PETER CODDLE’S TRIP TO NEW YORK.
Mr. Peter Coddle, of Hogginsville, on reaching the mature age of eighteen, was profoundly impressed with the idea that he needed a larger field in which to develop his powers, and make his fortune. So, one fine morning, having dressed himself in his new Sunday suit, and tied up his old clothes in a cotton handkerchief, he bade adieu to the old folks, and with high hopes in his heart, and about twenty-five dollars tucked away in his pocket, he set out for the city of New York.
A few days after, to the great surprise of all Hogginsville, Peter suddenly re-appeared, in a very dirty and shabby suit, and with an anxious and wo-begone countenance. He was evidently in a very excited state of mind, and gave a most extraordinary account of his adventures. Meeting-houses and saw-mills, thunder-claps and three-legged stools, salt fish and bull-frogs, were so strangely jumbled together in his mind, that he apparently could not distinguish one from the other. The ‘squire said he had undoubtedly been drugged with stupefying poisons, by some villain in that great and wicked city of New York. The doctor shook his head, and said he exhibited symptoms of a certain disease with a learned name, sufferers from which were accustomed to transpose their words and sentences in laughable ways; and he recommended “a good honest dose of calomel,” as the best thing for him. Others thought the unfortunate young man had gone crazy; but all finally agreed that it was possible he had been drinking something stronger than country well-water. Which of these theories was the true one, I shall not undertake to decide, but will hasten to tell you his story, just as he related it to the wondering Hogginsvillians: