Litchfield enquirer., 1855-04-12
AN OLD STORY.

uN NtCStAOli HI btO bUnu Ot VI tAN close at hand 1; there were two candidates in the field, whose influence was so nearly balanced that neck-and-neck contest was expected. Under these circumstances eve " vote was of consequence. and the utmost exertipns were used by the friends of both candidates to draw strangers out of their op- ponents ranks. Among the s.aunch sup pofters of Sir John B., the tory candi- date, was an irritable old Captain, who had threatened to set the house dog on any one who might come to ask him for his vote for a liberal. The morning before the elsefion the old Captain was working in hi ttle garden. when he perceived strange gen tleman whIstling along the walk.
 ss.s An ]! how dye do, Captain! A nice growing morning peas coming up nicely, I see," said the stranger as he approached.
 "l beg your pardon, sir, but l really don't remember having the honor of your acquain- tance may 1 be permitted to inquire your business T" replied the Captain, drawing himself up.
 .Oh! certainly I'm canvassing for Sir John B., and I've como to talk with you about your vote"
 "I think Sir John might have taken a more civil mode of requesting my interest. .'
 "Thats got nothing to do with the mat ter. sir, I'm here to ask you distinctly do you mean to give him your vote and inter- est!" said the stranger, pulling out from his pocket memorandum book.
 "Sir," said the Captain, getting evident ly angry, "my political opinions are well known. l have ever supported the British sft.fS< <St. ~ns~I fafn 1v.d-
 cannot allow you to shirk the ques- tion, Captain," interrupted the stranger.
 "Shirk, sir; what do you mean, sir a'' said the Captain, reckoning like turkey cock.
 "i mean," replied the other, with the ut- most coolness, {" to ask you again, will you give your vote to Sir Johni"
 "Wlat! suppose you come here to bully me, to intimidate me-to-''
 '' By no means, but l must repeat my question, will you give your vote to Sir John2 Yes or no !" said the candidate, waiting, pencil in hand, to write down the old fellows reply.
 "Sir," said the Captain, who was in a towering passion, "I consider this most ungentlemanly, insulting, and altogether unWdfrdntdOie-s
 Will you vote for Sir John, Captain ?"
 Sir, you may tell Sir John---'
 "That you will vote for him '"
 "No, sir, I'll see him damned first. I'll vote for that radical scoundrel D-,whom hate, just to show Sir John that am not to be bullied into supporting puppy like him. Good morning, sir! Good morning!'
 "Good morning. Captain. Pray, don't get angry; it is matter of no consequence whatever, said the stranger, as he retired, whistling careiessly.
 The old Captain kept his word.
 He was one of the first who rendered his vote at election the following day.
 "For whom do you vote !" asked the clerk.
 "For MT. D. :" replied the irate Cap tain, with look of defiance towards the to- " candidate.
 "Thank you, Captain thank you !'' eri- ed gentleman, who wore the liberal colors at his breast; grasping his hand cordially. l, was the very person, who, the day before canvassed him on behalf of Sir John.
 The Captain perceived in an instant how he had been hoaxed, but it was too late to remedy his mistake, and, to complete his modification, the radical candidate to whom he had given his vote, was returned by a majority of one.