San Andreas independent., 1856-10-25
Not 70 the fnllr-hlinded.
How Jim willis got to New Orleans.

How Jim Willis got to New Orleans.
1t has not been many years since the
late James Willis, of Baltimore, one of the
greatest commedians of his time, -four
ished in the western cities. In fact, we
believe towards the close of his career, he
made St. Louis his home. The New York
Sunday Courier tells the following good
story in which Willis acts the hero:
About the time the Texas excitement
ran SO high in the United States, jim
Willis was in Pittsburgh in that situation
so common to play actors, g fiat broke, ]"
standing ON the wharf, with his solemn
visage expanded, planning how he could
get down the river without money, when
he heard the drum and fife He saw a
half-uniform soldier about embarking for
New Orleans, bearing Texan banner
A thought struck him. Next day he sent
his trunk on board the first boat to start,
and just as the Captain tapped the bell
for the last time, Willis stepped on board,
dragged his trunk into an unoccupied
state-room, and took from his theatrical
wardrobe a soldiers coat, with buff breast
and three rows of buttons, chapeau with
an immense plume, red sash, and a pair
of false whiskers. BY the time that the
boat had fairly got under way Jim was
fully equipped, with his stage sword hang
ing gracefully by his side. Drawing on
his gloves he hesitated moment, but re-
lying on his peculiar power, he opened the
door into the cabin, which was filled with
passengers. In moment all eyes were
turned towards him, but he walked to the
bar and took a glass of brandy and water
In the mean time all was confusion and
hustle to find out who the officer was. A
general rush was made for the register,
but he had not yet put his name down;
the captain was consulted, but he knew
nothing. At length, however, feeling a
little curiosity himself, he walked up to
him, bowed politely to him, and said,
"Sir."
"Sir to you, said Jim, touching his
chapeau.
"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 fourished in
round text, &C. P Edwards, Major
Texas Army" The crowd pressed around
the table-they read the name-universal
enthusiasm prevailed, and three tremen-
dous cheers were given for "Texas and
ibertyp' Jim took off his chapeau, ac-
knowledged the compliment with grace
full bow and few patriotic remarks It
is almost needless to say that from that
moment the sol distant major was lion
Every one sought his acquaintance; the
ladies opened the cabin doors to get peep
at him 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 a
warm-hearted southerner.
Major said the southerner, "Iknow
you have been on mission to collect arms,
ammunition and recruits, but on this sub
ject you may of course be mum; in con-
sequence of the treaty between the United
States and Mexico. For my part could
see all the rascals hung like dog on the
trees"
find have exhausted my means in the
cause; in fact, fear | shall not be able
to pay my passage until [ get to New Or
leans"
"Dont't mention it, said the Captain
i could not think for moment of taking
anything from you
"I have it." exclaimed the Southerner.
q follow me-
The trio adjourned to the clerks office.
where stirring appeal for aid to Texas
was written. The Southern gentleman
carried it among the passengers and col
lected $3.50 which was handed over to
Willis. At night a supper was given, at
which speeches were made and toasts were
drank
The cabin was decorated with the star
spangled banner, entwined with the flag
of the lone star, made by the ladies out of
white and red "oh no never mention ems"
for the occasion. At IL o'clock they
commenced singing songs, and at length
the Major was called upon to favor the
company with one. He complied by sing
ing his favorite song, Billow Barlow.
"Bravo" said one. Excellent p
said another.
81 could do it BETTER" said Jim, who
was fast verging into the fourth stage of
intoxication, I" if I had my proper togs
on" After giving three faint huzzas for
Texas, the party broke up.
Next morning the clerk went into
Willis state rocm to call him to breakfast,