State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1831-1836, 1836-02-29


visits, except by winning over some of the
family. The friend whom the General
visited was once thought to have espoused
the interests Of the British; but he had TAX
en- decided stand in favor of America, and
though brave man, he proiessed the strict
est neutrality, alleging as his reason his
years and dependent family.
! During the intimacy of the General, it
was rumored in the American army that his
friend had been seen often returning from
the British camp. Washington seemed to
disregard the account for he never ceased
to visit the family, and, apparently mingled
as cordially with the host as if no suspicion
had crossed his mind. At length, one day
as the General was taking his leave, his
friend earnestly requested him TO dine with
! him the following afternoon, emphaiically
naming the hour of two as the moment of
I expecting him. He reminded him Of the
uncommon delight which his intimacy con-
ferred-begged him to lay aside every for
maIity, and regard his house as his home !;
and limited that he feared the General did
not consider it in that light; as the guard
that always accompanied him seemed TO
indicate he was not visiting friend. "By
no means, dear sir" exclaimed the worthy
patriot, "there is no man | esteem better
than yourself and as proof OF the conf
dence which repose in you, will visit
you alone tomorrow, and pledge my sa-
cred word and honor that no soldier shall
accompany me-" "Pardon me, General"
cried the host; "but why so serious on so
trihing a subject | merely jested." 81 am
aware of it," said the hero, smiling, but
what of that? have long considered the
planting of these outposts as unnecessary,
inasmuch as they may excite the suspicion
of the enemy: and although it be n trfle,
that trihe shall not sport with the friendship
you indulge for me-" "But then-the hour,
General" ooh. yes, two o'clock you said"
''Precisely," returned the other
At one o'clock on the following day, the
General mounted his favorte horse and
proceeded alone, upon bye-road which
conducted him to the hospitable mansion.
1t was about haitian hour before the time,
and the bustlng host received him with
open arms, in addition TO the greetings of
the delighted family. GLOW punctual kind
sirw exclaimed the warm hearted friend.
"Punctualty," replied Washington, sis an
angel virtue, embracing minor, as well as
important concerns. He that is unpunctual
with friend, may doubt his integrity
! The host started; but recovering himself
he added, "'hcn yours is proof that we
enjoy your fullest confidence" Washing
:on promised a promenade upon the piazza,
previous to the dinner. 1t overlooked a
rough country several miles i'll extent 8
fields of grain, here and there sweeping
beneath the sides of bleak hills produced
nothing but rocks and grass-shaIow run
nels Of water flowing along the halIows of
the uneven waste then hidden by wood
lands interceptng prospect ofthc country
beyond spotted now and then with silver
glimpses of the Hudson, stealing through
the sloping grounds below, and chcquered
on both sides by the dim, purple Highlands,
frowning sometimes into hoary battlemcnts
and tapering again into gentle valleys hard
", illuminated by the sun. "This is fine
bold scenery - exclaimed the General, ap-
parcntly absorbed in the beauty of the pros
pcct, dyes, sir" observed the friend look
ing wistfully around, ms if expecting some
ones approach; but catching the piercing
glance of Washington, his eyes were fast
ened confiisedly on the floor. 81 must rally
you my friend" observed the General, "do
you perceive yonder point that boldly rises
from the water, and suddenly is lost behind
that hill which obstinately checks the
view, ~ do" replied the absent listener, en-
gagged apparently in something else than the
subject of inquiry. "Therc," continued the
, hero, "my enemy lies encamped; and were
it no, for slight mist, could almost fancy
that perceive his cavalry moving; but
bark, that cannon Do you not think it
proceeds from the Head Quarters of the
enemy"
While pointing ont to his friend the pro-
t file of the country, the face of the latter was
often turned the opposite way, seemingly
engrosscd in another subject Immediately
behind the house. He was not mistaken
f it was troop, seemingly of British horse,
? were descending distant hill, winding
! through labyrinth of numerous projec-
! tons and trees, until they We're seen gallop-
ping through the country below-and then
! again they were hidden by field of forest
, that swclIed along the bosom of the land
t scape. "Would it not he strange" observed
/ the General, apparently unconscious of the
movements behind him, shat after all my
tolls, America should forfeit her liberty z?
"Heaven Forbid" said his friend, becoming
I less reserved and entering more warmly int
the feelings Of the other. "But," resumed
2 Washington, 81 have heard Of treachcry in
the heart Of ones own camp; and doubtless
you know that it is not impossible 'to he
! wounded even in the house ofone's friend
"Sir," demanded the downcast host, unable
| to meet the searching glance ofhis compan-
/ ion, "who can possibly intend so daring a
! crime. 81 only meant" replied the other,
. ''that treachery was the most hideous OF
0 crimes for, Judas like, il will even sell its
, Lord for money" every true, dear sir y
+ responded the anxious host. as he gazed
Y upon troop of horse, winding around the
4 hill and riding with pOst haste towards the
Y hospiiable mansion, as it two O'Clock yet"
: demanded Washington, for have nm en-
D gagcment this afternoon at my army, and