Wisconsin herald, and Grant County advertiser. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1844-1845, 1845-05-24
III.


out with manifestations Of pride and
exultation by the worthy and hospita-
Bile inhabitants. But the village is not
now as flourishing as it was in the days
of the Gear. Holland, which at that
time was equal to any nation as mar
thine power, has wofully degenerated
in this respect. England, France,
Spain, Russia, as well as our own coun-
try, are greatly superior, and Saardam
has declined in population and the en-
terprise of the inhabitants, in proper
ton as Holland has declined as ma
val power. But still an interest is at
tached TO the place, which makes it an
important object in the eyes of the
travellers, and there, one. without be-
ing a melancholy Jaques," could sit
and moralize for hours.
But to my story. Peter, as ] have
already intimated, while working as a
carpenter or blacksmith, at Saardam,
did not endcavor TO preserve his in
cognitio. II was soon known to eve
ny court in Europe, that the Gar of
Russia was residing in Holland; and
although the different European mon
archs were at that time unable TO APP
preciate his character, as manifested
by his voluntary labors, and sacrifices
Of pomp, and personal comforts, they
respected him as the powerful and en-
ergetic head of a mighty empire, and
most Of the European monarchs sent to
him, with much display and ceremony,
ambassadors, rendering him their res
poets, and inviting him to visit their re-
spective courts.
William, of England, however, was
dlatory in thus evincing his respect
for the Car, much to the dissatisfac-
ton of the Russian monarch, who was
particularly DESTROYS of being on the
most friendly terms with the English
King. At length, after waiting impa-
tiently for several months, he learned
with much qualification, that King
William was about to send three am
bassadors, selected from among the
most distinguished noblemen, and at
tended by a brilliant cortage, to do
honor to Peter of Russia. The Gear,
with spirit of eccentricity, which he
not unlrcquently exhibited, resolved to
teach these ENJOYS lesson which they
would not soon forget, and punish them
in a whimsical manner for their tardi-
ness.
When the ambassadors reached Am
sterdam, they were astonished TO learn
that Peter was at Saardam, busily en-
gagged in building ship, which was
nearly finished. and that he would be
delighted TO see them at that place.
The English noblemen, who expected
to be received at Amsterdam with the
pomp and ceremony corresponding to
the character of their mission, were
not little embarrassed by this infor-
nation, but set of, post-haste, for Saar-
dam, TO find the carpenter monarch,
and sent an aUant courier, with des-
patches, announcing their intentions.
They reached Saardam a. the appoint
ed hour, but to their great surprise
were informed that the Gear was then
on board bis ship, where he awaited
their arrival, and was impatient to
give them an audience. They were
also informed that boat was in wait
ing at the ship yard to put them along
side.
The English dignitaries hardly knew
what 10 think Of this affair. There
were no precedents by which to frame
their line of conduct. They were de-
sirous, for many reasons, 10 have an in
teryiew with the Gear, and were great
sticklers for etiquette, yet after bur-
ricd consultation, they determined to
fatter the whims OF the Barbarian
monarch, and visit him on board his
ship. A couple of burley-Iooking
dutchmen, in a large and clumsy boat,
pulled off the ambassadors, and por-
lion of their suite. They were rccciv-
ed at the gang way, by a man dressed
in the costume Of sailor, who in a
rough manner welcomed them on
board. Wondering at their singular
reception, but supposing it specimen
of Russian manners, they enquired for
the Gear, and their CONSERVATION was
actually Iudicrous, when the sailor with
knowing grin. pointed to the main
top, and assured the grave and stately
representative Of Albion that PETER
BIAS was aloft, where he expected the
pleasure of receiving the ambassador;
Of bis friend and brother, the King oil
II