Daily globe., 1879-06-22
STORY OF "A PLAGUE.
The British Officer who was Measured fl
his Coffin In New Orleans.

STORY OF A PLAGUE.
The British omcer who was Measured for
his Coffin In New Orleans.
]. r. H. Claiborne writes from Nat
chez, Miss, to New York paper, giving
some yellow fever recollections. We Sc
lect this story from his letter:
During one of the epidemics made
the British army who lad served many
years in the East and West Indies, and
walls to look after and dispose of con
siderable estate he had inherited of a
relative. He had many OF the noble
qualities Of the high-bred Englishman,
had some of his peculiarities, as you will
probably infer from the following nara
tive:
"a number Of years ago was at the
chief hotel in this city, then known as
Bealle's. 1t was in September, anA the
yellow fever was prevailing, but as I had
long served in the tropics, felt no appre-
tension. My 0Ss a Uas at dinner was Mr..
Cameron, young Scotchman, CONNER
cial agent of a Glasgow house. For three
evenings together. On the fourth day at
dinner he was not present. While sip
ping my sherry the landlord passed, and
[ inquired for Mr.. Cameron.
Major said be, your friend cannot
dine to-day, but if you please will con-
duct you to him.
"Struck with his manner, and. with
these words, which though uttered with
nonchalance, had something ominous
| about them, rose from the table, and in
silence followed Mr.. Bealle. He threw
open small parlor, and there lay, stark
and stiff, the gay young man with whom
had parted the previous day. He had
been seized Immediately after leaving my
room, and died with the vomit about ten
in the morning. And so little impression
had it made, so much was such death
within the everyday line of incidents, it
had not disturbed the business Of the
house; nor had the landlord, nor the
waiter, considered it Of sufficient impor-
tance to mention it to me.
"In those days, in New Orleans, resi-
dent gentlemen never appeared in the
hotel at breakfast. But if they were alb
sent at dinner, you might apply for let
ters of administration on their estates.
Either a duel or the vOmit had carried
them off
''My poor friend was already in his
coffin, and, even in my grief could not
help observing it's elaborate fnis'-solid
mahogany, trimmed with satin and vel
vet, with silver plate, and his name and
escutcheon beautifully emblazoned.
II expressed my surprise that all this
could be done, when the subject had only
been dead a few hours.
"sMajor,' said he, with smile, that is
easily explained. We have an under
taker attached to this house Mr. Cam
eron's coffin has heen on hand for twelve
months
"'What, sir, had he a presentiment of
death?'
"' No,Major,not at all. But in this city
the march Of discaseis rapid our fevers
kill sometimes in few hours; deCompo-
s1tion Immediately ensues. It is the rule
of my house, from July to October, to
measure every boarder for his coffin while
he is registering his name! The chances
are seven to ten he will want it in a fort
night!'
AS l looked incredulous at this state
ment, Mr. Beallc continued: If you will
do me the honor to follow me, you shall
see for yourself
"He led the way to the attic, and there
ranged around in grim array, stood fifteen
or twenty cofins, of different finish, label
ed with the names Of his boarders, with
my own conspicuous among them, with
my name, rank, and arms glitteriDg or
the plateo
"I was dunn. with surprise and rage
and if l had rapier would have rur
him through without uttering a word.
| g. Major said he blandly, and with
the air of man who felt that he had ren
dered me favor, your measure was taker
the moment Of your arrival. You announ
ced your intention to stay several months
and while registering your name my un
dcrtaker, who watches the arrivals, ,and i!
very expert, applied his tape line. I hope
sir, you are pleased. We always consul
the British PeeraSe and annual army list
IL was really too much shocked to re
ply, but Immediately retreated to m.
room, packed my baggage, and rang To-
my bill, determined not to sleep anothe
night in hotel where coftins were made
and probably graves dug before hand
Here is my BILL" continued the major
E opening pocketboo~ and handing me
piece Of time-worn paper:
MAJ. H---T, B. A.,
To Realle'S Hotel 1 Dr.