National opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1865-1874, 1872-03-15
A "REMINISCENCES OF BILLY GRAY

A "REMINISCENCES OF BILLY GRAY
know of but one historic "Billy GRAY.
He was the most successful merchant o
lis time. Born Of parents poor and hum
bic, in the town of Lynn. Mass, he wa,
apprenticed at an early age, and when h,
had reached his majority he stepped fortl
into the world with only u good name tC
recommend him, and firm will to dc
right and to deal justly to sustain him
He established himselfin business in Salem
and in five-and twenty years he was the
weaithiest man in the town--a town in
which there resided the heaviest mer-
chants Of the State. From trouble will
his townsmen, wherein he felt that he had
been purposely slighted and grossly
abused. he removed 10 Boston. taking his
property and business with him. From
political reasons hey had refused. by vote.
to promote him to the office of selectman
in Salem; but shortly after his advent in
Boston he was elevated to be Lieutenant
Governor of Massachusetts, And from
the time of Billy Gray's departure from
Salem may be dated the decline of the
foreign commerce Of that town. She had
been the monopolizer of the East India
trade; but when Gray took his stocks and
his ships to Boston he took with him the
impulse which was to change the base OF
the India and Chinese traffic.
OF the many curious and entertain ng
stories told of Billy Gray, will relate he
following, which was recently given me by
one who knew him well
While Mr.. Gray was in Salem, and after
he had become the heaviest business man
in the place he desired an apprentice for
his counting room-a youth who should
come with the desire and will to be a mer-
chant, and who should possess such quail
tiles as would fit him for a confidential
cerk and correspondent when the time of
need should come; for the merchant had
made it rule to bring up those employ
ees who were to be most sacredly trusted
under his own eye. Accordingly he
advertised his want, and appointed time
when he should receive applicants.
Over in Beverly lived widow named
Atherton, who had been anxious to obtain
astuation for her son, bright faced, fair
haired boy of fifteen. She was very poor.
and felt that she could keep her child no
longer at home. She gained know ledge
Of Mr.. Gray's want. and bade her son ap-
ply for the situation.
But" said the lad, trembling, ~ dare
not go there. He wants m apprentice for
his counting g-house--an apprentice, not to
trade, but to the profession of merchant
The sons of rich men will apply. ! should
stand no chance
Don't be frightened, Thomas Remem-
Der that Mr.. Gray was once as poor az
We are. lie will judge by taeir merits,
and not by the standing of their friends.
At any rate, it cannot hurt you to apply.
You are not afraid OF Billy Gray2'
No, mother replied the boy, proudly
lifting his head, :" am not afraid of the
mani fear no true man, y but shrink
from an attempt which is almost sure to
result in failure. And again, know that
the sons of more prosperous people will
be there; tor this advertisement carries in
It's intent the idea that the apprentice
selected is to come up in the merchants
sanctnm within his private office. Look
at my clothes They will laugh at me"
My boy, have seen Billy Gray
dressed in shabbier clothes than are those
YOU now wear. If you would please your
mother. go.'
And Thomas Atherton went Arrived
at the office of the merchant he found a
score of applicants for the place adver-
tised and. as he had anticipated. among
them were sons of families standing high
in the social scale.
These scions of prosperity looked down
upon the son of the p or widow, and
stood apart from him; and they seemed
to wonder how one so low had dared to
aspire to the position they held in view.
Thomas felt uncomfortable but the sneer-
ing glances of the better-dressed youths
aroused his self-respect, AMI he was deter
mined, come what may, to stand his
ground.
By and by Mr.. Gray entered. He was
small, wiry, pleasant faced man, with an
eye which, as one who once merited his
reproof afterwards remarked, could look
fre, or look daggers." There were one
and'twenty applicants in all. Eight of
these were dismissed upon sight. OF the
thirteen remaining the merchant selected
seven for examination that day, bidding
The other six to present themselves at the
same hour on the morrow.
Thomas Atherton was one of the last
named; but since he had not been perlnp-
torlly discharged, as some had been who
iad appeared in far more tidy and fash
'onable guise than lie could afford, he re-
solved to bear up to the end and lie went
away to call again on the morrow.
The first boy selected from the retained
seven was the son of parents well-to-do
~ ~ the world. Mr.. Gray examined him in
those branches of education most in use
10 general business affairs, and when this
naa been done he took him into a room
"here there was table with pen, ink and
paper upon it, and gave him a short bill
VI iadlng to copy. He then went out and
Slosed the door behind him. leaving the
iad TO perform his task by himself.
half an hour afterward the applicant
y, vas recalled, and he presented his copy.
me merchant ran his eye over the freshly
ssrltten page, and told the lad he might