Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1833-09-19
WHOLE NO. lS1.
[From the New-York Mirror.
GENERAL WASHINGTON.


MEssRs. EDIToRs. any mention
Of the most trifling circumstances in the
life Of this great man rs received by the
world with avidity, perhaps your readers
wiz be pleased with the folIowing:-
One pleasant evening, in the month OF
June in IL, man was observed
entering the borders Of wood, near the,
Hudson River, his appe arance that of "a
person above the common rank. The
inhabitants of country village would
have dignifed him with the title Of squire,
and from his manner, have pronounced
him proud; but those more accustomed
to society, would inform you there was
something like military an about him.
His horse painted as if il had been hard
pushed for some miles, yet from the own
er's frequent stops to caress The patient
animal, he could not be charged with
want of humanity; but seemed to be ac--
tuated by some urgent necessity. The
riders forsaking a good road for the by
path leading through the woods, ndica-
ted desire to aviod the gaze of other
travellers. lie had not left the house
where he inquired the direction of the
above mentioned path more than two
hours, before the auietude of the place
was broken by the noise Of distant thun-
der. He was soon after obliged to dig
mount, travelling becoming dangerous,
as darkness concealed surrounding oh
jects, except when the lightning's terrific
flash afforded momentary view Of his
situation. A peal, louder and Of longer
duration than any ofthe preceding which
now burst over his head, seeming as If
il would rend the weeds asunder, was
quickly followed by heavy fall Of rain,
which penetrated the clothing Of the
stranger ere he could obtain the shelter
! ola large oak which stood at little dis
tance.
Almost exhausted With sAe labors Of
the day, he was about maS;:S:ss asS;;Ss "ssh dis
position of the saddle and his own cont
as would enable hinf TO pass the night
with what comfort circumstances would
admit, when he cspied a light glimmer-
mig through the trees. Animated with
the hope Of better lodgings, he deter
mined to proceed. The way, which
was somewhat steep, became attended
with more obstacles the farther he ad-
vanced; the soil being composed ofclay,
which the rain had rendered so soft that
his feet slipped at every step. BY the
utmost perseverance, this difficulty was
finally overcome without any accident,
and he had the pleasure of finding him
self in front of a decent looking Farm
House. The watchdog began barking,
IL ha tha
to the door.
"Who is there!" said he.
GA friend, who has lost his way, and
in Sc arch Of place OF shelter" was the
answer
"Comc in, sir," added the first speak
er, and whatever my house will afford,
you shall have with welcome. !"
81 must first provide for the weary
companion of my Journey" remarked the
ether
! But the former undertook the task, and
after conducting the new conner into a
room where his wife was seated, he led
the horse TO well stored barn, and there,
provided for him most bountiluliy. On
rejoining the traveller, he observed.
"Thai's noble animal of yours, SIR"
eyes" was the reply, sand am. sor--
ry that was obliged to misuse him So,
as to make it necessary to give you SO
much trouble with the care OF hira; but
l have yet to thank you for your kind
ness to both Of us"
81 did no more than my duty, sir,''
said the entertainer, "and am entitled Il.
no thanks. "But Susan" added he.
turning to the hostess with half re-
preac hful lock, "why have you not given
the gentleman something to eat!"
Fear had prevented the good woman
from exercising her well known beney-
olence for a robbery had been CON-
mitted by lawless band Of dspred.,tors.
but few days before, in that ncighbor-
hood, and as report stated that the ruff
fans were all well dressed, her imagina-
ton suggested that this nan might be-
one Of them.
AT her husbands remonstrance, she
now readily engaged in repairing her
error, by preparing plentiful repast.-
During the meal, there was much inter
esting conversation among the three
As soon as the worthy countryman pei
ceived that his guest had satisfied his ap-
petite, he informed him that il was now
the hour at which the family usually per-
formed their evening devotions, inviting
him at the same time to be present. Tho
invitation was accepted in these words :
cit would afford me the greatest plea
sure to commune with my heavenly Pre-
server, after the events Of the DAY; such
exercises pre- pare US for the repose which