Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1858-06-26
THE GAZETTE.
SATURDAY MORNING, JUNE q, 1855
EpIsTLE FROM JOHN BOLIVAR.

EPISTLE FROM JOHN BOLIVAR.
john Bolivars lest letter is pretty cute
specimen Of playing upon words. Here itif:
ROOM l776, ST NIcHhA HOTEL,
NEW York, June lst, '5a.
Editors Boston Eoeniag Gazette:--Unly
think of it-Sammer again! What world
Of enjoyment is wrapped up 10 that little
word. How pregnant with iun, love aud
sunshine it is. How it whispers of meadow
larks, pure mirth, and morning glories, and
tells wild tales Of green fields, white trousers
and sherry cobbers! Palpitating hearts
beneath silk bodiees aud cherry-colored vest
patterns will welcome it with open arms,
for to them it seemingly places halo OF
glory around the brow of Wednesday night!
There's 10 such summer here. In New
York, summer is an abortion. We lack the
Common, with it's cairping squirrels, frog
ponds, and lovely dimity.
Strange ideas of fun here, too. uot three
comic papers-Pol,ce Gazette, COroner's VIM
Dictator. and Doctor Dixon's Scalpel-hrst
rate to read when you've got the Jumping
toothache, lost money, or are monentariiy
expecting visit from the sheriff. Keep your
spirits up beautifully.
Since nv last, have bad two or three in
vi,atious to visit we'll known and popular
New York institutions, including Toombs,
smallpox hospital, and Browns colin ware
house, On rainy Gay when the proprietor
was sick. New Workers deem Boston dis
NAL: but here eminent strangers, guests OF
the city, are first conducted by the authori-
ties to Potter's field, dead house, lunatic
asylum, and similar places of amusement
sometimes in company with three or Tour
coroner's keeping up lively and agreeable
conversation about 'stilfs." l don't like
il. Im fond of crickets. old cheese, fire.
works, children, and other Boston institn-
tons Displaying signs Of life. My head Is
full of life. believe I~wouldn't live II 1t
wasn't Cor life.
Well went to the City Prison yesterday.
II wasn't dressed in mourning, 50 didn't
visit the Toomhs until afternoon. To visit
the Toombs, is a grave affair for the urderta-
ker. It's dismal looking cdlice, built OF
oueer material. Man told me twas built OF
Toombs stone. Keepers careful whom they
admit Must generally get an endorsement
from the Judge that you are thie!' or suca
like. got in as reporter. just as gooa.
Searched me through-mght be a confeder'
ate. Found comb, toothpick, three cents,
and free pass on railroad. AL right
Member of the press. Introduced rare
compliment extended only to the press to the
fayorite murderer. Embraced him. Prom
ised me his life for the Gazette. Introduced
70 the confidence man. Hugged him
Kissed female horse-tbief, and INDUCED IN
various other reportorial luxuries for an hour
In an old damp cell, saw young damse!-a
sad picture, which put me IN bad state OF
mind. Women are there confined without
sun or AHA curious birth for them. Here
thew are made to lie because they have stolen.
Saw thieves of all descriptions, representing
the industry Of all nations. Some were there
for taking photographs; others for hooking
fish; and one for stealing sewing machihe'
and so on. Gamblers were there 10 scores.
One gave me his card. lie was trump
Would never forget that SPOT. Ills charac-
Ter had been tray-duced. Was no better since
he had been in. Plenty OF drunSards there.
Satisfied that people who get high are gen
erally low characters. One OF these chaps
was once superior judge--of Otard. But
he had fallen. Prisoners behave rudely
sometimes. Have standing rules set down
for their regulation. Complain OF bad arr
close and confning. That which the prison
ers fear the most is the atmosphere lry 10
break out sometimes. Happen to get the
smallpox, break out very easy.) Prisoners
have three meals day. Principally Indian
meal. Never allowed for their fare. Coffee
yery weak, and when it stands too long
there are plenty grounds of complaint
Can't saw it ia troubled with consumption,
though.
On Sundays and other holidays havo ex'
cellent dumplings. Taste as If they were
made of gutts percha and stuffed with tape
Last a month, one of them will. Good Tor
children to cut their teeth on. Boys IN the
neighborhood sometimes play bal! with them
bounce beautifully. Most OF the prisoners
stand up and sleep. Feather beds, even Tor
favorites, full of writing materials, etc. This
istrue, for it is hard to lie on them. Onewas
dissected in my preseno e, and found to con
tain ten guile, seventeen plucked chickens
three geese one feather and straw. got DIS
rusted, and lett, which was right Let Ne"
Workers try Boston Jail, if they want good &C
commodations.
must close. Several in my room insist
ing on my visiting Potter's Field, New iork
Hospital etc. Will have to 60. NV hen
YOU are in Rome" ETC. "Connery Greens
Just passing by hotel-band playing DEAD
March," organ grinder numbering Poor old
Slave" right under my window, ana room
mato is reading alone about shocking sui
ride.
Never mind-withal, am still yours,
jolly and copteuted,
JOuv BOLIVAR.