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ANECDOTES FOR BOYS.
[Illustration: MRS. S. C. HALL'S RESIDENCE BROMPTON.--_See page 118._]
ANECDOTES
FOR
BOYS.
ENTERTAINING NARRATIVES AND ANECDOTES,
ILLUSTRATIVE OF PRINCIPLES AND CHARACTER.
BY
HARVEY NEWCOMB,
AUTHOR OF "HOW TO BE A LADY," "HOW TO BE A MAN," ETC.
SIXTH THOUSAND.
BOSTON:
GOULD AND LINCOLN,
59 WASHINGTON STREET.
1851.
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1847,
BY GOULD, KENDALL AND LINCOLN,
In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the District
of Massachusetts.
STEREOTYPED BY S. N. DICKINSON, BOSTON.
PREFACE.
I have noticed that young people are fond of reading anecdotes,
narratives, parables, &c. This taste of theirs sometimes leads them to
devour all the trash that comes in their way, with no other object than
mere amusement. But, if properly guarded, it may be the means of
conveying truth to their minds in a form not only more attractive, but
more readily understood. The design of this book is, to supply reading
of this kind, which shall be not only _entertaining_ but _instructive_.
I never write for the amusement of the reader merely. But I am glad if
he is entertained at the same time that he is instructed.
This book is not a mere compilation of stories. Its main object is to
illustrate truth and character. No anecdote has been admitted but such
as could be turned to this account; and if suited to this purpose, the
question has not been asked whether it was new or old. But nearly every
one has been entirely rewritten, presented in a new dress, and made to
bear on the object in view. The work was suggested, while writing my
last two publications, "How to be a Man," and "How to be a Lady." I had
designed to illustrate the topics there treated of, in this manner, but
could not find space. The favor with which these works have been
received, has encouraged me to undertake something of the kind
separately. I have prepared two volumes, one for boys and one for girls,
but the matter in each is entirely distinct. The same anecdote is in no
instance introduced into both books; though in some cases the topics are
similar. They form _a pair_, for the rising youth of both sexes; and if
they shall contribute in any degree towards forming their characters,
after the true model, my object will be attained.
_Grantville, Mass., Sept. 1847._
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I.
THE BOY MAKES THE MAN.--Benedict Arnold--George Washington--Gov.
Ritner--Roger Sherman. 9