The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-11-06
A JOKE ON FlTZHUGH LEE.
How u Circus Clown Got the Betteroi
III i'm.

a few days agolwhen the % Texas Regi-
ment of volunteers was about TO leave
jacksonville the wives of the officers
were congregated at the Windsor Ho-
tel Gen. Fitz hugh Lee had been quite
indlsposed and was also forced to seek
the comforts Of a dwelling. The day the
Texas soldiers departed tho general
strolled into the breakfast room and
lade farewell to the fair Texas ladies.
Hearing they were to start soon for
Dallas. he related the experiences he
encountered on his first visit there.
II was during the spring, away rack
near the '60s. The troop had been nav
ing a hard time chasing Indians, ana was
resting 10. about 100 miles away. Al
this time ten troopers were missing, win
their horses. and Lieut.. Lee was placed
In charge of detail ana ordered 10 cap
tire the deserters. At once the party
started following the trail, across the
prairie, toward the eastward ana Dallas.
For hours the riding was hard ana al
night the little band was still in the
Cren. and no sign had been seen OF the
fugitives-only the footprints where the
horses had passed hours before. me
party was allowed TO rest just long
enough 10 ltNtW iiiN ~ ti'N HN'NN.'f "A'N-'
they resumed the journey.
II was night when they reached the
little frontier town, but their efforts were
rewarded. The ten deserters were all
found i'm one Of those canteens for which
tho West was then famous.
They were promptly turned over to the
town marshal and locked In jail. 1t so
happened that a strolling circus had stop
ped in Dallas that night, and Lieut.. Lee
was one among those who crowded the
board seats in the big tent. The indis'
pensable clown was naturally tho center
Of attraction. and years afterwart this
performer became one of the best-known
men in the circus ring. a number of
local jokes were. of course, included in
his evenings entertainment. and Lieut.
Lee was praised and made fun of to the
delight of the entire gathering. Later
the young officer was presented to the
performer, and behind the canvas sepa-
ration between the big amphitheater and
tho dressing room the two men, so DIFF
ferentIy situated became quite friendly
They strolled back to the hotel-such as
II was in those days-and before morn
ing they were sworn allies
During the exchange OF condolences
Lieut.. Lee promised 10 send on his horse
with tho prisoners TO point some nf-
teen miles further west. where the roads
divided, and there the party would wait
for the officer. he having agreed to drive
out with the clown. The circus was also
moving west at daylight and the men
expected to overtakc their respective
travelling companions.
Morning came. and about . o'clock the
officer and clown breakfasted A little
later the clown announced the arrival
OF his carriage Lieut. Lee had noticed
with surprise the number OF men and
women who had congregated on the
street. but he never suspected tho cause
for such a congregation.
The clown had excused himself some
time before, and called from the vehicle
to the officer that arrangements were
complete The lieutenant strollei out OF
the rough building which enjoyed the
name III hotel and was speeches. with
g amusement 10 see his circus friend, fully
equipped for the ring. seated on the hlgh
seat OF a curious red ana blue vehicle
which was drawn by half dozen ponies.
Then Lieut.. Lee realized that ne had
been caught in a trap and would have to
submit 10 this practical joke. He climbed
up 10 the high seat and perched by the
side OF the painted clown, who immedi-
ately began a comic song and did every
thing in his power 20 attract attention
The town turned out to see the sight,
and that departure was memorable
one. The clown was not satisfled, put
drove the officer across the miles OF roll
ing prairie to where the sunburned
troopers had halted. Here Lieut.. Lee
was practically turned over TO his men
with fitting pomp and ceremony.
The roads divided. the clown faded
away in tho blue line OF the horizon, ana
tho young officer galloped beyond the
reach OF eye to the cavalry camp.
This was Gen. Lees first visit to Dali
las. Texas. and he has never since that
day. years ago. ventured into the streets