File:Thomas Butler Gunn Diaries- Volume 12, page 100 (newspaper clipping), 1860.jpg

Transcription:

—Mr. Robert Gun, the late publisher of The N.Y. Picayune, being about to depart for that “Gem of the Ocean,” Cuba, gave a little party to a few social and literary friends last evening at his residence in [132] Bleecker street. The conviviality was kept up until an exceedingly late hour, and it was the most remarkable what an immense number of times the gentleman’s health was drunk. As a slight testimonial to his worth and the friendship entertained, for him, an impromptu poem, published elsewhere, was read on the occasion.

To Robert Gun, Esq.

SCOTCHMAN, farewell!

Good trunks and wishes go with you.

You have more friends than hairs, ‘tis true;

And, more than that, ‘twill do to tell.

“Chief of a clan!”

What is that idle name to this:

“Chief of good fellows?” We sha’nt miss

The Chieftain much: not so the Man,

O, publisher

Of that once lively little sheet,

The Picayune—when shall we meet

Again and “spree it,” as it were.

You’re going off,

And so can’t know what’s going on;

Before your name you’ll have a “Don,”

And all your heavy clothes you’ll doff.

Good bye, then, Bob;—

That saintly face, that gorgeous beard

Are to your numerous friends endeared.

But I must stop—I hear you sob.

If you’ve a mind,

Remember, as you idly puff

Your cigarette, the rather rough

But kindly friends you left behind!

[Gunn’s notes:] From the “Daily News.” [Thad] Glover put it in.