a barrow, on which was a monster petition, specifying the fifty thousand grievances they hoped would be redressed by the Congress.  Buck, who it was more than suspected looked with suspicion upon the mixture of reds in general, was seen squinting steadily in the faces of the savage-looking intruders, while others could not suppress a laugh at the singular quaintness of the picture they presented.  The leader having extended his hand to Monsieur, a consultation ensued, and was continued with innumerable gestures, grimaces, and contortions of the face.  The Chair begged to remind gentlemen of the importance of time.  The Chair hoped Monsieur Souley would find it convenient to report.  That versatile statesman replied,—­He had the honor to inform this august body, that these gentlemen—­externally so deficient!—­constituted the ‘Forlorn Order of Very Red Republicans.’  Here Monsieur turned to the forlorn order, as it, with one accord bowed, in confirmation of what he said.  ‘Gentlemen!’ continued the speaker with a rhetorical flourish, ’you must not judge these men by their exteriors.  We have here the rough bark covering the fine tree.  Gentlemen! have not these men hearts of oak, nerves of steel, and bone that, like their souls, never breaks in time of need?’

“The Chair thought it time to interrupt the speaker by inquiring what the forlorn order prayed for?  Monsieur Souley resumed.  ’Learning from the authority they held in their hands (epistle de la Saunders), what were the true objects of this Congress, they had nobly come forward to tender their services, and to express in person their readiness to take up arms in America’s cause.  He proposed a vote of thanks for this patriotic manifestation.’  This was voted without a dissentient voice, seeing that it cost nothing.  The spokesman of the order again held a consultation with Monsieur Souley, the result of which was, that gentleman’s making a charitable appeal to the Congress, and concluding by proposing that a contribution be taken in aid of the forlorns.  This brought Mr. Belmont suddenly to his feet.  He would oppose any such thing.  Their difficulties had already increased beyond calculation; and, were this proposition acceded to, it would not only confirm a singular belief outside—­that the object of this Congress was the general relief of mankind, but so increase their responsibilities as to render it impossible to proceed with legitimate business.  No sane man—­much less one accustomed to dealing in coin—­could have entertained such an idea.  I need scarcely add that the proposition was negatived without a dissenting voice, Monsieur Souley not voting.  It was now pretty evident to all present that the Congress would have its time and attention pretty well absorbed in receiving deputations of citizens deluded by Saunders’ letters, and listening to the very pathetic speeches of Monsieur.  The day was now far gone; the Congress began to feel its appetite; the forlorns withdrew in discontent; the presence of many other deputations surrounding the doors was announced; and the Congress drank all round, and adjourned to meet on the following morning for the dispatch of business.