The Iowa transcript. (Toledo, Tama County, Iowa) 1858-1866, 1865-10-04
A Few Personal Notes ON Queen
Victoria.

The European correspondent of the Chi
cago Journal, writing from the Isle of Wight,
gives two or three stories concerning the
private life Of the Queen on that island, which
he " has reason to believe are strictly true -
The Queen and Prince Consort were in the
habit of taking long walks, unattended and
dressed only as an ordinary lady and gentle
man. TN one occasion, ut some distance
from home, they were caught in Il shower.
and took shelter under tree by the side OF
the road. An old postman, going his daily
rounds, was passing by, and saw only a lady
and gentleman in an uncomfortable position.
lie had with him an old umbrella that had
done duty for many years, which, with ma
tive but rough politcness, he proffcrcd 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-
ccpted the umbrella and mentioned the o.
borne 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, be stop
ped at the porter's lodge of the Osborne
House and quietly asked if his umbrella had
been left there for him. II was at once hand
ed to him, with letter addressed to himself.
in which was enclosed five pound note and
few lines expressing the thanks of the
Queen and Prince Consort for the timely SER
vice he had rendered them. Not content
with this, the Queen caused inquiries to be
made and, finding that the only son of the
old postman was worthy young man, caused
him to be placed in n suitable and comrorta-
bic position in one Of the Government offices.
and it is pleasant to know that he is support
ing his superannuated parent in ease
On another occasion, certain stream
was crossed only by very small and rough
ferry boat. The Queen and Prince found il
convenient to cross this stream and the boat
man being absent, entered the barge to await
his arrival. lie soon made his appearance.
putting and blowing in his haste and under
his weight of years. 1t appears also that it
was very unusual thing for lady or gen.
tlcman to resort to this means of transit, the
old boatman passengers generally consisting
OF the hard-fisted and ugh-fcatured labor
ers in the vicinity. All unconscious of the
character Of his present customers, but anxi-
ously polite in his way, his first salutation
was: Il beg your parding marin; but if Id
knowed yer were coming. Id had cnsh-
ing fer yer, and he forthwith stripped of
his coat and spread it on one Of the seats.
Her Majesty sat down upon the improysed
cushion. and with the Prince. chatted famil-
iarly with the old hoatman till they reached
the other side, when, instead of the usualsfare
of two pence, she handed him a sovereign.
The Queen often talks Of this water Journey :
and the old boatman, after learning who his
passengers were, had a hole bored through
the coin. and has worn it day and night ever
since, around his neck
On still another occasion, the Queen and
Prince, with the Prince of Wales, then a
young boy, were strolling on the beach
The latter was always proud and naughty
youngster. prcsuming upon his hcirship TO
the throne almost before he was out of his
petticoats. He had strayed away a little
from his parents, when they heard his voice
ana another in angry alteration. 1t
seems that the young Prince had dis
covered another boy, about his own age
and size, engaged in gathering peri
wrinkles. and his basket, partly full. was
standing on the beach. This basket. out d
sheer wantnnness. the Prince of Wales had
viciously kicked over. The young fisherman
saw the act, and Immediately rushed out Of
the water and confronted its pcrpetrator,
when about this dialogue occurred:
Young Eshcrmaa--"What did you do that
for -
Prince Of Wdles-" Because chose"
!. ns-''Tye great mind to thrash you
for it,
r. Of Wy u dar'nt. Don't you know
who l am
]. E.-"No and don't want to-
r. Of "" I'm the Prince Of Wales
T. p" don't care if yon arc the Prince
of Wales. You knocked over my Wrinkles
and take that and straightway the Young
tisherman's hand made acquaintance with the
cheek Of young royalty.
The Queen and Prince Censort saw and
heard all. and, approaching the rival CON-
batants, told their son that he was in the
wrong, and compelled him to ask pardon of
the ragged reriwinkle gatherer, and give him
sovereign in recompense for the injury he
had done him.
II is such incidents as these that appeal to
the sentiments and sympathies Of the popu-
lation by whom the Queen is surrounded in
her island retreat. and there is little wonder
that rs a woman she is beloved, and as SOW
ereign revered.