Cheraw gazette. [volume] (Cheraw, S.C.) 1835-1838, 1837-01-10

be present. The invitation waS accepted
in these words:
"'It would afford me the greatest
pleasure to commune with my heavenly
Preseryer, after the events of the day ;
such exercises prepare US ior the reposc we
seek in sleep
"The host now reached his Bible from
the shelf, and after reading a chapter and
singing, concluded the whole with ierVent
prayer; then lighting pine knot, con-
Quoted the person he had entertained to his
chamber, wished him good nights rest,
and retired to the adjoining apartment.
"John,' whispered the woman, 'that is
good gentleman, and not ore Of the high
way men as | supposed
"sYes, Susan said he, | like him better
for thinking, of his God, than for all his
kind inquiries after our welfare. | wish
our Peter had been home from the army,
if it was only to hear this good man talk !;
[ am sure Washington himself could not
say more fot his country nor give a better
history of the hardshps endured by our
brave soldiers
"Who knows now inquired the wifi, ,'but
it may be he himself after all, my dear, for
they do say he travels just so, all alone,
sometimes. .*-Hark what's that?'
"The sound Of voice came from the
chamber of their guest, who was now en-
gagged in private religious worship. After
thanking the Creator for his many mcrcies,
and asking blessing on the inhabitants Of
the house, he continued, And now, AL
mighty Father, if it is thy holy will, that
we shall OBJ. ain plrce and name among
the nations of the earth, grant that we may
be enabled 10 show our gratitude for thy
goodness, by our endeavors to fear and
obey thee. Bless us with wisdom in our
councils, and success in battle, and let all our
victories be tempered with humanity. En-.
dow also our enemies with enlightened
minds, that they may become sensible of
their injustice, and willing to restore our
liberty and peace. Grant the petition OF
thy servant, for the sake of Him whom thou
has called thy Beloved Son nevertheless,
not my will, but thine be done. Amer.'
"The next morning, the traveller, decliE-
ing the pressing solicitations to breakfast
with his host, declared it was necessary tor
him to cross the river Immediately; at the
same time offering part of his purse, as a
compensation for the attention ne had re-.
ccived, which was refused.
"Well, sir concluded he, since you
will not permit me to recompense you for
your trouble, it is but just that should in
form YOU on whom you have conferred so
many obligations, and also add to them by
requesting your assistance in crossing the
river. | had been out yesterday, endeav.
curing to obtain some information respect:
ing our enemy, and, being alone, ventured
too far from the camp; on my return Twas
surprised by foraging party, and only es,
capped by my knowledge of the roads and
the feetness of my horse. My name IS
George Washington
"Surprise kept the listener silent tor a
moment then, after unsuccesstuly repeat
ing the invitation to partake OF some re-
freshment, he hastened to call two negroes
with whose assistance he placed the horse
on q small raft of timber, that was lying IN
the river near the door, and soon conveyed
the General to the opposite side, where ne
left him to pursue his way 10 the camp
wishing him safe and prosperous journey.
On his return to the house, he found that
while he was engaged in making prepara-
tons for conveying the horse across the
river, his illustrious visitor had Pcrsua'
ded his wife to accept token Of remem-
brance, which the family are proud OF eX-
hibiting to this day.
"Thc above is only one Of the many
hazards encountered by this truly great
patrio:, for the purpose Of transmitting to
pos;erty the treasures we now enjoy. Let
us acknowledge The benefits received, by
our cndeavors to preserve them in purity
and by keeping in remembrance the great
source whence these blessings flow, may
we be enabled to render our names worthy
of being enrolled with that of the father OF
his country. :.
"In the following perfectly authentic Incl,
dent, we have striking corroboration OF
those already recorded, and with them tur'
nishing proof so ample Of the point before
us, that it will be unnecessary 10 look tor
additional testimony.
"During his residence in Philadelphia
as President Of the United States, it was the
habit of Washington, winter and summer, te
retire to his study at certain hour every
uight He usually did so at nine O'Clock
always having lighted candle in his hand
and closing the door carefully after him
A youthful member Of his household whose
room was near the study, being just acros:
the passage, observing this constant prac
tice of the Presidelt, had his thoughts excl
ted in reference to The cause of so uniform
custom. Accordingly, on one occasion
:, tho ;pd,lpence Of a juvenile curiosity, In