Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1865-10-21
Aneedo Of Prince Albert and Queen
Victoria.


A London correspondent relates some
anecdotes creditable to the queen of
England and her late prince consort:
The queen and prince consort were in
the habit of taking long walks, unat-
tended, and dressed only as an ordinary
LADY and gentleman. On one occasion,
at some distance from home, they were
caught in a shower. and took shelter
under a tree by the side of the road.
An old postrnan, going his daily rounds,
was passing by, and saw only q lady
and gentleman in an uncomfortable po-
sition. He had with him an old umbrel-
la that had done duty for many years,
which, with a native but rough. polite
ness, he proffered to the gentleman,
SAYING he would call for it on his rounds,
if they would tell him where they were
stopping. Prince Albert frankly ac-
cepted the umbrella, and mentioned
Osborne house. The -postman even
then did not suspect the rank of his
wayside friends, and passed on about
his business. A day or two afterwards,
it being in his way, he stopped at the
porter's lodge of Osborne house. and
quietly asked if his umbrella had been
left there for him. 1t was at once
handed to him, with letter addressed
to Linn, in which was inclosed a five
pound note, and few lines expressing
the thanks of the queen and prince con-
sort for the timely service he had rem
dered them. Not content with this,
the queen caused inquiries to be made,
and, finding that the only son of the old
postman was a worthy young man,
caused him to be placed in a suitable
and comfortable position in one of the
government offices, and it is pleasant to
know that he is now supporting his SUI
perannuated parent in ease.
On another occasion, before certain
bridge was erected, stream In the
neighborhood was crossed only by a
rough ferry. boat. The Queen and the
prince found it convenient to cross
this stream, and the boatman being alb
sent, entered the barge to await his ar
rival. He soon made his appearance,
putting and blowing, in his haste and
under his weight of years. 1t appears,
also, that it was a very unusual thing
for a lady and gentleman to resort to
this means of transit, the old boatman's
passengers generally consisting of the
hard listed and rough featured laborers
in the vicinity. All unconscious of tho
character of his present customers, but
anxiously polite in his way, his first sal
utation was: Il beg your parding,
marin, but, if I'd knowed yer were
coming, I'd had cushin for yer,
and he forthwith stripped off his coat
and spread it on one of the seats. Her
majesty sat down upon the improvised
cushion, and, with the prince, chatted
Familiarity with the old boatman till they
reached the other side, when, instead of
the usual fare of two pence, she handed
him sovereign. The Queen often talks
of this water journey, and the old boat
man, after learning who his passengers
were, had hole bored through the
coin, and has worn it, day and night
ever since, around his neck.
- A short time ago, an elderly man
named Blackman, in the employ OF A.
T. Stewart l. Co., of New York, was
knocked down and robbed of $50. The
thief, Brady, was arrested and sent to
Sing Sing. Since, Stewart has prosecu-
ted Rlackman for embezlement. The
poor old man holds that he was not to
blame fer being robbed; that he has no
work, he cannot refund the money, and
says he is willing to labor for the firm,
if they will pay his board, until the
money is earned. Tbs is the case as
presented by the Exp ess. The income
of A. T.. Stewart is over a million a
year.