Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, Wayne County, Ind.) 1831-1837, 1837-03-25
ANEcDorE OF WASHINGTON.

| The auhioined amecdo,e Of Washington, 10 rcl,.
ted by Weems. We do not recollect that il has
been told BY amy other of his biog'nphers, nor do
we discover in il any point Of comparison which
OF "rhe Second Washington.'-Bosion Irans-
Grips.
In 1854, in the 22d year of his age, he was sta
ltoned al Alexandra with his regiment, the only
one in tho colony, and Of which he was colonel.
There happened at this time 10 be an election 10
Alexandra for members Of Assembly: and the con-
itest ran high between colonel George FairC.x and
Mr.. Elzey.-Wasi,ing,on the warm friend Of
Fairfax; and Mr. Payne headed the friends Of e.
ley. A dispute happening TO take place in the
|court-l,ouse yard, Washington, thing very uncom
mon with him, became warm; and, which was still
more uncommon, said something that offended
Payne; whereupon the little gentleman, who,
though but cub in size, the old lion ia heart
raised his sturdy hickory, and, at a single blow,
brought our hero to the ground. Several Of
Westinghouse officers being present, whipped out
their cold irons in instant: and il believed
that there would have been murder off hand.
TO make bad worse, his regiment, hearing how he
had been treated, bolted out from their barracks,
with every man a weapon in his hand threatening
dreadful vengeance on those who had dared to
knock down their beloved colonel.
Happy for Mr.. Payne and his party, Washington
recovered, time enough TO 60 out and meet his en-
aged soldiers: and, after thanking them for this
O their love, ana assuring tnen mat ne
was not hurt in the least, he begged them, as they
loved him or their duty, TO return pcaceahly to-
their barracks. A Cor himself, he went 10 his
room, generously chast's,ng his imprudence,
which had THUS struck up spark that had like to
have thrown the whole town INTO flame. Find
ing, on mature reflection, that he had oeen the
aggressor, he rcsols ed to make Mr.. Payne honor
able repafation, BY asking his pardon on the NOR
row! No sooner had he made tins noble rcsolu-
ton, than. recovering that delicious gac'y which
accompanies good purposes in vi-tuous mind, he
wen, TO ball that night, and behaved as pleasant
~ os though nothing had happened! Glorious
proof that great souls, like great ships, not az
f.cted BY those little putfs which would overset
feeble minds with passion, or sink them with
spleen! he next day he went to tavern, and
wrOte polite note to Mr.. Payne, whom he reques-
ted to meet him. Mr.. Payne took it for chal-
lenge, and repaired to the tavern, not without ex
pecling to see a pair Of pistols produced. But
what was his surprise on entering the chamber, TO
see decanter Divine and glasses on the table
Washington arose, and in a very friendly manner
met him; and gave him his hand. mir. PAYNE
said he, "to is nature rec,ify glory.
I find was wrong yesterday but wish to be right
to-day. You have had some satisfaction: aud If
you think that sufficient, here's my hand; let he
fr,ends.'' Mr.. Payne, from tina, moment, became
the most ardent admirer and friend Of Washington,
and ready at any ime for his sake, 10 charge up to
q battery Of two and forty Founders.