Rensselaer Republican, Volume 14, Number 22, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 16 February 1882 — Thomas of Tigre. [ARTICLE]

Thomas of Tigre.

Leon Letter tu Sim Francisco Chronlole. Joaquin Miller’s “Thomas of Tigre’’ is not only a real person, but the most Erominentman iu Central America. [is name is James Thomas, He was borii in New York, studied law, and theu went to Cincinnati. Then he fell iu love with a Julietand ftecided to become a tragedian. He turned up in New Orleans, whefe It is said he started a newspaper. Having joined the Lopez expedition to Cuba, he was shipwrecked aud floated around on a log for two days. Returning to New York he became a Bohemian, formed the acquaintance of’Lippard, North, Fitz James O’Brien, aua other noted writers, scribbled rhyme, and finally became the edito'* of a widely-known journal, which is still befng publisheu. Returning to New Orleans, he killed a rival in a duel. Other adventures followed, iu Texas, Northern Mexico aud California. A return to Texas was characterized by a duel with a famous desperado, named Jack Turley, kuowu as the “Diamond Merchant,” from naviug stolen a large uumber. Of valuable diamonds in Brazil, and made good his escape. Next came the expedition of Walker to Nicaragua, which he joined. Since he has been here he has amassed an immense fortune. At the end of a lively revolution he was taken before the successful ringleader. “What would you have done with me if I had fallen into your power?” asked the opposing general. “Had' you shot in three hours,” replied Thomas. “Very well,” was the answer, “that shall be your doom.” There chanced to be in the audience a wealthy Bp&oish.lady who did not approve of the summary execution of a handsome young man, and to her golden influence popular opinion attributed the immediate reprieve and sf >eedy* release of Thomas, He now determined to bid a long farewell to nerilous conspiracies and flllibustering experiments. Iu the center of the city he purchased a block of ground, built a spacious residence on it, and, to use bis own peculiar expression, “took up his eternal jest.” , To such impetuous spirits, however, repose is impossible. He had no sooner become established fpr life than the mania of European travel possessed him. Shipping $41|,000 in gold to San Francisco, he arranged his affairs for a long absence, and speedily followed the treasure, In three years he expended every dollar of it in the leading capitals of Europe. He formed the acquaintance while »oroad of Swinburne, the Rosettis, and other English writers, and also beeameon friendly terms with many P’reuah authors of renown. He returned to Leon recently, and is now Jiving regally. I observed a copy of the “Bongs of Sun Lands” in his well selected library, atid, taking it down, recited that much admired poem, “ Thomas ol Tigre.” He seemed highly pleaded with it, hut expressed regret that Miller should have depicted him as a gambler, when, in fact, he had uevel- staked a dollar on a game of chance in.his life.