The northern tribune. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1847-1855, 1847-12-20

evinced a hauteur that could be matched only
by her companion in after years. And yet
the truth must be told There was love on
one side the colonel, smitten by the graces
and rare accomplishments of lady as beauti-
full as natures rarest works, endeavoring
to win her heart in exchange for his own.-
He made his confession just as the cold grey
of the dawn of morning broke up the dark
clouds in the east. He confessed, in cautious
and measured terms, it is true, the extent OF
his passion, and avowed what it was his
earnest hope would be the result: that was
the gain of her hand The lady hesitated.-
Was it the modesty of the maiden who darcs
not to trust her lips with The confession of
affection it is her hearts desire to make
No! She respected, although she did not
love her interlocntor. and she felt difident in
making known to him the true state of her
feelings. At last candor triumphed over
deicacy, and she informed Washington, in
set terms, that she loved another! She re-
fused him The greatest of modern men
was vano uished, and by woman ! He was
speeches. and powerless. io sf"a
Trembling, with compressed lips and coun-
tenance ashy pale, he crept from the place
just as the old negress of the household en-
tered to make preparations for the breakfast.
He sough. his room, threw himself upon his
couch, dressed as he was, and lapsed into
troubled sleep. The only VICTORY ever won at
his expense penetrated him to the soul. He
was INDEPENDENTLY wretched The fu-
ture conquerer of thousands of brave men
suffered because he had been rejected by fe-
male. This was his first, but not his last
| wooing.
i Years rolled on upon the mighty tide Of
time. George Washington was the command
erin. chief Of the American forces opposed to-
| the rova1 The fripDd Of hJs
ly manhood, Beverly Robinson, was the COL
onel of the Loyal American regiment raised
in this State and his son was the Lieutenant
Colonel. The house we have spoken of was
in possession of the rebels and was occupied
by Arnold, the traitor 1t was afterwards the
temporary residence of Washington. At the
same time the husband of Miss Mary Phillipse.
Roger Morris, was prominent tory, and
member of the council of the colony. Few
of the parties were occupied by any refiec-
tons of an amorous nature. Time in its pro-
gress had worked mutations which had sever
! ed the closest ties, both OF friendship and con-
sanguity. Those who were most intimate
previous to the commencement of the war,
were now studied strangers, with drawn
swords at each others breasts. Even sons and
fathers were estranged and arrayed in opposite
ranks-even the child Of that illustrious states-
man, DR.. Franklin, was bitter and uncom-.
promising tory 1t must not be supposed that
the loyalist friends of the Colonel, George
Washington, shared any better fate. so far as
the acquantanceship of the Father of his
Country was concerned, than others. His old
Hudson River friends he had not seen for
years. The husband of Mary Phillipse was
personally unknown to him-Beyerly Robin
son, grown gray and careworn, would scarcely
have been recognized.
| Andre was taken and condemned to death,
and while under Gen. Woodhull's charge, was
visited by Mr.. Robinson in the capacity of
species of a commissioner which protected his
person. What was the surprise of Washing
tan, few days before the time of the execu-
ton, to receive letter rom his old friend and
entertainer, referring to past events, and claim
ing. on score of "reminiscences, secret or
private interview. The claim was acknowl-
edged, and, late at night, Mr.. Robinson. ac-
companied by figure closely muffled in a
cloak, was admitted to the Generals apart
ment. For a moment these two men-their
positions widely different-gazed at each
other in silence. Recollections of days gone
by-of happy days uncorroded by cankrring
care-prevailed, and they abruptly embraced.
| Washington was the first to recover his self
possession. Suddenly disengaging himself,
he stood erect and clothed in that unequalled
dignity which was his attribute, and said
"Now, sir, your business"
els replied Robinson, in choking voice,
"to plead for Andre
"You have already been advised of my final
determination" replied Washington, sternly.
"Will nothing avail p asked Robinson in
smothered accents, r5.
"Nothng Were he my own son he should
pay the penalty due to his offence. know
all that You will say; you will speak of his
virtues-his ssters-.his rank, and of extenu.
ating circumstances perhaps endt avor to con-
vince me of his innocence" ir..g
Robinson struggled with his emotions few
seconds, but unable to repress his feelings, he