Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1847-12-23
miscellaneous.
W A s II | N G I 0 N.
A SKETCH M. M. NOAH

| There seems TO be something in the yer,
name Of this illustrious individual, that ever,
American appears iDstinetively, as il were
taught 10 venerate, inasmuch as every Incl
dent of his life is becoming more and more in
leresting as the time gradually is gaining space
/ from his life to the present moment | wa.
seated the other afternoon. enjoying cigar
at the Mafpeih Hotel, when plain wei
dressed elderly man drew chair towards m,
and seeing me so much al leisure, evinced
disposition 10 enter into a conversation will
me; when Observed
"Well, friend, il appears from all accoun.
that our new President has left u.s."
"Yes. sir, so il seems-and on so short no
tice," he replied
"He was quite an aged man-not so old a.
myself by several years. Were you in thi.
country during the Revolution, sir?"
"Oh, yes, sir; was born in this country
thank God"
"Then, sir, you must have some recollec
ton."
"Yes, but was too young TO enter the ser
vice al that time And where were you SIR
Gin Winchester, sir"
"Oh then you had an opportunity oil
knowing, considerably about the great move
ments OF that day and do you recolect the
features Gen. Washington as perfectly as
though it was but yesterday and Lafayette
too and Henry Pinckney? 2"
"Yes, said he, laughing heartily. "Crosby
and my father were neighbors."
So saying, offered him cigar, which he
declined, and said
''li the landlord has a pipe, ] will prefer it,
| should like to tell you," he continued, ga
little circumstance which took place between
General Washington and myself"
observed that should be delighted TO hear
it, and he related the following history of a
day in the Generals employ.
"Wel one morning. father told me TO take
the black mare 10 Sing Sing. and get her shod
and wait ill rum nose Ben, the Blacksmith.
shod her. So stood at the door Of old Ben's
shop, and who should drive up,o the tavern OPP
posite, but Washington 10 his coach and La
fayette with him. They both got out. and
saw both pass into the back room, and the
landlord followed and in a few seconds the
landlord beckoned me from the piazza felt
frightened at FIST, and wondered what it
meant; but thinks ], they want some grog
and fresh water. was 10 my shirt and trow-
sers, without shoes, and on my head an old
cooked hat. and my feet and ANGLES you may
Judge. | had been hoeng corn, in the morn
ing butt went. AS approached the square
bar, met the landlord lie said:
''There are two gentlemen in the back room
who wish TO see YOU"
Unable to smother laugh, said-''My
Cod can't 60; see me-" at the same time
exhibiting myself and pointing 10 my feet.
"Come along, iii 60 with you"
So in he went.
As pulled off my hat, the stoutesl man
says
''sit down, young man."
"This boy" said the landlord, "sl am con-
fident will do any service you may trust him
with, 10 your satisfaction. and withdrew from
the room; and the General began, Qor it was
Washington himself
"Young man, wish 10 procure the news
paper Of today from New York; can you
procure il for me?"
hestated moment and replied
81 think | can, sir"
"Well," says he to the Marquis, "please
inquire of the landlord if he will furnish a
good horse"
"No, no." said !, ~ don't want horse"
Show will you go, then 2"
"In my canoe. SAID"
The Marquis could not refrain from down
right laugh, which brought the landlord 10 the
door.
lie diable you'll be drowned says the
Frenchman.
''There is not water enough in North Riv-
er to drown this child" said |.
The Marquis and the landlord enjoyed the
retort BY hearty laugh, but the other turned
to the window, looked on the river few Sc
conds, and observed
1.-The tide serves, and wish TO see you of.
What time viii you probably returns"