Cincinnati daily press. [volume] (Cincinnati [Ohio]) 1860-1862, 1861-09-11
Arrrnn Mnior.

| many of our play-goers remember, and was
| especially famous for his style Of singing
"Billy Barlow" We think he played last
at the National, in Boston, some twenty
years ago. He was queer compound
| the cause of much mirth in others, but never
laughing himself In fact, he whose light
est word I" set the table on roar" was
! melancholy man through life, and finally,
in fit Of depression, took himself off this
sublunary stage. He was the hero of many
queer adventure, of which the following,
perhaps is the most amusing:
Al the time the Texas excitement was so
high in the United States on account of
santa Annals last attempt to subvert the
then Lone-Star Republic jim Wills was in
Pittsburgh in that situation so common to
play actors, viz, dead broke Standing
one day on the wharf, with his serious vis-
age expanded, planning how he should get
down the river without money, he heard a
drum and fife. On looking round he saw
a company Of reckless-looking, half-uni-
formed soldiers, about embarking for New
Orleans, bearing a Texan banner.
thought struck him. Next day he sent his
trunk on board the first boat to start; and,
Just as the captain was tapping the bell for
The last time, Wills stepped on board, drag
HOu HIS tTuuh lulU dn uuUCCuplGu oldlt-
room, and took from his theatrical ward
robe q soldier coat, with buff breast and
! three rows of buttons, chapeau with an
! immense plume, n red sash, pair of mill
! tary trowsers, o grizzly black wig, and a
! pair of false whiskers. By the time the
| boat had got fairly underway, Jim was
equipped, with his stage sword gracefully
! hanging by his side. Drawing on his white
] ~, bo toI fNr hut ra
! lying on his peculiar powers, he opened the
door, gave the usual military stoop, and
| walked into the cabin, which was filed
with passengers. In a moment all eyes
were directed toward him, but be walked
UP 10 the bar and drank glass of brandy
| and water. In the mean time all was bus
tie and confusion to find out who the officer
| was. general rush was made for the
register, but he had not yet put down his
name. The captain was consulted, but he
knew nothing. AT length, however, feeling
a little curiosity, the captain walked up to
jim, and bowling politely to him, said;
| "Sir."
"Sir to you," said Wills touching his
| chapeau a la miLitdTe.
| "Will you do me the favor to register
your name, so that can provide state
| room for your
60, with pleasure" said Jim; and walk
ing up to the register, he 6ourished, in
round text:
&C. p. Edwards, Major, Texas Army"
The crowd pressed around the tabe-theJ
read the name-universal enthusiasm pre-
vailed, and three tremendous cheers were
given for Texas and liberty Jim took of
his chapeau, acknowledged the complimen
with graceful bow and q few patriotic
remarks.
1t is almost needless to say, that iron
that moment the Soi-diSant Major was lion
Every one sought to make his acquaint
ance-tAe ladies opened the cabin door t
get peep at him he was placed at tn
head of the table; and at night, we regre
to add, was made oblivious on champagne
Next day he was promenading the hurri
cane deck, linked arm in-arm with the car
tain and o warm-hearted Southerner VIII
resided in Vicksburg.
Major" said the Southerner, ~ know
very well that you have been on mission
20 collect arms, ammunition and recruits
but on that subject you must, of course, b
mum, in consequence Of the treaty between
Mexico and the United States. For m
part, l could see every copper-colored ras
cal hung like dog on tree"
"Whatever my business may have been,
said Jim, 81 find that have exhausted al
my means in the cause; IN fact fear
shall not be able TO pay my passage until
reach New Orleans"
"Don't mention it," said the captain; "
could not think of taking any thing o
you"
81 have it., said the Southerner; "com,
with me-"
The trio adjourned to the clerks Office
where a stirring appeal for aid to Texas
was written. The Southern gentleman car
ried it among the passengers, and collected
$780, which was handed over to Wills
AT night q grand supper was given, al
which speeches were made and toasts were
drank. The cabin was decorated with the
star-spangled banner entwined with the
flag OF the Lone Star, manufactured by the
ladies for the occasion. About twelve
o'clock the company commenced singing
songs, and, at length, the Major was called
upon to favor the company with song.
He complied, by "favoring the company "
with his famous song of "Billy Barlow"
"Bravo W said one.
'Excelentw said another.
"Capital!' said third.
~ could do it blamed sight better" said
jim, who was fast verging into the fourth
stage of intoxication, "if had the proper
tugsson."
After giving three faint huzzas for Texas
the party broke up. Next morning the
clerk went into the state-room TO call hin
to breakfast. Imagine his surprise, when
he discovered that the Major had actually
turned in all standing-with boots, chapeaT
and sword on, the feet snugly laid on thu
pillow. He was a Texas Major, and o
course no fault was found.
Thus things ran on, and Wills reached
New Orleans in triumph. There he DOTTED
his uniform and returned to Vicksburg
where he got an engagement in the theater
He became a great favorite-and, when h
was at the zenith of his glory, the old gen
tleman whom he met on the boat went t,
the theater. Between the pieces Wills sam
Chilly Barlow" The old fellow was be
wildered. The afterpiece came on, an
Wills appeared in the indentical suit
which he had enacted the Texas Majo
= After the theater let out the old fello
, sought an interview with Jim.
3 "You rascal, l ought to shoot you, bl
the trick was so clever that l forgive you
n so let us say no more about it."
! Jim look ed at him moment with q ser
! Gus expression, then replied;
o Each man in his time plays mar
/ parts"
: Two eountrymen who had never seen
: play, nor had any idea of one, went to t
: theatre in Drury-Lane, London, where tn
nlared themselves snuO in the OalleI