The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1861-04-26
Tricks Of Sheridan.

4" The Wits and Beaux of Society,"" gives
numerous instances Of Sheridan's natura!
talent for swindling' In fact, he had such
a born genius that way, that but for the
high station in which he moved, he would
probably have been exalted--on the gall
lows, or transported-to Botany Bay.
Here is companion anecdoie, extreme
Iy characteristic, which is generally accept
ed as having Sheridan for its veritable he
ro; "Chalier, the wine merchant, was
his creditor to large amount and had
stopped supplies. Sheridan was to give a
grand dinner to the leaders of the Oppo-
sition, and had no port or sherry to offer
them. On the morning of the day fixed,
he sent for Chalier, and told him he want
ed to settle his account, The importer
was much pleased, and said he would 90
home and bring it at once. "Stay," cried
the debtor, will you {. dine with me to-
day 2" Lord -, Sir - and
So-and-so are coming. Chalitr was much
fattered, and readily accepted. Return
ing to his office, he told his clerk that he
should dine with Mr.. Sheridan, and there
fore should leave early. At the proper
he arrived in full dress, and was no sooner
in the house than his host depatched a
message to the clerk at the office, saying
that Mr.. Chalier wished him to send up at
once, three dozen of Burgundy, two of
claret, and two of port, etc. Nothing
could appear more natural, and the wine
was forwarded just in time for dime 1t
was highly praised by the guests. who
asked Sheridan who was his wine mer-
chant. The host howard toward Chalier
gave him high recommendation, and i'm
pressed him with the belief that he was
telling polite falsehood, in order to Sc
cure him other customers. Little did he
think that he was drinking his own wine,
and that it was not, and probably never
would be, paid for.
Sheridan, even when he had not shil-
ling in his pocket, would still feast his
friends. lie had credit and he freely used
it. He heard of young mans intention
to pay all his bills on dropping into large
legacy, and seriously demonstrated on
wasting money in that way.
His friend Fox, one of the most noted
gamblers of his time, made point of pay
ing his $50 called) "debts of honor"
while his honest creditors might starve.-
One of these was incautiously admitted
into Fox's private sitting room. about
breakfast time, and found the gambling
patriot with large pile of gold before
him, which he was distributing into sew
eral small heaps. 81 am glad to perceive
sir" said the creditor, taking Fox's bond
for $500 out of his pocket book, that
you have now the means of paying this !"
Fox answered with his usual GOODNESS, 81
won these $4,000 guineas last night, and
am about paying my debts of honor with
them, and there is not enough to discharge
them ALL With read tact which had
its reward, the creditor tore Fox's bond in
two, and threw it into the fire which was
burning in the open CRATE before them.
"There, sir" he said, "mine is now a
debt Of honor also, and probably of an
older date than several of the list before
you" Fox smiled, and Immediately paid
him in full.
There is another anecdote of Fox, which
may be mentioned in connection which his
and Sheridan's known improvidence. One
of Fox's duns was an Irish cabinet maker
with large family of small children, and
small means. This man name was Muir
ply, and be held Fox's note for what, to
an industrious and not wealthy trades
man, was considerable sum. One da,-
ne was admitted by some blunder of a new
footman into Fox's presence. You have
come about that money, suppose? 1t is
wholly out of my power to pay you now"
But Mr.. Murphy had read in the morning
paper that Fox bad just mad great run
of luck at the gambling table in Brooke
Club. He knew his man and with care
adapted his reply. Mr.. Fox, do not
expect my money if you have not got it.
But I have presented this note so often,
during the last two years, that being only
on paper, am afraid it will wear out. |
just came round to ask you to renew it
upon parchment, which will bear GOOD
deal of handling" Fox could not help
smiling, and said, "There's your money,
you rascal, Your wit has earned it.
Sheridan did great many reprehensible
dCLS btI when liIC iuiSSdLIeu bSIlCdlc III
vestigation" into the conduct of the Prin
ces of Wales was made town talk in 1906,
the Prince sent for Sheridan, and asked
his aid. The latter replied, Your royal
highness honors me, but | will never take
part against woman, be she right or
wrong"
We shall conclude this article, already
too desultory, perhaps, by some extracts
from the paper on Sheridan in "The
Wits and Beaux of Societs," already men
toned: "
His extravaganza was unbounded At
a time when misfortune lay thick upon
him, ard baliffs were hourly expected be
would invite a large party to a dinner,
which prince might have given, and to
which one prince sometimes sat down.
On one occasion, having no plate left him
from the pawnbroker's, be had to prevail
on "my uncle" to lend him some for q
banquent he was to give. The spoons
and forks were sent, and with them two
of his Gen, who, dressedi in livery, waited,
no doubt, with the most yigilant attention
on the party. Such at that period, was
the hosts reputation, when he could not