As a trim British frigate anchored in a Virginia harbor on bright spring morning back in 1746, its officers and crew hurried ashore on a variety of missions. One young lieutenant, heading for his home near Fredericksburg, was full of good news for his half brother, George. For, as an oft-repeated tradition relates, he had in his pocket papers appointing George as a midshipman on the frigate.

The boy's elation and excitement over such a dream come true was dampened only by his mother's deep-seated reluctance to permit her fourteen-year-old son to go to sea. Some strange foreboding filled her heart. She would not forbid him to go, but her tears conquered him. Out of deference to her wishes, he refused the coveted appointment and sadly watched the frigate sail without him. Slowly it dropped out of sight, never to be heard of again.

The boy's devotion to his mother saved his life.  His name was George Washington.

1958, Ideas and Stories for The Scoutmaster's Minute, pg 2