Squatter sovereign., 1856-08-12

Gus hero, for the benefit OF those sAbeli-
ton dupes who are now being so severely
sponged by bogus Kansas martyrs:
Many of our readers no doubt reInem-
ber the facetious comedian, Jim Willis.
no played in St. Louis some years ago.
He was queer compound of human ma
,ure a man who could with ease make
others laugh. but seldom laughed himself.
About the time the Texas excitement
ran SO high in the United States, Jim Will
lis was in Pittsburg. in that situation so
common to play actors, "fat broke. stand
ing on the wharf with his solemn visage
expanded, planning how he could get
down the river without money, when he
heard drum and fife. He saw half
uniform soldier about embarking for New
Orleans, bearing Texas 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 the last
time, Willis stepped on board, dragged his
trunk into an unoccupied state-room, and
took from his theatrical wardrobe SOL
dier's coat, with a buff breast and three
rows of buttons, chapeau with an i'm
mense plume, a red sash, and false pair
Of whiskers. BY the time the boat got
fairly under way, jim was fully equipped,
with his stage sword dangling gracefully
by his side.
Drawing on his white gloves. he hesi-
tated moment. but relying on his pecu-
liar powers. he opened the door into the
cabin. which was filled with passengers.
In moment all eyes were turned towards
him, but he walked up to the bar and drank
i a glass of brandy and water. In the
meantime, all was hustle and confusion to
find out who the officer was. A general
rush was made for the register, but he
had not yet put down his name-the cap
tain was consulted, but he knew nothing.
At length, however, feeling little curiosi-
ty himself, he walked up to Jim, bowed
politely to him, and said: "Sir."
"Sir to you," said Jim. touching his
chapsau la maiiitairs.
Twill you do me the favor to register
your name, so that I can provide state
room for you e.
"Oh, with pleasure" suid Jim, and
walking up to the register, he fourished in
round text, &c. P. Edwards, Major, Tex
as Army" The crowd pressed around
the table-,hey read the name-universal
enthusiasm prevailed, and three tremcn-
dous cheers were given for Texas and
liberty Jim took off his chapeau, ac-
knowled the complement with graceful
bow. and few very patriotic remarks. Il
Is almost needless to say that from that
moment the coi disant Major was lion.
Every one sought his acquaintance /; the
ladies opened the cabin door to geta peep
at him he was placed at the head of the
table, and at night was made as drunk as
Bacchus on champagne. Next day he
was promcnading the hurricane deck,
linked arm ia arm with the Captain and
warln-hearted Sou,herner, who resided III
at yicksburg.
"Maior," said the Southerner. II know
you have been on mission to collect arms,
ammunition and recruits, but on this SUBJ
ject you must of course be mum. in conse-
quence Of the treaty between Mexico and
the United States. For my part, could
see all the copper colored rascals hung
like dogs ON the trees"
"Whatever my business may have been,
find l have exhausted my means IN the
cause in fact fear I shall not be able
to pay my passage until get to New Or
leans"
"Dont mention it," said the Captain,
81 could not think for moment of taxing
anything from you."
| AZ have it," exclaimed the Southerner,
"come with me"
The trio adjourned to the clerks Office,
| where a stirring appeal for aid to Texas
| was written. The Southern gentleman
| carried it among the passengers. and eol-
lecsed $50, which was handed over to
Willis. At night grand supper was
given, speeches were made. and toasts
| were drank. The cabin was decorated
With the star spangled banner. entwined
with the flag of the lone star, nanufac-
.ured by the ladies out of some of their
| white and red, s'off-no-we-never-ment :
ems" for the occasion. At IL o'clock
the company commenced singing songs.
and at length the Major was called upon
4! to favor the company with one. He COM
!