The native American. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1840, 1840-10-03

WEI RtH-S<-s~~<~SsxsEX
Turning to the hostess, with half re
Iproachful look, "why have you not got the
gentleman something to eat 2"
Fear had prevented the good woman
from exercising her well-known benevo
Hence; for robbery had been commit
ted by lawless band of depredators {
few days before, in the neighborhood, and
as report stated that the ruffians were vel
dressed, her Imagination suggested that
this man might be one of them.
Ather husbands remonstrance she now
readily engaged in repairing her error, by
preparing Il plentiful repast. During the
meal there was much interesting CONVEX.
sation among the three. As soon as the
worthy countryman perceived that his
tguest had satisfied his appetite, he inform.
led him that it was now the hour at which
1.-THE family usually performed their even
ling devotions, inviting him at the same
time to be present. The invitation was
accepted in these words:
I" 1t would afford me the greatest plea.
sure to commune with my heavenly Pre-
server after the events of the day, such
exercises prepare us for the repose which
we seek in sleep"
The host now reached the Bible from
the shelf, and after reading chapter and
singing, concluded the whole with fer
vent prayer-then lighting pine knot
conducted the person he entertained to
his chamber, wishing him a good nights
|rest, and retired to an adjoining apart
ment.
"John," whispered the woman, "that
is a, good gentleman, and not one of the
highwaymen, as supposed"
Yes, Susan" said he, 81 like him
better for thinking of his God, than fol
all his kind inquiries about our welfare
l wish our Peter had been from the army
if it was only to hear him talk; am sure
Washington himself could not say more
for his country, nor give better history
of the hardships endured by our brave
soldiers"
"Who knows now" inquired the wife
"but it may be he himself after all my
dear, for they do say he travels JUS
so, all alone, sometimes. Hark.! what's
that z"
The sound of voice came from the
chamber of the guest, who was engaged
/ in his private religious worship. After
thanking the Creator for his many mer
cies, and asking blessing on the inhabi.
tants of the house, he continued" and
now, Almighty Father, if it is thy holy
will that we shall obtain place and name
among the nations OF the earth, grant that
we may be enabled to show our gratitude
for thy goodness, by our endeavors to obey
thee. Bless us with wisdom in our coun
ellis, success in battle, and let our victo
ries be tempered with humanity. Endow
also our enemies with enlightened minds
that they may become sensible of injus-
tice, and willing to restore our liberty and
Ipeace. Grant the petition of thy servant
for the sake of him whom thou hast called
thy Son; nevertheless, not my will but
thine be done. Amen"
The next morning the traveller declin-
ling the pressing solicitations to breakfast
with his host, declared it was necessary
for him to cross the river Immediately, al
the same time offering part Of his purse
as compensation for the attention he had
received-which was refused.
"Well, sir" concluded he, " since you
will notpermit me to recompense you fol
your trouble, it is but just that should
inform you on whom you have conferred
so many obligations, and also to add to
them by requesting your assistance in
crossing the river. l had been out yes
|terday endeavoring to obtain some infor
nation respecting our enemy; and being
alone, ventured too far from our camp
on my return was surprised by a for
eign party, and only escaped by my know
ledge of the roads, and the feetness O.
my horse. My name is GEORGE WASH
INGToN."
Surprise kept the listener silent for q
moment-then, after unsuccessfully re.
peating the invitation to partake of some
Refreshments, he fastened to call two ne.
groes, with whose assistance he placed
the horse on small raft of timber that
was lying near the door, and soon con.
veyed the General to the opposite side,
where he left him to pursue his way to
the camp, wishing him safe and prosper
GUS journey. On his return to the house
he found that while he was engaged in
making preparations for conveying the
horse across the river, his illustrious visi.
tor had persuaded the woman to accept a
token of remembrance, which the family
are proud of exhibiting at this day
Messenger