THE SIAMESE TWINS.

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 501, 8 May 1869, Page 2

THE SIAMESE TWINS.

The Siamese twins were born in the town of Meklong, in Siam, in 1811; and from their being united by a ligament of flesh from near the breastbone of one to a corresponding place near the breastbone of the other, they attracted general attention, and were visited by crowds of the curious. Their father died when they were eight years of age, but they lived with their mother till they were eighteen, and supported her and themselves by their industry. During this period of their life their peculiar formation did for them what neither wealth nor ability can command—viz., an introduction to Court and the notice of the rich and the great. The King of Siam was desirous to be introduced to his famous subjects; and it may be assumed that his seven hundred wives did not fail

by their curiosity to show that they were true daughters of Eve. Aceordand were very handsomely received — the King graciously making their presents, as did also, we are informed, 'some of his wives.' They, however, had to betake themselves again to labor and tried several means of making a livelihood. In April 182& they were seen, and if we may use the phrase, ' snapped up ' by an American captain, v/ho took them to the United states, where their appearance made a tremeuduous sensation. After a tour through England and Scotland, the twins returned to America, and made the circuit of the chief towns there. They then returned, after great solicitation, to Europe—this time to the continent, where taey astonished the savans of Paris and other towns. Having reaped three golden harvests—viz., in Britaiu, America, and the Continent of Europe —the twins returned to America to settle down for life. This intention of theirs was soon happily accomplished by the two ladies on whom they had set their affections —two sistei'3 consenting to share their lot for the future. These ladies were the Misses Maria and Catherine Greenwood (daughters of a clergymen in North Carolina), who became Mrs Chang :md Mrs Eng respectively. The double marriage has been a very happy one, there having been nine children born toeaeh couple, six sons and three daughters to Eng, and three sons and six daughters to Chang. As the.families grew up some inconvenience resulted from all the cousins residing in one house —for cousins are not proverbial any more than brothers for preternatural amiability in the family circle—and accordingly an arrangement was come to to have two houses on the plantation which belonged to both—Mrs Chang to have dominion over one and Mrs Eng over the other, and the married couples to reside in each house three days alternately. They lived happily and contentedly on their plantation at Mount Airy in Surrey, North Carolina, till the civil war came and swept their fortune away, and compelled them to begin life anew. They are now once more exhibiting themselves in England.