Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, W.T. [i.e. Wis.]) 1843-1844, 1844-01-06

would often have exhibited itself but for his
great selfcommaud. His self command was
Undoubtedly great, but ! do not think he had
often TO exercise it 10 prevent any outbreaks Of
passion. On the contrary believe him 10
have been mild, and not easily rufiled: certain
by quite as much so as men in general new
Ter saw him angry bat once in my life. And
this was considered so remarkable thing by
myself, as well as his family, that although
we knew he had good cause to be provoked, or
such al leas, as would have provoked most
other men TO anger, we were yet greatly sur
prised. and looked upon it as qnite an anoma-
Iy in the Generals life. Ii happened while
he was President and travelling in his carriage.
with small retinue of ouiriders, from Mount
Vernon 10 Philadelphia. Ii was during the
first day of our journey. and we were through
the barrens Of Maryland, where. at intervals of
few miles. the solitude Of the road was re-
LEVIED at that time by set Of low taverns or
lgroggeres, at which we did not think OF stop
ping. But we had houghlless young man
in our train, who by favor had been ADMITTED
into The family as sor, Of gentlemen attend
ant and who seemed much more inclined 10
pai1onize these places. The General, by his
request, had permitted him to ride favorite
mare which he had raised on his plantation
and of which he was exceedingly carefal, the
animal being almost as Sigh, in proportions as
roebuck. and very high spirited. Blu, the
young fellow, notwithstanding the intimaiions
he had received at starting, TO deal gently
with her, was apparently bent on testing her
speed and other qualities, ard that loo in a
manner little likely TO meet with favor IN
man of Washingtou's high sense Of propriety.
He would leave the train, and riding up TO
one of these liquoring establishments there re.
main until we were out Of sight; when he
would come up upon the ron, ride with ne
awhile, and gsl'op on forward 10 the next.
This he repeated three times, the last Of which
brought the metllesome creature TO foam. and
evidently much fretied her. At the first trans.
erosion thus committed against the Generals
orders respecting the mare, as well as against
his known sense of proprieiy, he seemed sur
prised, looking as if he wondered at the young
mans tsmerity, and conienied himself with
throwing after him glance of dispeasure.
At the second. lie appeared highly incensed,
although he said nothing, and repressed his in
dignsiion, acting as if he thought this must be
the last offence, for the punishment OF which
he chose private occasion, But as the oifen-
der rode up the third time, Washington has
tily threw open the carriage window, and ask.
ing the driver to halt, sharply ordered the Tor.
lner alongside; when, with uplifled cane. and
a tone and emphasis which startled us all. and
made the culprit shrink and tremble like leaf,
he exclaimed. Look you sir! Your conduct is
insuffersbiei Fall in behind shore. sir. and as
sure as You leave US again, will break every
boi,e in your skin!
ut is needless, l presume, 10 say that the
offence was not repeated. or tina, the young
gallan, needed any more tanning.
Here" sain Capt. L., now taking from a
drawer and handing me for inspection deed
Of " ashingion's drafting, SO singularly brief
as to be all embraced in seven or eight lines
written in a bold hand across half sheet Of
fooiscap. yet constituting, aconveyance of real
estate 10 the grantee and heirs. which as far
as could be perceived, was perfectly legal.
Here is deed of a plantation from Genera
Washington to me. which show you, not on
" as curiosity Of itself. but for the sake . f
Introducing the pleasant lutte incident out of
which II originated. Soon after leaving the
Generals employ meni CHANGED TO be riding
through the interior Of Virginia, when | came
across deserted plantation. the situation and
general appearance Of which, though overrun
with weeds and bushes, yet pleased me so
I
some inquiries concerning lis ownership. &C.,
and was told that il was supposed TO belong
TO General Washington. The night after
reached home. went 10 sleep thinking Of this
plantation, and wondering that |, who suppos.
ed | knew all Washington's lands, never
heard Of i, before; when happened, know
not WHY. TO dream that The General made
present of il 10 me. The next day. as II for
iher happened. rode over to Mount Vernon.
the General being then a, home. After attend
inc 10 the more immediate object ofmy visit,
asked him if he owned such plantation as the
one had seen. now describing il TO him. AT
first he replied 10 the negative. bot soon rising
and going 10 cosuli book 10 which he kept
record of all his deeds. he said he did own this
trac, ofIand, but though OF value, be had en-
,irely overlooked il for some years.
".WelI, General said /, banierngly. u
dreamed last night that you gave me that
PLANTATION
"Washinp,on. contrary 10 his usual habit,
laughed outright, and observed.
lyon did not dream Mount Vernon away
from me, did you sir!'
80 no. 1 was not so grasping as that,
thourh honestly had the Dream replied, IN
The same vein Of pleasantly; when nothing
more being said, The affair on my part passed
from nov mind as joke, and was forgotten. II
seemed. however, that my dream was not SO
vain one as ! had supposed for the next
morning. as was taking my leave, the Cen
eral dropped folded paper into my hat. care
Iessly renarking that J could examine u at
some leisure opportunity. did so, and TO my
acreeable surprise, found il 10 be this very
deed; made oct probably, aher had retired
IT, ,;,,h, bafoYa and couyey!au, as you per-
eeiye. for the consideration Of natural affection,
4 - - -I..,ntinr I haI diacnrcrad -