Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1861-05-15
GEORGE WILSON.

A few years since, as Mr.. Gallaudet was
walking in the streets of Hartford, there came
| running up to him poor boy, of very ordina-
ry appearance, but whose fine intelligent eye
, iAed the attention of the gentleman as the
boy inquired-ssSir, can you tell me of a man
who would like a boy to work for him and
learn him to read 2"
ssWhose boy are you, and where do you
live 20
81 have no parents" was the reply, ssand
have just run away from the workhouse, be-
cause they would not teach me to read.''
The gentleman made arrangements with the
authorities of the town, and took the boy into
his own family. There he learned TO read.
Nor was this all. He soon acquired the con-
fidence of his new associates by faithfulness
and honesty. He was allowed to use his
friends library, and made rapid progress in
the acquisition of knowledge. 1t became
necessary after while that George should
leave Mr.. Galaudet, and he became appren-
tice to cabinet-maker in the neighborhood.
There the same integrity won for him the ia
vor OF his new associates. To crafty his in
cination for stndy, his master had little
room furnished for him in the upper part of
the shop, where he devoted his leisure time
to his favorite pursuits. Here he made large
attainments in mathematics in the French lam
gage. and other branches. And being in this
situation few years, sitting at tea with the
family one evening, he at once remarked that
he wanted to go to France.
$50 to France!'' said his master; surprised
that the apparent contented and happy boy
should thus suddenly become dissatisfied with
his situation ssfor what ?''
ssAsk Mr.. Gallaudet to tea tomorrow eve
ming" continued George, s'and will explain"
His kind friend was invited accordingly.
AT tea time the apprentice presented himself
with his manuscripts, in English and French,
and explained his singular intention to go to
France.
ss1n the time of Napoleon" said he, ssa
prize was offered by the French government
for the simplest rule of measuring plane sur
faces. of whatever outline. The prize has
never been awarded, and that method l have
discovered.''
He then demonstrated his pI oblem, to the
surprise and qualification of his friends, who
immediately furnished him with the means of
defraying his eXpences, and with the letters
Of introduction to Hon. Lewis tjass. then
minister to the court of France. He was in
trOduced to Louis Philippe, and in the pres
ence of the king, mobiles, and plenipotentiaries
this American youth demonstrated his prob
lem, and received the plaudits in the court.
He received the prize, which he had clearly
won, besides several presents from the king.
He then took letters of Introduction, and pro-
ceeded to the Court of St. James and took up
similar prize, offered by the Royal Society,
and returned to the United States. He was
preparing to secure the benefits of his discov
cry by patent, when he received letter from
the Emperor Nicholas himself, one of whose
ministers had witnessed his demonstrations at
London, inviting him to make his residence
at the Russian Court, and furnishing him with
ample means for his outfit. He complied with
the invitation, repaired to St. Petersburg, and
is now Professor of Mathematics in the r oval
College, under the special protection of the
autocrat of all the RussaS.