I.
In the account of an inaugural ceremony it was asserted that "the procession was very fine, and nearly two miles long, as was also the report of Dr. Perry, the chaplain."
A Western paper says: "A child was run over by a wagon three years old, and cross-eyed, with pantalets on, which never spoke afterward."
Here is some descriptive evidence of personal peculiarities:
- "A fellow was arrested with short hair."
- "I saw a man digging a well with a Roman nose."
- "A house was built by a mason of brown stone."
- "Wanted—A room by two gentlemen thirty feet long and twenty feet wide."
- "A man from Africa called to pay his compliments tall and dark-complexioned."
- "I perceived that it had been scoured with half an eye."
A sea-captain once asserted that his "vessel was beautifully painted with a tall mast."
In an account of travels we are assured that "a pearl was found by a sailor in a shell."
A bill presented to a farmer ran thus: "To hanging two barn doors and myself, 4s. 6d."
A store-keeper assures his customers that "the longest time and easiest terms are given by any other house in the city."
Here is a curious evidence of philanthropy: "A wealthy gentleman will adopt a little boy with a small family."