The Adventures of My Cousin SmoothTempleton, Timothy
General
The Adventures of My Cousin Smooth
Templeton, Timothy
Pierce, Franklin, 1804-1869 -- Humor; United States -- Politics and government -- 1853-1857
"The Chair thought it time to interrupt the speaker by inquiring what
the forlorn order prayed for? Monsieur Souley resumed. 'Learning from
the authority they held in their hands (epistle de la Saunders), what
were the true objects of this Congress, they had nobly come forward to
tender their services, and to express in person their readiness to
take up arms in America's cause. He proposed a vote of thanks for this
patriotic manifestation.' This was voted without a dissentient voice,
seeing that it cost nothing. The spokesman of the order again held a
consultation with Monsieur Souley, the result of which was, that
gentleman's making a charitable appeal to the Congress, and concluding
by proposing that a contribution be taken in aid of the forlorns. This
brought Mr. Belmont suddenly to his feet. He would oppose any such
thing. Their difficulties had already increased beyond calculation;
and, were this proposition acceded to, it would not only confirm a
singular belief outside--that the object of this Congress was the
general relief of mankind, but so increase their responsibilities as
to render it impossible to proceed with legitimate business. No sane
man--much less one accustomed to dealing in coin--could have
entertained such an idea. I need scarcely add that the proposition was
negatived without a dissenting voice, Monsieur Souley not voting. It
was now pretty evident to all present that the Congress would have its
time and attention pretty well absorbed in receiving deputations of
citizens deluded by Saunders' letters, and listening to the very
pathetic speeches of Monsieur. The day was now far gone; the Congress
began to feel its appetite; the forlorns withdrew in discontent; the
presence of many other deputations surrounding the doors was
announced; and the Congress drank all round, and adjourned to meet on
the following morning for the dispatch of business.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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