The Albany register. [volume] (Albany, Or.) 1868-18??, 1869-05-01
The Actors stratagem.

MANY oiu tneatre-goers or the west
will remember James Wills, favorite
comedian, well known in that section.
When the Texas excitement was at
fever heat, he one day found himself in
condition to which actors are often
subjcct-"dead broke"
While standing on the wharf Of a
growing city on the Mississippi, with his
solemn visage extended, planning how he
could get down the river without money,
he heard the sound of drum and fife
He saw small party of half-uniformed
soldiers, bearing Texas banner, and
about to embark for New Orleans. A
thought struck him
The next day Wills sent his trunk on
board the first boat to start Then, just
as the captain struck the bell for the last
time, he stepped on board, dragged his
box In to an unoccupied state-room, took
from his theatrical wardrobe soldier
coat with q buff breast and three rows of
buttons. cockcd-ha with an immense
plume, a red sash, and pair of false
whiskers. BY the time the boat got un-
derweigh, Jim was fully equipped, with
a stage sword hanging gracefully at his
side. Drawing on his white gloves, he
hesitated moment, but relying on his
own peculiar powers, he opened the door
into the cabin, which was filed with pas
sengers.
In an instant all eyes were turned
toward him, but he walked up to the
steamers bar, and drank glass Of brandy
and water.
In the meanwhile all was hustle and
confusion to find out who the officer was
A general rush was made for the reg
lister, but he had not yet put down his
name. The captain was consulted, but
did not know anything. Atlength, how
ever, feeling little curious imself, he
walked up to him, bowed politely, and
said
"Sir."
"Sir, to you,' said Jim, touching his
chopeau, and saluting a Ia nai2itdire.
"Will you do me the favor to register
your name, SO that can provide suit
able state-roon for you ?" said the cap
tain.
"Oh, with pleasure" responded Jim,
and walking up to the register, he -four
ished in round text:
"Chas p. Edwards, Major, Texas
Army"
The crowd passed around the table
they read the name universal enthusi-
asm prevailed, and three tremendous
cheers were given for Texas and liberty.
Jim took off his shake, acknowledged
the compliment with bow and a very
few patriotic remarks.
It is almost needless to say that from
that time the sotdisant Major became a
''lion" Every one sought his acquaint-
ance The ladies opened the cabin door
to get peep at him. He was placed at
the head of the table. and at night was
literally treated with champagne.
Next day Jim was promenading the
hurricane deck, linked arm-in-arm with
the captain and warm southerner, who
resided in Vicksburg.
"Major," said the southerner, "I know
you have been on mission to collect
arms, ammunition and recruits; but on
this subject you must, of course, keep
mum, in consequence of the treaty be-
tween Mexico and the United Sta tes.
For my part, though, I could see every
yaller-skinned rascal hung like dog, on
a tree" fss
"Whatever my business may have
been, I find that I have exhausted my
means in the cause. In fact, I fear that
[ shall not be able to pay my passage
until L get to New Orleans" said the
artful JIM.
aDon't mention it" cried the captain.
"I could not for one moment think of
taking anything from ou."
aI have it pa exclaimed the southern
er. "Como along with me"
The trio adjourned to the clerks Office,
where stirring appeal for aid to Texas
was written.
The southern gentleman carried it
among the passengers, and soon collected
hundred and fifty dollars, which was
handed over to Wills.
Then grand supper was given, at
which speeches were made and toasts were