The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1856-10-03
How Jim wills. got to New Orleans

How Jim Wills. got to New Orleans
.. -.rifa .T .i.e ~ -.
It has not been many years since the late
James Wills, Of Baltimore, one Of the great
est comedians of his time, aourished in the
Western cities. In fact we believe towards
the close Of his career no made st. Louis his
home. The New York Sunday Courier tells
tho following good story, in which Wills
acts the hero: ...-.., f-.y ,aD
About the time the Texas excitement ran
so high in the United States, Jim Wills was
in Pittsburg, in that situation 50 common to
play actors, " fat broke" standing on the
wharf with his solemn visage expanded,
planning how he could get down tho river
without money, when he heard tho drum
and fifc. lie saw half uniformed soldier
about embarking for New Orleans bearing q
Texas banner. A thought struck him.
Next day he sent his trunk on board the
frst boat to start, and just as the captain
tapped the bell for the last time, Wills step
ped on board, dragged his trunk intoan un'
occupied stateroom, and took from his theat-
rical wardrobe o soldiers coat with buff
breast and three rows of buttons, n chapeau
with an immense plume, a red sash, and a
pair of false whiskers. by the time that
the boat got fairly under way, Jim was
fully equipped, with his stage sword hang
ing gracefully by his side. Drawing on his
gloves, he hesitated moment, but relying
on his peculiar power, he opened the door
into the cabin which was filled with passen-
gers. In moment all eyes were turned
towards him, but he walked up to the bar
and took a glass of brandy and water. In
the mean time all was confusion to find ou,
who the officer was. A general rush was
made for the register, but he had not yet
put his name down; the captain was con-
suited but hc did no. know. At length
however, feeling little curiosity himself
he walked up to Jim, and said, "Sir."
"Sir to you,". said Jim, touching hi
chapcau. ....
"will you do me the favor TO register
your name, SO that ! can provide ,state'
room for you"
"Oh, with pleasure" said jim, and
walking up to the register, he aourished in
round text, sc. P. Edwards, Major, Texas
Army" The crowd pressed around the Ia
blc-thcy read the namc-universal enthu'
siasm prevailed, and three tremendous cheers
were given for " Texas and LibcIty" Jim
took of his chapcau, acknowledged the COM
plimcnt with graceful bow and few pa
triotic remarks. 1t is almost needless to say
that, from that moment, the sol dsant Maj.
was lion. Every one sought his acquain-
tancc; the ladies opened the cabin door to
get a peep at him; he was placed at the
head Of the table, and at night was made
drunk as Bacchus on champagne. Next
day he was promenading the hurricane deck
linked arm in arm with the captain and
warm.heartcd Southerner.
"Major,' said tho Southerner, 81 know
you have been on mission to collect arms,
ammunition and recruits, but on this sub
ject you may of course be mum, in consc-
qucnce of the treaty between the United
States and Mexico. For my part / could
see all the rascals hung like dogs on the
trees
Whatever my business may have been,
find | have exhausted my means in the
cause, in fact, fear shall not be able to
pay my passage until l get to New Or
leans"
"Don't mention it" said the captain.
81 have it," exclaimed the Southerner
follow me-"
The trio adjourned to the clerks Office
where stirring appeal for Texas was writ
ten, carried among the passengers and $3.50
collected, which was handed over to Wills.
At night supper was given.
The cabin was decorated with the star
spanglcd banner, entwined with the flag OF
the lone star. At l2 o'clock they COM
menced singing songs, and the Major CON-
piled with the request Of the company by
singing his favorite song, "Billy carlow.
"Brayo!" said one. Excellent" said
another.
"I could do it better,' said Jim, who
who was fast verging into the fourth state
of intoxication, "if had my proper toys
on" After giving three faint huzzas for
Texas, the party broke ur.
Next morning the clerk went into Wills
state-room to call hrm to breakfast, when he
found that the Major had turned in oil
standing, with boots, chapcau and sword
on. Lis feet snugly laid on the pillow. lie
was Texas "MIajor," and of course no fault
woa Eound