Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1846-09-17
FROM THE AUGUSTA DEMOCRAT.

Mr.. EDITOR On Friday, the 2lst ult, was
present at an examination of the School at s'Pil-
grlm's Retreat" schoo-house near Mr. S. s.
Abney's, under the charge of Mr. GEORGE w.
FACE: attended agreeably to invitation, to wit
ness the examination, and to partake of dinner to
DE given to Mr.. Page by the mothers of the chill
dren OF that school, on the of his separation from
them AS the proceedings on that occasion are, in
the opinion of many, deserving Of public notice. YOU
are requested to give them room in the columns of
your PAPER.
At l0o'clock A. NJ, the examination commenced
before house crowded to overflowing, there being
not less than l5O persons assembled on the occa-
slon.-Ihe hrst exercises were in Grammar-the
examination was rigid; but the class answered
every question. but one--'Then there Were three
classes In Biography examined in succession, on the
questions on the maps of the United States, Eu-
rope, and South America, and not wrong answer
given.-Then followed questions on the tables, Sc,
In Arithmetic, which were answered by the smaller
pupils, and scarcely error made. These exerci-
ses being over, Mr.. Page then invited his school to
spell-"'Walker's Dictionary" being the book used ,
and was surprised to see every scholar in school
49,, and go into lne.--There was but one word
missed. The little pupils exhibited on that ocea-
son, the most praiseworthy department, seemed to
be perfectly composed, and conscious Of acquittng
themselves with credit-Consdering that, IA
months ago, when Mr.. Page took charge of this
school, but few of his pupils were acquainted with
years of age, too much cannot be said in his praise,
for the ndefatgable exertions he must have used in
bringing them forward so rapidly.
After the examination was over, the school and
spectators repaired to grove the school house,
where there was spread sumptuous dinner. At
the head Of one of the tables stood MIR. Page, in
honour of whom it had been prepared and at the
other end, stood 5. s. Abney. Esq, the representa-
tive of the mothers who gave it. MIR. Abney then,
In bref but beautiful style, in behalf of the moth
ers OF those little children, rendered to Mr. PAGE
the Understanding, that as the humble organ
OF the mothers of those little children, who had
been, for IL months past receiving instruction from
him, he rendered him that dinner as an evidence
OF the high estimation in which he was held by
them as a teacher, and gentleman; that in him,
they had found one devoted to the cause of educa-
ton; that In the instruction and knowledge he had
impaired to their children he had conferred on them
lasting blessing, and had added much to their pa
rents cup of happiness, and that now about to
separate from them, they desired him TO accept that
their offerIng for the inestmable blessing he had
conferred on them
Mr. Page then responded in very handsome
and appropriate manner, saying that unworthy as
ne iet himself of distinguished an evidence of
tneir very high consideration. he accepted il as a
rich tribute TO well intended exertions in the dis
charge OF the duties OF so important trust as they
tiad committed to his hands-that he had eyer con-
sdered the business of teaching youth, one of great
responsibility, and that he had acted in conformity
to that opinion, &c, and after returning his az.
acknowledgements to the ladies' who had 50 highly
honored him. ne s touched very eengly upon the
passed during their association as teacher and scboI
ars and concluded by saying that the scenes of tbat
day made him feel more than ever devoted n the
cause of education, and that he would ever recoI
lect them with pride and delight.
After Mr.. Page concluded his response, the com
Pafy was invited to the tables, and every one SEEM
ed to enjoy the rich repast with uncommon zest.
PHIIOMEL