Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1866-11-21
A Lamp Trimmer Becomes a Count.

4 somewhat remarkable change of fortune
has occurred to young man known by the
name of George Olson, and occupying the
humble position of a lamp trimmer and
Jack of the Dust" on board the United
States steamship Madawaska, by which he
has suddenly come into possession of $780,,
600 In gold, together with the Hungarian
title of Edwari Louis, Count Batthyanyi,
and the extensive estates attached thereto.
1t appears that Olson, or the Count, left his
country in lS4S when very young, after his
father had been executed for being concern
ed in the rebellion under Kossuth Ito whom
he is related, and has since been in the T.
nted States. He knew little of his family
or their real position, and supposed that In
consequence of his fathers disloyalty all
their possessions had been confscated.
Finding 1t difficult to gain livelihood he
joined the United States navy and was draft
ed on board the United States steamer NADIA
wasSa as landsman, was employed as
lamp trimmer and assistant to the captain
OF the hold. He never limited to his mess
mates that he was of noble birth or had
ever held higher position than the one he
occupied. la fact, it does not appear that
his courtship had any very clear notions
himself on the matter. Believing his father
to be a disgraced man, he troubled his lead
little about family " matters and betook him.
self with great industry to the care of his
lamps and all his other duties on board
Happening 10 get hold of a newspaper a
short time since he discovered an advertise
ment requesting Edward Louis Batthyanyi
TO communicate with certain parties and he
would hear of something to his advantage.
Our young blue biooded Hungarian lamp
trimmer lost no time in complying, and,
having proved his identity, received an in
staiment of $500, 600. Instead OF inform
ing his commanding officer OF this strange
vlclssitude of fortune, which had metamor-
phosed United States paval lamp trimmer,
and Jack of the Dust, into Hungarian
nobleman, with revenue of upwards $50
600 year, Batthyanyi. or Olson, deserted
from the Madawaska He is now in Wash
ngton, under the patronage OF the Austrian
Ambassador, endeavoring to procure for
NAL discharge from the service That he
Will succeed we have not the slightest doubt,
and 1t is to be hoped that this sudden eleva-
uon to rank and fortune will have the effect
Of making him reap the advantage of the try
i9g experience he has had Of the toughest
SIDE OF life. While on board the Madawaska
he was remarkable for his good behavior
and the regular discharge of his laborious
duties and now, when exalted to the rank
OF Hungarian grandee, we expect he will
ppecomee, as he always promised, respecta-
DIE and worthy member of society.
=. -
;. Shortly before the collapse of the Rebel
non, captain Winslow and the U. S. gun
poat hearsarge, off Cherbourg, demonstra-
!ed' to the expressed modification of Brit
tsh and French Rebel sympathizers, the
SS9perl0rity of American men and metal over
Engllsh- built boats, British trained seamen
sna guoners, and British7cast guns. Re
Ientiy, IN the same waters was witnessed
poat-race The entries included Is French
niep-ot-war boats, pulling I6 oars each, and
~ American cutter pulling only II oars.
notwithstanding all attempts, very unscrup-
usouSly made. to foul and lead them out of
ourse, the Yankee boys were winners by
f Two boats length. Cherbourg seems to be
,Sted ground for European naval contests,
nhen ther craft are matched against ves-
seis built by American mechanics and man
hea by American seamen.