy and respeeta-
ble connections. but whose father was hung
for murder" Thislittle explanation will deter
you from making any unpleasant allusion to
4 rope, by which you might unintentionally
cause bitter modification to your new &C
quaintauce.
You are walked up to an interesting oil
lady, upon whom you inwardly VOW you will
not waste word or n moment Of time
I" Shall | make you acquainted with Mrs
Gilepsie, the mother Of four charming daugh-
tcrs, worth fifty thousand dollars apiece -
Your plan Of operations is at once changed.
You play the agreeable to the old lady, bring
your whole artillery Of charms to bear upon
her. compliment her upon her youthful ap-
peanuce, speak Of her daughters beauty, and
their resemblance to their mother, and the
game is in your own hands.
" Permit me to introduce to you DIR. Nan-
derhunk, gentleman Of great influence aud
learning. Of rare scientii; attainments, and
discoycfcr Of a new comet The best society
Of the city is always to be met with at his
house. Accordingly you make your most
deiercntial bow, speak with reverence Of his
learning and science. and You wish you could
immortalize yoursel: by an equally wonder
ful discovery. The deed is accomplished
you are forthwith invited to his house, and
mingle in the best society Of the city.
viii you be presented to Miss Chamber
lain She is beautiful as Helen, fascinating
as Cleopatra, dances like a sylph, sings like
Jenny Lind, but las not a cent in the world "
This final clause gives you timely hint as to
your proceedings However agreeable YOU
may find her, however smitten by her beauty
and attractions. YOU must not carry your PEN
chant for the young lady so far that her rela-
tons will have to call to inquire your in
tentions.
It is unnecessary to give any more exam
pies; enough has been quoted to show the
great evils which may arise, on presenting
strangers, from the neglect Of slight expla-
nation, and manifest Importance Of proper
introduction.