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Story
March 18, 1846
True Democrat
Paulding, Jasper County, Mississippi
What is this article about?
In the War of 1812, eccentric Hateville Corson entertains British occupiers in Castine, Maine, with disguises and tricks, culminating in a bold insult to General Gosselyn before escaping.
Clipping
OCR Quality
95%
Excellent
Full Text
Anecdote of the Last War.
During the occupation of the town of Castine, Me., at a period of the last war, by the British troops under the command of Maj. General Gosselyn, much amusement was afforded to the British officers and soldiers, by the antics of a half-crazy person named Hateville Corson. Sometimes he created no little alarm among the piquets and sentries on the outposts, by his tricks, assuming all sorts of strange and quaint disguises. He especially terrified the superstitious Germans and other foreigners, a detachment of whom were incorporated with the invading forces.
On one occasion he rushed into the town in the utmost haste, demanding to be conducted to the quarters of the commanding general, on business of the utmost importance, and which admitted of no delay. He was accordingly shown to the quarters of that distinguished functionary, and upon his arrival was ushered into the desired presence. After regarding the officer for a moment or two, attentively, the vagrant demanded,
"Is your name Gosling?"
"Yes," was the reply.
"Then d--n the goose that hatched you," said Haty, and bolted.
This anecdote was frequently told with much gusto, by Gen. G. himself.
During the occupation of the town of Castine, Me., at a period of the last war, by the British troops under the command of Maj. General Gosselyn, much amusement was afforded to the British officers and soldiers, by the antics of a half-crazy person named Hateville Corson. Sometimes he created no little alarm among the piquets and sentries on the outposts, by his tricks, assuming all sorts of strange and quaint disguises. He especially terrified the superstitious Germans and other foreigners, a detachment of whom were incorporated with the invading forces.
On one occasion he rushed into the town in the utmost haste, demanding to be conducted to the quarters of the commanding general, on business of the utmost importance, and which admitted of no delay. He was accordingly shown to the quarters of that distinguished functionary, and upon his arrival was ushered into the desired presence. After regarding the officer for a moment or two, attentively, the vagrant demanded,
"Is your name Gosling?"
"Yes," was the reply.
"Then d--n the goose that hatched you," said Haty, and bolted.
This anecdote was frequently told with much gusto, by Gen. G. himself.
What sub-type of article is it?
Curiosity
Deception Fraud
Historical Event
What themes does it cover?
Deception
Bravery Heroism
What keywords are associated?
Anecdote
British Occupation
Castine Maine
Hateville Corson
General Gosselyn
Pranks
War Of 1812
What entities or persons were involved?
Hateville Corson
Maj. General Gosselyn
Where did it happen?
Castine, Me.
Story Details
Key Persons
Hateville Corson
Maj. General Gosselyn
Location
Castine, Me.
Event Date
During The Last War
Story Details
During British occupation of Castine, Me., half-crazy Hateville Corson amuses troops with disguises and tricks, terrifying sentries, and boldly insults General Gosselyn by calling him a 'goose' before fleeing.