The Columbia herald. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 1850-1873, 1870-01-14
Amusing Anecdsfe Of Gilbert C. Stuart,
the Artist.

; Gilbert Charles Stuart, the artist, was
travelling in England in . stage coach with
some gentlemen who were strangers to
him, but all were sociable and lively. The
party stopped to dine at an inn, and, after
and various, Stuart became conspicuous
in it. not only for his wit and humor, but
for his correct judgment, rapid thought
and apt phrases The curiosity OF his
companions was aroused, and with Yankee
like inquisitivenese, they desired to know
who and what he was.
serious tone of voice, replied that he some
times dressed gentlemen's and ladies'. hair.
"Ohi you are hair dresser, thenF re-
turned one of the company, with some
Whist derogatory stare.
"What do look like q barber ?" de-
manded the iseogsito artist, sternly.
beg your pardon, sir" replied the
atdued cockney, but inferred 1t from
what you said. If / mistook You, may l
take the liberty to inquire what you are,
them"
"why, sometimes I brush a gentleman's
coat or hat, and adjust his cravat."
"Oh! you are a valet, then, to some
nobleman?"
IA valet" retorted Stuart, with mock
indignation; " indeed, sir, am not. am
not servant. To be sure, l make coats
and waistcoats for. gentlemen"
"Ahl you are tailor?"
"Tailor! do you take me for tailor
I'll assure you ! never handled goose
other than q roasted one"
By this time the joke was beginning to
be fully appreciated, and the whole com
pany were in q roar of laughter.
"What in the world are you, them" de,
manded another gentleman, taking up the
Office of interlocutor.
"Iwill tell you,' said Stuart, with great
apparent sincerity, "be assured all l have
| told you is strictly true. Idress hair
brush hats and coats, adjust cravats, and
make coats, waistcoats, and breeches, and
likewise boots and shoes, at your seruice 2
soho q boot and shoemaker, after air
contemptuously returned the questioner
"Guess again, gentlemen" continued
Stuart, good humoredly. al never han
died boot or shoe but for my own feet anG
legs; yet all have told you is true"
I've may as well give up guessing; il
is Of no use.n
The fun-loving painter, checking hi
own laughter, which was on the point o
bursting forth, and stimulating q fresf
| fiow of spirits by huge pinch of snuff
said gravely, as if bringing the matter tt
q satisfactory conclusion: Now, gentle
men, I viii not play the fool with you any
longer, but will tell you, upon my honol
a. . gentleman. my bona fde profession
/ get my living by making faces.
He then screwed up his countenanc'
| and twistel his features in manner tn,
most skillful clown might have envied.
When the loud peals of laughter had
subsidized, the company with one accort
declared that they had all the while sus
pected that the gentleman belonged t.
the theatre; they all knew he must be 9
comedian by profession" But wher
Stuart coolly informed them that b.
never was on the stage, and very rarely
inside of play house, their chagrin ant
astonishment .equaled their previous
merriment.
Gentlemen" said Stuart to his com
panions, as he was about to leave them
"you will find all have said in regar(
to my various employments is comprised
In these few words am portrai
planter. If you win call upon me a
Cork buildings, London, shall be ready
and willing to brush you coat or hat
dress your hair la mode, supply you, l
you need, with wig of any fashion OF
dimensions, accommodate you with boot!
or shoes; give you ruff1es or cravats, ant
make faces for you"