The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1848-03-18
Vol. II. No. IS. Whole No. 555,

woods. At this period many had faIen on
both sides, aud seeing the conflict useless,
gave orders, so far as my command went, 10
retreat. may say without vanity in their
favor, but for the Virginians the whole army
would have been taken, They saved the rev
mainder of the British regulars. The retreat
was horrible, aud if the French leader-par-
don me, Count ROchambeau, for the alusion
to your counlryman-hOd followed up his
success, but few of the regulars would have
escaped. We VirgiGians, fully acquainted
with the different modes of Indian warfare,
would have escaped by scattering through
the woods: but the poor Englishmen would
have been ovcrtaken, every one. | have thus
related TO you. in n few words, the Truth Of
Braddock's defeat"
"But, General" said Rochambean, 'there
is one fact, said to have come from IN Indian
chief-one ofthe French lroquols-thnt he
mined at you several times with his rifle, but
his shot always failed"
"Do not ask my knowledge of that ques-
tion," said Washington. in grave Tone
"Whnt occurred TO me personally is no part
of our conversation. Let it IL drop. What
ever danger hung over me knew it not"
This was uttered in n tone olvoice that adj
mittcd of no farther talk upon the niaIter.--
Scarcely had Washington concluded when
his favorte negro servant, "Bily," entered
the room. He whispered, rather than spoke,
n few words in the generals ear,
'Wounded, you say Biliy!" he replied in
the same low lone.
ayes, sir; and he requests particularly TO
sec General Washington"
"Gentlemen," said Washington, rising with
that peculiarly graceful air that in him was
natural, "please excuse me few moments,
will return in the same space of time"
bo la1l
ing to his quarters, where he perceived n il
ter horne by four American soldiers. Tho
SERGEANT who preceded them stated that u
British officer had been taken prisoner in all
outpost skirInish, and severely Wounded
The skrmish took place OH the lines in
Westchester the day before. He had been
brought across the river and requested, as
great favor, that he might be taken TO the
commandments Chief.
sit is true statement, sir" said the Otfiqy
or in feeble tone, from the litter.
''Your name?" said Washington.
"lIalkctt, sir-Captaip Halkelt, Of the
Guards"
IA son of the late Sir Peter llalkett?'' in
CURED Washington with some anxiety.
81 am, SIR"
"Thc son of Sir Peter Hakett, my gallant
friend who fell by my side mortaIly wound
ed at BrutIdock's defeat Billy, see the offic
er taken to my room. Call DR.. Craik, jimmie
diately, and see that every attention is paid
TO him. Let this he done at once"
Washington returned to the dining apart
ment, bur he did so merely TO say,-"Gentlc-
men, must beg you TO excuse me for the re-
mainder oftlle evening. A British officer,
the son FAN old deceased friend, Inns been
brought in badly wounded. aud wish TO he
with him for awhile. Eujoy yourselves as il
| was present, but excuse my absence."--
Bowling TO all, he withdrew.
The French Ulcers who were present nj
most Immediately left, with The politencss
and regard that Frenchmcn know so we'll
how 10 bestow. Some oi'tbe young officers
of the American army remained at the table,
and the untrameIledjest and joke now went
round with noisy lilurty.
Suddenly one ofihe doors opeTed, md
Washington appeared. Without looking at
any one al the table, hc passed on tptoc
through the room. As he reached the fIrth-
er door, he turned slowly round. Every eye
was upon hin-cvery voice was still. He
simply raised his finger to his lips, and puss-
ed out Without a word being spoken, every
guest withdrew. They understood his sym
patty for the wounded officer,
Long years rolled away. Washington,
with most of his leading comrades in nrnIS,
were resting in their graves. Ofthe officers
ofIhat gallant French army who came with
Rochanbeau to Amcrica,to fight in the cause
of freedom against oppression, but some five
or six survived. The yourg Lafayette had
passed TO middle age. His companions had
been cut down by tho storms of the French
revolution, or had fallen in battle in the early
wars Of the then republic. One day lie re-
ceived from conrade an invitation to dine
with the remaining French officers who had
served in America. The chateau was Int u
little way from Puris,and lie gladly accepted
the invitation. Tie noble host received him
with great attention, and tiie meeting of the
guests ofcourse most cordial.
"Come," said he, "dnner is announced.
Let me lead the way"
They entered an apartment rude in the'eNz
trcme. The broad overlanging heains, tho
plain rough furniture, the doors and windows,
the simple yiands on the table, and The hugo
Ilattcrs of cracked hickory nuts, made llpin
all start.
"Do you know where you are?" said lhs
owner of the chateGss TO Lafayette.
"Yes-wel, well, "repled the veteran, rest
ing his arm upon the table, and brpshing Il,
way atear---"We are again at WAsmNaToN's
Ap-QuARTERs ON THE HUDsoYf
Anecdotes of Mr. Adams,