The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1880-03-17
A TERRIBLE NIGHT.

Qe8ier-a WHOLESALE pTOSlSlou ueaicl
doing business in New York city. Hay
ing commenced my veritable history
with the above assertion, it is necessary
that should inform the reader how it
was that I was q member of the New
York delegation to the Democratic con-
vention held in Baltimore some years
ago. 80,
Twas seated with my wife in our pretty
house on Eighth street. enjoying a fra
grant cup Of tea-for if there is any
thing that I am a good judge of it is tea.
Nv wife had been shopping, and while
was slipping my Hyson favored with
orange, she was showing me her pur-
chases. She was expatiating on a "love
of'a honnet," when we were both star
tied by violent ring at the bell, and in
n minute or. two afterward a servant
entered, informing me that Mr. Law
renee Ardew wished to see me immedi-
ately, Az Ardew was a particu 'ar friend
oi mine Immediately ordered him to
ne admitted.
"Gunby." said Ardew, as soon rs he
had paid his respects to my wife u
should have told YOU before that my
nameis Jonathan 'Gunby). "Gunby, |
want you to do me great favor"
What is If, my dear fellow?" | re-
piled. could afford to. be affectienate,
ior knew that Ardew was too rich to
want money. -,
You know I am Politician" said
Ardcw.
Il know you are.".I returned, land
not much good has it done you. Tony
cortain knowledge you have not re-
ceived cent benefit from it; on the
other hand, you have spent good many
hundred dollars"
"Just wait till - is elected Presi-
dent, and then you will see; but that is
not the question. I am O delegate to the
Baltimore convention, and I want you
TO act as my substitute"
What" l cried, jumping up from
my chair in excitement. II, Jonathan
Gunby, wholesale provision merchant,
act rs member of a political conven.
tion! never, my dear friend, neverm
"But you must. I will pay all ex.
penses, and the trip will do you good.
I have noticed that you seemed 70 be
thinner than you used to be; change
is the very thing for you. The fact is,
/ have an important lawsuit going on,
and it is utterly impossible that can
leave New York. You must do this
favor for me. my dear Gunby."
but, ArdeW, l never attended po-
litical meeting in my life," I replied
somewllet softened by the fact that al
my expenses would be paid. "Ishould
make blockhead of myself. for know
nothing of the rules and regulations o!
such assemblies" ...
You don't want to know anything
all that you have to do is to vote through
thick and thin for"
but don't like the man."
"You have nothing to do with that
lido like him, and you will be voting fol
me-"
"You are right forgot THAI"
Jonathan shall not 60 to that awfu
rowdy city, Baltimore" said my wife
He win be killed by the Plug Ugies,
Blood Tubs or tBlack Snakes 1
is not safe to " ak the streets there
I'll never consent 10 his going"
You need have no fear onthat head
madam said Ardew; "they have 20
new police there. snd Baltimore is on
OF the quietest cities in the Union"
Ineed not detail any more ofthe con
versation; suffice it 70 say that Ardev
persuaded me to act in his place, ant
the hint of handsome present from tn
monumental city so Modified my wifi
that she gave her consent.
On the appointed day, provided witt
the necessary vouchers. / started o.
my journey, having first faithful.
promised my wife that l would no
venture in the streets Of Baltimore afte
dark. l shall not detail the particular
Of my journey. Were Ito do so
might describe how crowded we were
how we were annoyed by squallin
infant that it was utterly impossible +
silence; how we were delayed in tn
crossing of the Susquehanna by som
accident to the ferryboat; how ] trie
to read, but could not on account OF tn
perfect babel around me; how en-
deavored to make fun of the boys VIII
sold apples, and had the laugh turne
against me by those youthful venders
that wholesome fruit. All this ant
aUeat dealmore, I might tell you, bu
Ms every traveller goes through the sam
experience it would only, be repeatin
an old story.
We reached Baltimore at last, and
was Immediately driven to Barnum
hotel. had some difficulty in maxim
my way to the clerks counter, the ha
was SO crowded with people.
"All full, SIR" said the gentleman
clerk, as I pulled the book toward n
TO enter my name.
There was. no help for it.. 1 wei
round: to the G ilmor house and receive
the same reply. 1t was the same wit
the Eutaw and the Howard house ar
half dozen other hotels. 1t was ge
ting dark and1 began to think l shou
have to sleep in the hack all night.
TRY Old Town. Bill" said a frier
TO the hackman, who saw my dilemm
"..They are only third and fourth IA
inns there, said the driver, land pc
haps the gentleman would not like
: lodge there for night ?"
Anywhere that can get bed, n
good fellow" l returned. |" 1t is no u
being particular at such time as this
The horses heads were turned roun
and we proceeded down Baltimo
street over bridge which spanned
muddy stream of water, called Jone
II -4I -