walked an
individual, who, depositing a small carpet bag on the floor,
commenced operations of a similar nature to those I myself was
engaged in--not a word was at first exchanged between us; he
eyed me critically, I returned the compliment, till at length I
was favored with 'Stranger, I guess you are from Europe' (a
strong accent on the last syllable), immediately followed by
questions as to where I was going, what was my business, &c.
This was somewhat amusing, so I informed my gentleman I was
journeying to New-York, whereupon he told me I should see an
'almighty fine city.' His curiosity being next attracted by my
portmanteau, which was lying open on a chair, he strode up and
peered into it most attentively. Thinking I might as well
follow his example, I did the same by his carpet bag; whereupon
giving a grunt of dissatisfaction, he collected his valuables
and soon after took himself off."
Thirty years ago, the Duke of Saxe Weimar published a western story of a
coachman who said, "I am the gentleman what's to drive you." Our very
original _United Service_ tourist tells of a visit to Mount Auburn, and
adds:
"Whilst driving back to the hotel I happened to remark, 'That
is the _man_ who drove us from the steamer in the morning.'
Upon which 'Jehu' quickly replied, 'I reckon I'm the
_gentleman_ that drove you.' This information was received on
our part with all the respect due to the elevated rank of our
charioteer."
In a paragraph about luggage:
"The American trunk is a ponderous solid affair made of wood,
secured with braces of iron, studded with brass or iron nails,
and usually having the name or initials of the owner, and
frequently the state of which he is a native, painted on it in
large white letters. Owing to this custom, the traveller is
liable to be addressed by any peculiarity appertaining to his
trunk being affixed thereto. Thus a gentleman passing through
the states, found himself designated as 'Mr. Air Tight,'
because this simple term was marked on the outside of a
tin-box, and no affirmations on his part could induce the
bystanders to believe to the contrary. They 'reckoned it was on
his box,' and that was sufficient."
Of the personal appearance of the Americans:
"To a stranger newly arrived from England, the absence of fres
|