Wheeling times and advertiser. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1839-1849, 1841-05-01

mild nnd merciful cxoression which reigned over
his general aspect. Like the oars in the boat. be
wore a dark blue coat with brOad buff iacings. close
ly bu,,Oncd up TO tho throat. with heavy golden
epaulotts. and buCkskin snail clothes. high military
boots, with spurs of steel. while n belt of buff en-
circled hrs waist. in which was fixed a straight
sword. Such was the costume ofihe parsonage who
was destined to achieve the liberty Of his country.
aud TO burst tho felters of oppression. Reader.
need we say who it wasl In "your minds eve"
does he not stand before youl l. not his name the
waiehword OF your independence. and enshrined
IN every son of ireedoml IL was George Washing.
ton.
As the barge gained the opposite bank. one Of
tho rowers leaped ashore. and had made fast TO the
root ofs willow which hung its broad thick bran.
ehes over the river. The rest of tho party then
landed and uncovering saluted their commander
Who respectfully returned their courtesy.
by ten o'clock You may expect me- said Wash
'ngon. "Be cautious-look well that you arc not
surprised. These are no times for trfing."
depend upon U.s. replied one of the party.
81 do he responded and bidding Them farewell
departed along the bank OF the river.
That evening a party was to be given At the
honse ofone Of his old and valued friends to which
he. with several other American officers had been
invited. IL was seldom that he participated in
iestiviiy. more especially at that period when every
moment was fraught with danger; nevertheless IN
respect 10 an old acquaintance. backed by the soli
citations of Ruby Rugsdale. the daughter Of the
host he had consented TO relax from the tolls OF
military Guty, and honor the party for a few hours
with his presence.
After continuing his path for some distance. A.
long the rivers side he struck of into marrow road
bordered thickly with brushwood, tinged with a
thousand dyes of departed summcr-herc and there
a grey crng pceped out from the f0liage over which
the green ivy s. scarlet wOOlbine hung in vreaihy
daiiancc; At other places. the arms of chesnut aud
mountain ash met in leaiy fnndness AMI cast a gloom.
deep almost as night. suddenly a crashing among
The branches was heard, and like a deer. a Young
Indian girl bounded into the path, and stool full in
his presence. lie started back with surprise-lad
hrs hand upon has sword-but the Iudian only fell
upon her knee, placed her fingers upon her lips. and
by n sign with her hand, forbade him to proceed.
"Whai seek yOu, my wild nOwerl" said the Gen
ernl. She started TO her feet. drew n small toma-
hawk from her belt of wampum, and inflated the
aim ofscllplng the enemy-then again waving her
hand as If forbidding him to advance. she darted
into the bushes, leaving him lost in amazcment.
There Is danger" said he 10 himself after n
short pause, and recovering from his surprise
That Indians manners bcloken me no good, but
my trusi IS IN God; he has never yet deserted me-"
aud resumins his path. he shortly reached the man.
sion OF Rufus Rugsdale. His appearance was the
signal Tor JOY among the party assembled. each Of
whom wed with the other to DO him honor. Al.
'''oH6i EIuNt WCDItlCil oild bold M war, vet IN the
bosom OF domestice bliss. NJ one knew how % rem
der himself more agreeable. Tho old were cheer.
eI b. his cpnsolaIOry words, the young by his
mirt'iiul manner; nor even IN gallaniry was he
wanting. when AZ addel 10 the vinuous spirit of
The hour The protcsiaiions Of Friendship and wei.
come were warmly rendered 10 him by the host
: asst ana ihickly were the guests assembling-the
smile. the laugh, and the mingling music, rose joe.
ously around. The twilight was fast merging inIo
night, but a thousand lamps ofsparkling beauty
gave a brIllluncy ofdiy 10 the scene-all was hap
piness-bnghteyes and blooming faces. were every
where beaming. but alas! a serpent was lurking a.
mong the flowers.
la the midst Of the hilariiy the sound Of a can.
non burst suddenly upon the car. startling the guests.
ani suspending the dance. Washington and the
officers looked al each other with sunrise. buI
their fears were quickly dispeIled b. Russdale. as.
srring Them II was only 4 discharge of ordnance, in
honor of hts distinguished visitors. The 10Y of The
moment was ugain resumed but the gloom Of sus.
picion had fallen upon the spirit of Washington.
who sat ia moody silence apart from the happy
,hrong. "
a light tap upon the shoulder ut length aroused
him from ms attraction; lnnking up. he perceived
the persoh OF the Indian standing in The bosom ofIhe
myrtle bush Gloss to his side.
TIA again here he exclaimed with nstouish-
ment. but she motioned him tD he silent ana knesl.
ing at his feet. presented hrn with a bo1uer of flow.
ers. Washington received it. aud was about 10
place II III his breast. when she gaspcd hiIn firmly
10y The arm aud pointing to IT said in a whisper
Sake! Snakem" aud the next moment mingled
with the company. who appeared TO recognize and
welcome her. rs one well known AMI esteemed
Washington regarded the boquet with wonder
ne saw nothtnS M II To excite his sus picion; her
words and single appearance had. however, sunk
deep into his heart, and looking closer upIn the
nosegay TO his surprise he saw a small piece ofpapet
IN the midst of the flowers. Hastily he drew il forth
q contoundcd and horror stricken, read, Beware
you are betrayed" II was now apparent ,hat he
was within the den ofthe tiger, but TO quit il alb
rupily, might only draw the contamination Of irea.
chery The speedier upon his head. Here sllyed
therefore. to disguise his feelings, he'd trust 10 thai
power which never had deserted him. The fes
tivitIes were again renewed. but almost mOmenta
rly interrupted by n second sound Of the cannon
The guests now began TO regard each other with
disirust' while many mud moody were the glance:
cast upon kugsdale. whose counienance began :,
show uneasiness, while ever and anon he looked
from a window out upon the broad green lawn
which extended TO the rivers edge, as fin expecta
ton ofsone ones arrival.
What can defain them" he mutiered 20 himself
Can they have deceived them, Why answer the,
not the sIgnalF'
At that moment a bright fame rose from The ry
or Illuminating for the moment, tho surroundin n.
scenery, and showing a small boat. flled with per
sons. making rapidly iowarGs The shore.
"AlIs WELL he continued; "in three minutes
shall be poSsessor Of coroset. and the cause Of IN,
republic be no more" Then gaily turning Il
the success OF your arms" The eye of Rugsdal,
at That moment encountered The scrutInizing looI
oi washington and sunk 10 the ground his hand
irerabled violemly-eyen 10 50 great a degree a.
TO partly spill the contents Of the goblet With diff
hculiy he conveyed IL 10 his lips, then retiring Z,
the window he waved his hand. which action wa.
Immediately responded To by n third sound Of IN,
erhnon' at The same moment the English anthem o
God saue che KiHg.bur-t in full volume upon III,
oa7, and a band Of men. alfred IA British uniform
WIN 'helI inces hidden by masks entered the apart
he1t Inc American officers drew heir swords
hui Washington, cool and collected, stood with hn
arms folded upon his breast. and quietly remarked
he calm gentlemen, this Is an hour We did not an
ueipaie' Then turning 10 RugsdaIc. said, 'Speal
SIR what does this meanP
IL means replied tho traitor. placing his band
upon the shoulder Of Washington, that you are IN,
prisoner. In the namo Of King George. I orres
YOU
Never" exclaimed the General 1--WE may b,
LH