Elizabeth-Town gazette. [volume] (Elizabeth-Town, N.J.) 1818-1821, 1819-09-21


the frequent instances of duels in on
country, aud even in our vicinity. II ma
been remarked with much truth, that du
cling does not import possession OF mag
nauimity among those concerned. w
have the pleasure to relate an anecdote 2
the great aud good WASHINGTON, which
explains the definition of true honour, a
applied to duelling, and which is mos
consonant to greatness Of soul, real cour
age and " honour" Bait. Patriot.
ANECDoTE OF WASHINGTON.
Inl 1854, he was stationed at Alexan'
dria with his regiment, the only one 10
the colony, and of which he was Colonel.
There happened at the. time to be an
election 10 Alexandria for members OF the
assembly, and the ballot ran high between
Col. Geo. Fairfax and Mr.. VIM. E'zey.
Washington was on the side OF Fairfax,
and Mr.. VIM. Payne headed the friends
of Elzey. In the course OF the contest,
Washington grew very marin, flor his pas
sions, naturally, were terrible though
wise regard to duty, i. e. honottr aud hap
piness, soon reduced them to proper COM
mand) and uuluckily said something to
Mr.. Payne, who though but cnb in sac,
was lion 10 heart, elevated his shelalah,
and, at blow, extended our hero Oh the
ground. News was soon carried 10 the
regiment that their Colonel was murdered
by the mob !! On the passions of the SOL
diers, who doated on their commander,
such report fell at once like flash Of
lightning on magazine Of guDpowder. In
moment, the whole regiment was under
arms, and in rapid motion, towards the
town, burning for vengeance. During
this time, Washington had been literally
piled with cold water, acids, and vola-
tiles; and, happily for Mr.. Payne aud his
party, was so far recovered as to get out
and meet his enraged soldiers, who crowd
ed around him with faces Of honest JOY to
see him alive again. After thanking them
for such 40 evidence of attachment TO him,
he assured them that he was not hurt in
the least, and begged them, by their love
Of him and Of their duty, to return peace
ably TO their barracks. AS for himself
he went TO his room, generously cbastising
his passion, which had thus struck out
spark that had like 10 have thrown the
whole town into a flame. And feeling
himself the aggressor OF Mr.. Payne, he
resolved TO make him the honorable rep
aration of asking his pardon. No sooner
had he made this heroic resolution, than,
recovering that delicious gaiety, which
ever accompanies good purposes 10 vir-
tnous mind, he went to ball that night,
and behaved as pleasantly as though no.
thing had happened. Early next morn
ing he wrote polite note Of invitation to
Mr.. Payne, to meet him at the tavern.
Payne took it for challenge, and repair
ed to the tavern in full expectation OF
smelling gun-power. But what was his
surprise Oh entering the chamber, 10 see,
in lieu of brace of pistols, decanter
of wine and pair of glasses on the table.
Washington rose to meet him, and offering
his hand with smile, began-"Mr. Payne,
to err sometimes, is nature, to reCtify err
Yor, is always glory; belieue mas
,urong in the affair Of yesterday; goa
haze had I think, some satisfaction, and
if you deem that sufficient, here is my
hand, let as be friends"
An act Of such sublime virtue, produced
its proper effect on the mind Of Mr.. Payne,
who from that moment became the most
enthusiastic admirer and friend of Wash
ington; and, for his sake, ready at any
time to charge up TO battery oftwo aud
forty Founders.
Would our Youth be but persuaded to
act in a sty lie SO correct and SO beroicaI,
our papers would no longer shock us with
accounts of elegant young men numbering
each other, on false principles Of honour (;
and, by one desperate deed, amercing
themselves Of all present pleasure, and Of
all future hope. Would they but exert
the courage, the only true courage, TO
stamp into immediate silence the clamors
Of british passion, and to leap at the sac
red call of duty, they might long live as
good children, to equal the hopes Of their
fond parents--as good citizens, with their
virtues to enrich their country-as good
husbands, to bless the sex they were born
TO love and to protect-aod at length like
Washington attain to good old age g cro,ca-
ed NTH riches and mill honours."
A life how glorious! to bis country dear,
Her first in council, and her first in war.
May his example, all our sons inspire!
And from their fathers history, catch his fire.
From PouIson's American Daily Advertiser
A SOUTHERN FRIENDS sOLILoQUY ON
THE SEA-SERPENT.
II must be SOY ankees, ye reason we'll
else whence SO many tales, these long ac.
counts, these we'll atsested narratives o,