Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1871-06-24
81 CHARIFSTOWN, JEFFERSON COUNTY, w VA SATURDAY, JUN
Slightly Acquainted.


Several years ago the-th regiment OF the
United States regulars was quartered at A,
near Niagara Falls. Among the privateS OF
this gallant regiment was A, tall, iank
Yermonter, who was always in some scrape or
other. One day he obtained leave to take
days shooting on Canada side. He went ear
ly 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 a tree within easy shooting distance large
crow To level his gun and fire was the i'm
pulse of a moment, and down tumbled the
crow at lis feet Now it happened that the
crow was a tame one, and pet of Gen. G.,
who was one Of the wealthiest land owners in
Canada, and who owned the property on
which B stood And so it happen
ed that the general was an unseen witness OF
the death of his favorite. Enrased at his loss
he determined to punish the offender in
manner that he would be like to remember
So coming forward in friendly manner,
he nodded to b, who saluted him in re-
turn.
you've got fine gun there, said the gen.
eral
"Yaas," said B., handing it to the gen.
oral that's the neatest double barrelled gun
around the diggings."
The general turned the gun round and ex-
amined it carefully, then putting the barrel,
still loaded at full cock to his shoulder and
pointingit at B, said.
"You have willfully shot the greatest IA
vorite | had, and now you've got to eat it"
B-explained, and begged, and prayed,
but to no purpose the general was unmoved
by his entreaties, and told him he must eat it
or die. B-once more turned bis eyes pite-
ously toward the general, but the cold wicked
eve glanced along the barrel convincing him
las he afterwards said) that there was fire in it,
So with a groan he picked up the crow, and
shutting bis eyes commenced the disasreeable
meal lie worried down three or four mouth
fuls, and then stopped unable to eat any more
of the disgusting carriOni and the general
thinking he had gone far enough, told him
that would do; and after advising him to be
more careful in future what he shot handed
him bis gun and told him be could 60. As
soon as B-got his gun in bis hand, be
turned fcrcely upon the general and said,
"Its my turn now You eat the remain
der of the crow"
In vain the general stamped and swore and
finally prayed to be let off. B-was as firm
as he himself had been few minutes before.
Nothing would satisfy the enraged soldier but
that the general should eat the whole of what
was left, and which he had to do before B
let him off
The next day Che general went to B-'s
colonel and complained that he had been gross
ly insulted by one of his soldiers the day pre-
vious.
The colonel inquired what one.
why" said the general, he was tall,
lean, ill-favored fellow, with red hair"
"Ah," said the colonel, I" ! know him; he's
always in some scrape, Orderly, bring B.
here Immediately" In a few moments the or
derly returned, bringing B, who was
wondering what scrape he was in now.
"B-T," said the colonel, do you know
this gentleman"
"what me ," said b, looking as amaz-
ed as possible.
"Yes," said the colonel, do you know
him ?"
Yes, we are slightly acquainted, said B.
IA happy thought striking him. we dincd to-
gether yesterday"
The general could hold in no longer, and
bursting into hearty laugh, he told the colo
mel to let him go, as he heartily forgaye him.