Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1863-12-26
Slightly Acquainted.

Several years ago the -th Regiment U. s.
Regulars were quartered at A., near Nj
agara Falls. Among the privates of that
gallant regiment was B, tall, lank, red
haired Vermonter. who was always in some
scrape or other. One day he obtained leave
to take 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 shooting
distance, large crow. To level his gun and
fire was the impulse Of a moment, and down
tumbles the crow almost at his feet. Now it
happened that the crow was tame one, and
a pet of Gen. c., who was one of the
wealthiest lnpdholders in Canada, and who
owned the property on which B. stood.
And it SO happened that the General was an
unseen witness of tho death of his favorite.
Enraged at his loss, he determined to punish
| the offender in manner that he wsald be
likely to remember. So coming forward in a
friendly manner, he nodded to B., who
saluted him in return.
You've got fine gun there," said the
General.
"Yaas." sail B., handing II to the Gen
cral that's just the neatest double-barrelletl
gun around these digSings."
The General turned the gun around and ex-
amined It carefully, then putting the barrel,
still loaded, at full cock to his shoulder, and
pointing it at B., said:
"You have wilfully shot the greatest favor
ite had. and now yOu're got to cat O."
B. explained, and begged, and prayed,
but to no purpose; the General was unmoved
by his enireatips, and told him he must eat or
die. B. once more turned his eyes pite-
o,sly to the General. but the cold, wicked
eye glancing along the gun-ba,rel convinced
him, (as he afterwards said,) that there was
fire in it. So with groan he picked up the
crow, and shutting his eyes. commenced his
disagrpeablc meal He worried down two OF
three mouthfulls. and then stopped, unable to
eat more of the disgusting carrion; and the
General, thinking that hehad gone far enough,
told him that would do; and after advising
him to be more careful in future what he shot,
handed him his gun and told him he could 90.
As soon us B. got his gun in his hand he
turned firmly upon the General and said:
Its my turn now. You eatthe remainder
of the crow"
In vain the General stamped and swore,
and finally prayed to be let of. B-was
as firm as he himself had been a few minutes
before. Nothing would satisfy the enragcd
soldier but that the General should eat the
whole of what was left, and which hc had td
do before B. let him off.
The next day the General went to BIS
Colonel and complained that he had been
grossly iusultcd by ono Of his soldiers the
day previous.
The Colonel inquired what one.
Why" said the General, he was tall
lean, ill-favored fellow, with red hair."
"Ha!" said the Colonel, Al know him; he
is always in some scrape. Orderly, bring
B. here Immediately.
In few minutes the Orderly returned
bringing, B.. who was wondering what
scrape he was in now.
d." said the Colonel, "do you know
this gentleman
"What mel" said B., looking as
amazed as dossible.
Yes." said the Colonel, "do you know
himi"
"Yes. we are slightly acquainted" said
B. "a happy thought striking him.) 1--WE
dined together yesterday"
The General could hold in no longer; bul
bursting into a hearty laugh he told the
Colone. to lot him 60, as he heartily forgave
him.