Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1852-09-22
Gen. Scott and a Virginia Colonel


A few days ago, stout, red faced, pom
nous man, IN thread-baie clothes, called a
the residence of General Scott. He wa'
conducted into the parlor, and in few mo
ments the General appeared. Bowing witt
profound formality, the visitor introduced
himself.
81 am Colonel -, of Virginia" SAID
he: "and I am proud to be permitted to see
the great the illustrious, the''-
"Sit down my dear sir, said the Gener'
al, 81 thank you for this friendly visit:
"Sir," said the visitor, 81 am Wing!
have voted the Whig ticket always slr-l
"But," interrupted the General, "let u'
not trouble ourselves about politics. am
always gratifed when visited by friends
from my native State. In whatpart OF the
State do you reside :" ,r -.
g. county, sir" said the Virginlan
"My father was prominent supporter. ol
Jefferson and Jackson. He was rich, sir
had two thousand acres, and always work.
ed gang of fifty negroes. But it Is al!
gone now divided among three OF us; and
I've been unfortunate, and my share has no.
lasted. have lived to see my wife and
children dependent upon my own brothers
for their support. But l look for better
times have served my party well. and
they know it, though they have never here
tofore rewarded me for it, :.
"That is to be regretted" replied the
General.
"Yes, sir, 1t is, responded the eager sui
tor. "But, sir, i'm sorry I've troubled your
ear about these matters. have called here
to see you for the pleasure it would afford
me, and also to say few words to you in
the shape of adrice, that l hope you will
pardon me for Offering"
II always receive good advice thankful
ly," said the General.
"Then, sir, 1t is this {: Your position is
not well enough understood, and it Is my
opinion, and that of many gentlemen in our
country, that you should set the matter
right in manner that would be final. In
the first place, it is our opinion that you
should in public manner, under your own
hand declare that you have nothing to do
with Governor Seward in the second place,
that YOU are not Romanist; in the third
place, that you never did refuse to fight a
a duel; in the fourth place '------
sDo you wish to be satisfied upon any of
these points :" asked the General hastily.
"Not at all-not at all, was the prompt
reply. ave are all satisfied, butt
"Now, my good friend" said the Gene
raj, "give me leave moment. | apprecl-
ate vour Kindness, but believe have
nothing to say to the public on these SUBJ
iects. | am not clever at speaking out for
myself. Ithank you for your friendly in
tentions; and" he added rising, ''now per-
nit me to reciprocate the kindly office Of an
adviser. | doubt not that you have talents
and abilities, such as may assure you suc-
cess by the proper use of them. Let me
counsel you 10 Industry, to prudence, to e.
economy, to temperance, and to abstinence
from the excitement Of politics.
by this course you may retrieve your
fortune or, if not, you may do what is much
better, earn the fame ofa good, useful man,
and contribute to the happiness of your wife
and children. For, believe me, sir, how.
ever politicians may covet the aid OF active
partisans, there are few of them who do not
prefer the friendship of good and useful cit
il ms to that of the careless, the prcdigal
and the dissipated.
"That there has been an error in your
past career, is indicated by your present
appearance and condition. | speak this to
you with the kindest regard for your feel
ings. would not wantonly wound them
for the world. But you have come to me
in the name Of friendship as an adviser,
and in that name offer my advice to you."
AT the end of this speech the General
and his guest had reached the door, and The
latter, with only half uttered expression
of his thanks, retired; bat to his honor be
it told, he has repeated this story with
declaration of his gratitude for the man,
who fer his sake. exhibited the candor of
true friend instead of giving utterance to
the Aattenng language OF vote seeking
Demsgogue. e. -Washingion Telegraph.