The Daily Comet

The Knickerbocker for September has its usual variety of agreeable articles from old and new contributors. From the "Editor's Table" we copy the following story:

"Mr. Packenham late British Minister at Washington was one day dining at the residence of Hon. Senator Barrow of Louisiana. Before dinner and in the temporary absence of his host from the room her majesty's ambassador was accosted by an old colored man who was in the room putting things to rights, with 'Massa, is your name Packenham?' 'Yes' replied the Minister. 'Was dat your brudder dat was killed at Orleans at de great battle dar?' 'He was.' replied the Ambassador. 'Well dere some how or udder I tought so! I was dare myse'f. I saw him popped ober wid my own eyes. Great fight. dat Massa!' While at dinner. Mr. Packenham said to Mr. Barrow. 'Your man tells me, sir. that he was at the battle of New Orleans.' 'He was,' said Mr. Barrow, 'and acquitted himself manfully at that engagement.' but at the same time he looked daggers at the old seneschal for having broached such a subject in presence of his guest. 'He tells me too' continued Mr. Packenham, 'that he saw my brother fall.' The frown upon the host's face grew darker and the subject was adroitly changed: The next day Sam came in to Mr. Barrow with a note.-- 'Massa dere's a note and dey say it's for me! 'E'yah! E'yah?' And sure enough it was for him. Moreover it was an invitation to dine next day with Mr. Packenham which he did and was listened to with interest while he rehearsed the events of the great battle all of which he saw and part of which he was."