New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1880-05-30
a FAMOUS GOOSE.
From Ohambers,s Journal.

An interesting relic is preserved IN glass case
In the Coldstream Guards orderly -room at White
hail. 1t consists OF the head ana neGk or SCUSo
ton JacOb-2d Battalion Coldstream Cua,us'
Beneath it are the. words, Died on DHty. a;,,
possessiOns and two battaliOns Of the Guards were
sent thither to assist in queng it, the battalion
already mentioned being one OF them. b9th c tS
turn supplied the guards which were ordered to
be mounted in different parts OF the town ana
neghborhood Near one Of these gbarfa roV was sbs
ravages of fOXes-animals that were at that perlod
a great pest to the COlODists and as the farm IN
question had been suspected OF being the meetIhH,
place of the rebels. onain of sentries was placed
around IT. One day the sentry whose duty 1T was
10 watch the entrance to the farm had his atten-
ton attracted by an unusual noise. and on LOOK
ing toward the spot whence 1t proceeded, lie De-
held fine goose fleeing toward him closely pur-
sued by a fox. His first impulse, was to have
shot at the latterj but this would have alarmed
the guard. and brought cOndign punishment on
himself for giving a false alarm. He was COM
PEELED, therefore, to remain silent spectator OF
nearer to his prey. In the height OF It's de-
SPAR, the poor bird ran its head and neck pc
tween the legs of the soldier; IN ITS frantic
endeavor to reach the refuge which the sentry I
box could afford; and at the same moment the
WHY fox made desperate grab at the goose !;
but too late, for ere he could get feather between
passed through his body. The poor goose by way
Of showing its gratitude to Its preseryer, rubbed
it's head against his legs, and MADE ot1ef egua'
prevailed upon to quit the post, but walker up ana
down day after day with each successive sentry
that was placed there until the battalion left Cam
oda vhen fine GOOSE was brought away with it as o
regimental pet to England
The most remarkable thing In connection with
the story is that the goose in turn actually saved
its pTeseryeTs life. Whether the former knew that
the sentry was the same man or not must OF course
forever remain q problem but 1t so hap
pened that he on that particular post about two
ND rrha
made to surprise and kill the unwary sentinel. IL
was Winter-time, aud although it was bright
moonlight night, the moon was hidden ever ana
anon by tho scuddng clouds which seemed 80 pre-.
sage AN approaching storm. In these moments OF
darkness o sharp observer might nave noticed the
shadows OF several men who unoDserVed DY tne
somewhat drowsy sentinel, were endeavorng
Btealthiy to approach the post where he stOOd'
Suddenly he heard. or thought be heard, strange
rustlIng sound, and bringing his musket TO MS us
shouIdeI he shouted loudly; Who goes there y
Not q sound save the echo of his own voice III the
distance, and tho signing of the Winter WIND
among the branches of the trees which stood IN the
deserted farm-yard. responded to che challenge.
Several minutes elapsed, during which the sol,
der marched up and down his lonely beat followed
by the devoted goose, UNTIL deeming his alarm IN
warranted he again stood at ease" before the sen.
try-box. This was the enemy's opportunity ana
the rebels not long in endeavOrng to proht by
1t. Closer and closer they stole up toward the Dost
the thick snow which lay on the ground completely
deadening the sound of their footsteps. But Just
as two Of their number one on each side OF the sem
try-bOx were preparing with upllfted knife to
spring upon the unsuspecting man, the bird made
grand effort rose suddenly on its wings, and swept
round the scntrY-box with tremendous force, Hap
ping its wings right the faces of the wOnld.be as
sassins. They were astOunded, and rushed blindly
forward but the sentry fully aroused to his danger,
bayOneted one aud shot at the other as he was
running away. Meanwhile, the other cOnspirators
approached to the assistance Of their colleagues:
but the bird repeated its tactics. and enabled the
sentry to keep them at bay until the guard-whom
the firing of his musket bad alarmed-came upon
tho scene and made them fee for their lives. .
When this incident became known. poor old
Jacob was the hero of the garrison and the officers
subscribed for and purchased the golden collar
which the bird afterward wore until the day OF his
death. .
On the arrival Of the regiment In London, the
bird resumed its old duties with the tine posted
at the barrack gates and it was exceedingly anus
ing to watch its movements as 1T walked proudly
up and down with the sentry, or stood to " atten-
ton beside the box when the latter was salutng
passing officer or guard. The feathered hero was
we'll fed and cared for, and a circular bath filled
with water was always at his disposal. Children
were its especial favortes they used to bring the
creature all kinds of food but Jacob would never
tolerate any liberties except when. In military par
lance be was +" standing easy" For many years
jacob seemed to bear charmed life
but he was at length run over by van.
Every effort which kindness and skill could suggest
was made TO save this extraordinary bird but 1t
was of no avail, and he died ike true English
soldier at the post Of duty. after "sentry-go" OF
no lees than twelve years.