The weekly Minnesotian. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1852-1858, 1856-04-12
Gilbert stuart.

The Yankees have become notorious for
their question-asking propensity, yet some
times John Bull exhibits SO remarkable a
development of this trait, we must conclude
that Jonathan and John are at least cousins.
la good anecdote is related Of Gilbert Stuart,
a celebrated American portrait painter whose
replies puzzled the inquisitiveness of his
English travelling companions, in their at
tempts to find out his calling.
On one occasion, Stuart was travelling in a
stage coach, in England, with some gentle
men who were strangers to him, but all of
whom were sociable and full of animation.
His brilliant conversational powers attracted
much attention, and his companions became
DESTROYS to know who and what he was--
They asked many roundabout questions, to
find out his calling or profession. Mr. Stuart
answered, with grave face and serious tone,
that he sometimes dressed gentlemen's and
ladies' hair
"l on are hair dresser, them" remarked
one of his companions, inqniringly.
"Whatn' said he edo you take me for a
barber2
81 beg your pardon, sir, but inferred it
from what you said. If ! miStook you, may
| take the liberty to ask you what you do,
then %
"Why, sometimes brush gentleman S
coat or hat, and sometimes adjust cravat."
80, you are valet, tLen, to some noble
man."
"a valet Indeed, sir, am not. I am
not servant--to be sure, make coats and
waistcoats for gentlemen"
80, you are tailor?"
''Tailor! Do l look like taller? I as
Slrn Won | pavaI, ba nIIoI o o,,cco .,t how tl,,
q roasted one"
BY this time the passengers were all in a
roar; and one Of them exclaimed,
''What are you, then %
Il tell YOU, said Stuart. BE assured all
[ have said is literally true. Idress hair
brush hats and coats, adjust a cravat, and
make coats, wastcoats and brooches, and
likewise boots and shoes at your service"
''Oho, boot and shoemaker. after all"
"Gues again, gentlemen. never handled
boot or shoe bet for my own feet and LEGS
yet all | have told you is true"
"We may as well give up guessing, them"
remarked one Of TIE party.
After checking his laughter he said to
them, very grave, "Now, gentlemen, | will
not play the fool with you, bat will tell you,
upon my honor, as a gentleman, bona fide,
my profession. l get mig brea9 by mahing
faces" He then screwed his countenance,
and twisted the lineaments of his visaee in
maner s;ich as Samuel Foote or Charles
Matthews might have envied.
When his companions, after loud peals of
laughter had composed themselves, each
took credit to himself for having, all the
while, suspected that the gentleman be-
longed to the theatre; and now they all
knew that lie must be a comedian by pro-
fesslon. But to their utter surprise, he us
sured them that he was never on the stage.
and very rarely saw the inside of any thea
tire. His companions now looked at him and
each other with astonishmcnt.
Before parting, Stuart said to lis COM
ranons-r
"Gentlemen, you will find that all have
said of my various employments, is CON-
prised in these few words: | am portrait
painter. If you will call at John Palme1's,
York Buildings, London, | shall be ready
and wi ling to brush your coat OF hat dress
your hair, supply you, if in need, with wig,
of any fashion or dimensions, accommodate
you with boots or shoes, give you ruffles or
cravats, and make faces for YOU"
On parting with him at the inn, they beg
ged leave to inquire in what part of England
he was born
He replied, II was not born in England,
Wales, Ireland or Scotland"
Here was another puzzle for them; Who're
then % was their eager inquiry.
81 was born at Narraganset," was his re-
ply.
sWhere's that ?'
''SiX miles from Pottawoone, and ten miles
from Poppasquash, and about four miles
west of Connecticut, and not far from the
SPOT where the famous battle with the Pc
quots was fought"
an what part of the East Indies is that,
sir 2" was the response.
EAST Indies, my dear sir it is in the
State of Rhode Island, between Massachu-
sets and the Connecticut River"