Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1863-11-13
Slightly Acquainted.

Slightly Acquainted.
Several years ago certain Regiment of
United States Regulars were quartered a.
A., near Niagara Falls. Among the
privates Of that gallant regiment was
B, tall, lank, red-headed Vermont
er, who was always in some scrape or 9th
er. One day he obtained leave to lake a
days shooting on the Canada side. He
went early in the morning. and hunted all
day with very poor success. Late in the
afternoon he was slowly vending his way
home, i'll pleased with his poor success, when
he saw seated on tree within easy shoot
ing distance large crow. To level his gun
and fire was the impulse of moment, and
down tnmbled the crow almost at his feel.
Now it happened that the crow was tame
one, and pet of Gen. c., who was
one of the wealthiest landowners in Cana
da, and who owned the property on which
B stood. And it so happened that
the General was an unseen witness of the
death of his favorite. Enraged at its loss
he determined TO punish the offender in a
way that he would be likely TO remember.
So coming forward in friendly manner,
he nodded to B, who saluted him in
return.
You've got fine gun there" said the
General.
"Yaas," said B, handing it TO the
General; that's just the neatest double
barrelled gun around these diggins."
The General turned the gun round and
examined it carefully. then putting the bar
rel, still loaded at full cock, to his shoulder,
and pointing it at b, said,
You have willfully shot the greatest ia
vorite had, and now you're got to eat it."
B explained, and begged and pray
ed hut TO no purpose the General was un-
moved by his entreaties and told him he
must eat it or die. B once more
turned his eyes piteously toward the Gen
eral, but the cold, wicked eye looking along
the gun barrel convinced him as he after
wards said, that there was fire in it. Sc
with groan he picked up the crow, and
shutting his eyes, commenced his disagree
able meal. He orried down three or tou
mouthfuls, and then stopped, unable to ca
more of the disgusting carrion; and thu
General, thinking that he had gone ia
enough, told him that would do; and afte
advising him to be more careful in the fu
ture what he shot, handed him his gun ant
told him he could go. AS soon as b
! got his gun in his own hand he turned fierce
ly upon the General and said,
g lis my turn now. You eat the remain
i der of The crow
/ In vain the General stamped and swor
and finally prayed to be let off. b.
was as firm as he himself had been fe
minutes before. Nothing would satisfy Il
enraged soldier but that the General shou
eat the whole of what was left, and whi
he had to do before b let him off.
i The next day the General went
/ BIS Colonel. and complained that
had been grossly insulted by one of his s.
diers the day previous.
i The Color el inquired what one.
"Why," said The General, 9 he was ia
lean. ill-favored fellow, with red hair"
4 .Ha!" said the Colonel, know hin
he is always in some scrape. Orderly, bril-
! B here Immediately"
In few minutes the Orderly returne
bringing B, who was wondering VIII
scrape he was in now.
OBJ" said the Colonel, "do ye
know this gentleman :"
What me ?" said B, lookir
MS amazed as possible.
"Yes," said the Colonel, do YOU kno
him?"
I Yes, we are slightly acquainted sa
B, "a happy thought striking him
/" We dined together yesterdayt"
! The General could hold in no longe
but bursting into hearty laugh he told IL
Colonel to let him go, as he heartily forga'
him.