Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1856-04-04
Dining with an Eccentric Friend.

few miles north of the city of New York, upon
the banks of the Hudson, resides Capt. B. an old
salt, who retired from the several years ago with
prince fortune, and is surrounded with everything
to make life happy the govt, which has been
his travelling companion for years. Now if there is
any one thing that will Tuffle the temper of man it
is the govt, and hence by many the Captain is
sdered man of violent temper, but for several prom
nent virtues his friends deem him eccentric molIf
cation of human weakness. During pleasant day
last Autumn upon the arrival of the O'Clock train
from New York, gen;eel person about the same age
of the Captain inquired Of Sam H., noted wag in
the village, the residence of Capt B. Now Sam had
not perpetrated joke for several days, and as he
viewed the stranger mischief was seen lurking in
his eye, and suddenly changing his countenance
with sigh remarked that the Captain, his friend,
was worse" Suppose" said he ''you are his doc
tor-can't live long, poor man-desperate case-bet-
ter go to the ASYLUM" &c. You astonish me-"
said the stranger, | no physician, but an old
friend, Did not know the ca ,tain was i'll come up
to dine with him-received invitation two days
ago"
"Why the fact is this" said Sam, s'you rust
know that the Capn has been long suffering with the
govt, and from continual pain, &C., his mind has be-
come influenced by it, and every day it is more
strongly developed-one popularity is, that he i'm
agnes that his friends will not eat at his table, that
they believe that his meals poisoned CHOW"
SAID Sam, to crafty this whim you had better ap
prove of and 1atter his cook, and eat all that be
puts your plate, for he threw his cane last week
at gentleman who did not eat liver, and refused 10
be helped 10 it, &C. Thank you,' said the stran
ger, poor SOUL, and he departed for the Captains
house, The meeting cordial, and the stranger
had almost began to believe that he had been deeeiy
ed Soon the dinner was announced. Now, thought
he, will see how far the Captain is laboring under
the influence of diseased brain. He commenced
at once to eat freely, and bestow ali manner of
plments upon the dishes. Plate after plate was de-
voured The waiter would at each time rep lenish-
fine, very fne-what bracng appetite this country
air gives The Captain began to open his eyes
with wonder TO see his city friend stow away such
quantities. He noticed the Captains steady gaze,
and began TO think the symptoms were coming
on What was he 10 do-aIready he was painting
for o cath. The Captain looked ferce-and fearing
that he might overhaul his cane, the guest seized his
hat and rushed from The house Just in time to meet
the express train at The depot.
The sound of the steam whistle had scarcely died
upon the ear, when down came the Captain in bis
carriage. Sam happened to be near when the Cap
tain hailed him Have you seen man enter the
cars answering 10 certain description 2" Yes
sal Sam, " he has ust taken the train" " Damn
him." said the Captain, /" perfect hog-eat every
thing upon my table and ran away from the house
he is either mad, damn me, the greatest shark thai
ever swallowed mackerel" Sam contained himself
till The CaptaluS carriage rolled away, and then win
a proud smile he left with fresh glories, ready toF
the next victim. Reader, if you ever visit T
T, give him wider berth than did the Captains
friend.