Litchfield enquirer., 1831-05-05
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 GENERAL WASHINGTON.

Mfr. Cooper, the distinguished American author. has addressed from Paris, under date of2sth January. letter to Mr. Skinner, Ed itor of the American Turf Register and Sport ing Magazine. on the subject of G0miRg WiId horses and takes the occasion to correct an historical error by the following Observa- tiOns :--
 While troubling you with this letter, will take an opportunity of correcting an er- TOT, which has been generally calculated. and is even to he found in several historical works, as we'll as in numberless magazines. Among others who have fallen into the mistake to which allude, Bigland, in his '' View of the World" relates an anecdOte, by which 1t would appear, that at Brandywine, the life of Washington was at the mercy of the celebra- ted British riHeman, Major Furguson. who was too generous tO profit by his advantage.
 MT. J. F. De Lancey, Gather of Mrs. Coop er,) though of well known American family, was regularly educated for the British army, in which he received commission at eigh- teen. In 1774 he was quartered at Philadel- phia. with part of his corps. the 18th ofthe Royal Irish. Washington was then delegate in Congress and in consequence of his hay ing dined with the mess of the 18th. and of the intercourse which naturally existed be- tween gentlemen of the different provinces. thre' their family connexions and acquantan- ces, Mr. De Lancey had perfect knowledge ofhis person. When the army of Howe was preparing te embark for the Chesapeake. corps Nf riAomen was organized, by drafting picked men from the different regiments. and was placed under the command of Major Fur susoa, who had invented several improve naents, in the ride, and who had acquired great skill in the use of that weapon. Ofthis corps, Mir. De Lancey was appointed second AeN.,sr P0 had preceded the battle of Brandywine. these rifemen were kept skirmishing in advance of enc of the British columns. They had eros sed some open ground, in which Furguson was wounded in the arm, and had taken position in the skirt of thick wood. While Mr. De Lancey was occupied in arranging sling for the wounded arm of FurgusOn, 1t was reported that an American officer of rank, attended only by mounted orderly, had rid den into the open ground, and was then within point blank rifle shot. Two or three of the best marksmsn stepped forward, and asked leave to bring him down. Furguson promptly refused; but he went to the skirt Ofthe wood, and showing himself, menaced the American with several rifles, while he cal led to him, and made signs for him to come in, The mounted officer saw his enemies, drew his rein, and sat looking at them atten- lively for few moments.
 4 sergeant now offered to hit the horse. without injuring the rider. But Furguson stiIl withheld his consent, affirming. that it vas Washington reconnoiter;ng. and that he would not be the instrument of placing the life ofso great man in jeopardy. by so un- fair means. The h0rsenan turned, and rode slowly away. When the British army reach ed Philadelphia. MT. De Lancey was promo guson, not long after went t0 the South, where he was killed, at Kings mountain. To the last moment Major FurgusOn maintaincd that the officer. whose life he had spared was Washington and it is probable that the st0- " in circulation has proceeded from his op'n- ion But en the other hand. Mir. De Lancey, to whom the person of Washington was ne- cessarily so well known, constantly affirmed that his commander was. mistaken. have often heard Mr. De Lancey relate these cir cuaastances, and though he never pretended to be sure of the person of the unknown horseman, it was his opinion, from some par |, ticulars of dress and stature, that it was the Count Pulaski.
 Though in error as to the person of the in- diyi6ual whom he spared, the merit of Major .Furguson is not at all diminished by knowl- edge efths truth. correct the mistake. on- ly because the account IS at variance with the probable situation of Washington, at so im- portant a moment; and because every cir constance connected with the public or pri- vats history of that illmstrious man, has great interest, aot only with his own country, but the whole civilized w0rld.-Very truly yours,
 J. KENMORE COOPER.
 4 DtsSlic dinner was recently given to Vice President Calhoun, at Pendlefon, s. c. by some of his neighbors and friends desirous to testify their respect for this character and in- tegrity so signally vindicated by the late cor respundence." The fourth toast was:
 Our Guest aud Feiiot0 Citizen the Vice- President ofthe United Stdies-The intrigues of cunning asprants may aIienate some; but eandour. honesty. and talent, must take the idsnce of the great body of the people.
 When the repeated paudits which follow ed this toast had subsided, the Vice President replied: ee Asaa
 rise. Gentlemen. not to make speech. but simply to return you my thanks, which I do with the most heartfelt sincerity. On no occasion could ths appreciation of my fel- low-citizens be more acceptable, than the present, when have been compelled, by the most artful and prOAigate movements, to ap- peal't0 them, as my constituents, in vindica- ton ofmy character. impeached in the high est quarter. in an important political trans aciion. The manner tn which have been sustained in the appeal by the great body of my constituents. and particularly by you, my friends and neighhors, who have the best | means of judging my conduct in all the rela. | sions of life, public and private, will ever be WlasNa Nhnnm< vrNn kau