The American Joe Miller: A Collection of Yankee Wit and Humor
Philosophy
The American Joe Miller: A Collection of Yankee Wit and Humor
American wit and humor
The enrolling officer of Salisbury district, Maryland, was very
active and thorough in the performance of his duty. One day he went
to the house of a countryman, and finding none of the male members of
the family at home, made inquiry of an old woman about the number and
age of the "males" of the family. After naming several, the old lady
stopped. "Is there no one else?" asked the officer. "No," replied the
woman; "none except Billy Bray." "Billy Bray! where is he?" "He was at
the barn a moment ago," said the old lady. Out went the officer, but
could not find the man. Coming back, the worthy officer questioned the
old lady as to the age of Billy, and went away, after enrolling his
name among those to be drafted. The time of the drafting came; among
those on whom the lot fell was Billy Bray. No one knew him. Where did
he live? The officer who enrolled him was called on to produce him;
and, lo and behold! Billy Bray was a _Jackass_! and stands now on the
list of drafted men as forming one of the quota of Maryland.
TRANSATLANTIC MATRIMONIAL ADVERTISEMENTS.--83.
We clip the subjoined advertisements relating to matrimony from the
_New York Herald_. As they are unique in their way, our readers will,
no doubt, be amused by perusing them. It is to be hoped that the
ardent gentleman in quest of "some congenial soul" is by this time in
a fair way of resigning his bachelorhood:--
"'De Factum.'--The undersigned, a young gentleman versed
in the ways of the world, and of a cheerful temperament,
seeks for some congenial soul with whom he can exchange
vows of unchanging love. He is considered good-looking,
is twenty-five years of age, and possesses a comfortable
fortune. Wealth no object, as a true-hearted lady is all he
desires. Any young lady or widow may, if they are prompted
by sincere motives, address," &c.
"Two young gentlemen, possessed of large fortunes, but
rather green, wish to open correspondence with young ladies
of the same circumstances, with a view to matrimony.
Brunettes preferred; but no objection to blondes, provided
they are perfect--past all parallel. Address," &c.
"I am desirous to form the acquaintance of an Italian or
Spanish gentleman with an ultimate view to marriage. As
I cannot see myself as others see me, of myself I say
nothing. Address," &c.
"Should this meet the eye of any sensible man not over
thirty-five, who would like a wife that understands
housekeeping in all its branches, educated and refined,
whose forte is not all in a piano, he can address, &c.
Cartes de visite desired."
A CITIZEN OF ALL THE STATES.--84.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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