To the Editor of The Gray Jacket
Dublin Core
Title
To the Editor of The Gray Jacket
Creator
Albert
Source
http://addison.vt.edu/record=b1775388~S1
Publisher
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Date
June 1876
Contributor
Nathan Blake, Arian Katsimbras
Language
English
Type
letter to the editor
Identifier
LD5655.V8 L4, ser.1, v.1, no.8 (June 1876), p.5
Text Item Type Metadata
Text
Dear Gray Jacket: Not long ago I had the pleasure of witnessing what seemed at that time to be quite a novelty. Oneof my friends, who is generally known as "The Green(e)Mountain Boy," came to my "office" and kindly invited me to accompany him to what he termed a "grand show." I, as usual, was perfectly willing to participate in anything that would furnish pleasure to myself or friend, and, therefore, accepted his invitation without a moment's hesitation and sanctioned it with my whole soul. After receiving my affirmative answer, he said "I have some important business up in town, to which I must immediately attend. I will be gone but a few minutes be ready by the time I return." After he had thus ejaculated, he departed for "up town." I at once proceeded to adjust my toilet, fearing he might return sooner than I anticipated. Shortly after his departure my friend "Ingons" made his appearance. I informed him "The Mountain Boy" would be around shortly, and we were going to the show. I also told him to get ready and go with us. "Good enough," said he, and began at once to do so. Shortly our friend returned and informed us he was ready. Our preparations were soon finished, and we three started for "the show." We soon found ourselves on the interior of the commodious establishment, and being desirous of beholding the entire performance, we took "front seats." Shortly we noticed a great many young men advancing toward us. They took seats near us, and we conversed jovially together, until the appointed time for the commencement of performances arrived. Among them we noticed particularly "Schromo," "The Fat Man from Charlotte," "Son," "Judge R.," "Darling M.," "Puppy," and some others whose names have escaped our memory. After the melodious strains of the Band (of Blacksburg we suppose) ceased, Mr. Geo. H. Stanardsville, the manager of the show made his appearance before the audience and delivered an opening address. His remarks were eloquent and well to the point, interspersed with flowery language and delivered superbly, in an oratorical style. After his address he informed us that his lion had, by some unknown cause, become very ferocious. He, therefore, entreated us to keep quite distant from him, fearing he might accidentally loose his bonds and devour a portion of us. The acting vas worthy of admiration. But we must especially call your attention to that of Messrs. Show, Acre, Ro, and Berts. These gentlemen have won world-wide reputation as actors, and it was remarked by many of the audience that on this occasion they surpassed all former feats. paralleled in the United States. On this occasion their steeds were of huge size, therefore, causing them to labor under disadvantages.
Mr. George David, the greatest lion-tamer in the world, then appeared on the stage. While he was delivering a few remarks, the lion become so ferocious that he broke through the bottom of his cage. We were then in a critical condition. The gigantic "king of all beasts" stood before us, not secured by any bondage of restraint. His eyes dazzled like balls of fire. He advanced toward us. We felt sure death was our only lot. All was in terror of excitement. His master quietly approached the enraged "monarch of the forest," and placed a heavy iron chain around his neck, which was securely fastened to a strong post. By this time the audience had become somewhat calmed. Many had left, and others had the passage open ready to follow. After the excitement subsided the performance was resumed. Many animals were on exhibition, but some such as the "Goat," "Wild Steer," "Coon," "Dromedary," and pair of "Bantams," had been left at different places for various reasons. The great American Buzz-Fuzz, an animal lately discovered by Mr. Convenient, was not on exhibition. We were very sorry that such was the case, because we desired to see the newly discovered animal. We sat quietly watching the performance, when, suddenly the "Roaring Lion" became again turbulent and could not be managed. He continued raging until he finally broke all bonds again and then advanced towards us, howling at every step. I rushed toward the door, and on that account was awakened from my slumbers, to hear the "first roll" for drill.
Albert.
Mr. George David, the greatest lion-tamer in the world, then appeared on the stage. While he was delivering a few remarks, the lion become so ferocious that he broke through the bottom of his cage. We were then in a critical condition. The gigantic "king of all beasts" stood before us, not secured by any bondage of restraint. His eyes dazzled like balls of fire. He advanced toward us. We felt sure death was our only lot. All was in terror of excitement. His master quietly approached the enraged "monarch of the forest," and placed a heavy iron chain around his neck, which was securely fastened to a strong post. By this time the audience had become somewhat calmed. Many had left, and others had the passage open ready to follow. After the excitement subsided the performance was resumed. Many animals were on exhibition, but some such as the "Goat," "Wild Steer," "Coon," "Dromedary," and pair of "Bantams," had been left at different places for various reasons. The great American Buzz-Fuzz, an animal lately discovered by Mr. Convenient, was not on exhibition. We were very sorry that such was the case, because we desired to see the newly discovered animal. We sat quietly watching the performance, when, suddenly the "Roaring Lion" became again turbulent and could not be managed. He continued raging until he finally broke all bonds again and then advanced towards us, howling at every step. I rushed toward the door, and on that account was awakened from my slumbers, to hear the "first roll" for drill.
Albert.