The native American., 1837-12-23
From the Manuscript.
GEN. WESTINGHOUSE ESCAPE.
"Washington's watch-word, such as ne'er
Shall sink, where there's an echo left to air."


Shall sink, where there's an echo left to air"
The name of Washington is dear to every
American Distinguished, not only for bravery
and intelligence, but the purest virtues which
can adorn the human heart, he has been vene-
rated in the memory of distant nations, and i'm
mortalized by the blessings he shed upon his
country. He resembles the orb Of day, impart-
ing his twilight long after he is set and invisibly
dispensing his light and cheering warmth to the
world. Cautious and prudent, he was never sur
prised by the most disheartening failures, nor
alarmed into compliance by the most undaunted
threats. His eye could penetrate the darkest
designs; and his powers of invention enabled him
to escape the most formidable stratagems. The
very means employed by the enemy to incom-
mode him, were frequently, in his own hands, the
instruments of their ruin. As an illustration of
his eagle-eyed caution, | will briefly narrate a
singular escape from singular plot, which |
learned from the lips of venerable man, several
years deceased.
When the American army were stationed at
West Point, during the revolutionary war, the
British head quarters were not many miles dis
tant, on the Hudson; and each was waiting like
the figures on the chess-bOard, for some lavOra-
BILE movements to discomfort and thwart the ope-
rations of the other Scouting parties would en-
gage in frequent skirmshes; and wagons of pro-
visions, ammunition and clothing, would fall into
the power of those superior in number and adj
dress. On one of these occasions, a quantity Of
English uniform was seized by an American de-
tachment; and several notable advantages thereby
obtained by the latter, inspired the enemy with
a desire to retaliate. About this time, while at
West Point, Gen. Washington had an intimate
acquaintance, not far resident from the army, in
whose family he enjoyed the kindest hospitality,
9S we as rolf Of of
gagements which harrassed his weary mind AS
every circumstance was food to either army, a
visit like this, not many miles from their camp,
could not long escape the cognizance of the Eng
hsh, and to possess prisoner like George Wash
lngton, would tend, in their opinion, to shorten
the period of the war. But the undertaking was
difficult: there were always advanced guards to
cover the American commander, and there was
no mode of discovering his visits, except by win
ning over some one of the family. The friend
whom the General visited was once thought to
have espoused the interests of the British; but
he had taken a decided stand in favor of the
Americans, and though brave man, he profess
sed the strictest neutrality, alleging, his
his years, and dependant family.
During the intimacy of the General it was r,l-
mored 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, apparently
mingling as cordially with the host, as if no sus-
picion had crossed his mind. At length one day
as the General was taking leave, his friend ear
nestly requested him to do him the honor to dine
with him the following afternoon, emphatically
naming the hour of two, as the moment of ex-
pecting him. He reminded him Of the uncom-
mon delight which his intimacy conferred-beg-
ged him to lay aside every other formality, and
regard his house 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 that he was not visiting friend s'By
no means, dear sir!'' exclaimed the worthy pa
triot; s'there is no man esteem more than your
self, and as proof of the confidence rcpose in
you, will visit you alone tomorrow, and pledge
you my sacred word of honor that not a soldier
shall accompany me-" "Pardon me, General
cried the host "but why SO serious on so trihing
subject? merely jested;' 81 am aware of it,
said the hero OF his country, smiling; 'sbut what
OF that! | have long considered the planting of
those outpOsts unnecessary, inasmuch as they
may excite the suspicion of the enemy; and al
though it be trifle, that triae shall not sport
with the friendship you indulge for me- 'sBut
then-the hour, General 'Oh, yes, two
O'Clock, you said; !" g Preciselyv' returned the
other.
Az one CLOCK ON the IOllOWlng day the Gene-
raj mounted his favorite horse, and proceeded
alone, upon by-road which conducted him to
the hospitable mansion. 1t was about half an
hour before the time, and the busting host re-
ceived him with open arms, in addition to the
greetings Of the delighted family. How pune
tual, kind sir!'' exclaimed the warm hearted
friend. !" Punctuality,'' replied Washington, sis
an angel virtue, embracing minor as well as impor-
tant concerns; he that is not punctnal with friend
may doubt his integrity" The host started; but,
recovering himself, he added, s'then yours is a
proof that we enjoy your fullest confidence"
Washington proposed promenade upon the
piazza previous to dinner. 1t overlooked rough
country several miles in extent; fields of grain,
here and there sweeping beneath the sides of
bleak hills producing nothing but rocks and grass;
shallow runnels of water flowing along the hol-
lows of the uneven waste-then hidden by wood
lands intercepting prospect Of the country be.
yond, spotted now and then with silver glimpses
of the Hudson, stealing through the slopng
grounds below, and chequered on both sides by
the dim purple highlands, frowning sometimes
into hoary battlements, and taperng again into
gentle vallies hardly illuminated by the sun. "This
is fine, bold scenery!'' exclaimed the General.
t1xy ,1>c rbaJ