The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1855-01-05
A New Years Torpedo.

Inc 81. NICHOLAS uotel ON saturday even
ing last was the scene of one of the most re-
markable events that ever transpired during
the existence of the New YORK HERALD. mas
much as the affair is interesting to every reader
Of the HERALD we will give description of it.
While the Editor Of the HERALD was quietly
enjoying book, in his parlcr at the Saint Nj
cholas on the evening Of the Goth December,
he was interrupted by knock at the door. 1t
proved to be occasioned by John Thomas, who
had " two letters for Mr.. Bennett" The let
tiers were duly opened and read The first re-
ferrcd to an accompanying gift, and stated that
it was a testimonial of respect and esteem from
number of gentlemen, merchants of New
York, and Others who had associated themselves
together for the purpose The remaining en-
velope contained two small keys
A colloquy now ensued between Mr.. Bennett
and John Thomas The servant said there was
box. "a box?" said Mr.. Bennett. "What sort
of q box?" ooh, big box, sir.' Mr.. Bennett
naturally asked where it came from, and John
Thomas did not know. "Who brought it," was
the next question to which the rather indef-
mite answer, "a carman," was returned A
descent was then made to the hall, where the
"big box" was found. The Editor viewed it
with a wary eye. "No, mol" said he, II will
not open that box-I have had enough to do
with that sort of thing" A great fool OF light
was here let in upon the mind of John Thomas,
who broke out with, "By Saint Patrick! you're
right-there's been o lot of torpedos sent about
the country lately"
Another consultation was had, and a small
clue to the mystery was found. One of the
servants thought that the carman said he was
from Ball, Black Il Co.'s. This was not testi-
mony enough, being only hearsay evidence,
and rather weak at that. At this point, Mr..
Treadwell, the senior proprietor of the hotel,
was sent for and having been informed as to
the box, the letters and SO forth, as above re-
lated, became highly excited, and said
"Send somebody down to Ball, Black Il Co.'s at
once. 1t may explode now (moving away)--it
may go off in an hour or moment, and blow
up the whole house. It's big enough"
Somebody was Immediately sent to Ball.
Black & Co.'s. The Editor became cool, while
Mr.. Treadwell became anxious, impatient and
excited. In short time, Mr.. Black appeared
and smiling benevolently on the party, said =
"You won't open that box? All! be good
enough to send me the keys, and I'll see what
it is"
No torpedo there, OF destructive nature
Mr.. Treadwell breathes freer--the Saint Nicho-
las is safe. The cover is lifted-a second of
anxiety-and there is displayed
A Magnificent SerDice Of Siluer Plate!
A good hearty laugh all round, and glass
of wine with Mr.. TreadwelI, settled the matter
mo wonder Mr.. Black thought it good joke.
This service of plate is one of the most magni-
6cent massive, and elegant, that has ever been
manufactured in Ball, Black Il Co.'s establish
meDt. Each piece is engraved with separate
inscription, and the style of ornamentation is
that known as the grape pattern. The work
reflects equal credit on the taste of the designer
and the skin Of the mechanics.
The service includes ten pieces enclosed in a
rich brass mounted mahogany chest. The
following is an enumeration of the articles-the
value of the whole is about fifteen hundred
dollars =
Silver Salver % inches long
2 grape pattern Water Pitchers, 20 inches high
Creamer.
- Tea Pot.
Hot Milk Pitcher.
] Hot Water Pitcher.
Sugar Bowl.
Sop Basin.
The inscriptions are very neatly engraved
and run thus
I'm tho sa1var.-