Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1874-02-05
tFrom the Machias Union.l
Elder Adams and the Devil,
A JoNEsPoRr REMISrsCEScE.

Notwithstanding the great personal
popularity OF Elder Adams at Indian
River, and a portion of Jonesport.
there we're few men, and q very few
women, who took no stock in the Saint,
as he was called, although at one time,
not TO bow the knee to this Baal. was
to ostracise ones self.
After one of his great efforts in lee
turing at q schoolhouse one evening,
which seemed TO electrify almost all
his hearers, Adams gave liberty upon
resuming his seat, 10 any one, who
wish d 70 speak word upon any sub
ject whatever, 10 use the ''uLmOsL n &c.
dom of expression" Several arose
and testified to all the Elder put forth.
The old Mormon sat there, after his
violent exercise, in state Of unctuous
perspiration partly induced by the flat
tering compliments that had been paid
MIN in the short testimonies that had
been given in. At length as there
seemed TO be sort Of lull in the con-
gregation he again gave liberty.
Give vent to your feelings, my
brethren and dear sisters; ask any
question you please; use the utmost
freedom, brethren
At this, William c. got up, and ask
ed leave Of the presiding Saint, TO re-
late recent dream.
Certainly, most certainly" answer
ed the Elder, "He that hath dream,
let him tell it,"
William was wag. He was smart
young man, master Of vessel at the
age of nineteen, and was general ia
vorite. A respectful silence was main
tained, while the captain went on as
follows:
IL dreamed that had made league
with the Devil, aud that he held first
mortgage on my body, and whatever
pertained to it. TO run ten years. pro-
vided he should during the time rem
der me certain services, the most i'm
portant OF which was, that l sho uld
always have fair wind and beat all
the other shippers
Here one ancient mariner whispered
to another, "There, i alters told you
the Devil helped Billw
Hush" says the other, "you don't
know how near old fiat foot may be just
now"
The captain continued:
Amongst a number of conditions in
the bond, was one that myself caused
10 be inserted. 1t provided in due
form that when the said Devil shall
make requisition for the body OF the
said w. c., he, the last mentioned par
ty, shall have the privilege Of demand
ing of the said D., the performance OF
three several deeds Or acts ; and if the
said ID. Sometimes called the Old Har-
y, SHALL be unable to perform all, or
ither OF the deeds or acts, to be de-
msnded, then this bond shall be null
and void, otherwise to remain in full
force.
Well, at the end of the specified
time, along came the ancient Harry,
and with much assurance demanded
the fulfillment of the bond.
"All right" says I. "Been expect.
ing you. Sit down. Take . cigar
Some l got at Havana, last voyage,
when beat 'em ALL"
81 know it," says Satan. "No mat
ter about the cigars, but I'll take q
bunch of matches il you have them
handy. That's what l smoke. I'm
used to that. Now about your quick
passages; l hope you remember that
you have the Devil to thank for that
With this little attempt at q joke,
the old Prince smiled in ghastly man.
ner while little blue fscks and tongues
of fame irradiated his countenance.
| He produced his copy Of the bond
"Come," says he ''fetch on"
| ! fetched on my copy of the bond
and we "read proof together. Wher
We came to the promise above recited
the old fellow chuckled audibly, while
his tail rustled on the floor like an ex
piring snake.
Snow" says the Devil, "what d.
you propose to try me on? can't dilly
daily here; got plenty more Of thi
work to do to-day"
SWELL" says l, 'just part the wate
between Cape Ann and Cape Cod, s.
that al army could march over on dr.,
land
1t was Immediately donel
"Try me again"
"PrOduce me . nautical instrumen
that will always show me an exact Ion
gitade and latitude, warranted correc
knr fifkv voara