The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1911-05-13
A WEDDING
FRACAS
By F. A. mitchell
Copyright by American Press Asso-
citation. 1911.
By F. A. Mitchell

Many years ago | took passage
aboard the steamer Indian Belle from
Cairo to New Orleans. We were about
to swing Off when a man Of the real
old fashioned ante bellum planter type
came hurrying over the plank and up
into the forward saloon, where | hap
pened 10 be standing at the time.
Reaching the top Of the companion
way, his eyes cnught the name of the
boat, which was painted on a panel,
and he stood with mouth and eyes wide
open
upon my honor he exclaimed.
Just then a negro waiter passed, car.
rying some. glasses on tray.
And If there isn't Joe tool Why,
Joe, you rascally nigge' 20 don't mean
to tell me yo're alive an on this boat"
Joe studied the newcomer awhile,
then said. II disremember yo'. cunnel."
"Why, Joe. it was right thar"-point-
ing-"that ] stood to be mated in
hurry just as this boat was cutting
loose from Memphis on June 20, 1860.
And, Joe, you waited on me an my
bride at the wedding suppe'."
"Fo' Gawd! Air 20 de gentleman
what wor married dat day? | wouldn't
"a knowed yo'
BY this time several passengers had
gathered around, all intent upon the
passenger who had evidently stumbled
on boat on which he had enacted a
romance
Colonel" / ventured, would you
mind telling us about IT."
Il shall be ye'y happy TO do so. sab"
was the reply. Thee was a fracas
connected with the event, gentlemen.
III give yo' the story. and think I'M
beneath the paint and putty l can
find the bullet holes afterwards
II was living at Memphis ar the
time. and If do say it myself | was
the biggest fool in the town. A young
lady--the daughte' of Majo' Whitman.
one of the most high toned gentlemen
in the south and a ve'y influential cit.
izen-was silly enough to return an
affection conceived TO- he mere
could understand why she did so I'M
less it was on account Of he youth,
fo' she was at the time not quite sew.
enteen. The'e's no wonde' her fa-
the objected to my attentions. TO l
did nothing but drink mint juleps and
play the American game with young
bloods of my own age
"Majo' whitman met me one day,
and, says he: William, If | catch yo'
coming round my daughte' any mo-
I'll squeeze few chunks o. lead into
yo' vitals. If yo' don't want EN- tina
yod bette keep away
Majo',' l replied, If yo' do yo'll
get rid Of one who is enti'ely unwo'thy
of so beautiful. accomplished and vi.
tuous lady as yo angelic daughte'.
Good mawning, subj
"At that age. gentlemen. II a man
Is a natural BON fool he has the sense
not to drag a lady he loves down with
him. Besides. the'e's not much to ex.
pect from young woman ba'ely sew
enteen. But / assu'e yo' 1t was she
NuO UEODOotu dn tlOpClhGlA~
heaven. | have not that sin on my
conscience. One afternoon when we
wee sitting on the rive bank we saw
steame' coming down, and when
she came opposite US we noticed that
he name was Indian Belle-this ve'y
boat, gentlemen.
what did we two little fools do but
make up ou' minds to run away on
he. i give you my wo'd. gentlemen,
/ hadn't fou' bits in my pocket. and
the young lady had but three levys.
Well, sub, while the boat was round
Ing to head up stream to make land
ing we wee going down to get aboa'd-
ut so happened that friend of Ma
jo' Whitman saw us go Owe the plank.
What did the mis'able sneak do but
go or. to- find the maJo' to tell him