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Alexandria Gazette
Alexandria, Alexandria County, District Of Columbia
What is this article about?
The Louisville Journal reports a satirical account of a public dinner invitation to Col. Benton by Kentucky locals while his steamboat was aground. Only four passengers attended, and Benton rushed off without eating when the boat signaled departure.
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"Col. Benton arrived here from Washington city two or three days ago and departed shortly afterwards for St. Louis. We learn that the steamboat, on which he came down the river, got aground opposite a small town in Kentucky, and some of the loco focos of the place conceived the idea of recommending themselves to the administration by giving him a public dinner. Accordingly they invited him, and he very pompously accepted the invitation. There were about forty cabin passengers on the boat, and the Colonel had no doubt that "each and all would go to his dinner as a compliment to a fellow passenger. Out of the whole number, however, only four could be prevailed on to go, and they protested to do so, not from the slightest respect for Col. Benton, but merely to get a good dinner after long abstinence. A few eaters assembled at length at the tavern house, but at the very moment they were about sitting down to the table, the bell of the steamboat sounded, and the Colonel to avoid being left behind, was obliged to seize his hat and run at the top of his speed, leaving his meal untasted."
What sub-type of article is it?
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Where did it happen?
Domestic News Details
Primary Location
Small Town In Kentucky
Key Persons
Outcome
only four passengers attended the dinner; benton left without eating to catch the departing steamboat.
Event Details
While Col. Benton's steamboat was aground opposite a small town in Kentucky, local loco focos invited him to a public dinner to curry favor with the administration. He accepted pompously, expecting all 40 cabin passengers to join, but only four did, mainly for the free meal. As they were about to eat, the steamboat bell rang, forcing Benton to run back without tasting the food.