We find by an advertisement in the Courier of February 12th, in this year, that J. J. Audubon, the world-renowned ornithologist, was at that time endeavoring to procure a class in drawing, and was offering to paint portraits here, which his advertisement promises shall be "strong likenesses." This gentleman was for some time a resident of this city. His son was for many years employed as a clerk in the store of Mr. N. Berthoud at Shippingport.
On the 23d of June, 1819, the President of the United States and suite, accompanied by Gen. Jackson and suite, arrived in Louisville, where they remained until the following Saturday. A public dinner and a ball was given to these distinguished persons, and general hilarity and good feeling distinguished the occasion.
This chapter, as well as the history of this year will be concluded with a string of rhymes which, though not highly meritorious in themselves, still serve to show the feelings of the people in regard to the much-talked-of apathy of their rulers, and let us into the history of the times as fully as would the graver chroniclers. These versicles are said to be extracts from a letter.
"You know I informed you when I landed here, This town was not handsome, and living darned dear, The streets were all ponds, and I'm told the Trustees Had sooner wade thro' them, quite up to the knees, Than incur the expense to have them drained off. Complain to their honors, they sneer, laugh or scoff, And say, we've no money; and you very well know, Without this intercessor the mare will not go.
'Tis whispered about, how true I shan't say, The people's oft taxed, and always made pay; And who handles the cash? the Lord only knows, Or what road it travels--for what, it all goes-- Is a mystery to all; no improvements they see, 'Tis sarcastically said, there never will be. If the great men of fortune don't aid or direct The improvement of town, it will ne'er take effect. Alas, these poor souls, if they secure their own health, Let us wallow in _mud_, while they're rolling in wealth! Could you see these _great folks_, I protest you would laugh, And swear on each _body_ stuck the head of a calf. I'd say you were right--with hearts hard as a stone; When applied to for _alms_ or asked for a _loan_.