Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1857-11-26
MY LAST NIGHT IN LONDON.

1t was in the fall of IS, that the shiI
to which belonged, after voyage of fou
months in the northern Atlantic hove il
sight of the Sicily Islands, and we were an
ohored in the Downs having been short o
provisions for some time back, we were obi
ged to stop and replenish. The next day
however, We were towed up the river, ant
entered the dock on the 9Th of October.
1t was grand sight for me for had nev
er been in London, and the city seemed like
the world in comparison to my humble vii
lage in the South of England.
We were to be paid off on the morrow
and I determined as soon as l was set at lib
erty to take a stroll and see some of the
sights about which I had often heard.
At twelve next day all hands proceeded te
the office in Lesdcn Hall street, and receiv
ed, severally, the amount due them. There
was just 9l0 coming to me. and | started tt
see how I could best make it conducive tt
my pleasure.
had been strolling around for come time
looking at the tower and other places of note
and finally walked into one of the parks, t
see what 1 could of London fashions. I was
leaning against tree watching party which
attracted my attention, when I was suddenly
accosted by female, apparently about eigh
teen years of age neatly dressed, and with ar
expression which, although pleasing, looked
somewhat sad
'What is it that you wish my good lady !?
said I.
She looked at me moment and said,
you arc a sailor, suppose
yes
'How long have you been in London?'
Il arrived yesterday
Have you been here before?'
Never
well, then, perhaps I can be of some as
sistance to you; suppose we take a cab and
drive out to Vauxhall this evening?'
I hesitated for moment, for I thought tc
myself, she no doubt thinks I have plenty Of
money, and wishes to obtain share. But
then again, I thought, it makes no differ
encc; I'll spend It anyhow, and consented.
She called cab, and in short time We
we're in Vauxhall. pulled out my purse
to pay the driver, when she said :
Never mind, sir, I have plenty besides
I invited you here, therefore bear all the
expense
was astonished, for had never doubted
that my money was the principle attraction
and 1 was puzzled to think what could be
her object After ordering refreshments, Of
which she ate and drank very little, but
which she insisted on paying for, we strolIed
around the garden, listening to the music
until towards evening, when I remarked that
it would be best to return.
yes, it will soon be dark, and We had
better go but said she, you are stran
ger in London, and it would be folly for you
to look for hotel tonight, and it would be
ungenerous in me to allow you to. l live in
- street, and if you will accept room
in my house, you will be perfectly welcome
and my husband, who is very fond of com
pany, will be glad to see you
While hesitating she called a cab and hall
forced me in. When be got out, l found
myself..in a narrow street dimly lighted, and
before large brick house, with iron railing
in front. She opened the door and asked
me to sit down a moment, and she went into
little room close by and returned almost
Immediately and said Husband has retir
ed Tll introduce you to him in the morn
ing. Here is lght-take the room at the
head of the stairs. Good ght.'
I went up stairs to the room she had poin
ted out, opened the door and went in. II
was furnished, you might say, richly. The
bed stood in the further corner of the room
with blue damask curtains in front. un
dressed quickly, as I was somewhat tired by
my adventure, walked to the bed and drew
aside the curtains, and there lay man vel
tering in his blood with his throat cut from
ear to ear.
I Immediately dressed myself, with a pres
ence of mind which I have never been able
to account for. I then tried the door which
to my horror, was locked. Looking arounc
the room, my eyes fell upon the irons in the
fireplace, I snatched up one, and with one
stroke broke the lock and opened the door
Running down stairs I found the front dool
locked also. Having nothing to break the
lock with, I darted into the first room
came to, and jumped from the window into
the alley one side of the house, and has
merely time to conceal myself, when hearc
the people around crying murder, and saw
the very woman I came with, followed by
several police, enter the house, thinking,
suppose of course she would find me. l left
as soon as the crowd gathered around, and
passed unnoticed.
The next morning I was reading paper
and almost the first thing that attracted my
attention was a notice of bloody murder
in - street, with reward of ESQ for the
apprehension of the murderer 1t went fur
ther, and in the description of the supposed
person, described me better than I coulc
myself-even to the manner in which I wore
my beard. The first barber shop received
that gratis, and changing my clothing which
was also minutely described, I went down tt
the docks, and bark being hand short,
shipped in her for New York, and have nev
er since, and never wish to spend another
night in London.