The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1847-12-23
WASHINGTON.

WASl1lNG lON'
There seems to be something in the very
name of this illustrous individual, that every
American seems instinctively, as 1t were,
taught to venerate, inasmuch as every mel
dent of his life is becoming more and more
interesting as time is gradually gaining space,
from his life time to the present moment.
was seated the other afternoon, enjoying
a cigar. at the Mospcth Hotel, when plain,
weli-dressed man, drew chair towards me,
and seeing me so much at leisure, eylnccd a
disposition to enter into conversation with
me when observed:
"Well, friend, it appears, from all accounts
our new President has left us.
" Yes, sir, so it scems-and on short no.
tice," he replied.
He was quite an aged man-not SO OLD as
myself by several years. Was you IN the
country during the revolution, sir Z"
ooh, yes sir; l was born in this country,
thank God"
"Then, sir, you must have some recollec-
ton of the stirring scenes of that day. was
too Young to enter the service at that time"
And where were you, slr!'
In Winchester, sir"
ooh, then you had an opportunity OF
knowing considerable about the great move
mcnts Of that place; and do you rccollect the
features of Gen. Washington as perfectly as
THOUGH it was bat yesterday? and Lafayette,
too and Harry Pinkncy"
Yes" said he, laughing heartily CroS-
by and my father were neighbors."
So saying, | offered him a cigar, which he
declined, and said:
off the landlord has pipe, will prefer 1T.
should like to tell you," he continued, a
little circumstance which took place between
Gen. Washington and myself"
observed should be delighted to hear it.,
and he related the following history OF day
in the Generals employ:
"Well, one morning father told me to take
the black mare to Sing Sing and get her shod,
and wait til old rum nose Ben, the black
smith, shod her. So l stood at the door OF
=, old Bens shop, and who should drive up to
the tavern opposite, but Washington in his
coach, and Lafayette with him. They both
cot out, and | saw both pass into the back
room, and the landlord followed and in a
few moments the landlord beckoncd me from
the piazza | felt frightened at first, ana
wondered what it meant; but thinks |, they
want some grog and fresh water. was IN
nv shirt and trowsers, without shoes, and on
nv head an old cooked hat and my feet and
ANGLES you may Judge, were not the cleanest
in the world. l had been hoeing corn in the
morning but in / went. As / approached
the bar, met the landlord. He said:
t "There are two gentlemen in the back
room who wish to see you"
! Unable to smother a laugh, | said
"My God can't 60; see me" and ex.
hibitcd myself, and pointed to my feet
Come along, I'll 60 with you"
So in we went.
r As l pulled off my hat, the stoutest mar
l said:
sit down, young man."
"1his boy" said the Ian dlord, l am con
t fident will do any service you may trust hin
with, to your satisfaction" and withdrew from
; the room, and the General began (for it was
! Washington HIMSELF;
G Young man, wish to procure the news
: paper of to-day from New York; can yor
|, procure the newspaper of to-day for me-"
: hesitated q moment and replied
al think can, sir"
d "Wen," says he to the Marquis, "plcasc
u inquire Of the landlord if he will furnish {
}. good horse"
Q a" No. no." said l, 81 don't want horse"
" How will you go, then ?"
/ ain my canoe" said |.
The Marquis could not refrain from {
t, downright laugh, which brought the landlord
l. to the door
l. Gle diable! you'll be drowned p says thc
c Frenchman.
n "There is not water enough in the Nortl
G river to drown this child, know" said |.
n The Marquis and the landlord enjoyed The
It retort by a hearty laugh, but the other turneo
d to the window, looked on the river fey
Is seconds and Observed
"The tide serves and ] wish to see yol
II off What time will you probably return"
n "Between seven and eight this afternoon,
is I replied.
He handed me gold piece.
e al don't want half so much; l only wan
n sufficient to buy some fowls and eggs with, 70
| am going to market"
T. The General turned to the landlord AM
u said to him:
Give him as much change as he wishes,
:" which he handed me, about twelve shilling'
while | observed;