The Northern star, and farmers' and mechanics' advocate. [volume] (Warren, R.I.) 1830-1834, 1833-11-23
MISCELLANY.
GENERAL WASHINGTON.

GEN NERAL WASHINGTON.
Ono pleasant evening in the month oi
June. the year IL, man was observed
entering the borders of wood, near the
Hudson river, his appearance that of a
person above the common rank. The in
habitants 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 So
ciety would inform you that there was
something ofa military air about him.
His horse painted as if i, 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 10 be actuated
by some urgent necessity. The riders
forsaking a good road for ihe by-path
leading through the woods, indicated a
desire to avoid the gaze Of other travel
lers. He had not left the house where
he inquired the direction of the above
mentioned path more than two hours, be-
fore the quietude Of the place was broken
by the noise OF distant thunder. He was
so)n after obliged to dismount, travelling
becoming dangerous,as darkness conceal
ed surrounding objects, except when the
flash afforded him momenta-
ry view OF his situation. A peal, louder
aud longer duration than any Of the pre-
ceeding, which now burst over his head,
seeming as it it would rend the woods as
sunder, was quickly followed by heavy
fall of rain, which penetrated the clothing
OF the stranger ere he could obtain the
shelter Of large oak which stood at u lit
tie distance.
Almost exhausted with the labors ofthe
day, he was about making such disposi-
ton Of the saddle and his cout, ss would
enable him to pass the night with what
comfort circumstances would admit when
he espied light glimmering through the
trees. Animated with the hope OF better
lodgings, he determined to proceed. The
way, which was somewhat steep, became
with more obstacles the farther
he advanced the soil being composed oI
clay, which the rain had rendered so soft
that he slipped ut every step. BY the
utmost perseverance, this difficulty was
finally overcome without accident, and he
had the pleasure Of finding himself in
front Of decent looking farm house.
The watch dog began barking, which
brought the owner Of The mansion 10 the
door.
"Who is therei" said he.
"a friend, who has lost bis way and
in search Of place of shelter" was the
answer.
"Come in, sir" added the first speaker,
"and whatever my house will afford, you
shall have with welcome.'
81 must first provide for the weary CON-
panion OF my journey" remarked the
other.
But the former undertook tho task, and
after conducting the new conner into a
room where his wife was seated, he lead
the horse to wellstored barn, and there
provided for him most bountiluIly. On
rejoining the traveller, "That is noble
animal Of yours, SIR"
eyes," was the reply, and am sorry
that l was obliged to misuse HIM so, as to
make it necessary to give you SO much
trouble with the care of him but l have
yet to thank you for your kindness to both
of US.
81 did no moro than my duty, SIR"
said the entertainer, and therefore am en-
titled to no thanks. "But Susan, ;" added
he, turning to the hostess, with half re-
proachful look, "why have you not given
the gentleman something to eat!"
Eaar koA nravaotaI tho c1oI -, - -
from exercising her well-known benevo-
lence for robbery had been committed
by lawless band of deprcdators, but a
few days before, in that neighborhood, ,and
as report stated that the ruffians were all
well dressed, her Imagination uggestcd
that this man might be- one Of them.
AT her husbands remonstrance Q she now
readily engaged in repairing her error, by
preparing a plentiful repast. During the
meal, there was much interesting conver-
sation among the three. As soon as the
worthy countryman perceived that his
guest had satisfied his appetite, he infor-
med him, that il was now the hour al which
the family usually performed their eve
ming devotions, inviting him at the same
time to be present. The invitation was
accepted in these words.
at would afford mo the greatest pleas
ure TO commune with my heavenly Pre-
server, after tho events Of the day such
exercises prepare us for tho repose which
we seek in sleep"
The host now reached the Biblo from
the shelf, and after reading chapter and
singing, concluded the whole with fer
vent prayer; then lighting n pine-knot,
conducted the person he had entertained
to his chamber, wished him good nights
rest, and retired to the adjoining apart.