The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1858-02-16
.ENBURG COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA.
ANEcDoTE OF VIM c. PRESTON

/ ANECDOTE OF VIM. G. PRESTON.
Savannah is the southern city from which
the same correspondent who sends the fol-
lowing sketch has often dated, but he has
never furnished anything more graphic
than this capital incident in the experience
Of the accomplished Preston. These who
knew that splendid orator and gentleman
can appreciate the scene. Our correspon-
dent says:. l5 rsa. s-s.rsa7. lies t.zssa--a- = $
MANY of your readers remember the
stately presence, the dignifed bearing and
imposing manner of Colonel William c.
Preston, of South Carolina. 1t was when
all these qualities were in their prime, and
Preston represented his State in the Senate
of the United States, that business or
pleasure called him to the West, and to
take passage down the Mississippi river. In
those flush times the steamers swarmed
with hoosiers, green n-horns and gamblers,
the latter politely designated sporting gen.
tlemen,' the term gambler or 'blackleg'
entaling on the speaker pistol shot or a
wipe from a bowie-knife. ..... ....-.-
The boat was on the eve of departure.
and our Senator, standing ON deck and
holding small mahogany box, was OBJ
serving with great interest and pleasure.
the busy scene on the wharf, when an in
dividual, luxuriating in rather ornate
style of dress. approached him, and in sub
dued tones demanded
Il say old Teller, when are you going to
commence - ....-.
Commence what, sir J" asked the as
tonished Senator.
"Pshaw, none of that CANNON with me.
The fact is. a few of US boys on board want
a little fun, and we won't pile it on too
strong for you. so come and open at once"
Really, Sir" replied Preston, Il am
totally at loss to guess your meaning.
Open What?"
"Open what? Why, the bank of course
Maybe you think our pile isn't large enough
to make it an object. But we're not SO
poor as all that, anyhow - ..
The Senator meditated gloomily, but all
was dark to him; he was plunged in sea-
of doubt, and he had never met any prob
lem, not even a political one, so hard to
solve.
'Perhaps,'' broke in his pertinacious
friend again, after a considerable pause,
perhaps you will say directly that you're
not sporting man. Ed.
Il certainly am nothing of the kind, SIR
rejoined Preston, rather angr:ly land L
can't imagine what put such an idea into
your head" -. ..... .... ..
Not sporting man! Whew-w! I
never heard of such piece of impudence!
Well, if you're not sporting man, will
you please tell me why you carry the tools
about with you :" and he pointed to the
mahogany box which the Colonel still car
ried. ~.
A light broke on Preston's mind. "The
mahogany box ~ he cried. ':Ah, yes! ha,
ha! Very natural mistake, indeed, my
good Sir; very natural indeed! Well, l
will show you the contents of the box"
And, laughing heartily, he opened the box
in question. which was in fact his dressing
case, and displayed the usual parade of
brushes, combs, razors, soap, ect., which
usually fill that article of travelling COM
fort.
"Our friend looked at the case; then at
Preston then at the case, and then at
Preston again. Then he heaved long
sigh and then he pondered.
"Well,' he broke out at length, Il did
take you for sporting genteman-I did :;
but now I see you are nothing but barber,
and if ia known it, hang me, if I'd spoke
to you - and so saying, he 'vamosed.'
Fancy the feelings of eur honorable
Senator as he assumed these various char
ters ia the eyes of an anxious stranger"