Strange Testament

This episode of Nesbitt's THE PASSING PARADE tells of a canny Louisianan merchant who jilts his love because she has no dowry. He rises to riches and honors, but comes to realize his mistake. Instead, he leaves in his will money for a dowry of young brides with no fortune.

I wouldn't have believed this tale if it had been presented in a story. Yes, here's an excerpt from his obituary in 1824:

"By his will he left for a college at Pointe Coupee, 20,000 dollars. For marriage portions to poor girls of said parish, 30,000 dollars. To each of his god-sons and goddaughters, 5,000 dollars. For marriage portions to poor girls of the parish of West Baton Rouge, 30,000 dollars. To the Charity Hospital of New Orleans, his house on the Levee, between St. Louis and Conti streets, and his house in Bourbon street. To the Poydras Female Asylum, all his houses in Poydras Street, and on the Batture."

Perhaps the tale of his jilted love is merely one of those stories that accrue to famous men. If so, it is a good one.