Windham County Democrat. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1836-1853, 1845-10-02
Recollections of Gen. Washington.

Recollections of Gen. Washington.
1t was on hracing winter evening, before a roar
ing cheerful fire. which reminded me OF the venera-
bio gay hero beside me- who cracking his sly joke,
and helping TO light up the hitter weather by the
arch interest of his anecdotes thut listened to the
foilnwing details, for the truth of which he declared
TINT he WINS n personal witness. The eyes OF the
Hged warrior, which had reflected their ninetleth
annual sunlight were still enlvened by the hres oil
ihat same vaor which had distinguished him in the
Revolution, aud though vsiby on the eve of being
gathered ripe with years and virtues, among the IL
lnstrious aud brave that had gone before him, he
strikugly evidenced that his truly an indomtable
aud neverdyng spirit, which even the tyrnnt OF the
grave could not extiugush aud subduc.
1t was said he, AT the termination of one of our
Northern campaigus that happened to be quar-
tered with number of the officers ct our dctoch-
nent with our beloved General Washington, for
whom I always entertained ns hearty respect as
I ever did for nv venerable father. The house in
which we were located was crowded almost TO over
flowing, nnh in the next room To that IN winch we
were to sup. gentleman suffering under dan
gernus illness, who must have been exceedingly an
noyed bv the hustle and hilarity which prevailed ;
but of this circumstance few of us were made ac-
u,iunted ms were too much occupied with our
public and private concerns to take the least interest
in any other circumstances The hour of supper
was NJ hand, which the usual signal for unlock
ing tie reserve of the company, aud drowning past
cares and nIislurtnes in the prtlsion OF the good
things which smiled around. Never shal forget
the dgufied henevolence with which Washington
entered the apartment, with the demeanor of one
who is concerned in all that is passing about him,
and n solicitude to hush down all unnecessary noise
hy the air of reserve Which he manifested. The
meal pariaken of with lively story and conta-
gio,is laugh, although we could not but gather from
the counlelance of our chienin, that they were I'M
cnngrnal 10 the sentiments that were passing in his
mind He rose from the tHble Just the wine and
desert about to be enjoyed, and with low and
gentle voice simply remark el-"Genemen \ beg
thai you will remember in your nirih that there is
sick stranger lodged in the next ronn." The words
elecircal--ihey produced for the moment their
quirting effect and the departure of the General
found the officers silent ms though they all par
tirpared ia the suffering of the sick man. The
potency of The wine by degrees made us forget the
Injunction we had Just received-conversaiion began
10 rise from Il lower to n higher tone-tIe tongues
aud spirits of us all began to he inspired with new
life and vivacity-and not even the situation Of the
diseased sufferer seemed 10 have the least effect
in dampening our gaety story rolled over story
voice piled upon voice, till the din Of conversation
and the shouts of tnerrnent seemed TO fill the whole
house with one confused sea of noise.
Weary of the harity, my eye rested lnstinrtively
OIL the door, which appeared TO be gently opening ;
but so deeply absorbed in enjoyment was the rest of
the guests, that not one, believe, besides myself
conscious of whit was pasSing While gazing
10 discover who was about entering in so unceremo-
ni0us manner who should meet my attention but
the excellent old General HIMSELF who slowly
into the room, softly treading on tiptoe, with the
looks of person fearful of disturbing sick sleeper
by his walk, and proceeding in that singular manner
more than half way round the table before he was
discovered by any one else Of party. He kept
on his way with the same anxious and composed
tread, apparently unconscious that there was a SIM
gle person in the room, or that the least noise and
confusion prevailed around hinl--and when he
reached the door, he retreaed in the same silence
that IN which lie entereh-nud the latch
gently closed that could hardly realize the de-
parure OF the chiefan. Suffice il TO say, that there
was not m eye, tongue or heart that felt not the
magic spell of the ghost-like visitation. The storm
of noisy talk and laughter was instantly hushod TO
calnl--not an officer remained moment his
chair, but fed away in similar death-like silence,
some to their chambers, others TO the open ar-hut
none Of us then present can ever forget the nemora
bic but delicate lesion taught by the good General,
of never suffering selfish enjoyments TO become
unhrdled as to give unnecessary pain 10 the feel
ings of any, but more particularly those who in
distress.