Knoxville daily chronicle. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1870-1882, 1872-03-03
The Last Exploit of the Rev. Peter Cart.
wright.
CARRoLLToN, I'LL, Feb. 10, 1872.

CARRoLLToN, ILL, Feb. 10, 1872.
From the report of the present illness of
the pioneer preacher, Rev. Peter Cart
wright, we may infer that he has con-
fronted the flesh and the deviln for the
last time, and that he will soon go to the
region where hardships are unknown.
Should this be the case, his last character
lstlc exploit will prove an item of interest
to your readers, especially as it has "local"
point IN 1t; About a year since, Father
cartwright visited st. Louis to preach
the dedicatory sermon for a new
church either in the city or vicini-
ty. After filling his appointment,
carpet-sack in hand, he wendell his way
back to the river, and crossed, expecting
to take the train for Springfield or Jack
sOnville. AT East st Louis he ascertained
that he had mistaken the time and was
too late. The jaunt with his carpet-sack
had quite enfeebled him, and he did not
desire to retrace his steps to the city.
Hence he addressed all the parties in the
depot (by speaking loud enough to elicit
an ansWee from any one present. with the
enqniry Is there Methodist preacher
in this town." Some one replied, mo-,
us there Methodist family in town."
No one knew. "Is there a decent
house in the town, where man
could putup for the night?" To this last
inquiry he was kindly admOnished that he
had better return to the city. At this q
sprightly-looking young man generously
prOftered to assist him with his carpet-sack
in returning, and the old gentleman sig
nifed his assent. Once more he and his
new found friend were comfortably seated
on the ferryboat. When the Captain
came round for the fare Uncle Peter depos-
tied dime in his hand, remarking at the
time that he would pay for the young
man with his carpet sack, and pointing to
him. SIS this the fellow who has
your carpet-sack ?" asked the Captain.
YES" said Cartwright, "WeL,"
promptly responded the boatman, "he's
a pickpOcket, and has no business with
it ~ "Come here with that carpet
sack" Numbered out the veteran, "they
tell me you're a thief" OF course the
young man "depOsitedn and "skedad-
died." The Captain then offered to
take charge of the wallet, but was repuls-
too, and I'll man my own vessel ~ How
ever las the old man stepped from the boat,
and the Captain thinking hewould still be
beset by the pickpOcket, again offered to.
assist him to carry the sack to the hotel
as they were both going to the Planters
"No,n said he, "I'll take care of my plum
der, but you may show me the way to the
hotel if you will" On arriving there the
Captain prevailed upon him to pass his
carpet sack into the hands of the
clerk, who politely requested that
he should register AS the veteran was
much enfeebled and fatigued at the mo-
ment, he asked the Captain to write his
name" Peter Cartwright" peter Cart
wright! ~ exclaimed the Captain, in as
tonishment. care you the old presiding
elder, Peter Cartwright, of Illinois? Why,
sir, I hope you will forgive me if I have
in any way offended you in my conduct ~
''NIy name is Peter Cartwright, and not
Saint Peter! 1 can forgive no mans sins,
but you had better go to God and get them
forgiven, or you will go to the devil sure"
This is as near as the writer can recollect
the story as it was narrated to his son-in-
law, in this city, on the day after the ex-
plot, by the old hero himself.