The Virginian

From the N. York National Advocate.

Mr. Editor—Your correspondent Paul Pry, who says that Mr. Secretary Southard and Commodore Rodgers have issued an order prohibiting one officer from lending money or clothes to another, puts me in mind of an anecdote which occurred in the Mediterranean, to the Commodore, and which he must have recollected when issuing the new (and let me add) disreputable order.

We had a wag, a midshipman on board our ship, (the Constitution,) by the name of Pollard—this was 10 or 15 years ago. Pollard being once in the steerage with the rest of the midshipmen, laid a wager that he would make the Commodore give him permission to go ashore, and also lend him his cocked hat, sword and money. The bet was readily taken up, and considered as won by the opposing party. Young Pollard watching the opportunity, went into the cabin. "Commodore," said he, "I have not been on shore for six months—you will not consider it improper if I request your permission to go on shore to day?" "Certainly not," said the Commodore—“ you can go." Pollard bowed—“ Commodore, I have no sword, and don't like to visit in the city (Leghorn or Marseilles) without a sword—will you have the goodness to lend me one of your dress swords?" "O yes, boy bring me one of my swords from the forward cabin." Pollard hesitated and bowed. "You gave an order that none of the midshipmen should go ashore in a round hat. I have no cocked hat, and now I have a sword, can I have one of your hats:"
The Commodore looked at him aghast and said "Well, well, you may have one;" the boy was despatched for the hat and sword, which the midshipman took under his arm, and marched triumphantly towards the door, which on reaching, he turned round, and looked hard at the Commodore—“ Well, what next ?" " Why, Commodore, I am loth to trespass on your kindness; the purser has gone ashore —I have six months pay due me, and have not a dollar in my pocket. Will you lend me a trifle ?" The Commodore began to be restless but going to his desk, he took out five dollars, and said, " there, there—go, go." Young Pollard came laughing, into the steerage, and spreading his spoils on the table, claimed the bet, which on receiving, and decorated with the Commodore's cock'd hat and sword, he soon was rowed on shore. I dare say Commodore Rodgers will recollect it. We have had many a laugh on the subject. As to the order of not lending money or clothes by one officer to another, be assured it is Mr. Southard's, who is the author of the former order, that no officer should quarrel without permission of his captain.

YOUNG NEPTUNE.