Note 80 — Chapter III · Concluding the Route to the Great Salt Lake City.
Reading edition
The civilized Anglo-Americans are far more severe upon their half-barbarous brethren than any stranger; to witness, the following:
A Hoosier (native of Indiana) was called upon the stand, away out West, to testify to the character of a brother Hoosier. It was as follows:
“How long have you known Bill Bushwhack?”
“Ever since he war born.”
“What is his general character?”
“Letter A, No. 1—’bove par a very great way.”
“Would you believe him on oath?”
“Yes, Sir-ee, on or off, or any other way.”
“What is your opinion on his qualifications to good conduct?”
“He’s the best shot on the prairies or in the woods; he can shave the eye-bristles off a wolf as far as a shootin’-iron’ll carry a ball; he can drink a quart of grog any day, and he chaws tobacker like a horse.”
So Bill Bushwhack passed muster.—N. Y. Spirit of the Times.