Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1872-03-25
AN INTERESTING EPISODE.
An Acorn Become aTree-Anecdot te
of the Late George NJ. Dallas.

OF the Lhte george vi. Duttas.
When the Russian Grand Duke Alexis
was in Boston, visiting the rooms Of the
Historical Society, and was about to
depart, Admiral Poisset, who was with
him, took from his pocket, as the Boston
Traveller reports, small envelope and
handed it to Mr.. Winthrop, observing that
might, perhaps, be thought of sufficient
society's cabinet. The envelope was
opened and disclosed three oak leaves
and little twig. An inscription in
Russian explained that these were from
an oak tree in st. Petersburg, which
grew from an acorn planted by the En-
peror of Russia, who received it from
George Sumner, who took it from an oak
overshadowing the tomb of Washington
at Mount Vernon. The circumstance
may recall to the memory of few Of
our readers the anecdote which the late
George Dallas, our Minister at st. Pc
tersburg some twenty-five or thirty years
since used to tell'o the acorn and its
bearer.
Mr. Dallas was called upon, as he re-
lated, by young American, who said
that he desired much to see the Emperor
of Russia, as he had brought an acorn,
the fruit of tree growing by the tomb
of Washington, which he wished to pre-
sent him. Mr.. Dallis said that he could
not possibly undertake to obtain for him
private audience from the Emperor
with so little OCCASION for it. Well, +"
said the young man, am determined
to see him at any rate" Have care,
replied Mr.. Dallas, or you may get
yourself into an unpleasant scrape. If
you do, / will not undertake to help you
out of it," "I shall see him at all
events, was the young mans answer,
and he took his leave. Shortly after
ward Mr.. Dallas met him in company
with a man wearing a military uniform
Well, said the young man, have
seen the Emperor" Yes, and have
got into difficulty; you are under arrest,
| see; you remember what said about
helping you out Of any scrape you might
get yourself into" Oh, you mean that
man; why, he is my officer" +" Your
officer Yes, he is the officer whom
the Emperor directed to 90 with me,
and show me anything that !
would like to see in st. Peters
burg" On comparing notes it was
found that the young adventurer had al
ready seen great deal more of that city
than Mr.. Dallas had, although for some
time a resident there. The young man
wrote note to the Emperor acquainting
him with the strong desire he had for
private interview, and mentioned his par
ticular purpose. Soon after this he was
waited on by person who asked him if
he was the American gentleman who de-
sired to see the Emperor. | am, was
the answer. Come, then, with me, and
your wish shall be gratifed. The
American was conducted into small
room in the palace, the Emperors cabi-
net, probably, where sat middled-aged
gentleman who asked the same question,
and being answered in the affirmative,
said, ! am the Emperor" The conver
sation proceeded, but the Emperor not
finding himself over. fluent in English,
said to the young man, Come with me
and | will present you to the Empress,
who speaks English much better than
i" and taking him into another room
introduced MN 10 the family circle. 1he