Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1860-02-07
M $50 ELLA N Y .
A Lynchburg Darkey in High Life

count of the arrest of celebrated forger, named
Gross, at Pittsburg. In that account reference
was made to a servant man who was found with
him at his room at the time of his arrest. The
Pittsburg Chronicle gives the annexed descrip-
ton OF the negro:
'The negro, whose name is Robert Burnell,
alias Smith, was nearly white, and, like his mas
ter, dressed in the very pink Of fashion. So lit
tie of the African blood has he in his veins, that
he was regarded as a white man at the hotel
and it was only after his arrest that the propri-
etor discovered that the individual on whom he
had been lavishing such attentions for the past
two weeks was neither more nor less than a
slave. His master treated him at all times as
his equal. They visited the restaurants in COM
pany, playing billiards together, aud associated
at all times on terms of perfect equality"
The Philadelphia Press, in sketch of the
life of the accused, makes the subjoined refer
ence to the servant:
"Smith, the slave of Gross, was purchased by
him in New Orleans, some five years ago, and
has been his companion ever since, travelling
with him over Europe and occupying the rela
ton of friend He is very accomplished and
highly intelligent. When Gross was arrested
he offered to go South and sell himself into sa
very to obtain money to assist his master. The
offer was refused, and Smith remains in the city
awaiting future events"
The colored gentleman so fatteringly alluded
to in the above extracts, our citizens will nc
doubt be surprised to learn, is no other person
than "Bob Burwell,' SO we'll known in this city
as the former popular bartender at the Cabe
and Norvell Houses He was purchased from
his owner VIM. NJ Burwell, Esq, of Bedford
county, by Cross, who sojourned in this city for
a short time, during the summer of 81. He re-
presented himself as New Orleans broker; and
said he was affected with fits, and was anxious
TO purchase trustworthy and intelligent SER
want who would be with him at all times Ma
king the acquaintance of Bob at the Norve
House, mutual liking very soon sprung up, and
before he left he purchased the negro, paying
81, 500 for him. A draft, which was duly hon
ored on some house North, was given for the
amount Soon after leaving here, Bob says the
party went to Paris, when after remaining some
time he lost his owner, says he searched for him
several days but without success. He then
went to the American embassy at Paris; made
a statement of the facts in the case to Judge Ma
son, our Minister, and finally prevailed on the
Judge to employ him as servant in his family.
He remained with Judge Mason until the death
of that gentleman, was with him when he died,
closed bis eyes and shrouded him, and returned
with his remains to this country. a day or
two after his arrival in New York city, he &C.
cidentally met with his master, the two being
mutually pleased with the meeting. Not long
afterwards Gross sent him to Paris on business,
he remained there few weeks and then return
ed to this country. Was in Italy some time,
and in the vicinity of Solferino when that cele-
brated battle was fought.
On Thursday last Bob very unexpectedly
made his appearance in this city. The object
of his visit at this time is to raise 81, 400, for
which, he is to be mortgaged He brings a
power of attorney from his owner, authorizing
him to make this arrangement. The written in
strument also directs that fifty dollars of the
money shall be handed over to Bob, and the re-
mainder sent to Gross, at Philadelphia.
When it was intimated to Bob that most per-
sons would be afraid to invest money in a man
as white as himself, he at once remarked that
he considered himself a gentleman, and wonid
remain the faithful slave of any one who would
pay the desired sum Of money"
He processes to have the most unbounded
confidence in the honor of his master, as we'll as
bis ability to extricate himself from his present
difficulties. He says there exists no proof to
substantiate the charges on which he was ar
rested, and that his innocence will be clearly es-
tablished. We are inclined to think that Bob is
singular IN bnlS UeoI"
Bob further says that ever since he left Lynch
burg he has passed for a white man, and has
never associated with persons of his own race.
Bob is decided character in his way, and we
hope be may succeed in securing good master.
Virginian.
LIFE WITHOUT TR1ALs.-W ould you wish to
live without trial? Then you would wish to
die but half man. Without trial you cannot
guess at your own strength. Men do not learn
to swim on table; they must go into deep wa
ter, and buffet the surges. If you wish to un-
derstand their true character-if you would
know their whole strengthen what they are
capable, throw them overheard Over with
them-and if they are worth saving, they will
swim ashore of themselves.
A contemporary says he knows another cotem-
porary who says he knows youth, who. every
time he wishes to get a glimpse at his sweet
heart has to hollow fire under her window. In
the alarm of the moment she plunges her head
out of the window, and exclaims ::
"Where 2"
He POLITICALLY slaps himself on the bosom, and
exclaims:
Here, my Hangeinal"
ANEODorE OF SUILY.-Sully, the painter, was
a man distinguished for refinement Of manners
as well as success in art. At party, one even
ing, Sully was speaking OF belle, who was
great fsvorite. "Ab," says SulIy, ''she has
mouth like an elephant's." "Oh, oh, Mr.. Sully,
how can you be so rude2" "Rude, ladies. what
do you mean9 | say she has got mouth like