t on to say,
that the presiding officers of the gospel-hunt were to be of a sable
complexion, and that the greater part of the congregation was expected
to be of the same color--in fact, it was to be what a Bowery boy would,
in his peculiar, but not inexpressive dialect, call a "Nigger Methodist
Camp Meeting." The proposition of the pious Mr. Spout was that the
Elephants should pack their pockets, and proceed to the scene of action,
for the purpose of picking up any superfluous piety that might be lying
around loose, and of making themselves generally agreeable, and having a
good time all round.

The suggestion was listened to with approval, and it was unanimously

_Resolved_, that the Elephants proceed to the campground in the morning.

A special committee, consisting of the entire club, was appointed to see
that every person was provided with all the necessaries of life, and the
requisites for having a juicy time.

In consideration of his being the mover of the scheme, it was moved that
J. Spout, Esq., should be empowered to procure from the livery-stable
the necessary conveyances, and should become personally responsible for
the same.

The proposition was agreed to, with a clause to the effect that when he
paid the bill he should treat the company with the change.

Each man then appointed every other man a committee to raise the means,
and keep himself sober until the appointed hour, after which they
adjourned to prepare.

At eight, by the City Hall clock (and, of course, half-past eight by
every other clock in the city) next morning, the convention was
incomplete.

For an hour there were three men lacking; but Mr. John I. Cake finally
made his appearance, with his breeches tucked into his boots, a
horsewhip in his hand, and a suspicious-looking protuberance immediately
over his left coat pocket. The attention of the company being called to
this, Johnny explained by saying that it was his Testament and
hymn-book, and that he had been all the morning engaged in turning down
the leaves at the proper places, so that he might not be interrupted in
his devotions. A half hour longer was appropriated in waiting for
Wagstaff and Overdale, but at the end of that time, those two worthies
failing to appear, the party resolved to start without them, Boggs
remarking, that if those tardy individuals failed to reach Heaven
because of their religious shortcomings, they could not say, in
extenuation of their offence, that t