Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1858-01-20
HOOPS VS.. Low-NECKED DRESSES

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HOOPS VS.. LOW-NECKED DRESSES.
Brisbin dimes at Mrs Sprinklebellys- he
sees there, and what happens, or rather what
didn't happen-Brlsbin goes to the Fair what
he sees there, and what actually does happen.
The following private letter was handed US a
few days ago for publication. 1t is too good
tokeep private, and so we lay it before the read
srs of the Journal. We hope Mr.. Brisbin wont
blame the Major for giving it to US to publish.
PIrrsBURG, Sept. :, 1887.
To MAJ. j. F.-DeGr John: Your letter of
the 10th inst, came duly to hand on Monday,
and hasten to answer. l scarcely know what
/ shall write you in reply, unless it is, indeed,
to give you some account of my trials and
troubles caused by the ridiculous fashions of
1he day, with which our American ladies ap-
pear to have run mad. Indeed, sir, the mania
of fashion is becoming perfectly alarming, and
that too upon the shores of America and un-
der the shadow of the cross of Christ. Now,
John, you know when l am in my sssanctum"
and have a Guire of fooiscap before me, am
as bold a Numidian lion, and can say almost
anything upon paper; but, alas, unhappy me,
1t is not so when taken out of my 'sforte." |
am then like some poor creature out OF its na-
tive element, and no sooner do | see a hooped
skirt and pair of bold black eyes bearing
down upon me, than my courage fails, and
ssRichard'' becomes the child of circumstance.
But, to begin at the beginning-last evening l
dined with the arIstocratc Mrs.-let us call
her Sprinklebelly. AS directed by my card,
in company with my distinguished friend Gen
ersl =, at precisely O'Clock l rang the door
bell of Mrs. S., and gentleman from Africa
forthwith ushered us into the parlor- Wewere
warmly greeted by the Misses Sprinklebelly.
three in number, who introduced us to several
other ladies'. AS soon as the usual prelimna-
ries of introduction had been gone thro' with,
| stared about for several moments IN perfect
amazement; could it be poSSiblc-was reali-
zing the truth of that pert little poem, 'sN 9TH
ing o wear 10 yet my eyes were not at fault,
for on every side-before, behind on either
hand, | beheld phalanx of bear arms aud
beautiful b-b-excuse me, Maj.-and as the
poet says, ssstill whereser my eyes turned,
flesh ONLY met my view.'' Making a drive, |
escaped from the ring OF hoops that surround
ed US, ard diyed into Il dark corner. leaving
the brave old General TO stand the hrunt OF
battle. | next proceeded to call up all my
knowledge OF civil and military engineering,
and from my retreat commenced to rcconnoi-
tire the field of the enemy and note his move
Inents. Not long, however, was l permitted
to pursue my quiet observations, for Miss
Sprnkiebelly, Junior, pretty little brunette,
with long curls and black eyes, soon spied out
my hiding place and bore down rapidly upon
me. She was the pride of the enemy, and
soon found must surrender, retreat, or go to
the bottom. Sailing up in front of where
sat she dropped low cUrteSy, and with one
of the sweetest smiles in the world remarked,
AS she proceeded to deposit herself in the di-
van by my side, sMonseur BriS0in is very re-
tired" [ muttered something, L scarcely
know what, in reply; but without in the least
noticing my confusion, she Immediately asked
ssHaS Monsieur Brisbin seen the last issue OF
Burns poems 20 Now, l had seen several late
editions of Burns, but L venturcd at risk TO
reply in the negative. Upon that, away she
sailed and in a moment returned with an elab-
4 Il. Ilr -ci. hnr han1 4
out NV arm TO take the book, not of course ex-
pecting her, with bell as big as that OF St.
Peters dome swinging about her Eie-gs, to
sit close enough for US both to examine the
work, but disdaining such 'modus operanol,
she with heroIsm really remarkable, smashed
In her ample dimensions and succeeded In de-
posting herself in alarming proximity to my
corporal. j need not tell you that MISS .. 5
neck and shoulders were white and that both
were bare, tof coursa thy thy were:j nay might
90 further and say that her-but will forbear,
sn5 spare my pen the blush. ven, .pe room
was too dark for me TO sec anything particu-
lar, or for us to examine the beauties OF the
imrnortal bard of Ayr. Nelly, ,taowefer, q oc-
'Iieye that was her name) directed her sister.
Miss SprinkIcbelly Senior, to call John, and
the centieman from Africa having come, the
cos-hurner dixectly over our heads was quickly
Iphted / nov had fair opportunity of ex-
amiujnc the beautiful creature by my s'de.
The foods OF iights5om the burner swcp, gov :. .
fn soft waves over lHr neck and-of ciearest
whiteness, revealing yea the smallest mole
mon the fair skin. A.soon as the light was
iit MissS. turned to me I'D inquired 'swhich
on one of Burns productions most particularly
admired l replied, .'his LES To Mary in
Heaven She turned over IN leaves of the
book rapidly for a few moments nd then ex-
Lain Jain,ed, s.ah, here it is.'' leaha forward
10 read once more that pure gush 0, o,oul-stir-
1ng rhyme, and casting my eyes aonwards
j 6eheld--weh, no matter what, put ,asn'i
The poem, at any rate. Her dress was ao,1s a
bout the neck, snd-and-weli, ,nete ms tormsS 3
join. for half AMOUR in an agony OF torhiua ],
1nomentarily expcting a landslide, or "a !
something dread would happen. Notiii
serious. however, Hanspired md at length'
my great relief, .,per was announced. !
supper, Miss spr'eisaa!fy, Ir., sat upon