The American Joe Miller: A Collection of Yankee Wit and Humor
John Stuart Mill · en
A model certificate is the following:--"Dear doctor,--I will be one
hundred and seventy-five years old next October. For over eighty-four
years I have been an invalid, unable to step except when moved by a
lever. But a year ago I heard of the Granicular Syrup. I bought a
bottle, smelt the cork, and found myself a man. I can now run twelve
miles and a half an hour, and throw nineteen summersaults without
stopping."
VERY ODD THAT.--175.
A conversation took place during dinner at head-quarters at ----. A
number of officers being present, the conversation turned upon the
condition and efficiency of their different regiments. Colonel ----, of
the New York ----, stated that nine different nations were represented
in his regiment; and, after going over Irish, German, French, English,
&c., several times, could enumerate but eight. He said he was certain
there were nine, but what the ninth was he could not remember.
Lieutenant ----, who was present, suggested "Americans." "By Jove!"
says the colonel, "that's it--Americans."
HOW ALE STRENGTHENED HIM.--176.
A student of an American State College had a barrel of ale deposited
in his room--contrary, of course, to the rule and usage. He received a
summons to appear before the president, who said: "Sir, I am informed
that you have a barrel of ale in your room." "Yes, sir." "Well,
what explanation can you make?" "Why, the fact is, sir, my physician
advises me to try a little each day as a tonic; and, not wishing to
stop at the various places where the beverage is retailed, I concluded
to have a barrel taken to my room." "Indeed! and have you derived any
benefit from the use of it?" "Ah! yes, sir. When the barrel was first
taken to my room I could scarcely lift it; now I can carry it with the
greatest ease."
LUMINOUS EVIDENCE.--177.
"Johnson, you say Snow was de man dat robbed you?" "Yes." "Was it
moonlight when it took place?" "No, siree." "Was it starlight?" "I,
golly! no; it was so dark you couldn't see your hand afore your face."
"Well, was there any light shining from any house near by?" "Why,
no; there wasn't a house within a mile of us." "Well, then, if there
was no moon, no starlight, no light from any house, and so dark you
couldn't even see your hand before your face, how are you so positive
that Mr. Snow was the man, and how did you see him?" "Why, Cuff, you
see, when the nigger struck me, de fire flew out ob my eyes so bright,
that you might see to pick up a pin."
SCIPIO'S WIFE.--178.
Who was Scipio's wife? Missis-sippi-o, of course.
THE DYING SOLDIER AND HIS MOTHER.--179.