Lawrence M'Fadden, whose heart was strong with
love of southern democracy, lies upon two pine-boards, ghastly and
unshrouded, in a wretched slave-pen. Romescos, surrounded by
admiring friends, has found his way to the gaol, where, as is the
custom, he has delivered himself up to its keeper. He has spent a
good night in that ancient establishment, and on the following
morning finds his friends vastly increased. They have viewed him as
rather desperate now and then; but, knowing he is brave withal, have
"come to the rescue" on the present occasion. These frequent visits
he receives with wonderful coolness and deference, their meats and
drinks (so amply furnished to make his stay comfortable) being a
great Godsend to the gaoler, who, while they last, will spread a
princely table.
Brien Moon, Esq.-better known as the good-natured coroner-has placed
a negro watchman over the body of the deceased, on which he proposes
to hold one of those curious ceremonies called inquests. Brien Moon,
Esq. is particularly fond of the ludicrous, is ever ready to
appreciate a good joke, and well known for his happy mode of
disposing of dead dogs and cats, which, with anonymous letters, are
in great numbers entrusted to his care by certain waggish gentlemen,
who desire he will "hold an inquest over the deceased, and not
forget the fees." It is said-the aristocracy, however, look upon the
charge with contempt-that Brien Moon, Esq. makes a small per centage
by selling those canine remains to the governor of the workhouse,
which very humane gentleman pays from his own pocket the means of
transferring them into giblet-pies for the inmates.
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