Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1841-03-05
namc," observed Charles, to whom Mrs For

namc," observed Charles, to whom Mrs For
tescue had related the circumstance.
EYES," said his mother )" yet, strange as
it may appear, we did not even think to in
quire his rauk IN the army"
I" And he said he knew met"
"Yes, he said he saw you the night before
he left the camp" -.
III don'tknow who it could have BEEN"
said charles, thoughtfully.
eft was an oversight in U.S." observed Luz
cy,"but have an idea that we are not al
together unindebted to him. think it is to
his influence, in part, we may attribute
Washngton's favor"
AS she finished speaking, the door of the
apartment opened, and tall, majestic: iigure'
envhlopedin horseman's cloak, stood before
them.
"Captin Fortcscue," said he, advancing,
and handing Charles paper; there is an
order for your releasc-you are Free"
General General how kind you are y
exclaimed the young man, grasping the 9TH
er's hand. Mother-Lucy-thank Gem
cral Washington for his goodness"
AS the General turned, and extended his
hand, he raised his hat from his head, and
revealed to Mrs. Fortescue and Lucy wei
remembered countenance.
"'Tis our stranger guest !" they exclaim-
ed.
"Thanks-thanks! 1t was all they
could utter.
"Not to me, my dear madam, and you
my tender nurse-not to me return thanks ;
but to Him who is all goodness and mercy2"
\
Twenty years after the occurrence of the
foregoing events, and about two subsequent
to that mournful period when the beloved
Washington amid the heartfelt regrets of a
nation, yielded up his noble spirit to Him
who gave it, lady and gentleman, in the
prime of life, accompanied BY two striplings,
apparently between sixteen and eighteen
years of age, arrived at Mount Vernon and
desired to be shown the hero's tomb. They
we're conducted to the place made sacred by
him who rested therein, and as they entered
the youth followed their fathers example
and lifted their caps from their heads, disclos-
ing two high and open brows, overshadowcd
by masses of dark chestnut curls. They
approached the coffin, and as they gazed up.
on those features while chisel and pencil
have alike failed to delineate, tears gushet
from the eyes of the elder couple, and the,
wept aloud. AT length the gentleman spoke
but in tremulous accents:
"My sons" said he, addressing the youths
whose bright eyes were also sullused will
tears, "my sons, look upon that form, nov
cold in death, it was once animated by TIT
nobest spirit ever came from God. Tha
he was possessed of manifold virtues you ar,
aware-that he was upright, just and good
To this, and your mother you know, cal
bear witness for had he not been so, per
baps would not have been spared TO shed
tear over his remains. Endeavor then, m,
sons, to follow his example-the example q
one of the greatest and best men that eve
lived-that like him, when your pilgrimag
} on earth is drawn to close, you may sin
to rest in peaccfulness and quiet"
: Mr.. and Mrs. Fortcscuc cast one NOR
) look upon the remains of the "Fathcr of hi
; Country" and left the tomb with heavy heart
for il brought TO their recollection the events
their early lif, and reminded them of her, VIII
: now also was no more.
, "Molher," said one Of the youths, as the
, proceeded to their carriage, which stood at
short distance, sit was Washington himse
. who gave you that little bible you read to I
. from every night-was it not2"
"Ycs, my DEAR" said Lucy; "and it ha
; been useful gift. 1t has taught me to pl
my trust in God, always, and never to b
cast down by affections. 1t was that whic
gave me strength to act my part in the ever
to which your father has just alluded: and
will ever continue to bless the moment thu
brought to us the Stranger Guest"