Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1854-01-04
The Governor and Boys.

oy correspondent OF the boston ITan-
script :: +
"The severest punishment ever receiv.
ed" This, Mr.. Editor, was the closing
remark of venerable and respected friend,
when giving me an account, few days
ago, of one of his boyish pranks in old Bos-
ton. wish | could tell the story as he
tells it; but 1t is so good, and in my opin-
ion, teaches so admirable lesson to us all,
that | venture to hope it may find place
in your pages, even in the shape in which
| shall attempt 1t:
My old friend, raised in Boston, brought
up and nurtured within the shadow of Old
South, was, IN his younger days, like most
other boys. considerably addicted to the
consumption of ripe fruit, and not very
keenly perceptive of the laws of meum and
tuum in obtaining It. will not stop to in
quire whether this weakness he inherited
direct from our first parents; it is sufficient
that my friend was completely under IFS in
fuence, that even the e fruit of Mr.. Bow
don's garden was no exception TO those a..
erarian notions which the boys Of the town
applied to all fruit on the peninsula.
MIR. Bowdoin's garden then occupied an
area which is now covered with brick, NOR
tar and paving stones. 1t was defended by
a wall, the altitude of which was consider
ed by the whole school as one ofthelr prime
grievances. A portion of this wall, how
ever, had become somewhat rulnous,
breach was reported practicable, and hall a
dozen chosen boys were selected Tor the at
tack. My old friend was one of the num-
Der, the appointed time was between one
and two P. NJ, when it was conjectured
that Mr.. B. and his family would be at dim
ner The stormers assemble-the breach
is carried in gallant style, and stomachs,
pockets, trousers and even shirt bosoms,
are quickly filled with the forbidden fruit
A triumphant retreat is already anticipated,
but as the little band draws near to the
breach-horror of horrors 1T is discover
ed to be in possession of a sturdy servant
man of Mr.. B., supported by huge bam-
boo, and retreat by any other pass is out of
the question. Stomachs, probably, remain
ed in siaiu quo, but all other engines OF
transport are quickly relieved of their bur-
dens-the invaders draw near to the breach,
intending to make rush but are informed
by the sturdy guard, that "Mr. Bowdoin is
in the parlour, and wishes to see the young
gentlemen.
Flight is in vain, and, with palpitating
hearts, our heroes march, in single file, to-
wards the house, the servantman and the
bamboo covering the rear. The posse was
met at the hal-door by the good Mr.. Bow
doin, who made them most courteous and
friendly bow, welcomed them to his house,
and invited them to walk in and sit down.
They were ushered into the pallour, where
two or three young ladies were employed
at needework, presented with much form,
and treated with abundance Of bewltchlng
smiles. An inner door was now opened,
and Mr. Bowdoin conducted them into the
drawing room, where two elderly ladies
were sitting. Here still more ceremoni-
Gus introduction took place. The ladies
were all kindness-the lads were requested
to be seaed-a bell was rung-a servant
appeared-cake, wine and fruit were order
ed by Mr.. b. On the return of the SER
want, Mr.. B. rose, filled the wine glasses,
and handed them round, most kindly pres
sing the youngsters, and insisting on their
partaking of the good things-entertaining
his reluctant guests all the while with dec
larations of his great happiness at the hon
our done him by their visit-inquiring their
views as to the war Their raging in Europe
what they thought Of the growing power
of Bonaparte-what part they supposed the
Archduk4 Charles would take in the politi
cal ferment of the day, ETC., etc.
This amusing scene lasted nearly an hour,
the ladies and the good Mr.. B. appearing
to vie with each other in attentions TO the
now conscience-stricken marauders. AT
length Mr.. B. pulled out his watch, and
said: ''Ny good young friends, l regret
that have an appointment. should have
been happy to prolohg this visit. hope
to have the pleasure of seeing you again.
Meantime, my boys, at any time when you
will favor me with call, the garden and
o; chard are entirely at your service, and
my man James has orders to help you to
any fruit you may desire" With these
words the boys are dismissed, with many
bows and shakes of the hand, "Oh," said
my good old friend, "twas the sererest pun
isiment erer go', and nerer robbed an or
chard since"