The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1871-11-02
Eccenfricifiss of Sheridan Knowles,

OF AL the eccentric individuals ever en-
ceuntered, Sheridan Knowles was, 1 think,
the greatest. Judge, gentle reader, if the fol-
lowing anecdotes may not Justify my asser-
ton. Walking one day with brother dram
atist, Mr.. Bayle Bernard, in Regents Quad
rant, Knowles was accosted by a gentleman
in these terms: You're pretty fellow,
Knowles! After fixing your own day and
hour to dine with us, you never made your
appearance, and from that time to this not a
word have we heard from youw ''I couldn't
help it, upon my honor" replied Knowles; !;
sand Pve been SO busy ever since haven't
had a moment to write or call. How are you
all at home?' 'Oh quite well, thank you;
but come now, will you name another day,
and keep your word?" II will-sure will. y
"Well, what day9 Shall we say Thursday
Tharsaay TnGrsdai be % zt 9ss x s sI
there punctually. My love to 'em al."-
"Thank ye. Remember now, Sir, next
Thursday" gall right, my dear fellow; I'il
be with you." The friend departed, and
Knowles, relinkiIg his arm with that OF
Bayle Bernard, said, "Who's that chap?" not
having the least idea of the name or residence
of the man he had promised to dine with on
the following Thursday, or the interesting
family at home, to whom he had sent his love.
Upon one occasion when he was acting in the
country he received an anxious letter from
Mrs. Knowles, informing him that the money
-42OO, which he had promised to send up on
certain day, had never reached her.
knowles immediately wrote furious letter
to Sir Francis Freezing, at that time at the
head of the post office, of which, of course,
cannot give the precise words, but beginning
Sir" and informing him that on such day
at such an hour he himself put letter into
the post office at such place, containing the
sum OF E200 in bank notes, and that it never
had been delivered to Mrs. Knowles; that it
was most objectionable piece of negligence.
if not worse, of the post office authorities. ard
that he demanded an immediate inquiry into
the matter, the delivery of the money to his
wife, and an apology for the anxiety and trou-
BILE its detention had occasioned them. By
return of post he received a most courteous
letter from Sir Francis, beginning "Dear Sir"
as although they were personal strangers to
each other, he had received so much pleasure
from Mr.. Knowles works that he looked upon
him as valued friend, and continuing to say
that he (knowles) was perfectly correct in
stating that on such day anG at such an
hour he had posted letter at - containing
bank-notes to the amount of 9200, but that,
unfortunately, he had omitted not only his
signature lnsise, bat the address outside, hav-
ing actually sealed up the notes in an envel-
ope, containing only the words, II send you
the money" and posted it without d:rec-
ton! The consequence was that it was open
ed at the chief office in London, and detained
until some inquiry was made about it, Sir
Francis concluded BY assuring him that long
before he would receive his answer the money
would be placed in Mis-. Knowles hands by a
special messenger. Knowles wrote back
My dear sir, you are right and was wrong.
God bless you'll I'll call upon you when !
come to town."
One day in the country he also said to Alb.
MY dear fellow, Pm off tomorrow" "You
are very kind" answered Abbot; "But where
are you going?" II haven't made up my
mind."-J. r. Planche, in London Society