Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1859-05-06
THE YANKEE DENTIST.


Mr.. Brewster was from New York, dem
tist Of remarkable skill, though that skill
had not been appreciated in New York. He
went over to Paris, and there amused himself
till his funds we're exhausted As a remedy
for an empty purse. one of his friends sug-
gosted that he should open a dentists room.
He did so, and procuring handsome rooms,
he rose into eminence at once as the most
fashionable dentist in Paris, charging what
prices he pleased. He soon had the mouths
Of all the rank and fashion of Paris under his
control, and as he was really good dentist,
he deserved the praise he received. The
most important event Of his career was his
summons to St. Petersburg, to attend the
teeth Of the Emperor Nicholas The Coun-
tess Leivan. a famous female dplomatist in
the pay of the Russian Government, during
her residence in Paris, wrote to the Gar, rec
ommending DIR. BIS skill, and was herself
the messenger TO communicate to the dentist
the request of Nicholas. Here was manifest
ed the Yankee self-estimation and indepen-
dence of the Doctor. He assured her that it
would be impossible for him to leave Paris
until the fashionable season was over, and
that he could spend but one month with the
Emperor, as he must amuse himself during
the holidays at his own residence in Dieppe
and that his terms were, all expenses paid,
and $4,000 placed at his banking account be-
fore he left Paris That was another "Yan-
kee trial" Of his--to be well paid, and that
in advance. He felt himself to be as high in
his own department as the Gar was in his.
The Yankee dentist went to St. Peters,
burg, had the use of splendid palace assign
ed him-was attended by numerous retinue,
went to all the Court balls and parties, and
gave magnificent entertainments in his own
palace. all at the Emperor's expense. In the
meantime, he had an uncommon practice as a
dentist. the Emperor and all the Court being
his customers. He declined to receive money,
but was amply remunerated by rich presents.
The month was near the end, and beyond
that month he was determined not to remain.
lie had written to the Emperor stating that
his month was nearly up, and that he could
not stay beyond it. The reply of the En-
peror is reported to have run as follows:
THE Emperor laments that he has caused
the slightest uneasiness to DR.. Brewster, dem
| tist The Emperor has been prevented from
seeing him professionally by the pressure of
affairs almost as important, he believes, as
any DR.. B, can have to attend to in Paris
! The Emperor will receive Dr. Brewster at 10
tomorrow, if entirely convenient to him."
Brewster attended, of course, and after a
hard days work left the Emperor's teeth in
fine condition. The Gar, being highly pleas
ed, begged his acceptance of $500 in addi-
ton, saying to him if he had not been an Amer
lean, he should have offered him instead the
Order of the Black Eagle. Brewster told
the Emperor he preferred the Order. Yam
kee like, he knew that at Paris and elsewhere
it would earn more money for him than the
$500. The Emperor gave him both. Brew
ster went back to Paris, wearing his order,
and adding to his sign and cards, "Dentist
Extraordinary to his Imperial Majesty, Mich
olas |. of Russia
This Dr. Brewster is native of Middle
bury, Vermont, where he was reared, and first
learned his business.