At Brudder Jackson's

"Chillims and friends, likewise Mrs. Jackson, we am now gathered around this festiferous board to discuss our Thanksgiviii!' d inner. and to keep the service in our hearts what we is 'minded of by this bountiful feast. Now, my deah hearers, and likewise you, chili un, we is each oí us to 'spress our se'f in turn, an' say what we is thankful for. For myself, bein' the oldest, I kin say that I am thankful for everything; most pertiklerest that I is 'bout over that rheumatics that bodders me so, and that Mrs. Jackson keeps in good helf and plenty oL washiu', and that my chillun is all goin' to school and is a-growiu' up nice and ginteel. Now, Mrs. Jackson, it's your turn." "I gives thanks to de Lord for all his mussies; bxit J would iike to say that I is very glad that there ain't no ornery, low down, white trash what can beat me a-polishin' nor a-cookin', nor in looks when I gets my Sunday close on." "Mrs. Jackson," said the old man, reprovingly, "that ain't in order, but 'lowing that long as it's so, ye ain't no wise to blame. Now, Cleopatra, let's hyar trom you." "Law, paw, I don't Iike to say, but I is thankful all the same," with a look at Mr. Adonis Hawkins, who smiled back as if he had the same reason for giving special thanks. "Now, Abraham Linken Jackson, teil yer paw and all the company what you is the thankfulest for," said the benign old father in Israel to the youngest member of the farnily, after all the rest had expressed themselves. "I is thankful 'et that there ain't no more of us, 'cos if day was dat dere tukky wouldn't go 'round 1" "Ahem! Let us say grace.'1