independence; but as he vouched for the truth of every one of them, with an oath to every sentence, his men received them with great cheering.  Indeed, they emptied their glasses, offering to lay their services at my feet.  It was curious to see how much these men, so apparently shattered by strong drink, knew about the ins and outs of the constitution.  Albeit, for men whose education was as doubtful as their means of living, (even reading and writing was not in very high favor with them,) they knew a deal about Congress.  More than one had his pockets full of letters written him by distinguished members.  And it seemed a custom with them, when emptying a glass, to drink the health of some senator, who sent them Congressional documents weekly and promised to say a good word in their behalf to the President.

“Having enjoyed four rounds, the men began to examine the bottom of their glasses, and to cast longing glances first at the landlord and then at the captain.  Such was the influence of the latter over them, that at a word they set their glasses peaceably upon the counter and subserviently retired to remote parts of the hall, where they commenced to smoke strong flavored cigars.  A word from Splinters, it was said, and these men would set upon and demolish any object of his dislike.  And to such an extent had their mischievous excesses been carried, that it had cost the city no end of tears and gold, for which they had no other penance to offer, than an incurable ambition to run mad in worshiping their captain.

“A touch on the elbow, and Splinters whispered that the landlord’s opinion of me would be raised by settling the score.  And to do this I reached my last dollar.  Having thus graciously initiated me into high favor with his men, the Captain kindly offered to see me safe home.  Taking him for so good a friend, I discovered to him the state of my finances, which he said was a matter of no moment, since he would give me his note for five hundred dollars on thirty days, which Duncan, Sherman & Co., or any banker in Wall Street, would be glad to discount, merely for the pleasure of making my acquaintance.  A flood of joy poured into my ears and heart at this expression of friendship.  So we walked into the office of the Astor, when Splinters, affecting an air of great confidence, dashed off the note, and, bidding me look misfortune right in the face, took his leave.  But he said he would call the next morning.  He forgot to keep his promise, and when I presented his ‘I promise to pay,’ at the counter of Messrs. Duncan, Sherman & Co., flattering myself that they knew all about it, the whole counting-room of clerks went into a titter.  One set me down for a madman; another directed me to the care of the commissioners of the insane asylum; and a third thought I would do to go into business in Wall Street.  Captain Splinters would, no doubt, seeing that only his name was wanted, furnish capital to any amount, provided always that he shared the result of the circulation,