Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1856-03-05
EsxIi.h rnquisftiv.ness.

!. The Yankees have become notorious for their
question asking propensity, yet sometimes John
Bull exhibits 80 remarkable development of this
trait that we must conclude that jonah % and
John are at least cousins. A good snscdoie is 70.
lated Of Gilbert Stuart, celebrated American pov-
trait painter. whose replies puzzled the inquisi
tyeuess Of his English travelling compapisss. 10
their attempts to find out his calling. On one &C.
casion, Stuart was travelling in stage coach, in
! England. with some gentlemen who were stran-
gers to him, but all Of whom were sociable and
| full Of suimztiun. HIS brilliant conversational
powers attracted much attention. and his compan-
| IONS became desirous TO know uio and schat he
was. They ssked many rounda bout questions, to
find out his calling or profession. Mr.. Stuart an
swersd with grave face and serious tone, that he
sometimes dressed gentlemen's and ladies' hair.
"You are a hair dresser, then 2" remarked ono
Of his companisns, nquirngly.
"What!" saidsh "do you take me for bar
Der ?' .r
81 beg your pardon, sir, but I inferred it from
what you said. Ii | mistook you, may take the
liberty to ask what you are, then 2"
why, | sometimes brush a gentleman's coat
or hat, and sometimes adjust cravat."
so, you are valet then, to some nohle-
man." ,asf - 81 ~ u
: "a valet! Indeed, sir, ] am not. am not a
servant: to be sure, make coats and walslcoats
for gentlemen"
60, you are a tailor ?"
'a..Tailor! Do look like taor2 | assure
you never handled goose, other than roasted
one.p ass. steti. lsaf s.t.t Is
! By this time tho passengers were all in roar !:
and cne Of the party exclaimed, "What are you,
then ?" - a'.' ,'-
"I'n Tell you," said Stuart "Be assured all |
have said is literally true. dress hair, brush
hats and coats, adjust cravat, and make, coats,
waiscoats and breeches, and likewise boots and
shoes. at your serpice"
a"Oh Il boot and shoemaker, after all!
Ia "Guess again, gentlemen. never handled
boot or shoe but for my own feet and legs yet all
have told you is true"
ave may as well give up guessing, then" re.
marked one Of the party
After checking his laughter, he said to them,
very gravely, "Now gentlemen. will not play
the fool with you, but will tell you, upon my hon
or as a gentleman. truly, my profession. get
my bread by making facrs." He then screwed
his counlenance, and twisted the lneaments OF his
.yisage in manner such as Samuel Foote, Charles
Mathews, and other comic actors might have en-
We'd. When his companions, after loud peals Of
laughter, had composed themselves. each took
credit to himself for having all the while suspect
ed that the gentleman belonged to the theatre, and
now they all knew that he must be a comedian
by profession. But, TO their utter surprise, he as
sured them that he never was on the stage, and
very rarely saw the inside Of any theatre. His
companions now looked at him and at each other
with great astonshment.
Before parting, Stewart said to his companions.
"Genilemen, you will find that all have said of
my various employmens is comprised in these
few words: / am portrait painter. If you will
call at York Buildings, London. shall be ready
and willing TO brush you coat or hat, dress yonr
hair la mode, supply you, fin need, with wig
of any fashion OF dimensions, accommodate you
with boots or shoes, give you ruftles or cravats,
and make faces for you."
On parting with him at the inn, they begged
leave to inquire in what part Of England he was
born. He replied, Il was not born in England,
Wales, Ireland, or Scotland" Here was anoth.
er puzzle for them; and "Where then ?'' was
their eager inquiry.
ii was born at Narragansett," was his re-
ply.
"Where's that? 2"
.sSix miles from Pottawoone, and ten miles
from Poppasquash, and about four miles west Of
Cannoncut and not far firm the spot where the
famous battle with the Pequots was fought"
"In what part of the East Indies is that, sir ~
was the response.
"East Indies, my dear sir it is in the State Of
Rhode Island, between Massachusetts, and the
Connecticut river. This was all Greek to his
companions, and he left them to study now les
son in geography.