Southport telegraph. [volume] (Southport, W.T. [i.e. Kenosha, Wis.]) 1840-1850, 1846-09-09
Aneed0tc of Wasbineter


In l754, he was sra,ionod n, A.
dria with his regiment, the only one u
the colony, and of which he was colo
mel. There happened at lha, time to h.
an election in Alexandra for member.
of the Assembly, and The ballot ran hioh
between Col. George Fairfax and NJ
William Elzey. Washington was on
the side of Fairfax, and Mr.. Wilj;,m
Paine headed the friends of Elzey. In
the course of the contest, Washington
grew very acarm (for his passions, ma.
'uraiiy were terrible though wise re.
gard 10 duty, i. e. honor and happiness
soon reduced them to proper command.
and unlucklly said something TO Mr.
Paine, who though but cub in size. was
ION IN heart, elevated his shilelah, and
at blow. extended our hero on rbs
ground. News was soon carried TO tho
regiment that their colonel was murder.
ed by the mob On the passions of the
soldiers who doated on their commando
such report fell at once. like flash Of
lightning on magazine of gunpowda,
In moment, the whole regiment. was
under arms and in rapid motion towards
the town, burning for vengeance. Du,
ring this time, Washington had been
literally piled with cold water, acids and
volatiles and happily Cor Mr.. payne
and his party, was so far recovered as IN
go out and meet his enraged soldiers
who crowded around him with faces or
honest JOY to see him alive again. AT:
ter thanking them for such an evidence
OF their attachment TO him, he assured
them that he was not hurt in the least
and begged them by their love of him.
and oil their duty, TO return peaceablv
to their barracks. As for himself he
went to his room, generously chastisng
his passion, which had just struck but
a spark that had like to have thrown
the whole town into fame and feel.
ing himself the aggressor Of Mr.. PAYNE
he resolved TO make him the honorable
reparat'on Of asking his pardon. M
sooner had he made this heroic resoln.
ton, than recovering that delicious gay.
ETY. which ever accompanies good Dur.
poses in virtuous mind, he went 10
ball that night, and behaved as pleasant.
ly as though nothing had happened.
Early next morning he wrote polite
note of invitation to Mr.. PAYNE, TO NEE,
him at the tavern. Payne took il for
challenge, and repaired TO the tavern in
full expectation of smelling gun powder.
But what was his surprise on entering
the chamber, 10 see, in lieu of blace
OF pistols, a decanter of wine and a pair
of glasses on the table. Washington
rose TO meet him and offering his hand
with smile, began : :" Mr.. Payne, to
err sometimes is nature 10 rectifv er-
ror, is always glory | believe | was
wrong in the affair of yesterday YOU
have had, think, some satisfaction:
and If you deem that sufficient, there is
my hand, let Us be friends.''
An act OF such sublime virtue. pro-
duced its effect upon The mind of Mr.
Payne, who, from that moment, became
the most enthusiastic admrer and friend
OF Washington and for his sake. ready
ut any TIME 20 charge up TO a two-and, for
ty FOUNDERS
Would orr youth but be persuaded 10
act III manner SO correct and heroical.
our papers would no longer shock us
with accounts Of elegant Young men
each other, on fal e prlnc-
pies OF honor; and by one desperate
deed deprlving themselves Of all present
pleasure, and of ali future hope.