MAJOR GASDEN’S STORY. 277 
‘‘ Toasts and sentiments, really new, were engendered 
by the old wine, songs sentimental and patriotic ; bosom 
friends were we all, mingling together as sweetly and 
harmoniously as the waters of the vale of Avoca. 
“For my own part, I was particularly happy in my 
feelings and remarks, whatever J sazd was received with 
a roar, in fact I never met with the same number of 
gentlemen so easily pleased and so congenial. 
5 “The sun gradually sunk in the west, and the sug- 
gestion of candles by an attendant proved a signal for 
departure—one more glass around and a sentiment from 
myself was to finish. Requesting all to fill to the brim, 
I raised my glass on high, and thus addressed my 
friends: 
‘“* Gentlemen—I have heard much of the fine tables 
spread in New Orleans, particularly of this hotel, and 
of the enterprise of its host. Ihave heard nothing equal 
to their respective or joint merits (great applause, the 
rubicund-nosed man breaking his glass in enthusiasm). 
The whole of this affair is only surpassed in my expe- 
rience, or most inflated dreams, by you, gentlemen (cast- 
ing a sort of patronising look around me), by you, gen- 
tlemen,—in your social, literary, and scientific attain- 
ments ’—(tremendous cheering). 
‘T concluded, in a halo of glory, with ‘ A health to 
our host.” 
‘“‘ This speech or sentiment—was drank to the bottom, 
two gentlemen fell under the table, and four suspender 
